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18 pages, 909 KB  
Review
The Impact of a Mathematical Mindset Approach on Learning
by Jo Boaler and Jack Dieckmann
Encyclopedia 2026, 6(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6010020 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Since the introduction of Carol Dweck’s landmark work in mindset, many scholars have studied the impact of a change in mindset on learning, behavior, and health. National and international large-scale studies have validated the consistent correlation between learners developing a growth mindset (knowing [...] Read more.
Since the introduction of Carol Dweck’s landmark work in mindset, many scholars have studied the impact of a change in mindset on learning, behavior, and health. National and international large-scale studies have validated the consistent correlation between learners developing a growth mindset (knowing that they can learn and improve) and performance on learning outcomes and longer-term learning behaviors. Whilst mindset interventions can have a positive impact on student learning, recent years have shown the need for more than a change in messaging. For widescale and lasting improvements in mathematics learning, messages need to be specific to mathematics, and delivered through a change in teaching approach, with mindset ideas infused through teaching practices and through assessment. This paper shares the evidence on the need for a “mathematical mindset” approach and the wide scale benefits that the approach promises to bring about. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Sciences)
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23 pages, 350 KB  
Review
WADD-SEPD Consensus on Psychological Treatment of Dual Disorders I: General Recommendations, Most Used Therapies, and Severe Mental Disorders
by Ana Benito, Susana Jiménez-Murcia, Judit Tirado-Muñoz and Ana Adan
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020730 (registering DOI) - 16 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The treatment of dual disorders (DDs) must be comprehensive and multidisciplinary. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychotherapy in their treatment. However, clinical guidelines, consensus statements, and reviews on the treatment of DDs typically devote considerably less space to psychological [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The treatment of dual disorders (DDs) must be comprehensive and multidisciplinary. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychotherapy in their treatment. However, clinical guidelines, consensus statements, and reviews on the treatment of DDs typically devote considerably less space to psychological therapy than to pharmacological therapy. Therefore, this work aimed to synthesize the available evidence, recommendations, and clinical experience on the psychological treatment of DDs to reach a consensus. Methods: Two consensus methods were sequentially implemented: the nominal group technique and the Delphi method. Results: The first part of this consensus review encompassed a compilation of general recommendations for the psychological treatment of DDs, evidence on the efficacy of the most frequently used therapies, and recommendations for the psychological treatment of severe dual mental disorders. These disorders include schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorders. Conclusions: (1) Psychological treatment is effective; (2) integrated psychological treatment is more effective; (3) motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention are the psychological interventions with the most supporting evidence; (4) the best alternative is multicomponent strategies; (5) the most frequently studied severe mental disorders are schizophrenia and depression; (6) for dual schizophrenia, motivational interviewing and integrated cognitive behavioral therapy combined with other components are recommended; (7) for dual depression, cognitive behavioral therapy with relapse prevention or motivational interviewing is recommended; (8) for dual bipolar disorder, group therapies with psychoeducation or relapse prevention and inclusion of the family, contingency management, and family intervention are recommended; (9) more empirical evidence is needed, especially for obsessive compulsive and schizoaffective disorders; and (10) more randomized clinical trials are needed to improve current methodological limitations. Full article
38 pages, 54018 KB  
Article
Adsorption of Copper (II) from Real Textile Wastewater Using Natural and Waste Materials
by Martyna Gloc, Zdzisława Mrozińska, Marcin H. Kudzin, Iwona Kucińska-Król, Katarzyna Paździor and Magdalena Olak-Kucharczyk
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020905 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Heavy metals are major toxic anthropogenic contaminants released into the environment mainly through wastewater discharges. Adsorption is one of the most effective and widely applied methods for their removal from aqueous systems. However, although activated carbon is commonly used, its high cost and [...] Read more.
