Support Functions Research Articles

Psychological dynamics of overqualification: career anxiety and decision commitment in STEM

Women’s career progression and empowerment in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sectors are critical to attaining SDG 5: Gender Equality because they promote equal access to education, job prospects, and leadership roles, building a more inclusive and equitable society. The purpose of this study is to look into the impact of perceived overqualification (POQ) on career anxiety and career decidedness (CD) among women in STEM disciplines while also considering the function of career identity (CI) and leadership support. With a total sample size of 1,045 participants, two distinct investigations were conducted, one in the educational field (N = 530) and one in an industry setting (N = 515 time-lag). To test the model, the analysis was carried out using the AMOS-24 software program. Our findings show a favorable association between women’s perceptions of overqualification in STEM and their CI. Furthermore, our research shows that a stronger CI among women in STEM corresponds to decreased career anxiety and increased CD. Additionally, we find that a CI is a mediator between POQ and both career anxiety and CD. Our findings also highlight the moderating effect of leadership support in this mediation process. We discuss the theoretical and practical ramifications of these findings.

Design and Implementation of a 7-Person Voting Device based on Quartus

As the complexity of digital system design continues to increase, efficient and precise decision support systems have become increasingly important. This paper presents the design and implementation of a 7-voter decision system based on Altera’s Quartus software. The voter is applied in the core decision-making process to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of decisions. The study begins by outlining the design principles of the 7-voter decision system, using a design philosophy that minimizes timing delays and optimizes hardware resource utilization. A complex majority voting logic circuit is implemented using high-level hardware description languages (VHDL/Verilog), ensuring the advanced nature and applicability of the voting circuit. In terms of the logical implementation of the voting circuit, the paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the optimization of combinational and sequential logic and standardizes the input and output to enhance the signal stability and the system’s resistance to interference. On the Quartus platform, the design process of the voting system is elaborated in detail, with careful consideration given to boundary conditions and hardware compatibility. The implementation of the voter has undergone rigorous simulation and testing. Strict parameter setting for simulations and waveform analysis confirm the correctness of the circuit, and fault simulation tests further confirm its reliability. Performance indicators such as response time and percentage of resource utilization have been quantitatively analyzed and meet the design objectives set beforehand. Overall, this research not only realizes a highperformance 7-voter decision system but also provides an effective case study for applications on the high-performance Quartus design platform. Future research can build on the current work to further optimize algorithms and hardware, explore the potential for the application of the voter in a broader range of fields, and adapt to the new features of the Quartus platform to achieve more powerful decision support functions.

Unveiling the complexity of civil service effectiveness index: An asymmetric and ANN modeling

Unraveling the factors influencing civil service effectiveness becomes imperative in an era marked by escalating demands for efficient governance. This study attempts to meet this necessity by delving into the complex dynamics among core executive functions, mission support facilities, service delivery functions, and attributes, aiming to elucidate their collective impact on civil service effectiveness. Utilizing a unique methodological blend of Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), it delves into the relationships among core executive functions, mission support facilities, service delivery functions, and attributes within the International Civil Service Effectiveness (InCiSE) Index framework. The research uses a configurational model that optimizes CSE and assesses the relative importance of various components. The study reveals significant correlations among the variables. It indicates that all CSE indicators influence but are not equally important in triggering the effectiveness of civil service administration. Key configurations, such as integrating strategic governance with mission support functions and high-level strategy with operational execution, are critical for enhancing civil service effectiveness. It underscores the importance of prioritizing core executive functions and attributes to improve civil service administration. Theoretically, the study enriches contingency theory and contributes to the civil service and administration literature by integrating a configurational approach with machine learning insights. Practically, it provides actionable insights for governance improvement, promoting the application of innovative methodologies in public service to enhance organizational environment and civil service capacities. Original in its approach, this study fills a gap in the literature by applying a hybrid fsQCA-ANN model to explore the configurational and construct ranks influencing civil service effectiveness, offering an inclusive analysis that triangulates qualitative and quantitative data. The findings indicate that civil service effectiveness is highly complex because of its process, involvement of diverse backgrounds of civil servants, critical understanding about the key pillars of good governance and service delivery mechanism. Thus, the findings advance academic understanding and provide practical strategies for policymakers and practitioners to foster better governance through targeted interventions that enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in civil service organizations.

