Search Results (667)

Anxiety toward experimental sciences may hinder learning, confidence in teaching science, and the professional development of pre-service teachers. Science teaching self-efficacy and familiarity with the STEAM approach have been identified as protective factors, although evidence examining these variables together remains limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of a brief measure of science teaching self-efficacy among pre-service teachers through its relationships with anxiety toward experimental sciences, familiarity with the STEAM approach, and academic achievement in science. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted with 325 students enrolled in Early Childhood and Primary Education programs at the University of Jaén, with a mean age of 21.05 years (SD = 2.79). Results indicated that factor analyses supported the unidimensional structure of the Brief Science Teaching Self-Efficacy Scale for Pre-Service Teachers (BSTSES-PST) and showed satisfactory internal consistency. Science teaching self-efficacy was negatively associated with anxiety toward experimental sciences and positively associated with STEAM familiarity and academic achievement. In conclusion, the BSTSES-PST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing science teaching self-efficacy among pre-service teachers. Greater self-efficacy was associated with lower anxiety, greater STEAM familiarity, and higher academic achievement. Full article

Weed management is an important part of agricultural production and a key factor affecting crop yields. However, weeds in the field have characteristics such as mixed categories, high similarity in morphology with crops, and small detection targets, making detection quite difficult. To address these issues, this paper proposes an improved lightweight model, MBP-RTDETR, based on the RTDETR model. This is a real-time detection algorithm that reduces computational load while effectively enhancing the detection accuracy of small-sized weeds in complex farmland backgrounds. The key improvements include: (1) MSNet, a lightweight backbone network, integrates the MSInit module into the CSPNet architecture, effectively incorporating contextual information to provide enhanced multi-scale feature extraction at low computational cost. (2) The AIFI-SSA module simplifies multiplication into efficient binary masking and accumulation operations by leveraging the binary characteristics of peaks, reducing the number of model parameters while maintaining detection accuracy. (3) The PST-DET architecture replaces the conventional convolutional layers in the Feature Pyramid Network (FPN) with the PST module, thereby reducing computational complexity while preserving critical spatial information. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves mAP@50 and mAP@50:95 scores of 93.7% and 75.2%, respectively, outperforming the baseline model across both evaluation metrics. Importantly, this performance gain is accompanied by significant efficiency improvements: the model reduces parameter count, computational complexity (GFLOPs), and model weight by 41.2%, 33.3%, and 41.0%, respectively. These enhancements collectively enable robust and computationally efficient detection of field weeds under complex real-world conditions. Full article

Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping educational practices; however, its use by university supervisors (USs) to provide feedback to preservice teachers (PSTs) during field experiences remains underexplored. This collaborative action research study examined USs’ perceptions of implementing a generative AI (GenAI)-supported feedback protocol during classroom observations. Supervisors used a researcher-developed protocol in which observational notes, lesson objectives, and teaching competencies were input into ChatGPT to generate draft feedback for post-observation conferences. Data sources included annotated protocol documents, individual interviews, and a focus group, supplemented by existing PST interview data. Inductive thematic analysis indicated that GenAI supported alignment with teaching competencies and enhanced the structure and specificity of feedback. At the same time, findings highlighted important limitations, as AI-assisted feedback required careful human interpretation to ensure contextual accuracy and relevance. Supervisors noted that, while GenAI provided objective-aligned instructional guidance, it did not fully capture the complexity of classroom interactions. These findings suggest that GenAI functions as a support tool rather than an autonomous feedback mechanism, underscoring the importance of human judgment in AI-assisted supervisory feedback within teacher education. Full article

This qualitative content analysis investigates how preservice teachers (PSTs) curate primary sources in early childhood and elementary social studies contexts, revealing the ideological implications of their instructional choices. Drawing on 347 selections submitted by 103 PSTs in a scaffolded, inquiry-based assignment, the study analyzes whether selections perpetuate dominant cultural narratives or reflect counternarratives and culturally sustaining practices. Findings indicate that while nearly half of all sources aligned with White, male, Eurocentric perspectives, a significant subset engaged historically marginalized voices, suggesting emergent but uneven commitments to inclusive representation. Selections varied in depth of reflection, often shaped by archival access, curricular constraints, and unexamined pedagogical habits. Grounded in Critical Educational Theory, Reflective Teaching Practices, and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, the study highlights the ideological weight of source selection and the need for teacher preparation programs to scaffold reflective, justice-oriented engagement with historical materials. These findings contribute to ongoing conversations about equity, civic responsibility, and culturally responsive teaching in early social studies education. Full article