Heavy metals are major toxic anthropogenic contaminants released into the environment mainly through wastewater discharges. Adsorption is one of the most effective and widely applied methods for their removal from aqueous systems. However, although activated carbon is commonly used, its high cost and limited regenerability motivate the search for cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives. In this study, selected natural and waste-derived materials were evaluated for Cu2+ removal from both model solutions and atypical textile wastewater. Coffee grounds, chestnut seeds, acorns, potato peels, eggshells, marine shells, and poultry bones were tested and compared with commercial activated carbon. Their structural and functional properties were characterised using specific surface area measurements, optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and FTIR analyses. Two adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were used to analyse the experimental data for the selected adsorbents, and model parameters were determined by linear regression. Based on model solution tests, two materials showed the highest Cu2+ sorption potential: coarse poultry bones (97.0% at 24 h) and fine cockle shells (96.2% at 24 h). When applied to real textile wastewater, the bone-derived material achieved the highest Cu2+ removal efficiency (79.4%). Although this efficiency is lower than typical values obtained in laboratory solutions, it demonstrates the feasibility of waste-derived materials as low-cost adsorbents and suggests that further optimisation could further improve their performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment)
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21 pages, 830 KB  
Article
Predicting Breast Cancer Mortality Using SEER Data: A Comparative Analysis of L1-Logistic Regression and Neural Networks
by Mayra Cruz-Fernandez, Francisco Antonio Castillo-Velásquez, Carlos Fuentes-Silva, Omar Rodríguez-Abreo, Rafael Rojas-Galván, Marcos Avilés and Juvenal Rodríguez-Reséndiz
Technologies 2026, 14(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14010066 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide, motivating the development of transparent and reproducible risk models for clinical decision making. Using the open-access SEER Breast Cancer dataset (November 2017 release), we analyzed 4005 women diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 [...] Read more.
Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide, motivating the development of transparent and reproducible risk models for clinical decision making. Using the open-access SEER Breast Cancer dataset (November 2017 release), we analyzed 4005 women diagnosed between 2006 and 2010 with infiltrating duct and lobular carcinoma (ICD-O-3 8522/3). Thirty-one clinical and demographic variables were preprocessed with one-hot encoding and z-score standardization, and the lymph node ratio was derived to characterize metastatic burden. Two supervised models, L1-regularized logistic regression and a feedforward artificial neural network, were compared under identical preprocessing, fixed 60/20/20 data splits, and stratified five-fold cross-validation. To define clinically meaningful endpoints and handle censoring, we reformulated mortality prediction as fixed-horizon classification at 3 and 5 years, and evaluated discrimination, calibration, and operating thresholds. Logistic regression demonstrated consistently strong performance, achieving test ROC-AUC values of 0.78 at 3 years and 0.75 at 5 years, with substantially superior calibration (Brier score less than or equal to 0.12, ECE less than or equal to 0.03). A structured hyperparameter search with repeated-seed evaluation identified optimal neural network architectures for each horizon, yielding test ROC-AUC values of 0.74 at 3 years and 0.73 at 5 years, but with markedly poorer calibration (ECE 0.19 to 0.23). Bootstrap analysis showed no significant AUC difference between models at 3 years, but logistic regression exhibited greater stability across folds and lower sensitivity to feature pruning. Overall, L1-regularized logistic regression provides competitive discrimination (ROC-AUC 0.75 to 0.78), markedly superior probability calibration (ECE below 0.03 versus 0.19 to 0.23 for the neural network), and approximately 40% lower cross-validation variance, supporting its use for scalable screening, risk stratification, and triage workflows on structured registry data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Assistive Technologies)
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12 pages, 1326 KB  
Article
Future Teachers Speak Up: Exploring Pre-Primary and Primary Trainees’ Beliefs About Bilingual Education Programs in Spain
by Isabel Alonso-Belmonte
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010131 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
The present exploratory study investigates how pre-primary and primary student teachers (STs) at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) perceive the impact of bilingual education programs (BEPs) on children’s learning experience. Specifically, it examines student teachers’ views on the benefits and challenges of [...] Read more.
The present exploratory study investigates how pre-primary and primary student teachers (STs) at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) perceive the impact of bilingual education programs (BEPs) on children’s learning experience. Specifically, it examines student teachers’ views on the benefits and challenges of implementing Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in pre-primary and primary education and explores whether there are differences between the opinions of the two groups. The analysis is based on data from six items of a structured questionnaire, validated in previous studies and completed by 170 prospective pre-primary and primary teachers at the UAM. The results suggest a shared perception among STs that BEPs enrich the learning experience of students in both pre-primary and primary education. Most STs recognize that CLIL enhances language proficiency and supports cognitive development, although they also point to insufficient teacher training and the low motivation of children with learning difficulties as major challenges. While no major differences emerged between the views of pre-primary and primary STs, subtle variations point to the existence of two distinct trainee profiles that determine their views on BEPs and that would require further mid-term investigation. The findings highlight areas for targeted support in teacher training programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research, Innovation, and Practice in Bilingual Education)
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16 pages, 762 KB  
Article
RAE: A Role-Based Adaptive Framework for Evaluating Automatically Generated Public Opinion Reports
by Jinzheng Yu, Yang Xu, Yifan Feng, Ligu Zhu, Hao Shen and Lei Shi
Electronics 2026, 15(2), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15020380 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Public Opinion Reports are essential tools for crisis management, yet their evaluation remains a critical bottleneck that often delays response actions. Recently, dominant Large Language Model (LLM)-based evaluators often overlook a critical challenge: highly open-ended dimensions such as “innovation” and “feasibility” require synthesizing [...] Read more.
