Search Results (276)

This article combines computational analysis and historical interpretation to reassess the genre of the Gospel of Mark. Drawing on prototype theory and J. Z. Smith’s comparative method, we model Mark’s linguistic and stylistic profile against a large corpus of ancient Greek texts—including tragedies, biographies, historiographies, novels, and Septuagint (LXX) single-person narratives. Using supervised and unsupervised clustering, the study shows that Mark consistently aligns with the LXX corpus rather than with the Greco-Roman genres traditionally proposed. Even when segmented into smaller textual units (prologues, epilogues, or 1000-word chunks), the Gospel remains anchored in the scriptural prototype of divinely commissioned figures such as Moses, Joseph, or Esther. The results suggest that Mark’s genre is best described as a scriptural narrative of divine agency: a continuation of Israel’s storytelling tradition reimagined within the Greek-speaking world of the first century. Full article

The growing demand for precision diagnostics in cystic fibrosis and other genetic disorders, such as cancers, is driving the need for sequencing platforms that combine analytical robustness, scalability, and cost-efficiency. In this study, we performed a direct comparison between two leading Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms, MiSeq (Illumina, CA, USA) and DNBSEQ-G99RS (MGI Tech Co., Shenzhen, China), using a CE-IVD-certified CFTR panel (Devyser AB), selected for its complexity and variant spectrum, including SNVs, CNVs, and intronic polymorphisms. A total of 47 genomic DNA samples from routine clinical activity were analyzed on both platforms. Illumina sequencing covered all CFTR variants using standard workflows, while MGI data were generated from residual diagnostic DNA, with informed consent. Sequencing data were processed using Amplicon Suite v3.7.0 for variant calling, annotation, and ACMG classification. Quality control metrics and platform-specific parameters were also evaluated. Both platforms demonstrated complete concordance in variant detection, including SNVs, CNVs, and complex alleles (e.g., Poly-T/TG). Illumina exhibited slightly superior basecalling quality and allelic frequency uniformity, while MGI achieved higher sequencing depth (mean ~2793×) and demultiplexing efficiency. No false positives, false negatives, or discordant HGVS annotations were observed. The use of full-gene CFTR sequencing enabled granular and technically rigorous cross-platform validation. These findings confirm the analytical equivalence of Illumina and MGI for diagnostic genotyping. Moreover, MGI’s greater data output and flow cell capacity may offer tangible advantages in high-throughput settings, including somatic applications such as liquid biopsy and molecular oncology workflows. Full article

This work presents the results of a theoretical investigation of the electronic and optical properties of van der Waals Janus nanoheterostructures MoS₂/SeMoS and MoSe₂/SMoSe, carried out within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE) together with the Grimme-D3 dispersion correction. The calculated band structures show that both heterostructures possess an indirect bandgap whose magnitude is highly sensitive to an external electric field. In the MoS₂–SeMoS system, increasing the applied field leads to a gradual narrowing of the bandgap and a transition to a metallic state at approximately 75 V, whereas in MoSe₂–SMoSe, the bandgap first increases (up to 20 V) and then decreases, indicating a nonlinear field-dependent behavior. Analysis of the dielectric function reveals an enhancement of the static dielectric permittivity and a red shift in the absorption spectra with increasing field strength, which can be attributed to charge redistribution and an increased contribution from ionic polarizability. These results demonstrate the possibility of effectively controlling the bandgap width, polarizability, and optical response of Janus nanoheterostructures using an external electric field. This opens up promising prospects for their application in tunable photodetectors, light modulators, valleytronic components, and next-generation optoelectronic systems. Full article

This article investigates some analogies between the narratives of Moses and Joseph and the prophetic tradition, with particular attention to the theme of commissioning and the role of the Hebrew verb šālaḥ (“to send”). Grounded in the premise that call narratives are decisive for understanding prophecy, the study offers a quick overview of the prophetic vocation and the phenomenon of human resistance to the divine commission. It then presents an analysis of Moses’s call narrative in Exod 3–4 and of Joseph’s discourse in Gen 45:1–8. The Exodus narrative highlights divine initiative and Moses’s resistance, while Joseph’s reinterpretation of his past suffering reconsiders it as part of a divine mission, with his use of šālaḥ interpreting the betrayal of his brothers as providential sending, echoing themes found in the book of Jeremiah. By highlighting these parallels, this work contributes to the understanding of prophetic identity within the Hebrew Scriptures. Full article

