Rational Approach Research Articles

Implementation of Bai'at in Strengthening Religious Moderation Attitudes among Students

This study explores the role of the Bai'at Santri at the Islamic Boarding School (Pesantren) of Pangalengan in strengthening religious moderation among students. To achieve these objectives, the research employs a qualitative method with a positivist approach, enabling an in-depth exploration of data within its natural context. Data were collected through triangulation techniques, and the analysis was conducted qualitatively using an inductive approach based on existing facts. The findings indicate that the Bai'at Santri at the pesantren is not an extremist ritual, but rather a pledge by students to adhere to the pesantren's rules and respect the values of Islamic moderation. This activity supports the indicators of religious moderation developed by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, such as national commitment, tolerance, non-violence, and accommodation of local culture. Through Bai'at Santri, students are expected to develop moderate attitudes, which include understanding differences, applying just laws, and utilizing science and technology to solve problems. This study concludes that Bai'at Santri is proven to be an effective strategy in strengthening religious moderation at PPI 259. This activity not only fosters tolerance among students but also reinforces the integration of moderation values into daily life at the pesantren. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of Bai'at Santri on the surrounding community and to analyze factors that can enhance the effectiveness of religious moderation programs at other pesantren. Additionally, the perspectives of students and alumni should be considered to gain deeper insights into the influence of Bai'at Santri on their attitudes and behaviors after leaving the pesantren.

An Investigation of Physical Education Teachers’ Teaching-Learning Conceptions and Professional Satisfaction Levels

Abstract Introduction: The level of professional satisfaction in teachers is an important issue in terms of high work motivation and employee performance. In addition, high professional satisfaction is a factor that contributes to teachers’ more positive approach to the education process. Methods: This study aims to examine the teaching-learning conceptions and professional satisfaction levels of physical education teachers. A total of 310 physical education teachers, 129 female and 181 male, working in primary and high schools participated in the study. A relational scanning model was used in this research. The Teaching and Learning Conceptions Scale and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale were used as data collection tools. Results: It has been observed that there is a positive relationship between teachers’ understanding of teaching-learning and their level of professional satisfaction. Discussion: The constructivist understanding levels of the teachers participating in the research regarding the teaching-learning process were high, while their traditional understanding levels were below the medium level. Limitations: This research was limited to 310 physical education teachers working at different education levels. Conclusions: It can be said that the teaching-learning understanding of physical education teachers is a determinant of professional satisfaction.

Polyfluorene-based conjugated nanocomposites with in-situ gold nanoparticles: Synthesis via rational chemical passivation and characterization of supramolecular fibrillar structures

We present a rational and innovative chemical approach for synthesizing and characterizing conjugated polymer nanocomposites as direct passivation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), highlighting intrinsic morphologies and distinct photophysical properties in the solid state. The pioneering synthesis of polyfluorene with thiol, LaPPS79.10, revolutionized its application as a direct passivator of AuNPs, resulting in stable nanocomposites with the capacity for storage in the dry state and subsequent redispersion in organic solvent. The presence of AuNPs with average diameters of 3.5 ± 1.3 nm induced the formation of an interconnected fibrillar supramolecular network (ribbon-like) and several microdomains in the nanocomposite (LaPPS79.10+AuNPs), correlated by XRD, TEM and SEM measurements. Characterization of the polyfluorene precursor derivative, LaPPS10, revealed bundle-like morphologies with aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Introducing thiol groups into the intermediate structure induced polymer chain organization (LaPPS79.10), leading to unique straw-like and lenticular bundle morphologies, disrupting the non-planar π-π packing and quenching the emission, a case of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). In LaPPS79.10+AuNPs, the proximity of the π system to the Au localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) resulted in high absorption, negligible self-absorption, and efficient emission quenching, as well as improved thermal resistance compared to the original polymer. The unprecedented discovery of the properties resulting from the electronic interaction between the π system of the AuNPs passivating polymer and the effects of plasmonic resonance represents a significant advance in nanoscience, opening new perspectives for exciting applications in organic photovoltaic devices and metamaterials.

