Mechanical Support Research Articles

Leaf architecture and functional traits for 122 species at the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley.

The dataset contains leaf venation architecture and functional traits for a phylogenetically diverse set of 122 plant species (including ferns, basal angiosperms, monocots, basal eudicots, asterids, and rosids) collected from the living collections of the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley (37.87° N, 122.23° W; CA, USA) from February to September 2021. The sampled species originated from all continents, except Antarctica, and are distributed in different growth forms (aquatic, herb, climbing, tree, shrub). The functional dataset comprises 31 traits (mechanical, hydraulic, anatomical, physiological, economical, and chemical) and describes six main leaf functional axes (hydraulic conductance, resistance and resilience to damages caused by drought and herbivory, mechanical support, and construction cost). It also describes how architecture features vary across venation networks. Our trait dataset is suitable for (1) functional and architectural characterization of plant species; (2) identification of venation architecture-function trade-offs; (3) investigation of evolutionary trends in leaf venation networks; and (4) mechanistic modeling of leaf function. Data are made available under the Open Data Commons Attribution License.

IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF STATE PROTECTION OF NATIONAL VALUES IN UKRAINE

The author of the article reveals the purpose of implementing the international experience of the system of state protection of national values through the prism of two important trends that should be implemented and and enshrined in the practice of state-building processes in modern Ukraine. One of them stipulates that national values are the central core of the national security system security system, they define the triad of ‘values-interests-goals’. The second trend defines the system of creating mechanisms for legislative support of guaranteeing and protecting of national values, which is embodied in the systemic nature of the state policy on national development and is the actual consolidation of the civilisational civilisational choice of the Ukrainian nation at the level of legal acts. The purpose of the article is to analyse practical aspects of implementation of the state mechanisms for protection of national values in foreign countries and their implementation in the Ukrainian State. The author emphasises that national values of of modern Ukraine should not be subject to political bargaining, speculation, etc. They are are always an element of political struggle. Without this, political processes are impossible, and therefore, national values should be defined and prohibited for political speculation on them, which, by the way, requires the development of an institution of for their criminal law protection; and - to have its own system of mechanisms of legislative protection. It is determined that the first step towards the implementation of the experience of foreign countries in protecting national values should be the introduction of an all-Ukrainian analytical study of the system of national values. It should should be based on long-term and medium-term forecasts of domestic development and the development of the system of world politics, its specific regional and functional subsystems. This means that the full potential of national research institutes in the field of public opinion, civil society, and sociological research should be used to society, and sociological research should be directed within the framework of a single state policy to study and define national values.

Cardiomyopathy: pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions.

Cardiomyopathy is a group of disease characterized by structural and functional damage to the myocardium. The etiologies of cardiomyopathies are diverse, spanning from genetic mutations impacting fundamental myocardial functions to systemic disorders that result in widespread cardiac damage. Many specific gene mutations cause primary cardiomyopathy. Environmental factors and metabolic disorders may also lead to the occurrence of cardiomyopathy. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the current understanding of the pathogenesis of various cardiomyopathies, highlighting the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to their development and progression. The current therapeutic interventions for cardiomyopathies range from pharmacological interventions to mechanical support and heart transplantation. Gene therapy and cell therapy, propelled by ongoing advancements in overarching strategies and methodologies, has also emerged as a pivotal clinical intervention for a variety of diseases. The increasing number of causal gene of cardiomyopathies have been identified in recent studies. Therefore, gene therapy targeting causal genes holds promise in offering therapeutic advantages to individuals diagnosed with cardiomyopathies. Acting as a more precise approach to gene therapy, they are gradually emerging as a substitute for traditional gene therapy. This article reviews pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions for different cardiomyopathies.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Kangwei Paintings: Literature Review and Outlook