Effectiveness of an HIV peer support precision matching platform: a randomized controlled trial protocol

BackgroundPeer support is a promising and significant way for people living with HIV (PLWH) to improve their health outcomes. Matching PLWH with HIV peer volunteers can effectively stimulate and mobilize the function of peer support in health management. We develop the online platform Aspark, which features a precision matching function for PLWH and volunteers. This protocol provides a comprehensive overview of the randomized controlled trial design based on Aspark.MethodA parallel randomized controlled trial using block randomization will be conducted at the Beijing YouAn Home of Loving Care. The intervention group (n = 70) will have access to all 12 features of Aspark, including precise volunteer matching, health management tools, drug interaction queries, and medication reminders. The control group (n = 70) will have access to two features of informational support on Aspark. The outcomes of both groups will be evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after platform registration. The primary outcome is perceived social support. The secondary outcomes include mental symptoms, quality of life, self-efficacy, medication adherence, and health behaviors. Linear mixed models or generalized linear mixed models will be applied to test the intervention effects.DiscussionThe Aspark trial is a randomized controlled trial designed to examine the influence of a mobile health (mHealth) application that integrates peer support and precision matching to strengthen social support for PLWH in China. This trial has the potential to significantly enhance social support for PLWH while also optimizing the delivery of peer support services and fully mobilizing the role of peer support in the overall health management of PLWH.Trial registrationClinical registration number: ChiCTR2300077454.

Indicators of support-spring properties of the foot of schoolchildren with sensory deprivation in the process of adaptive physical education

Based on the data of scientific and methodological work, it was determined that the musculoskeletal system of a person has many functions, the starting points of which are the provision of support, protection and body movements. The foot is the source of upright walking of human organs. In the conditions of natural locomotion, it is the foot that performs not only the function of support, but also organizes the interaction of the human body with the support surface. It is known that the process of development of the musculoskeletal system of schoolchildren occurs under the influence of various factors, including pathogenic ones. As a result, the musculoskeletal system undergoes certain changes, including pathological ones. The purpose of the article is to analyze the morphological features of 7- year-old schoolchildren with sensory deprivation in the process of adaptive physical education, as a prerequisite for the development of a technology for the formation of statodynamic stability. The study found an increase in the number of schoolchildren with sensory deprivation who were diagnosed with postural disorders. It is possible to note the prevalence of stooping in this contingent. In the formation of the support-spring function of the foot of schoolchildren, there is a complex dynamic of the formation of their lower limbs.

Theoretical and methodological foundations of the use of myofascial release in higher education students in physical education classes

The purpose of the study: to consider the theoretical and methodological foundations of the myofascial release method and to study the effectiveness of its use in higher education students in physical education classes. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalisation of scientific and methodological literature. Results of the study. The definition of the concept of ’myofascial release’ is given, the characteristics and means of this method are described, and the methodological aspects of its application are presented. The effectiveness of the use of myofascial release in physical education classes for higher education students is revealed. Conclusions. The myofascial release method, based on the research of doctors. Janet Travell, Robert Ward and John F. Barnes, demonstrates significant effectiveness in reducing muscle tension, pain and restoring muscle and fascia function through manual action on trigger points. The myofascial release technique is based on an understanding of the integrity of the fascial system, which performs protective and support functions, and disorders in which can lead to mobility restrictions and pain, which emphasises the importance of timely intervention. The use of myofascial release in physical education classes for higher education students helps to improve health, blood circulation; relieve muscle spasms; reduce muscle pain; increase joint mobility; accelerate recovery from physical activity; increase the level of endurance and flexibility; reduce the likelihood of injury. The combination of myofascial release with stretching increases its effectiveness, helping to reduce pain, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. The method of myofascial release is an effective means of improving the physical condition of students, which emphasises the importance of its implementation in the system of physical education of higher education institutions.