Self-assembled Human Serum Protein-based Core-shell Nanoparticles to inhibit key oncogenic signalling in Drug-Resistant Leukemia

Simultaneous inhibition of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways is crucial for managing refractory cancers. This study introduces two unique core-shell nanoparticle (CS-NP) systems crafted from natural proteins that simultaneously target two crucial oncogenic pathways in refractory chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Molecular analysis of approximately 14 refractory CML patients identified resistance to the standard treatment drug, imatinib, attributed to the overex-pression of the STAT5-transferrin pathway alongside the classic BCR-ABL fusion gene. To address this, we developed two dual-drug-loaded core-shell nanoparticles: (a) CS-NP1: Protamine sulfate nanocores carrying BCR-ABL siRNA and an albumin shell loaded with the STAT5 in-hibitor sorafenib, denoted as (PS-siRNA)-(Tf-Soraf) CS-NP; (b) CS-NP2: features a second-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, dasatinib, in the albumin nanocore, and sorafenib in the transferrin nanoshell, labeled as (nAlb-Dasa)-(Tf-Soraf). We hypothesized that these dual-drug-loaded CS-NPs would effectively target both BCR-ABL and STAT5 pathways, with the transferrin nanoshell aiding in precise delivery to refractory CML cells overexpressing TfR1 due to STAT5 activity. Initial evaluations in drug resistant CML cell lines and patient-derived cells demonstrated significant cytotoxicity. Remarkably, even patients with BCR-ABL oncogene mutations displayed over 95% cytotoxicity with the CS-NPs. Furthermore, in vivo testing on a human xeno-graft model with a BCR-ABL+/+/STAT5+/+/TfR+/+ phenotype showcased a strong anti-tumor response. These results underscore the potential of a molecular-diagnosis-based rational design approach for protein-protein core-shell nanoparticles to simultaneously inhibit multiple oncogenic pathways, thereby overcoming resistance to targeted molecular therapies.

Multifunctional Smart Fabrics with Integration of Self-Cleaning, Energy Harvesting, and Thermal Management Properties.

Due to their good wearability, smart fabrics have gradually developed into one of the important components of multifunctional flexible electronics. Nevertheless, function integration is typically accomplished through the intricate stacking of diverse modules, which inevitably compromises comfort and elevates processing complexities. The integration of these discrete functional modules into a unified design for smart fabrics represents a superior solution. Here, we put forward a rational approach to functional integration for the typical challenges of thermal management, energy supply, and surface contamination in smart fabrics. This sandwich-structured multilayer fabric (MLF) is obtained by continuous electrospinning of two layer P(VDF-HFP) fabric and one layer P(VDF-HFP) fabric functionalized with core-shell SiO2/ZnO/ZIF-8 (SZZ) nanoparticles. Specifically, MLFs achieve effective and stable energy harvesting in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with hydrophobicity and antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, MLFs also have high mid-infrared emissivity and sunlight reflectivity, successfully realizing radiative cooling under different climates, and have been applied in wearing clothing, roof shading, and car covers. This work may contribute to the design and manufacturing of next-generation thermal comfort smart fabrics and wearable electronics, particularly in terms of the rational design of multifunctional devices.

A review of the progress and developments of green chemistry

The purpose of this review is to present the progress and development of a fundamental field that aims to design chemical processes with as little adverse effect on the environment as possible. The paper discusses the relevance of changes in industries considering the impact of the conventional chemical industry on the environment, people, and resources, with pollution, toxicity, and depletion of the resources being alarming effects. Waste minimization as one of the ten principles of green chemistry, atom economy and safer solvents and auxiliaries, is also described in detail. In the best practice examples drawn from key industries such as Unilever and BASF, a positive approach toward integrating biodegradable materials and renewable resources is evident. Furthermore, new developments in the catalysis and biocatalysts techniques as well as innovative methods of carbon dioxide conversion are also explored to demonstrate that sustainability is a core direction of chemical transformations. Nevertheless, prospects are evident albeit constrained in economic, regulatory, and technical sectors. Overcoming these barriers is crucial to the complete realization of green chemistry in the industry and the scale-back of environmental harm. It is for this reason that the present review offers a final reflection on how both green chemistry and a circular economy can change various sectors and offer more sustainable solutions.