In recent years, many countries around the world have been implementing their own protective practices for intangible cultural heritage under the impetus of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention. This study will conduct an in-depth investigation into the intangible cultural heritage of Kangwei paintings in Yuanping City, Shanxi Province, China, exploring the process of cultural identity formation and the role of commercialization in the context of intangible cultural heritage revitalization, an area that has not been deeply researched before.Using the systematic literature review method, a review was conducted on 102 relevant documents and journal articles sourced from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Conduct a literature review from the perspectives of overall research characteristics, highly cited literature, theoretical foundations, and research methods.The results of the literature analysis are systematically elaborated from the aspects of the connotation and extension of Kangwei paintings, the practical mechanisms for the revitalization of Kangwei paintings as intangible cultural heritage, and related suggestions. The study found that the practical mechanisms for the revitalization of Kangwei paintings as intangible cultural heritage include institutional support mechanisms, theoretical consolidation mechanisms, collaborative mechanisms, social education mechanisms, application innovation mechanisms, and efficiency evaluation mechanisms, with no related research proposed.Therefore, based on the framework for the revitalization of Yuanping Kangwei paintings, the prospects of cultural identity and commercialization concepts are proposed: solidifying the theoretical foundation for the revitalization of Kangwei paintings as intangible cultural heritage, scientifically defining the connotations and extensions of Kangwei paintings, refining the cultural identity mechanism for the revitalization of Kangwei paintings as intangible cultural heritage, and enriching the theoretical foundation for the study of the commercialization of Kangwei paintings.

Beyond the school: principals’ insights on expanded roles in times of crisis. The case of COVID-19 in Turkey

ABSTRACT This study examined the perspectives of school principals on the workload of the additional administrative responsibilities they were assigned during COVID-19 in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the nature of these additional responsibilities and to assess their impact on the principals who took them on. The research group consisted of 62 school administrators (principals and vice principals), from public elementary schools. The research data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis. The results showed that principals were assigned tasks without regard to their specific roles, with no differentiation based on their positions. The study also revealed a variety of emotional experiences among the participants, ranging from fear and anxiety to feelings of satisfaction and commitment. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the complex dynamics of principals’ experiences during COVID-19 and highlighted the need for transparent communication, equitable task allocation, and adequate support mechanisms to maintain their well-being and commitment.

Teacher education in Israel: a fifty-year journey (1974–2024)

ABSTRACT This study explores the evolution of teacher education in Israel from 1974 to 2024, analysing key policy actions, reforms, and initiatives that have shaped the field over the past five decades. During these years, extensive efforts were undertaken at the state level by the Ministry of Education and the Council for Higher Education to elevate the status of the teaching profession by advocating for the professionalisation and professionalism of teaching and teachers. These efforts include the academisation process of all teacher education colleges, the establishment of task forces and standing committees to address challenges, continuous upgrades and adjustments to the initial teacher education curriculum, support mechanisms for newly qualified teachers, ongoing professional development for practicing teachers, including master’s degree programmes, salary adjustments, and the decision to move the colleges of education to the sole auspices of the Council for Higher Education and the Planning and Budgeting Committee. Despite these numerous attempts, the status of teachers has continued to decline, and the profession has struggled with low public perception and prestige, leading to both quantitative and qualitative teacher shortages. The repeated policy shifts and inconsistent implementation strategies have often exacerbated rather than resolved these issues. By providing a comprehensive historical analysis, the study offers insights into the successes and significant shortcomings of past initiatives, aiming to inform future policy-making and strategic planning to enhance the effectiveness and appeal of the teaching profession in Israel.

The Challenges and Opportunities of NEP-2020 in the Reference of Inclusive Education in India: An Overview

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a transformative vision for India's education system by emphasizing inclusive education and offering equal learning opportunities for children from varied socio economic, cultural and ability backgrounds. This paper looks at the challenges and opportunities given by NEP 2020 for promoting inclusive education in India. Infrastructure deficiencies, insufficient teacher preparation, and social biases are major hurdles, but policy-driven changes, technological integration, and financial support mechanisms present potential. This report gives an overview of the challenges and opportunities for implementing inclusive education in light of NEP 2020. Poor infrastructure, a lack of specialized teacher training and entrenched social attitudes about disability and marginalization all impede progress. However, opportunities arise as a result of policy-driven efforts, growing use of information and communication technology (ICT), and financing provisions aimed at fostering more equal learning settings. The research emphasizes the need of teacher capacity building, community participation, and long-term policy commitment in overcoming these challenges and realizing NEP 2020's inclusive vision. According to the findings, successful policy implementation requires stakeholder engagement to establish a more inclusive and easier to able education system in India.