Causal Inference for Continuous Multiple Time Point Interventions.

There are limited options to estimate the treatment effects of variables which are continuous and measured at multiple time points, particularly if the true dose-response curve should be estimated as closely as possible. However, these situations may be of relevance: in pharmacology, one may be interested in how outcomes of people living with-and treated for-HIV, such as viral failure, would vary for time-varying interventions such as different drug concentration trajectories. A challenge for doing causal inference with continuous interventions is that the positivity assumption is typically violated. To address positivity violations, we develop projection functions, which reweigh and redefine the estimand of interest based on functions of the conditional support for the respective interventions. With these functions, we obtain the desired dose-response curve in areas of enough support, and otherwise a meaningful estimand that does not require the positivity assumption. We develop -computation type plug-in estimators for this case. Those are contrasted with g-computation estimators which are applied to continuous interventions without specifically addressing positivity violations, which we propose to be presented with diagnostics. The ideas are illustrated with longitudinal data from HIV positive children treated with an efavirenz-based regimen as part of the CHAPAS-3 trial, which enrolled children years in Zambia/Uganda. Simulations show in which situations a standard g-computation approach is appropriate, and in which it leads to bias and how the proposed weighted estimation approach then recovers the alternative estimand of interest.

Coordination of smart inverter-enabled distributed energy resources for optimal PV-BESS integration and voltage stability in modern power distribution networks: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in modern power distribution networks presents opportunities and challenges, particularly in maintaining voltage stability and optimizing energy resources. This systematic review and bibliometric analysis investigates the coordination of smart inverter-enabled distributed energy resources (DERs) for enhancing PV-BESS integration and ensuring voltage stability. The study synthesizes recent advancements in smart inverter technologies, which provide grid support functions such as Volt/VAr control, and their applications in DER coordination. A comprehensive review of the literature is conducted to identify prevailing trends, research gaps, and emerging techniques in the field. Bibliometric analysis is employed to quantify the research landscape, highlighting key publications, citations, publications per country, and collaborative networks. The findings reveal that smart inverters play a crucial role in mitigating voltage violations and improving the hosting capacity of PV systems in distribution networks. Furthermore, optimal inverter settings, strategic placement of PV-BESS, and advanced control algorithms are identified as critical factors for effective DER integration. The study concludes by proposing future research directions, including the exploration of smart inverter interactions with legacy grid management systems and the development of robust algorithms for dynamic and adaptive DER coordination. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners aiming to enhance the stability and efficiency of power distribution networks through advanced DER management strategies.

The moderating effect of maternal childhood maltreatment on the association between social support and parenting outcomes

Although social support is generally expected to improve parenting issues, previous findings on its efficacy among parents who have experienced childhood maltreatment are inconsistent. However, the reasons for this inconsistency have not yet been clarified. To address this, the present study examined the possibility that experiencing specific subtypes of childhood maltreatment (i.e., emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect) impairs the subsequent function of social support in parenting. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with Japanese mothers of children aged one to three years. In the survey, participants completed four scales: the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Parenting Skills Scales for Mothers of Toddlers, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Brief Inventory of the Social Support Exchange Network. A total of 360 datasets were analyzed (mean age = 33.73, SD = 4.73). The results indicated that physical abuse diminished the effect of social support on the prevention of negative parenting. However, social support alleviated parenting stress regardless of childhood maltreatment subtype. The effects of social support on increased positive parenting and decreased negative parenting were unclear compared to its effect on parenting stress. These findings have important implications for supporting parenting among parents who have experienced childhood maltreatment and preventing. intergenerational transmission.