Naphthoindole-2-carboxamides as a lipophilic chemotype of hetarene-anthraquinones potent against P-gp resistant tumor cells

The acquisition of multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy is a major obstacle to successful cancer treatment. Aiming to improve the potency of anthraquinone-derived antitumor compounds against MDR cancer cells, we employed a rational design approach to develop new heteroarene-fused anthraquinones. Shifting the carboxamide group in the naphtho[2,3-f]indole scaffold from the 3-position to 2 increased the lipophilicity and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) binding of the derivatives, potentially enhancing their ability to circumvent P-gp-mediated MDR. To validate the computations, we developed a scheme for heterocyclization into esters of naphtho[2,3-f]indole-2-carboxylic acid, based on the 5-endo-dig cyclization of 2-alkynyl-3-amino-1,4-dimethoxyanthraquinone under mild basic conditions using tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF). The synthesized naphthoindole-2-carboxamides, particularly compound 1a bearing (S)-3-aminopyrrolidine in the carboxamide fragment, demonstrated the highest antiproliferative activity. Most importantly, 1a suppressed the growth of the P-gp-positive K562/4 leukemia tumor cell line (resistance index = 2.4), while its 3-isomer LCTA-2640 and Dox did not (RI = 125 and 140, respectively). Studies of intracellular uptake and distribution showed that 1a, unlike its 3-substituted isomer, effectively accumulated in resistant tumor cells, confirming the correlation between in silico and experimental data. The lead compound 1a interacts with DNA duplex and inhibits topoisomerase 1 but does not induce oxidative stress. Treatment with 1a increases the population of apoptotic cells in both K562 and K562/4 sublines, regardless of the cell cycle phase. Taken together, this work provides an interesting example of how a little modification in chemical structure can lead to striking differences in antitumor properties. In conclusion, we have identified a potent class of compounds that offer distinct advantages in combating resistant tumor cells.

Vocabulary Notebooks as a Noteworthy Powerful Instrument in Technical Vocabulary Learning

This research paper attempts to investigate the organization and effectiveness of vocabulary notebooks by distinguishing several benefits the implementation of this technique brings in the acquisition of technical terminology through an “English for Specific Purposes course”. When tackling with language learning, it is needless to emphasize the noteworthiness and the importance of vocabulary in this process. Appertaining to technical terminology, this plays entirely pertinent. Various studies have concluded that vocabulary notebooks (henceforth VN) efficiently expose different learners’ strategies within this single strategy, which led us to research VN. These research data were obtained mainly by applying the observational research technique, a vocabulary oral and written exam, and a comprehensive questionnaire on the effectiveness of the Vocabulary Notebook. Mechanical Engineering, Textile Engineering, and Hydrotechnical Engineering students at the Polytechnic University of Tirana were selected to obtain the data. The observation is partly overt and partly covert. Students of Mechanical Engineering and Textile Engineering (75 students) are the treatment group wherein the Mechanical Engineering students are an overt group and the Textile Engineering students serve as the covert observational group while on the other hand, the Hydrotechnical Engineering (45 students) students are the control group. The data were obtained during and at the end of the semester. Throughout the observation all along the 1st semester, it was perceived that most of the students organized their VN by utilizing mainly Microsoft Word downloaded on their Smart Phones, while the rest used the traditional paper notebook to organize their technical VN. The organization of the VN reflected the strategies each of the students implemented to learn technical terminology. At the end, students were tested on their acquired terminology through an oral and a short-written exam and then a questionnaire was handed to them. The students of the overt group making use of a digitalized form of a Notebook resulted to have acquired most of the technical vocabulary. In the main, the overt group outperformed the covert group on the acquisition of technical vocabulary, while the control group’s score on the oral exam was significantly below, compared to the all-inclusive treatment group. Students’ questionnaire revealed that overall students had a positive approach to this strategy and they embraced the autonomy acquired throughout the semester by implementing this strategy. With the exception of the effectiveness on vocabulary acquisition, which was on higher levels, this strategy proved itself once again to be an enhancer and promoter of learner autonomy. Keywords: vocabulary notebooks, autonomous learning, technical terminology List of Abbreviations: VN – Vocabulary Notebook, ME – Mechanical Engineering, TE – Textile Engineering

Identifying Novel Inhibitors for Dengue NS2B-NS3 Protease by Combining Topological similarity, Molecular Dynamics, MMGBSA and SiteMap Analysis.