HeartMate III Autonomy Assistant in a Hemiplegic Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient: A Case Report.

Terminal heart failure presents challenges, requiring cardiac transplantation, or mechanical circulatory support. Limited donor organ availability has made mechanical support crucial. Advances in centrifugal-flow systems, compared to axial-flow, have improved patient outcomes by reducing adverse events. Rehabilitation is vital for patient independence postimplantation. We developed a tool to aid hemiplegic patients in managing power sources. A 44 year old male with tritroncular ischemic heart disease and a 15% ejection fraction. He underwent a double bypass and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation while awaiting a transplant. Postsurgery, the patient suffered a stroke, leading to left motor impairments. To assist in managing LVAD power sources, an autonomous tool with a Woodcast support base and antislip surface was developed. The tool improves autonomy and quality of life for motor-impaired patients. It is designed to be portable, adaptable, supporting various mobility levels. Real-world evidence shows it reduces time and alarms for battery changes, proving effective in home settings. The tool significantly enhances hemiparetic patients' self-care and independence, showing promise for motor-impaired individuals. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term benefits and challenges.

Seeking to fulfil the human rights promise: practitioner perspectives and an assessment tool for realizing human rights based social work education and practice

ABSTRACT International social work organizations emphasize human rights (HR) as a main social work principle. However, a focus on HR is often lacking in social work education. This often results in an inspirational, rather than deep and meaningful application of HR commitments in social work practice, with kindness and respect being conflated with a realization of HR. Nevertheless, without a critical HR awareness, social workers may inadvertently neglect or hinder service users’ rights. This article presents the findings of an exploratory study which examined, through in-depth interviews with six practitioners working in HR sensitive contexts in Spain, how the experience (or lack thereof) of HR education influences practitioners’ engagement with HR. Findings indicate that, for social workers to overcome inspirational approaches and achieve an HR based social work practice, training and support mechanisms need to be developed at different contexts: 1. In social work education, importantly including social work placements and a practice orientation of teaching 2. At social work services’ organizations and 3. At the broader social work professional organizations and political-institutional contexts. Drawing on the findings, the researchers developed a Human Rights Practice Assessment Tool to support lecturers, students and practitioners in applying HR principles meaningfully in social work.

Role of students’ academic procrastination in shaping mathematics achievement

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of academic procrastination in shaping mathematics achievement in Nepali schools. Utilising a quantitative research design, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 474 students selected through multi-stage cluster sampling from eight public secondary schools in Nepal. The data were analysed using t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regressions. The findings reveal significantly higher levels of both academic achievement and procrastination. Moreover, a high level of academic procrastination was found to have a significant negative effect on mathematics achievement. Influential factors in this correlation include students’ ethnicity, study hours at home, family size, and parents’ educational background. Stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and policymakers, should collaborate synergistically to address the underlying causes of procrastination and provide robust support mechanisms to enhance students’ learning outcomes.

Light tolerance-related tree growth strategies and their impacts on key functional tree traits: A review

Light is essential for tree growth and development, yet some species are able, or prefer, to tolerate shady conditions without adversely affecting their development. This ecological preference prompts different strategies in these species, often involving a trade-off between performance and safety in terms of mechanical support, conductivity, and pest and disease protection. Studies on the ecological strategies of trees and their associated functional traits are essential to gain further insight into biodiversity and the processes that shape wood quality from the standpoint of technological properties useful to humans. This literature review showcases current links between ecological preferences and the main functional traits of tree species, with particular emphasis on wood properties.

Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of Drought and Adaptive Strategies in the Ghana–Togo Transboundary Cocoa Belt

This study investigated the perception of drought by cocoa farmers and explored the effectiveness of adaptive strategies (ASs) used in smallholding farms in the transboundary region between Ghana and Togo. Drought significantly threatens cocoa production in this region, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and cocoa supply chains. This study used a multistage sampling approach, which involved surveys with questionnaires administered to 330 cocoa farmers throughout the study area, along with on-site observations. Statistical analysis included binary logistic and Poisson regression models to explore the relationship between farmer socioeconomic characteristics and adaptation practices. The findings revealed that cocoa farmers in the region have a nuanced understanding of drought, attributed to changing climatic patterns and unsustainable land management practices such as deforestation. To mitigate its impacts, farmers employ a variety of ASs, including investment in farm management, soil management, and intercropping with crop diversification. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, including age, formal education, household size, land tenure right, adaptation cost assessment, and an underestimation of self-efficacy, were shown to affect the choice in the AS. Among the ASs adopted, only farm management practices (weeding, pruning, fertilizer application, etc.) significantly improved yield. This study contributes to understanding drought as a critical issue for cocoa farmers and the adaptation practices used by smallholder cocoa farmers. Given that among the strategies adopted, only farm management practices, also known as good agricultural practices (GAPs), significantly improves yield, this study recommends well-designed and innovative packages of sustainable farm management based on farm and owner characteristics. These include irrigation schemes, timely soil fertilizer monitoring and supply, and the provision of drought-resistant varieties along with technical itineraries. Additional interventions require drought emergency responses, with other factors such as education and financial support mechanisms expected to improve farmers’ timely decision-making to adapt and improve cocoa production resilience to drought episodes in international transboundary regions with complex governance structures.

Revealing the power of informal social support: Impact on rural migrants' entrepreneurial income

AbstractEntrepreneurship is a typical socially embedded activity and informal social support reflects the functional manifestation of unique social relationships among rural migrants. Given the limited attention in existing research, we employed data from the nationally representative China Labor‐force Dynamics Survey to investigate the impact and mechanism of informal social support on rural migrants' entrepreneurial income. We found that informal social support and its sub‐dimensions (instrumental and emotional support) significantly positively affect rural migrants' entrepreneurial income. A series of endogeneity and robustness tests substantiate this conclusion. Mechanism analysis suggests that these effects occur through the enhancement of entrepreneurial passion and mental health. Furthermore, using a cutting‐edge machine learning method (generalised random forests) to determine the basis for variable selection in heterogeneity testing, the results reveal that industry and age have the highest importance. Subsequent analysis shows that the above effects were more significant among rural migrant entrepreneurs in labour‐intensive industries and the younger generation. Finally, the theoretical and practical significance of this study has been discussed.

Challenges and Opportunities in Empowering Leadership: An Emerging Trend in Musikot, Rukum West

Indigenous communities in Nepal have historically faced marginalization, with limited access to resources and decision-making roles. However, recent years have seen a notable change, particularly in Musikot, Rukum West, where indigenous women are increasingly assuming leadership roles across various sectors. This study delves into the rise of indigenous women's leadership examining the patterns of its emergence, the factors promoting their political engagement, and the primary challenges they encounter. Despite the increasing presence of indigenous women in leadership, they continue to face significant obstacles rooted in deep-seated patriarchal norms and structures, particularly in political and governmental arenas. These impediments include discouraging organizational dynamics, societal biases, familial obligations, and cultural stereotypes that perpetuate their underrepresentation. Challenges specific to political parties, such as limited opportunities for advancement and insufficient support mechanisms, further complicate these issues. To foster indigenous women’s leadership, which is vital for social inclusion and democratic governance, comprehensive strategies are necessary. These include promoting equal opportunities, economic empowerment, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and adhering to international norms. Implementing targeted policy interventions is essential to ensure the sustainable political involvement and leadership of indigenous women in Musikot, Rukum West.