Public Opinion Reports are essential tools for crisis management, yet their evaluation remains a critical bottleneck that often delays response actions. Recently, dominant Large Language Model (LLM)-based evaluators often overlook a critical challenge: highly open-ended dimensions such as “innovation” and “feasibility” require synthesizing diverse stakeholder perspectives, as different groups judge these qualities from fundamentally different perspectives. Motivated by this, we propose the Role-based Adaptive Evaluation (RAE) framework. This framework employs an adaptive mechanism leveraging multi-perspective evaluation insights through role-based analysis, and further introduces dynamically generated roles tailored to specific contexts for these dimensions. RAE further incorporates multi-role reasoning aggregation to minimize individual biases and enhance evaluation robustness. Extensive experiments demonstrate that RAE significantly improves alignment with human expert judgments, especially on challenging highly open-ended dimensions. Full article
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19 pages, 2936 KB  
Article
Determining the Optimal Order Quantity for Perishable Products Affected by Stochastic Transportation Delays
by Banthita Kanchanasathita, Atchara Wangpa, Apisit Pitakcheun and Chirakiat Saithong
Logistics 2026, 10(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics10010022 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: Transportation delays pose significant challenges for perishable products by reducing freshness, shortening selling duration, and causing lost sales during the delay. Methods: Motivated by the growing importance of transportation delays on perishable products, this study develops a single-period analytical expected profit expression [...] Read more.
Background: Transportation delays pose significant challenges for perishable products by reducing freshness, shortening selling duration, and causing lost sales during the delay. Methods: Motivated by the growing importance of transportation delays on perishable products, this study develops a single-period analytical expected profit expression to determine the optimal order quantity that maximizes expected profit. The model incorporates deterioration-driven price reductions, lost sales opportunities occurring during the delay, and the shortened selling duration resulting from delayed delivery, without imposing a specific probability distribution on the transportation delay duration. Results: Numerical experiments illustrate how key parameters influence the optimal order quantity and the corresponding expected profit. Deterioration reduces expected profit by primarily reducing the selling price. In addition, a higher disruption probability reduces both the optimal order quantity and the expected profit, while longer selling durations result in larger order quantities and yield higher expected profits. A low initial selling price can result in negative expected profit, indicating cases where placing the order is inappropriate. Conclusions: The findings offer managerial implications for determining optimal order quantities that maximize profit under transportation delays for perishable products. Full article
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26 pages, 2592 KB  
Article
Impact of Transformational Leadership on New-Generation Construction Workers’ Safety Behavior: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
by Hui Zeng, Xianglong Jiang, Qiaoxin Liang, Minwei Li and Yuanyuan Tian
Buildings 2026, 16(2), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020354 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
In recent years, despite the continuous improvement of China’s construction safety management systems and the adoption of advanced technologies, safety accidents remain frequent. This shift highlights the growing importance of human factors in construction safety. As the main labor force, the new generation [...] Read more.
In recent years, despite the continuous improvement of China’s construction safety management systems and the adoption of advanced technologies, safety accidents remain frequent. This shift highlights the growing importance of human factors in construction safety. As the main labor force, the new generation of construction workers differs significantly from previous generations in values and motivation, reducing the effectiveness of traditional safety management models. This study investigates the direct effect of transformational leadership on the safety behavior of new-generation construction workers. Using survey data collected from construction enterprises in Guangdong Province, China, and applying structural equation modeling (SEM), the results reveal that transformational leadership has a significant positive impact on safety behavior. All four dimensions—idealized influence, inspirational motivation, idealized influence (charisma) and individualized consideration—positively influence both safety compliance and participation, with inspirational motivation exerting the strongest effect (β = 0.509 for compliance; β = 0.446 for participation). These findings indicate that leaders who articulate a compelling shared vision can effectively internalize safety norms and motivate proactive safety participation. This study enriches theoretical understanding of safety leadership mechanisms and provides practical guidance for construction enterprises to enhance safety performance through cultivating transformational leadership among managers. Full article
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13 pages, 248 KB  
Article
Meaning in Life Is Associated with Differing Motivations to Use Social Networking Sites
by Roshan Rai, Mei-I Cheng and Jonathan Farnell
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16010120 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Research often emphasises dysfunctional Social Networking Site (SNS) usage. In contrast, the current research examined a more positive element of human functioning, specifically how motivations to use SNSs may be associated with meaning in life, which can help give purpose and direction to [...] Read more.