DENV NS2B-NS3 protease inhibitors were designed based upon the reference molecule, 4-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-N-(4-ethylphenyl) benzenesulfonamide, reported by our team with the aim to optimize lead compound via rational approach. Top five best scoring molecules with zinc ids ZINC23504872, ZINC48412318, ZINC00413269, ZINC13998032 and ZINC75249613 bearing 'pyrimidin-4(3H)-one' basic scaffold have been identified as a promising candidate against DENV protease enzyme. The shape and electrostatic complementary between identified HITs and reference molecules were found to be Tanimotoshape 0.453, 0.690, 0.680, 0.685 & 0.672 respectively and Tanimotoelectrostatic 0.211, 0.211, 0.441, 0.442, 0.442 and 0.442 respectively. The molecular docking studies suggested that the identified HITs displayed the good interactions with active site residues and lower binding energies. The stability of docked complexes was assessed by MD simulations studies. The RMSD values of protein backbone (1.6779, 3.1563, 3.3634, 3.3893 & 3.0960 Å) and protein backbone RMSF values (1.0126, 1.0834, 1.0890, 0.9974 & 1.0080 Å respectively) for all top five HITs were stable and molecules did not fluctuate from the active pocket during entire 100ns MD run. The druggability Dscore below 1 indicate the tightly binding of ligand at the active site. Dscore for ZINC23504872 was found to be 1.084 while for the second class of compounds ZINC48412318, ZINC00413269, ZINC13998032 and ZINC75249613, 0.503, 0.484, 0.487 and 0.501 Dscores were observed. In-silico ADMET calculations suggested that all five HITs were possessed the drug likeliness properties and did not violate the Lipinski's rule of five. Summing up, these in-silico generated data suggested that the identified molecules bearing pyrimidin-4(3H)-one would be promising scaffold for DENV protease inhibitors. However, experimental results are needed to prove the obtained results.

The Association Between Lymphovascular or Perineural Invasion in Radical Prostatectomy Specimen and Biochemical Recurrence.

The aim of this study was to test for the association between lymphovascular invasion or perineural invasion in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Relying on a tertiary-care database, we identified prostate cancer patients treated with RP between January 2014 and June 2023. Of these, the majority underwent robotic-assisted RP (81%). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and Cox regression models addressed BCR according to either lymphovascular invasion or perineural invasion in RP specimens. Additionally, the linear trend test assessed the association between the Gleason Grade Group or pathologic tumor stage and lymphovascular or perineural invasion. Of 822 patients, 78 (9%) exhibited lymphovascular invasion and 633 (77%) exhibited perineural invasion in RP specimens. In survival analyses, the five-year BCR-free survival rates were 62% in patients with lymphovascular invasion vs. 70% in patients without lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.04) and 64% in patients with perineural invasion vs. 82% in patients without perineural invasion (p = 0.01). In univariable Cox regression models, lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.47; p = 0.045) and perineural invasion (hazard ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.77; p = 0.013) were both associated with a higher BCR rate. After accounting for age at surgery, PSA value, pathologic tumor stage, Gleason Grade Group, lymph node invasion, positive surgical margin, surgical approach, and adjuvant radiation therapy, lymphovascular (p = 0.740) or perineural invasion (p = 0.341) were not significantly associated with a higher BCR since the Gleason Grade Group and pathologic tumor stage highly correlated with lymphovascular as well as perineural invasion. In univariable models, lymphovascular or perineural invasion is associated with BCR. After adjustment for standard pathologic tumor characteristics, lymphovascular or perineural invasion is not an independent predictor for BCR.