Preprocessing Text Data for the Doc2Vec Model in the Automatic Classification of Tickets in Support Centers of Software Providers

Leading software providers typically implement customer technical support functions, which are crucial for promoting and enhancing the competitiveness of their products and services in global markets. The high volume and heterogeneity of support tickets (functional, temporal, linguistic, etc.) highlight the importance of efficient classification systems. Effective classification optimizes the distribution of these tickets among support center specialists and automates their processing using an established knowledge base. However, classifying these tickets is a loosely formalized task. For companies that have accumulated substantial data on customer requests, automating classification through machine learning methods and natural language processing models, such as Word2Vec, FastText, BERT, and GPT, becomes feasible. It is generally accepted that classification effectiveness primarily depends on the model employed. Nevertheless, the quality of these models is significantly influenced by the nature of the training data. Literature review of the reveals significant research interest in methods for the automatic classification of tickets specifically tailored to the operational conditions of software provider support centers. However, there is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding the impact of data preprocessing on the quality of these models. The article aims to clarify the techniques of data preprocessing and analyze their impact on the effectiveness of text classification, considering the specificity of software provider support centers. This study examines the stages of the automatic classification process for tickets, accounting for the unique characteristics of the data (customer text requests). A relevant set of specified methodological and instrumental tools was developed and tested using open data from a global software provider (DevExpress). The testing involved a database of 165,000 tickets. The study's results indicate that preprocessing can improve classification metrics such as F-measure, Precision, and Recall from 77% to 79%. Additionally, preprocessing significantly reduces the dimensionality of text data (by 48.2%) and increases model training speed (by 26.5%) without loss of accuracy, ensuring cost-efficiency and operational efficiency in the use of computational resources.

A Simplified Dynamic Model of DFIG-based Wind Generation for Frequency Support Control Studies

In recent years, wind generation has been fast growing and become one of the major generation resources in power systems. Since the wind generation does not inherently equip with frequency support functions, the power system frequency response degrades as the wind penetration increases. Therefore, frequency support control of wind generation has gained increasing focus. However, the dynamic models of wind generation systems, which are required by the control design and analysis, are commonly very complicated and difficult to obtain, especially for the doubly-fed induction generator based wind turbine (DFIG-WT). In this paper, the authors propose a simplified dynamic model for the DFIG-WT. The proposed analytical model is derived from the detailed model by selectively neglecting very fast dynamics while keeping the critical ones. It is suitable for frequency control studies. The model accuracy is first validated against the detailed DFIG-WT model in Simulink. Then, the wind frequency control function is studied based on the proposed model.

The Impact of Caregiver Affiliate Stigma on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Caregivers of Individuals with Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Scoping Review.

Background. Caregiver affiliate stigma concerning neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) profoundly affects caregivers' well-being, though its full impact remains to be fully elucidated. Objectives. This scoping review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on caregiver affiliate stigma related to NDDs, explore its connection to caregiver psychosocial well-being, and pinpoint the gaps in the existing research. Methods. Adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search of five databases was conducted for peer-reviewed, English language studies focusing on caregiver-affiliated stigma in relation to NDDs. Results. The initial search yielded 9033 articles, with 19 meeting the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory was employed to analyze various stigma conceptualizations, including public, courtesy, affiliate, and family stigma. Analysis revealed a correlation between elevated levels of affiliate stigma and increased caregiver burden, deteriorated mental health outcomes, and diminished quality of life. The internalization of stigma was found to vary across demographic groups, influenced by factors such as education level and social support. The review also highlighted the mediating role of coping strategies and the protective function of social support against stigma internalization. Conclusions, These findings underscore the necessity for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions that address caregiver affiliate stigma across multiple ecological levels. This review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of caregiver affiliate stigma in relation to NDDs, laying the groundwork for future research and intervention development aimed at enhancing caregiver well-being in diverse cultural contexts.