The Entrepreneurial Impact of the European Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

The European Commission’s Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence, adopted in 2022 and approved in 2024, mandates that companies identify, prevent, and mitigate hostile human rights and environmental impacts across their operations and supply chains, integrating sustainability into corporate governance. This article examines the directive’s influence on European entrepreneurial activity, ecosystems, and innovation using a qualitative descriptive literature analysis, comparative frameworks, impact assessments, policy recommendations, and case studies. Findings suggest that while the directive imposes compliance challenges and costs, particularly for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, it offers significant long-term benefits, such as improved risk management, enhanced reputation, and market differentiation. The directive promotes accountability and ethical practices, harmonizing due diligence across the EU and fostering a culture of sustainability. It concludes that companies addressing these impacts can gain a competitive edge and attract sustainability-focused investors, necessitating support mechanisms for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises to mitigate burdens and encourage compliance.

A MnO2 nanosheets doping double crosslinked hydrogel for cartilage defect repair through alleviating inflammation and guiding chondrogenic differentiation

The inflammatory microenvironment and inferior chondrogenesis are major symptoms after cartilage defect. Although various modifications strategies associated with hydrogels exhibit remarkable capacity of pro-cartilage regeneration, the adverse effect by prolonging inflammation is still formidable to hamper potential biomedical applications of different hydrogel implants. Herein, inspired by the repair microenvironment of articular cartilage defects, an injectable, immunomodulatory, and chondrogenic L-MNS-CMDA hydrogel is prepared through grafting vinyl and catechol groups to chitosan macromolecules using amide reaction, then further loading MnO2 nanosheets (MNS). The double crosslinking of photopolymerization and catechol oxidative polymerization endows L-MNS-CMDA hydrogel with preferable mechanical property, affording a suitable mechanical support for cartilage defect repair. Additionally, the robust tissue adhesion capability stemming from catechol groups guarantees the long-term retention of the hydrogel in the defect site. Meanwhile, L-MNS-CMDA hydrogel decomposes exogenous and intracellular H2O2 into O2 and H2O, to effectively alleviate cellular oxidative stress caused by long-term hypoxia. Under the synergies of catechol groups and MNS, L-MNS-CMDA hydrogel not only inhibits macrophages polarizing into M1 phenotype, but encourages them turn into M2 phenotype, thereby, reconstructing an immunization friendly microenvironment to ultimately enhance cartilage regeneration. Predictably, the hydrogel markedly induces rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiating into chondrocytes by expressing abundant glycosaminoglycan and type II collagen. A cartilage defect model of rat knee joint indicates that L-MNS-CMDA hydrogel visually regulate the early inflammatory response of post-implantation, and facilitate cartilage regeneration and recovery of joint function after 12 weeks of post-implantation. All in all, this multifunctional L-MNS-CMDA hydrogel exhibits superior immunomodulatory and chondrogenic properties, holding immense clinical potential in the treatment of cartilage defects.

Concurrent intra-aortic balloon pump and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute coronary syndrome-related cardiogenic shock: A meta-analysis of multivariate studies.

Concurrent intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use has been suggested to reduce mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related cardiogenic shock (CS) on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, this observation is primarily based on small-scale univariate studies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether concurrent IABP and ECMO were independently associated with reduced mortality in patients with ACS-related CS. We searched Medline, Web of Science, and Embase for studies published up to May 28, 2024. The inclusion criteria were longitudinal observational studies comparing concurrent IABP and ECMO to ECMO alone in ACS-related CS patients, reporting all-cause mortality with multivariate adjustments. The primary outcome was the risk ratio (RR) of short-term mortality. A random-effects model incorporating heterogeneity was used to pool the results. Seven cohort studies, involving 5467 patients, were included. Concurrent IABP and ECMO were associated with a significant reduction in short-term mortality (adjusted RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48-0.87, P = 0.005; I² = 83%). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results. Meta-regression indicated that the proportion of men in each study significantly influenced the outcomes, fully explaining the heterogeneity (I² residual = 0%). Subgroup analyses showed consistent results across various study designs, patient ages, observational durations, and study quality scores. In conclusion, concurrent IABP and ECMO are independently associated with reduced short-term mortality in ACS-related CS patients, particularly in studies with higher proportions of men. These findings support the potential benefits of combined mechanical support in this high-risk population.