Screening for probiotic properties and potential immunogenic effects of lactobacilli strains isolated from various food products.

Deceleration of disease progression and re-establishment of microbial balance in the gut is often achieved by application of lactobacilli strains. Their beneficial effects are associated with probiotic properties, which may be accompanied by immunomodulatory action at mucosal surfaces. To single out such strains, we screened almost three hundred lactobacilli isolates from eight genera and various food sources for acid and bile salt tolerance, adhesion to mucin as well as hemolytic activity and antibiotic susceptibility. Moreover, the immunomodulatory effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) fractions of five lactobacilli strains were assessed using an in vitro cell line model. By our rationalized selection approach, we identified thirty-five strains with probiotic potential and biosafety features. Additionally, we showed that CFS from the Lactiplantibacillus L_4 strain downregulates proinflammatory cytokines IL-8 and IL-1β. In contrast, IL-8 expression was found to increase after treatment with CFSs of Lactiplantibacillus L_2 and L_5 and IL-1β was upregulated by CFSs of Lactiplantibacillus L_1 and Lactiplantibacillus L_3. Overall, our result delineate a rational approach of selecting lactobacilli strains for probiotic development to support the gut microbiota equilibrium and reinforce the host immune system.

Natural Products with Potential for the Treatment of Pain: Global Evidence from the NAPRALERT Database.

Natural products (NPs) continue to inform the discovery and development of a diversity of drugs, both marketed and investigational. Pain, one of the most common of human experiences and profound challenges in medicine and biology, has emerged at the core of an urgent societal problem, in the United States and globally. The present study employs a retrospective analysis of an extensive set of published literature curated in the NAPRALERT database to identify NPs with experimental evidence of bioactivity supporting the selection and prioritization of NP leads with promise in pain management. The NAPRALERT pain data set currently documents >38,000 pain-relevant experiments reported in >1,750 distinct journals. The evidence presented here was annotated from >10,000 distinct scientific publications identifying NP extracts and isolates with experimental biological data indicating positive mitigation of pain, inflammation, and/or modulation of nociceptive signaling targets. Correlation of ethnomedical uses with experimental data represents a value-added approach to the selection and prioritization of leads. Dissemination of this unique NP/pain data set, with experimental data and information applicable to basic, translational, and clinical science stakeholders alike, furnishes practical evidence in support of a rational selection of NPs for directed pain research. A large portion of the NAPRALERT pain-relevant data set, along with a set of query tools designed to assist user-directed selection and prioritization of leads, are presented as Supporting Information in order to mitigate the limitations inherent in presenting such a large data set in (print) format. To support user efforts, this report involves explication of NAPRALERT data organization and the articulation of rational approaches to user-guided selection of evidence-based NP leads.

Barriers and facilitators to remote healthcare services use: perspectives of women and providers

Abstract Background The remote health services (RHS) proliferation raises concerns regarding relatively low use among minorities. Arab women in Israel belong to a minority that experiences health disparities, stigmatization, social and economic marginalization. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating means to RHS use relevant to Arab women in Israel from the perspective of women, primary care physicians (PCPs), and nurses. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Arab women, 18 PCPs, and 4 nurses from different parts in Israel between December 2023-March 2024. We used a positive deviance approach by interviewing 14 women who succeeded in using RHS and 11 who did not. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using Atlas qualitative analysis software. Findings The data distilled three main barriers to RHS use: sociocultural- importance of close relations with PCPs, privacy concerns of revealing the body or conversing with unfamiliar physicians, strict supervision by the family (Bedouin society); logistical-limited internet access and infrastructure, personal- unawareness to RHS, digital literacy, normative conceptions of limited quality of care and believing that only some health conditions are suitable for RHS. Facilitating means to RHS use: gender roles-women’s role as family health caretakers, mothers maintaining work-family balance and younger women generation feeling responsible for the older generation RHS adoption, accessibility- wider access to care due to limited transportation. Conclusions It is important to identify facilitating conditions (e.g., training opportunities, social, technological support), cultured elements (gender roles, limited mobility), and trust to adopting RHS by minority populations. The study provide data for developing requirements to ensure more equitable access to RHS to Arab women including addressing privacy concerns, guidelines for RHS-related information dissemination, and for RHS providers. Key messages • The findings help develop approaches and means to improve RHS use for Arab women from diverse backgrounds by identifying barriers associated with access, culture, and normative conceptions. • Developing RHS systems into routine care must ensure equitable use across social groups and address economic, logistical, and sociocultural barriers and guidelines for RHS information dissemination.