Technology-Based Interventions to Promote Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors for Persons Newly Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: A Scoping Review.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management is complex and requires daily personal involvement and self-management skills to maintain optimal glycemic levels and improve health outcomes. Engagement in self-management behaviors in the early years of diagnosis can be challenging due to prevailing psychosocial factors present during this critical transition period, coupled with a lack of information, support, and skills. Technology-based diabetes self-management interventions can improve access to needed education and support, and their effectiveness in the general T2D population is well documented. This scoping review synthesized evidence on the use of technology for promoting diabetes self-management behaviors and related outcomes among individuals newly diagnosed with T2D (within the first 12months since diagnosis). Twenty-five studies were included. Technology-based diabetes self-management interventions tailored to those newly diagnosed with T2D have grown exponentially in the past five years. Existing evidence, though limited, showed that technologies such as websites, mobile apps, and continuous glucose monitoring combinedwith other communication features, can facilitate patient education, patient-provider communication, and health data monitoring. However, these technologies less commonly involved social support functions. These technologies have the potential to improve diabetes knowledge and positively impactclinical, behavioral, and psychological outcomes. However, small sample sizes, use of non-experimental designs, and the absence of formative research and theoretical foundations limit the strength ofexisting studies. Technology-based self-management interventions for those newly diagnosed with T2D show promise in improving T2D-related outcomes. Future studies should include larger sample sizes, adopt rigorous study designs, and integrate formative work to enhance relevance, adoption, and impact.

Publisher Correction: Differentiation with Respect to Domains of Boundary Integral Functionals Involving Support Functions

Publisher Correction: Differentiation with Respect to Domains of Boundary Integral Functionals Involving Support Functions

Using and Measuring Motivational Interviewing in a New Setting: Experiences From a Project Highlighting Relationship-Building Skills in the Process of Recruiting New Staff

Relationship-building skills, with empathy and empathic abilities as crucial ingredients, are described as central in human service professions. These professions usually require training on relationship-building skills. However, in many professional groups, with support or care functions, rather than functions specifically oriented towards treatment, the level of education and training required varies. Empathic skills are central in the concept of Motivational Interviewing (MI). It has been suggested that for the ethical reason that treatment staff should not harm clients, workplaces should assess staff members’ empathic skills and ability to refrain from harmful behaviours, and these capabilities should be investigated when recruiting new staff. In accordance with this suggestion, the residential homes at the Swedish National Board of Institutional Care (SiS), which provides compulsory care for young people, initiated a project to develop and trial a work test based on the concept of MI. The aim of the article is to, based on 59 interviews with stakeholders in the SiS-project, add to the discussion on the balancing act required in evidence-based practise of maintaining psychometric stringency versus making contextual and situational adjustments. Focus is on exploring the possibilities for using and interpreting measures of MI in a new setting as well as the possibilities for assessing relationship-building skills in the recruitment process. The results suggest that tinkering is often necessary when using standardised measures for complex skills like relationship building. The study proposes that a nuanced understanding of the method, measurement, and organisational context is essential even with well-established methods.

Counseling Psychologists Assist Post-Disaster Psychological Rescue Experience in Major Disasters