The recalcitrance and biological toxicity of phenolic pollutants pose a serious threat to the safety of aquatic environments, and developing efficient and stable catalytic degradation technologies is a key research focus in the current environmental field. In this study, a composite material (MSN) of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe) modified by MoSe₂ nanosheets was constructed via a one-step composite strategy, aiming to address the bottlenecks of low Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ cycling efficiency and iron ion leaching in traditional Fe-based MOFs when activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Characterization results showed that MoSe₂ nanosheets were uniformly dispersed on the surface of NH₂-MIL-101(Fe), and strong electronic interactions existed between them, which significantly optimized the electronic environment of active sites. MSN-3 exhibited excellent performance in activating PMS for phenol degradation: the degradation rate reached 90% within 30 min, with a k = 0.073 min⁻¹, which was much higher than that of other systems. It also showed good structural stability and cyclic regeneration ability. Mechanistic studies confirmed that the core active species in the MSN-3/PMS system are ¹O₂, •SO₄⁻ and •OH. The two-dimensional layered structure of MoSe₂ can serve as an efficient electron transport bridge to promote Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ cycling; amino modification further optimizes the electron density of Fe active centers. The two synergistically construct a dual redox cycle of Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ and Mo⁴⁺/Mo⁶⁺, significantly enhancing PMS activation efficiency and ¹O₂ production. This study provides a new strategy for designing Fe-MOFs-based PMS activation catalysts and also offers technical support for the practical treatment of recalcitrant organic pollutants in water. Full article

Although several articles and books on the prophecy of women and LGBTIQ* persons in the Ancient Near East and the Old Testament have been published in recent decades, their outcomes have scarcely been received in traditional research on prophecy. This article will deal with female prophecy, traces of which we find in all parts of the canon: the Torah (Miriam), the Nebiim Rishonim (Deborah and Huldah, the first and last in the succession of Moses), in the prophetic books (the nameless prophetess to whom Isaiah goes in Isa 8, as well as the prophetic daughters in Joel 3), and also in the Ketubim (Noadiah in Neh 6 and the versions of the Chronicler). However, there are also false female prophets like the Women of En Dor (1 Sam 28) and the prophesying daughters in Ezek 13. Prophetic women such as Noadiah, and those in Ex 38:8 and 1 Sam 2:22, and, in the same tradition, Hannah in the New Testament, are also present in cultic places. Additionally, women are also found among the group gathered around a central prophetic figure, such as the women of Shunem. This article, on the one hand, reveals the gender bias in traditional semantic and grammatical analysis, and on the other hand, will show the importance of the stylistic features of the few texts under discussion (e.g., inclusions, exposed positions in compositions), which may provide illuminating conclusions for the whole phenomenon of prophecy. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive first-principles investigation into the gas adsorption and sensing characteristics of Pd-doped MoSe₂, WSe₂, and MoSe₂-WSe₂ systems for dissolved gas analysis applications in oil-filled transformers. Through theoretical simulations, we first establish and characterize three distinct Pd-doped systems, examining their structural stability, electronic properties, and gas interaction mechanisms with key typical gases (H₂, C₂H₂, and C₂H₄). Our analysis reveals that the Pd@MoSe₂-WSe₂ heterojunction exhibits exceptional sensing performance, with calculated response values of −77.67% (H₂), −95.98% (C₂H₂), and −96.88% (C₂H₄)—significantly surpassing the capabilities of both Pd-MoSe₂ and Pd-WSe₂ monolayers. The observed response hierarchy (C₂H₄ > C₂H₂ > H₂) correlates directly with the degree of adsorption energy, charge transfer, and bandgap modification induced by gas adsorption. Finally, the reason for such enhancements are systemically analyzed. The findings not only position Pd@MoSe₂-WSe₂ as an outstanding candidate for condition evaluation in oil-filled transformers but also establish a structure–property relationship that uncovers the feasibility of a strategic heterojunction design to enhance the adsorption and sensing performances for typical gas species. Full article