Research often emphasises dysfunctional Social Networking Site (SNS) usage. In contrast, the current research examined a more positive element of human functioning, specifically how motivations to use SNSs may be associated with meaning in life, which can help give purpose and direction to people’s lives. A sample of 384 undergraduate students (aged 18 to 50; M = 20.95; SD = 4.95; 81.5% females) completed questionnaire-based measures of motivations to use SNSs, self-reported time spent on SNSs, and meaning in life (coherence, purpose, and mattering). Multiple regressions showed that models for coherence, purpose, and mattering explained 5.8–8.8% of the variance (R2 = 0.058–0.088). Self-expression was positively associated with coherence (β = 0.128), purpose (β = 0.16), and mattering (β = 0.137). Following/monitoring others predicted higher coherence (β = 0.158), and using SNSs to find information predicted higher purpose (β = 0.12). Academic purposes were positively related to mattering (β = 0.12). By contrast, using SNSs for new friendships predicted lower coherence (β = −0.197) and mattering (β = −0.154), entertainment predicted lower coherence (β = −0.178), and greater time on SNSs predicted lower purpose (β = −0.186). Overall, different motivations for using SNSs are associated with different facets of meaning in life. Full article
23 pages, 609 KB  
Article
Luxury Travel Retail Experiences of Chinese Tourists: Extending the Luxury Customer Experience Framework and Proposing the TRACE Model
by Zhiying Li and Roberto Cigolini
Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7010022 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
International shopping is a significant motive for outbound travel; however, evidence on the experiential drivers of luxury travel retail among Chinese luxury travelers remains limited. This study investigates the factors shaping overseas shopping experiences and assesses the adequacy of the luxury customer experience [...] Read more.
International shopping is a significant motive for outbound travel; however, evidence on the experiential drivers of luxury travel retail among Chinese luxury travelers remains limited. This study investigates the factors shaping overseas shopping experiences and assesses the adequacy of the luxury customer experience (LCX) framework in this episodic, time-constrained, cross-border context. A quantitative survey of Chinese luxury travelers (N = 407) was conducted and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version [30.0], Mac) within the LCX framework. The results show that modern artistic visual merchandising positively predicts overall experience evaluation (β = 0.162, p < 0.001), and emotional connection significantly predicts repurchase intention (β = 0.197, p < 0.001). We find that overall experience evaluation and subsequent behavioral responses are shaped by specific drivers, including service-related post-purchase factors, emotional fulfillment and brand trust, visual appeal, and affective/cognitive evaluations. These results point to possible gaps in theory when LCX is used in short-term travel retail contexts. To address these gaps, we propose the transient experience, relationship quality, action outcomes, connection, and engagement (TRACE) conceptual framework for analyzing feedback-driven encounters throughout the travel experience. Overall, this study extends LCX to episodic, time-constrained contexts and introduces TRACE as a conceptual complementary model to guide future theory testing and model validation in luxury travel retail contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Customer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality)
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12 pages, 216 KB  
Brief Report
Enhancing Interactive Teaching for the Next Generation of Nurses: Generative-AI-Assisted Design of a Full-Day Professional Development Workshop
by Su-I Hou
Informatics 2026, 13(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics13010011 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Introduction: Nursing educators and clinical leaders face persistent challenges in engaging the next generation of nurses, often characterized by short attention spans, frequent phone use, and underdeveloped communication skills. This article describes the design and delivery of a full-day interactive teaching workshop for [...] Read more.