<p>近年國內多起重大災難事件造成個體與社會群體的影響與不安，諮商心理師身為專業醫事人員提供受災者災後心理救援，也衍生災難事件危機介入的實踐與困境。本研究以現象學的研究方法、半結構式訪談蒐集資料，受訪者為六位諮商心理師，其中三位具督導資格，研究結果包含二類與八個主題：（1）諮商心理師災後心理救援經驗，包含：（a）災後心理救援前的自我評估與專業知能；（b）災後心理救援時的角色與功能；（c）災後心理救援時的預備、初期、中期、中長期作為與督導者作為；（d）災後心理救援後的多重困境、身心壓力與文化民俗挑戰。（2）因應災後心理救援困境的實務規劃，包含（a）落實演練與心理教育；（b）持續增能與案例討論；（c）建立名單與督導關係；（d）熟悉雲端與資訊操作；（e）調整期待與服務心態。作者依研究結果提出災後心理救援「停、看、問」三個步驟與九項建議：（1）「停」—介入之前：（a）自評身心狀態與投身意圖；（b）具足所需專業知能與增能；（c）培育多元文化介入的能力。（2）「看」—介入當下：（a）理解角色功能適才適性；（b）調整不同階段介入作為；（c）理解困境挑戰正面因應。（3）「問」—介入之後：（a）身心自我調適與回歸原有平衡；（b）尋求督導協助重整介入經驗；（c）系所課程培育與繼續教育增能，最後提及未來研究建議。</p> <p> </p><p>Since the ""Taiwan Disaster Year"" began with the 921 earthquake, Taiwan has witnessed numerous significant disaster events in recent years, resulting in extensive financial losses and loss of life. These events have profoundly affected individuals’ trust and sense of security, leading to a widespread impact on social groups and cultures. As professional healthcare providers, counseling psychologists frequently engage in post-disaster psychological rescue and reconstruction efforts during major disasters or crises. This practice has raised challenges for crisis intervention during such events. Researchers thus aim to understand the landscape and challenges of psychological rescue efforts during domestic disasters. This study uses phenomenological research methods and semi-structured interviews to gather data. It includes interviews with six counseling psychologists, three of whom are certified supervisors who acted as supervisors during disaster events, while the other three provided crisis intervention services as psychologists. The study categorizes its findings into two main themes and eight sub-themes: Experiences of counseling psychologists in post-disaster psychological support: (1) Self-assessment and professional knowledge before providing post-disaster psychological support: This theme explores how psychologists evaluate their readiness and expertise before engaging in disaster relief efforts. (2) Roles and functions of post-disaster psychological support: This examines the specific responsibilities and activities undertaken by psychologists during the support process. (3) Preparatory, initial, mid-term, and long-term actions, including the role of supervisors: This delves into the different stages of psychological support and the crucial role of supervisors in guiding and supporting these efforts. (4) Multiple challenges, physical and mental stress, and cultural and folk challenges after providing post-disaster psychological support: This theme addresses the complex challenges psychologists face following their intervention, including stress and cultural issues. Practical planning to address the challenges of post-disaster psychological support: (1) Implementing drills and psychological education: Emphasizes the importance of preparedness through regular drills and education. (2) Continuous capacity building and case discussions: Highlights the need for ongoing training and discussion of cases to enhance skills and knowledge. (3) Establishing lists and supervisory relationships: Focuses on creating structured relationships and lists to streamline support efforts. (4) Familiarity with cloud and information operations: Stresses the need for proficiency in modern technology to facilitate efficient support. (5) Adjusting expectations and service mentality: Discusses the necessity of adapting expectations and maintaining a service-oriented mindset. Based on the research results, the researcher proposes a systematic approach comprising three steps (""Stop, Look, Ask"") and nine specific suggestions for post-disaster psychological support, serving as a practical reference for crisis intervention practice: ""Stop""—before intervention: (1) Self-assess physical and mental state and willingness to engage: Psychologists need to evaluate their readiness and motivation. (2) Equip with necessary professional knowledge and capacity building: Psychologists need to ensure that they have the required expertise and training. (3) Cultivate the ability for multicultural intervention: Develop skills to effectively engage with diverse cultural backgrounds. ""Look""—during intervention: (1) Understand the roles and functions and fit them appropriately: Matching roles and tasks to individuals’ strengths. (2) Adjust intervention actions at different stages: Modify approaches according to the phase of intervention. (3) Understand challenges and respond positively: Recognize and constructively address difficulties encountered. ""Ask""—after intervention: (1) Physical and mental selfadjustment and return to original balance: Focusing on recovery and well-being. (2) Seek supervisory assistance to reorganize intervention experiences: Utilizing supervision to reflect and improve.(3) Curriculum development and continued education for capacity building: Advocating for ongoing education and training in disaster psychology. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations for future research and suggests areas for further exploration to enhance the effectiveness of psychological support in disaster scenarios.</p> <p> </p>