University Students’ Perceptions and Reactions to Cyberbullying on Social Media: The Case of Türkiye

ABSTRACT With cyberbullying emerging as a significant concern in contemporary society, understanding its prevalence, forms, and impacts is crucial for developing effective intervention strategies. This study aims to delve into the underlying factors contributing to cyberbullying incidents among university students. Employing quantitative methodologies, this research utilized a questionnaire comprising multiple-choice, scaled responses, and open-ended questions to explore students’ encounters, perceptions, and responses to cyberbullying. The study’s development was informed by theoretical frameworks and existing literature, with data analysis conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The sample comprised 392 participants, predominantly female (79.1 percent) and Turkish (98.7 percent). Most participants were 18–21 (46.9 percent) and 21–25 (41.3 percent). The majority (84.9 percent) were studying at a state university. The study reveals a widespread acknowledgment of cyberbullying as a severe problem among social media users, particularly prevalent on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Offensive comments and hate speech were identified as dominant forms of cyberbullying, alongside newer tactics like emoji-based ridicule. Participant responses ranged from passive bystander behavior to active intervention, reflecting diverse coping mechanisms and strategies. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive approaches to combat cyberbullying, including educational programs, institutional support mechanisms, and interventions promoting digital citizenship. Furthermore, fostering peer support networks and enhancing awareness in university settings is crucial for effectively addressing cyberbullying. The study highlights various intervention areas and approaches to mitigate the impact of cyberbullying and promote a healthier digital environment. Future research should continue exploring the underlying motivations and barriers to seeking help, aiming to develop targeted strategies for prevention and intervention.

A Sustainable and Resilient Response to the Housing and Reintegration Problems of Displaced People from the NOSO’s Crisis Situations in Cameroon

The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive analysis of the living conditions and propose support mechanisms for displaced people from conflict zones in the NOSO who have taken refuge in the West region of Cameroon and a peace and security survey, focusing specifically on the Tchoualé neighborhood in Dschang. It highlights the need for improved services and facilities to adequately address the challenges faced by these populations. Through a detailed assessment, the research identifies gaps between existing services and the actual needs of the displaced, utilizing a SWOT analysis to provide insights into the current environment. Recommendations are proposed to enhance the capabilities of existing centers, expand service offerings, and involve displaced individuals more actively in center management. The article also outlines an adaptive architectural approach for designing a sustainable and resilient reception center that meets the unique needs of the displaced. Key architectural objectives, principles, and site-specific considerations are examined, including the use of local materials and eco-friendly construction techniques. This work contributes to a broader discussion on effective humanitarian responses, offering insights into the future of support systems for displaced populations in Cameroon and similar contexts.

A More Effective Social Protection System for Older Workers: A Case Study of the Older Adult Employment Project in Thailand

The phenomenon of old-age pensioners reentering the workforce is neither new nor unique and has been well-reported in several published literature. However, there are remaining challenges to this group of job seekers whose needs have yet to be well-documented from employer’s perspectives, especially regarding decent work, legal landscape, and organizational culture. Our study seeks to provide a better understanding of the underlying causes of these and to help policymakers introduce social protection policies to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for older workers. The study used a case study from service companies in Thailand that participated in the Thai government’s campaign on promoting older employment. Data was collected from interviews with top managers of the human resources department, and that information was analyzed by thematic analysis. Key findings highlighted that the supportive mechanisms for matching decent work, a room for integrating legal framework, and a culture that values inclusivity and fair treatment of all workers, regardless of age, can enhance the social protection system for older workers. The establishment of a modern database of older workers’ skills, which ensures easy accessibility to both employers and older workers, the establishment of a task force specific for monitoring laws and regulations concerning older employment, and the development of effective measures against workplace discrimination are recommended as effective interventions for social protection.