Development of inorganic–organic CdSe(en)0.5via microwave-assisted method and topotactic transformation into porous CdSe nanosheet photoanode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

In this study, inorganic–organic hybrid CdSe(en)0.5 nanosheet (NS) was developed on Cd foil via the microwave-assisted (MW) method with different MW irradiation cycles. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of the mother material was improved through a second hydrothermal method with different time variations (3, 6, and 12 h at 160 °C). After the second hydrothermal, organic moieties were removed, and a porous photoanode was obtained. The optimized CdSe-6H photoanode showed a photocurrent density of 7.4 mA cm−2 (0 V vs Ag/AgCl) with 272 μmol cm−2/3h hydrogen gas evolution under one sun illumination. The enhanced PEC performance was attributed to the topotactic transformation, improved light absorbance, enhanced charge separation, and improved surface area. This work offers a rational approach for building inorganic–organic electrodes through the MW method and porous photoanode for PEC hydrogen production.

Religious-Philosophical and Anthropological Dimensions of Dialogue between Maxim Gorky and Immanuel Kant: A Study of Gorky’s Text “The Peasant”

This article addresses the influence of Immanuel Kant’s philosophy on the works of Maxim Gorky. The study aims to explore how Kant’s philosophical ideas shaped Gorky’s worldview and contributed to the development of his prose. The primary material for this research is Gorky’s unfinished work “The Peasant,” written between 1899 and the early 1900s. It is demonstrated that the text serves as a unique “epistolary dialogue” between Gorky and Kant, in which the writer engages in a polemic with the philosopher regarding human nature, social organization, justice, and morality. The article posits that Gorky’s harsh critiques of Kant, expressed in letters and within the aforementioned text, stem from his general aversion to the deliberate complexity and analytical nature of Kant’s language, as well as the philosopher’s excessively rationalist approach to interpreting the incomprehensible and understanding humanity’s place and purpose in the world, along with the laws of existence. It is argued that Gorky did not share Kant’s absolute rationalism but instead advocated for a harmony between reason and emotion in human beings. Furthermore, it is shown that Gorky resonated with the moral and ethical principles of Kantian philosophy. Thus, this study offers a fresh perspective on the religious-philosophical and anthropological aspects of Gorky’s oeuvre.

Rational and Semirational Approaches for Engineering Salicylate Production in Escherichia coli.

Salicylate plays a pivotal role as a pharmaceutical intermediate in drugs, such as aspirin and lamivudine. The low catalytic efficiency of key enzymes and the inherent toxicity of salicylates to cells pose significant challenges to large-scale microbial production. In this study, we introduced the salicylate synthase Irp9 into an l-phenylalanine-producing Escherichia coli, constructing the shortest salicylate biosynthetic pathway. Subsequent protein engineering increased the catalytic efficiency of Irp9 by 33.5%. Furthermore, by integrating adaptive evolution with transcriptome analysis, we elucidated the crucial mechanism of efflux proteins in salicylate tolerance. The elucidation of this mechanism guided us in the targeted modification of these transport proteins, achieving a reported maximum level of 3.72 g/L of salicylate in a shake flask. This study highlights the importance of efflux proteins for enhancing the productivity of microbial cell factories in salicylate production, which also holds potential for application in the green synthesis of other phenolic acids.