Connecting the Gap: Enhancing Faculty Performance through Interpersonal Skills

Considering that people are an organization's most valuable resource, understanding how they can contribute to the organization in a way that it is productive, efficient, and effective is important (Jala, J.V.M. and Gaid, Joshua T.). This study dwells on enhancing the faculty performance through interpersonal skills within one of the most prominent universities in Northern Mindanao. The study employed a quantitative research design focusing on descriptive correlational approach. In addition, the study utilizes Pearson correlation to compute the association and measure the strength of the linear relation between two variables. The research was designed to captivate a total population of 603 participants, which carefully scrutinizes data using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study shows that the overall measure of interpersonal skills to strategic function is (r=0.515, p0.005), while the core function is (r=0.487, p0.005) and support function is (r=0.441, p0.005) respectively. This result reveals a strong positive correlation with all facets of faculty performance which is limited to strategic functions, core functions and support functions. Moreover, the overall measure of interpersonal skills to overall faculty performance is (r=0.481, p0.005). This emphasized the overall significance of interpersonal skills in propelling positive faculty performance. Thus, Interpersonal skills, specifically cognitive, behavioral, and communication skills, positively influenced numerous indicators of faculty performance, including strategic functions, core functions, and support functions. This means that higher levels of interpersonal skills can result to improved faculty performance outcomes.

Identity enactment as a social accomplishment: Shared identity and the provision of mutual support amongst pilgrims undertaking the Hajj.

Experimental and survey research shows that a common group membership can result in increased levels of social support. Here we complement such research with qualitative data concerning the forms and function of such support. Specifically, we explore the mutual support reported by pilgrims undertaking the Hajj. This requires participants enact a series of identity-related beliefs and values (including specific rituals) in conditions that are practically and psychologically challenging. Using data obtained through semi-structured interviews (N = 33), we investigate how participants' shared identity facilitated their behavioural enactment of these identity-defining beliefs and values. We focus on how their shared understanding of their beliefs and values as Hajj pilgrims allowed various forms of support (psychological, material, informational, and behavioural) which helped participants translate their identity-related ideals into behaviour. Our analysis implies that a shared identity provides a frame of reference with which group members can recognize each other's identity-related concerns and what they need in order to enact their identity. In turn, it implies that insituations where there are practical and psychological constraints on behaviour, action in terms of one's social identity can be conceptualized as a joint accomplishment in which the mutual support of group members is key.

Astrocyte Gi-GPCR signaling corrects compulsive-like grooming and anxiety-related behaviors in Sapap3 knockout mice

Astrocytes are morphologically complex cells that serve essential roles. They are widely implicated in central nervous system (CNS) disorders, with changes in astrocyte morphology and gene expression accompanying disease. In the Sapap3 knockout (KO) mouse model of compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), striatal astrocytes display reduced morphology and altered actin cytoskeleton and Gi-G-protein-coupled receptor (Gi-GPCR) signaling proteins. Here, we show that normalizing striatal astrocyte morphology, actin cytoskeleton, and essential homeostatic support functions by targetingthe astrocyte Gi-GPCR pathway using chemogenetics corrected phenotypes in Sapap3 KO mice, including anxiety-related and compulsive behaviors. Our data portend an astrocytic pharmacological strategy for rescuing phenotypes in brain disorders that include compromised astrocyte morphology and tissuesupport.

The Lactate Receptor GPR81 is a Mechanism of Leukemia-Associated Macrophage Polarization in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment.

Interactions between acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the bone marrow microenvironment (BMME) are critical to leukemia progression and chemoresistance. Altered metabolite levels in the tumor microenvironment contribute to immunosuppression in solid tumors, while this has not been studied yet in the leukemic BMME. Metabolomics of AML patient bone marrow serum detected elevated metabolites, including lactate, compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Excess lactate has been implicated in solid tumors for inducing suppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and correlates with poor prognosis. We describe the role of lactate in the polarization of leukemia-associated macrophages (LAMs) using a murine model of blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemia (bcCML) and mice genetically lacking the lactate receptor GPR81. LAMs were CD206hi and suppressive in transcriptomics and cytokine profiling. Yet, LAMs had a largely unique expression profile from other types of TAMs. We demonstrate GPR81 signaling as a mechanism of both LAM polarization and the direct support of leukemia cell growth and self-repopulation. Furthermore, LAMs and elevated lactate diminished the function of hematopoietic progenitors and stromal support, while knockout of GPR81 had modest protective effects on the hematopoietic system. We report microenvironmental lactate as a critical driver of AML-induced immunosuppression and leukemic progression, thus identifying GPR81 signaling as an exciting and novel therapeutic target for treating this devastating disease.