The persistent discharge of cationic dyes into aquatic systems necessitates advanced adsorbents with precisely tunable interfacial properties and high removal efficiency. Herein, we report for the first time the synthesis of composition-controlled sulfonated polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on polystyrene (PSt) and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) via a surfactant-free precipitation polymerization approach. Our findings showed that the NPs exhibited well-defined composition-dependent evolution in physicochemical properties, with hydrodynamic size decreasing from 1224 to 327 nm and surface charge rising from −36.1 to −51.0 mV with increasing PAMPS content. Furthermore, adsorption performance toward methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) demonstrated strong dependence on surface charge density, with removal efficiencies of 97–98% at low initial dye concentrations (10–20 mg L⁻¹) and still above 82–87% at a higher initial concentration (100 mg L⁻¹). At low initial dye concentrations (10–20 mg L⁻¹), the most highly sulfonated nanoparticles (NP-PSt/AMPS-50) reach equilibrium capacities of approximately 9.25–971 mg g⁻¹, while at 100 mg L⁻¹, the capacities increase to about 82–86 mg g⁻¹ for both MB and CV. Notably, the adsorption capacity (q_e) increases systematically with the sulfonation degree, reflecting enhanced ion-exchange capacity and accessibility of surface-exposed –SO₃⁻ functionalities. Rapid uptake behavior is observed, with >60–70% removal achieved within 15 min and equilibrium established within 100–120 min. Importantly, the enhanced adsorption performance of NPs can be attributed to their self-organized core–shell-like architecture. Considering this structure, hydrophobic PSt-rich domains form the particle interior, while PAMPS segments are localized at particle–water interface, creating a sulfonate-enriched surface layer. This enhances active-site accessibility and electrostatic interactions with cationic dyes. The composition-dependent evolution of sulfonate functional groups, as evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy, along with the systematic decrease in hydrodynamic size and increase in zeta potential magnitude with increasing AMPS content, collectively indicate the surface localization of charged PAMPS segments. Overall, our findings provide a mechanistic framework for the rational design of charge-regulated polymeric nano adsorbents and highlight the potential of PSt/PAMPS NPs as scalable and sustainable materials for cationic dye removal in wastewater treatment systems. Full article

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) resources and robotics tools in education is considered vital for interdisciplinary fields to enhance the quality of the teaching and learning process. It also helps transform assessment techniques and revolutionize the whole pedagogical setting of science teacher education, in particular, AI and robotics integration in the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects’ courses at the primary level. In this study, a scoping review was conducted involving seventeen peer-reviewed research papers published from 2021 to 2025. Efforts are being made to find the current perceptions and practices of preservice teachers (PSTs) at the primary level (Years 1–6; ages 6–12 in the Australian context) regarding the use of AI and robotics resources, for example, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), foundational robotics and AI-driven robotics in teaching STEM subjects. Findings indicate that there was a significant gap in primary PSTs’ perspectives regarding their pedagogical practices to integrate STEM. As such, this influences future teachers’ knowledge, understanding, AI acceptance, and attitude toward the integration of smart AI and robotics resources in STEM classrooms. Policymakers and teachers’ education providers should align advanced technological AI resources and robotics applications with STEM curriculum guidelines and preservice teachers’ professional training programs within primary school education. Full article

This paper presents a physics-informed Deep Q-Network (DQN) framework for optimizing the deployment of 100 vortex bladeless turbines (VBTs) in a Saharan microgrid. The proposed approach integrates wake interaction modeling, land-use constraints, techno-economic factors, and power quality (PQ) indicators at the point of common coupling. The novelty lies in coupling aerodynamic modeling with reinforcement learning and grid constraints. Results show that dense layouts (≤400 m²) yield up to 41% gains but degrade PQ (Pst > 1.0, THD > 5%). An optimal range of 500–800 m² achieves stable performance with moderate gains (6–9%) and acceptable PQ. Larger surfaces (>1000 m²) show limited benefits (<4%). The framework supports efficient and sustainable wind deployment in constrained environments. Full article

The Arabidopsis thaliana Heat Shock Protein-Related (AtHSPR) gene participates in plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance, while its role in biotic stress resistance remains unclear. Here, we report that the athspr mutant is sensitive to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000, whereas over-expression of AtHSPR enhances the defense of Arabidopsis against the pathogen. AtHSPR expression was induced by treatment with Pst DC3000, flg22, or salicylic acid (SA). Transcriptome analysis showed that mutation of AtHSPR changed the expression patterns of genes associated with defense response, oxidation–reduction, and SA responses, as well as transcription factors. The biochemical evidence revealed that AtHSPR interacted with Thimet Oligopeptidase 1 (TOP1), which modulated the SA-mediated immune response. Co-expression of AtHSPR and TOP1 showed that the TOP1 protein, normally located in the chloroplasts, gathered around the nucleus in response to a pathogen. After pathogen treatment, dynamic tubular projections (stromules) were present, extending from the chloroplasts toward the nucleus, and TOP1 was observed in the nucleus, together with AtHSPR. The top1athspr double mutant had lower SA levels and was more sensitive to pathogens than the top1 and athspr single mutants. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the interaction between AtHSPR and TOP1 plays a positive role in SA-mediated plant resistance against Pst DC3000. Full article

Poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene) (PFO) applications are limited by green emission defects and imbalanced charge transport. To overcome this, novel branched polystyrene-graft-polyfluorene (PSt-g-PFO) copolymers with varying grafting densities were synthesized. The highly branched architecture induces intense steric hindrance, acting as a physical shield to isolate PFO emissive cores. This successfully suppresses detrimental interchain π–π stacking, mitigating the ~530 nm green emission. Furthermore, the moderately grafted PSt-g-PFO2 promotes locally ordered crystalline packing, achieving a maximum electron mobility of 6.16 × 10⁻⁶ cm²/(V·s), an order of magnitude higher than linear PFO. This structural design effectively decouples deleterious aggregation from charge transport. Full article

The objective of this study is to explore the beliefs of teacher educators (TE) and pre-service teachers (PST) regarding cultural diversity and its relationship with teaching-learning practices, to contribute to strengthening Initial Teacher Education (ITE) with an intercultural approach. A quantitative observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional pilot study was conducted using a survey administered to 230 PST and TE from 18 Chilean universities. The results showed that TE exhibited higher levels of negative beliefs (d = 1.00; p < 0.001) and less favorable educational practices to cultural diversity (p = 0.012). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in favorable educational practices, a trend toward higher scores was identified among PST. Regression models indicated that the teaching role was significantly associated with negative beliefs, whereas the other variables showed no significant associations. Overall, the findings suggest a dissociation between stated and structural beliefs regarding cultural diversity, which may influence the implementation of intercultural pedagogical practices in teacher education. They underscore the need to strengthen intercultural training—particularly among TE—through critical reflection to align beliefs and pedagogical practices, and to advance future research on the evolution of these beliefs and their impact on teaching practice. Full article

Wheat powdery mildew and stripe rust, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), respectively, are two devastating diseases that threaten global wheat production. Long-term reliance on a limited number of resistance genes can accelerate resistance breakdown. Triticum urartu (2n = 14, A^uA^u), the progenitor of the wheat A subgenome, serves as a valuable gene pool for disease resistance. In this study, we identified three T. urartu accessions exhibiting high resistance to Bgt and Pst. Molecular marker analysis indicated that PI 428215 and PI 428315 carry Pm60b, whereas CITR 17664 carries both Pm60 and YrU1. Durum–T. urartu amphiploids (AABBA^uA^u) displayed resistance responses identical to their T. urartu parent and were used as bridges to transfer these resistance genes into a common wheat (AABBDD) background. Using marker-assisted selection (MAS), recurrent backcrossing, selfing, and phenotypic screening, we developed wheat lines carrying Pm60, Pm60b, YrU1, or Pm60 + YrU1. Segregation analysis in backcross-derived populations supported the functionality of these genes in the common wheat background. The selected introgression lines have high resistance to Bgt and Pst and showed no obvious adverse agronomic effects, providing useful germplasm for wheat disease resistance breeding. This study used a “multi-resistance, multi-combination” pyramiding strategy by MAS to introduce resistance genes from wild wheat into common wheat. Full article

As China experiences rapid population aging, promoting high-quality tourism for older adults has become essential for enhancing elderly well-being, improving inclusive and age-friendly tourism services, supporting culture–tourism integration, and fostering sustainable destination development. Drawing on the global literature on smart tourism, digital inclusion for older adults, and service quality in aging societies, this study investigates how digital empowerment (DE) influences the high-quality development of silver tourism (HDST) in Hubei Province, China. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to survey data from 702 elderly respondents, incorporating cultural tourism integration (CTI), age-friendly service adaptation (ASA), and perception of silver tourists (PST), with family support (FS) and policy support (PS) as key moderating variables. The results indicate that DE significantly promotes HDST through ASA and PST, while FS and PS play important moderating roles. These findings provide practical guidance for tourism practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance age-friendly digital services, improve the tourism experience for older adults, and support the sustainable development of silver tourism. Full article