Time after time: optimizing individuals’ experience of work through leaders’ facilitation of employee flow

ABSTRACT We examine the nexus of leadership and flow through the lens of two inherently positive psychological leadership approaches. In so doing, we examine how leaders can craft conditions to make work more conducive to followers’ flow, and the beneficial effects this has on well-being and performance. Data were collected from 40 employees who completed an initial survey and subsequent daily surveys over two weeks (273 data points). Results from hierarchical linear modeling (level-1 days; level-2 persons) suggest that transformational leaders and leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships impact employees’ work characteristics, subsequently impacting daily flow. In turn, followers’ daily flow predicted daily psychological well-being and performance on subsequent days, further evidencing the downstream importance of flow-facilitative leader behaviors. Both transformational leadership and LMX were also found to predict psychological well-being through leaders’ impact on flow preconditions and flow itself in a full multi-stage mediation model.

Effect of Green Supply Chain Innovation Alliance on Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi County

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to determine influence of green supply chain innovation alliances on performance of manufacturing firms, in Nairobi County Kenya. Methodology: The study was informed by Social Exchange Theory, Transaction Cost Theory, Resource-Based view and Resource Dependency Theory. The research design for this study was an explanatory survey research design; this is primarily a positivism approach. The population for the study will constitute manufacturing firms in Kenya. Thus, the unit of observation was 516 procurement managements from 516 manufacturing firms. The research employed stratified and simple random to select a sample of 225. This study used structured questionnaires to collect data relevant to the study. Descriptive analysis such as means, standard deviation and variance. Findings: linear regression models showed that green supply chain innovation alliances have a positive and statistically significant influence on firm performance, highlighting their essential role in enhancing success for manufacturing firms. A strong partnership with suppliers and specialized expertise in green supply chain management are crucial for this improvement. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Therefore, the study recommends that organizations actively strengthen their green supply chain innovation alliances by establishing joint sustainability initiatives and creating regular collaboration forums with suppliers to share best practices and innovative solutions.

Religious savior-centered psychotherapy for depression: a focus on women’s well-being

ABSTRACT This study explores the effectiveness of Religious Savior-Centered Psychotherapy (RSCP) in treating depression in religious women. RSCP is a therapeutic approach that integrates Islamic teachings, particularly the concept of a Savior, with cognitive and behavioral strategies to address mental health challenges. Unlike traditional therapy models, RSCP emphasizes spiritual healing by fostering a strong connection to faith and a hopeful outlook for the future. The study aims to assess RSCP’s impact on depression in women by aligning with Islamic teachings and emphasizing positive future expectations. A pretest-posttest design with a two-month follow-up was employed to evaluate the effects of RSCP. The study included 70 women aged 18–60 from five counseling clinics in Tehran, all diagnosed with mild to moderate depression, and having expressed a belief in a Savior. MANCOVA was used to analyze the data, ensuring assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances were met. MANCOVA results indicated a significant linear correlation between the treatment and depression levels (p < .05), with a large effect size (partial η2 = .61 for posttest and .54 for follow-up). Initial findings suggest RSCP’s potential benefit on mental well-being. RSCP has the potential to be integrated into existing mental health frameworks as a culturally sensitive option, particularly for Muslim women seeking faith-based approaches to mental health care. Future research with larger samples, randomized controlled trials, and longitudinal studies is needed to explore the effectiveness of this new positive psychotherapy approach.

Cryo-EM structure of a natural prion: chronic wasting disease fibrils from deer

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a widely distributed prion disease of cervids with implications for wildlife conservation and also for human and livestock health. The structures of infectious prions that cause CWD and other natural prion diseases of mammalian hosts have been poorly understood. Here we report a 2.8 Å resolution cryogenic electron microscopy-based structure of CWD prion fibrils from the brain of a naturally infected white-tailed deer expressing the most common wild-type PrP sequence. Like recently solved rodent-adapted scrapie prion fibrils, our atomic model of CWD fibrils contains single stacks of PrP molecules forming parallel in-register intermolecular β-sheets and intervening loops comprising major N- and C-terminal lobes within the fibril cross-section. However, CWD fibrils from a natural cervid host differ markedly from the rodent structures in many other features, including a ~ 180° twist in the relative orientation of the lobes. This CWD structure suggests mechanisms underlying the apparent CWD transmission barrier to humans and should facilitate more rational approaches to the development of CWD vaccines and therapeutics.