MoSe₂ is considered one of the most promising low-friction coatings for tribological applications due to its exceptionally low sensitivity to air humidity. However, knowledge of its tribological performance, especially in combination with oil lubrication, is still very limited. In this study, the tribological properties of MoSe₂ coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering were investigated using a reciprocating pin-on-flat tribometer against steel balls under both dry and PAO4-lubricated sliding conditions. The worn surfaces of the coatings and their counterparts were analyzed by profilometry, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Under dry lubrication, the coatings exhibited low friction (0.054), which was attributed to the combined effects of a lubricious transfer layer forming on the steel ball and a crystalline MoSe₂ tribolayer in the coating wear track, with MoSe₂ basal planes aligned parallel to the sliding direction. In contrast, under oil lubrication, the absence of a transfer layer on the ball and a crystalline tribolayer in the coating wear track resulted in higher friction (0.101). This high friction was accompanied by a 27% reduction in the wear rate due to the presence of PAO4 at the sliding contact, which served as a sealant and protected the coating from oxidation. Full article

With the rapid expansion of offshore wind power, efficient installation methods for 10 MW offshore wind turbines (OWTs) are increasingly being required. Conventional approaches using installation vessels, heavy-lift barges, and mooring systems incur high costs, long schedules, and weather-related constraints, particularly in harsh seas such as the West Sea and Jeju. This study investigates an anchor-free installation method for jack-up-type OWTs employing tugboats instead of specialized vessels. Environmental loads were estimated with MOSES and AQWA, and frequency-domain analyses were performed to evaluate wave responses and towline tensions. Results showed that maximum tensions remained below both the Safe Working Load of towlines and the Effective Bollard Pull of tugboats during all spudcan lowering stages. Even under conservative OPLIM conditions, feasibility was confirmed. The findings indicate that the proposed tug-assisted method ensures adequate station-keeping capability while reducing cost, construction time, and weather dependency, presenting a practical alternative for large-scale OWT installation. Full article

Understanding the non-equilibrium dynamical processes in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) heterostructures is essential for elucidating their photoelectric behaviors. In this work, we investigate the electronic structure, electric field modulation, and transient optical performance of the MoSe₂/WSe₂ heterostructure using first principles and nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) methods. Applying an external electric field effectively modulates the bandgap and band arrangement of MoSe₂/WSe₂ heterostructure, along with a transition from indirect to direct bandgap during which the type-II band alignment can be maintained. Specifically, the ultrafast interlayer photogenerated electron transfer time is 72 fs, and the interlayer electron-hole recombination time can be as long as 357 ns, which is longer than that of the intralayer recombination in the constituent monolayers (110 ns for MoSe₂ and 288 ns for WSe₂), yielding an ultrahigh charge separation efficiency of up to 99.99%. The significant time difference in the processes of photoinduced charge transfer and recombination can be attributed to the corresponding different nonadiabatic coupling averaged values, mainly determined by the electron–phonon coupling and energy difference. The carrier dynamics mechanism revealed in the MoSe₂/WSe₂ heterostructure is conducive to the development of 2D ultrafast optoelectronic devices. Full article

Migration issues remain one of the most contentious topics in contemporary social discourse. This paper reinterprets key Old Testament figures who can be identified as asylum seekers or political migrants. The central question is the following: who represent asylum seekers in the Old Testament? Employing a narrative methodology, the study focuses on biblical stories and their thematic development rather than linguistic or historical analysis. The paper unfolds in three key sections. First, it defines asylum seekers and reviews prior research related to migration in the Old Testament. Second, it analyzes three significant biblical figures—Moses, Elijah, and David—who represent the law, the prophets, and the Messiah, respectively. Their migration experiences (genocide, resistance, political violence, dictatorship, and rebellion) provide a theological bridge for churches to engage with contemporary political migrants. Lastly, the paper offers practical approaches for churches to support asylum seekers. Full article

The photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ into value-added hydrocarbons offers a sustainable route for mitigating carbon emissions. In this study, we synthesized MoSe₂/g-C₃N₄ heterostructured composites through a hydrothermal method and used these composites in the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. Photoluminescence characterization, photocurrent analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed improved charge separation and interfacial transfer as a result of the composites’ heterojunction structure. The MoSe₂/10 wt% g-C₃N₄ composite exhibited a CH₄ production rate of 1.38 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and a CO₂ consumption rate of 2.22 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which are 4.2 and 3.1 times, respectively, higher than those of pure MoSe₂. Gas chromatography revealed the selective formation of C₁–C₅ hydrocarbons, with minimal oxygenated by-products. Band structure analysis conducted through ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible/near-infrared spectroscopy confirmed the proposed charge transfer pathway and enhanced C–C coupling efficiency. Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of the as-prepared heterojunction composites for highly selective CO₂-to-CH₄ conversion under mild conditions, with CH₄ as the dominant product (80%) among the generated hydrocarbons. Full article

In this study, we present a comprehensive theoretical analysis of modifications in the physical and chemical properties of MoSe₂ upon the introduction of substitutional transition metal impurities, specifically, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, W, Pd, and Pt. Wet systematically calculated the adsorption enthalpies for various representative analytes, including O₂, H₂, CO, CO₂, H₂O, NO₂, formaldehyde, and ethanol, and further evaluated their free energies across a range of temperatures. By employing the formula for probabilities, we accounted for the competition among molecules for active adsorption sites during simultaneous adsorption events. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating temperature effects and competitive adsorption dynamics to predict the performance of highly selective sensors accurately. Additionally, we investigated the influence of temperature and analyte concentration on sensor performance by analyzing the saturation of active sites for specific scenarios using Langmuir sorption theory. Building on our calculated adsorption energies, we screened the catalytic potential of doped MoSe₂ for CO₂-to-methanol conversion reactions. This paper also examines the correlations between the electronic structure of active sites and their associated sensing and catalytic capabilities, offering insights that can inform the design of advanced materials for sensors and catalytic applications. Full article

Background: This systematic review investigates the role of virtual reality (VR)-based multisensory cognitive training in cognitive function, executive function and wayfinding ability among people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The review was carried out using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched up from inception to February 2025 using terms related to MCI, AD, VR, and cognitive functions. Studies were included if they involved participants with MCI or early AD, used VR-based training, collected baseline data, and reported cognitive outcomes. Results: Nine studies with MCI were included, but no eligible studies focused on AD. Seven out of nine eligible studies in MCI reported significant improvements in global cognitive function (MoCA, CERAD-K, MMSE). Some studies showed improvements in executive function (EXIT-25, TMT-A/B, and SCWT), while others found no significant differences. One study reported improved depression/mental status (GDS, MOSES, QoL-AD). Just one study reported improvement in functional ability (IADL). One study reported enhanced cognition and reduced discomfort (SSQ). VR programs were generally well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported. Conclusions: VR shows promise for improving cognitive function in MCI. VR also showed potential benefits in executive function and psychological outcomes like depression and quality of life, though consistency varied. Full article

Background: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) exhibit a significantly diminished immune response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines compared with the general population, primarily due to ongoing immunosuppressive therapy. This study evaluated the immunogenicity of a third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine dose in KTRs and assessed the association between antibody response and protection against SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. Additionally, the clinical and immunological correlates of post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection were examined. Methods: A prospective cohort of 135 KTRs received a third vaccine dose approximately six months following the second dose. Plasma samples were collected at baseline (pre-vaccination), six months after the second dose, and six weeks following the third dose. Humoral responses were assessed using SARS-CoV-2-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers and virus neutralization assays against wild-type (WT) and viral strains, including multiple Omicron sub-lineages. Results: After the third vaccine dose, 74% of the KTRs had detectable SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies, compared with 48% following the second dose. The mean IgG titers increased approximately ten-fold post-booster. Despite this increase, neutralizing activity against the Omicron variants remained significantly lower than that against the WT strain. KTRs who subsequently experienced a SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection demonstrated reduced neutralizing antibody activity across all variants tested. Additionally, individuals receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy had a significantly higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection compared with those on dual or monotherapy. A multivariate machine learning analysis identified age and neutralizing activity against WT, Delta, and Omicron BA.2 as the most robust correlates of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection. Conclusions: A third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine dose significantly improves SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG levels in KTRs; however, the neutralizing response against Omicron variants remains suboptimal. Diminished neutralizing capacity and intensified immunosuppression are key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection in this immunocompromised population. Full article