To investigate the dynamics of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) and tetrodotoxins (TTX) in scallops, PSTs and TTX were analyzed in the hemolymph supernatant (hemolymph-S) and digestive gland in Yesso and Akazara scallops cultured in eastern Japan. In Yesso scallops sampled between 22 April 2025 and 21 October 2025, the PST concentrations in the hemolymph-S were 1.6–17% of those in the digestive gland, showing a positive correlation (r = 0.753). However, the PST composition in the hemolymph-S and digestive gland differed; the hemolymph-S composition initially resembled that of laboratory-cultured dinoflagellates, coinciding with typical onset of toxic dinoflagellate blooms in late April. Following this period, the PST composition in the hemolymph-S gradually converged with that of the digestive gland, via chemical transformation in the digestive gland followed by release into the hemolymph. The ratios of 11β-OSO₃H toxins (C2, GTX4, GTX3) to 11α-OSO₃H toxins (C1, GTX1, GTX2), which exist in chemical equilibrium, exhibited a similar trend. TTX was detected in both tissues of Yesso and Akazara scallops collected from 28 August 2025 to 27 January 2026, with the hemolymph-S concentration being 0.5–5.4% of that in the digestive gland. These results suggest that these toxins are sequestered into the digestive gland from the PST-producing dinoflagellates and certain TTX-bearing organisms, and then they partially flow into the hemolymph for circulation throughout the body. Full article

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is increasingly used within Initial Teacher Education (ITE) to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing pre-service teachers’ (PSTs) preparedness for the complexities of classroom practice. Despite its growing adoption, limited research has examined how simulation design shapes PSTs’ learning experiences. This study addresses this gap by exploring PSTs’ experiences of two low-technology simulation modalities, mixed-media and multiple-choice formats, implemented within undergraduate primary ITE programmes at two UK universities. Using a sequential mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected from 249 PSTs through the Educational Practices Questionnaire for Teacher Educators (EPQ-TE) and the Preparing Educators for Practice in Simulation Questionnaire (PEPS-Q), alongside qualitative data from open-text survey responses and focus groups. Findings indicate that PSTs reported high levels of perceived quality, engagement, and preparedness across both modalities, with no statistically significant differences between formats or institutions. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to explore simulation design features valued by PSTs, identifying three key themes: authenticity and realism, the benefits and challenges of peer collaboration, and the role of scaffolding and feedback in supporting professional learning. These findings suggest that learning in SBL emerges through the interaction of scenario design, learner participation, and tutor facilitation, offering practical insights for teacher educators seeking to design and implement simulation-based learning within ITE, as well as recommendations for future research. Full article

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are prevalent, affecting 1% of live births globally. Despite improved survival rates, adults with CHD face increased risks of psychological distress and neurocognitive deficits. The P-BAHn study (P-BAHn = “Psyche Bei Angeborenen Herzfehlern”, Psyche for congenital heart defects) evaluates the mental health status and psychosocial challenges of German children and adolescents with CHD, focusing on retrospectively assessed COVID-19-related burden and patient-/parent-rated experiences with psychological, psychotherapeutic, or psychiatric treatment (PST). Methods: A cross-sectional, online-based survey was conducted using the National Register for Congenital Heart Defects (NRCHD). The final dataset comprised 1567 respondent-level records from 1310 families, including 992 parent reports and 575 self-reports from children/adolescents aged 6 to <18 years. The survey assessed mental health, emotional well-being, psychosocial status, demographics, medical history, and psychological treatment. Data were analyzed descriptively using chi-square tests and t-tests for exploratory unadjusted group comparisons. In addition, exploratory multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for selected key outcomes. Results: School-related stress was common in young CHD patients (45.3%) and was associated with older age and female sex (51.5% female vs. 35.6% male) in adjusted analyses. Overall, 17.0% of patients reported having a mental illness, most commonly anxiety (6.8%), eating disorders (5.6%), and depression (4.7%); neither sex nor CHD severity was significantly associated with self-reported mental illness in adjusted analyses. Less good/poor self-rated health was associated with older age and complex CHD in both patient and parent reports. Retrospectively assessed pandemic-related changes were perceived as quite or extremely stressful by 23.9% of patients. High COVID-19-related burden was associated with female sex, whereas CHD severity was not significant after adjustment. Among patients with previous or current PST, patient- and parent-rated treatment benefit varied by patient sex and CHD complexity. Previous/current PST was reported by 25.9% of patients and 23.8% of parents and was associated with older age in both respondent groups and with complex CHD in parent reports. Among patients with previous/current PST, 56.4% reported high perceived support. Conclusions: The P-BAHn study highlights the need for targeted psychosocial support for children and adolescents with CHD, including female patients, those with complex conditions, and patients reporting school- or crisis-related burden. Retrospectively reported pandemic-related burden underscores the importance of integrating crisis-sensitive strategies into psychosocial care frameworks. Longitudinal studies are essential to understand mental health trajectories and to evaluate the sustained patient- and parent-perceived benefit as well as clinical effectiveness of PST use. Enhancing support services and refining intervention models will improve the well-being and quality of life for young CHD patients. Full article