Introduction: Nursing educators and clinical leaders face persistent challenges in engaging the next generation of nurses, often characterized by short attention spans, frequent phone use, and underdeveloped communication skills. This article describes the design and delivery of a full-day interactive teaching workshop for nursing faculty, senior clinical nurses, and nurse leaders, developed using a design-thinking approach supported by generative AI. Methods: The workshop comprised four thematic sessions: (1) Learning styles across generations, (2) Interactive teaching methods, (3) Application of interactive teaching strategies, and (4) Lesson planning and transfer. Generative AI was used during planning to create icebreakers, discussion prompts, clinical teaching scenarios, and application templates. Design decisions emphasized low-tech, low-prep strategies suitable for spontaneous clinical teaching, thereby reducing barriers to adoption. Activities included emoji-card introductions, quick generational polls, colored-paper reflections, portable whiteboard brainstorming, role plays, fishbowl discussions, gallery walks, and movement-based group exercises. Participants (N = 37) were predominantly female (95%) and represented multiple generations of X, Y, and Z. Mid- and end-of-workshop reflection prompts were embedded within Sessions 2 and 4, with participants recording their responses on colored papers, which were then compiled into a single Word document for thematic analysis. Results: Thematic analysis of 59 mid- and end-workshop reflections revealed six interconnected themes, grouped into three categories: (1) engagement and experiential learning, (2) practical applicability and generational awareness, and (3) facilitation, environment, and motivation. Participants emphasized the workshop’s lively pace and hands-on design. Experiencing strategies firsthand built confidence for application, while generational awareness encouraged reflection on adapting methods for younger learners. The facilitator’s passion, personable approach, and structured use of peer learning created a psychologically safe and motivating climate, leaving participants recharged and inspired to integrate interactive methods. Discussion: The workshop illustrates how AI-assisted, design-thinking-driven professional development can model effective strategies for next-generation learners. When paired with skilled facilitation, AI-supported planning enhances engagement, fosters reflective practice, and promotes immediate transfer of interactive strategies into diverse teaching settings. Full article
18 pages, 1062 KB  
Article
Evaluating the Antiproliferative Effects of Tri(2-Furyl)- and Triphenylphosphine-Gold(I) Pyridyl- and Pyrimidine-Thiolate Complexes
by Kyle Logan Wilhelm, Shyam Pokhrel, Drew Stolpman, Charli Worth, Sonal Mehta, Raul A. Villacob, Bernd Zechmann, Ahmad A. L. Ahmad, Joseph Taube, Mitchell R. M. Bruce, Alice E. Bruce and Touradj Solouki
Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010154 - 15 Jan 2026
Abstract
Two series of tri(2-furyl)- and triphenylphosphine-gold(I) complexes, with pyridyl- and pyrimidine-thiolate ligands containing electron-donating (-CH3) and electron-withdrawing (-CF3) substituents were synthesized and investigated for cell viability inhibitions. Prior results indicate that several of the gold(I) complexes in these series [...] Read more.
Two series of tri(2-furyl)- and triphenylphosphine-gold(I) complexes, with pyridyl- and pyrimidine-thiolate ligands containing electron-donating (-CH3) and electron-withdrawing (-CF3) substituents were synthesized and investigated for cell viability inhibitions. Prior results indicate that several of the gold(I) complexes in these series have high antifungal properties. The observed link between antifungal and anticancer activity provided motivation to investigate their antiproliferative effects, reported here. The synthesized compounds from both series were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and solution stability studies. In addition, an X-ray crystallographic study was conducted on one of the gold(I) complexes. Analyte solubilities in McCoy’s 5A cell media were evaluated by ICP-MS. Initial screening studies were conducted on the two series to evaluate cell viability using the SK-BR-3 cell line. All ten gold(I) complexes exhibited sub-µM cytotoxicity and the most potent representatives, one from each series, were selected for further evaluation in four additional cell lines. Half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) were determined for the MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 malignant mammary cell lines as well as the two control cell lines, HEK293T and MCF10A, to probe for specificity. Results indicate significant selectivity towards inhibition of cancer cells compared to non-transformed for tri(2-furyl)- and triphenylphosphine-gold(I) complexes with the 3,5-dimethylpyrimidine thiolate ligand when dissolved in cell media. Additional studies including 1% DMSO as a solubilizing agent revealed its significant impact on cellular responses. Full article
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24 pages, 5255 KB  
Article
Analysis of Wear Behavior Between Tire Rubber and Silicone Rubber
by Juana Abenojar, Miguel Angel Martínez and Daniel García-Pozuelo
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020878 - 14 Jan 2026
Abstract
Vulcanized NR-SBR is widely used in vehicle components; however, its irreversible crosslinking limits recyclability and contributes to the large number of tires discarded annually worldwide, and in this context, this work presents an experimental comparative assessment of the tribological behavior of conventional tire [...] Read more.
Vulcanized NR-SBR is widely used in vehicle components; however, its irreversible crosslinking limits recyclability and contributes to the large number of tires discarded annually worldwide, and in this context, this work presents an experimental comparative assessment of the tribological behavior of conventional tire rubber and silicone VMQ, motivated by a wheel concept based on a detachable tread aimed at improving durability and sustainability rather than proposing an immediate material substitution. Wear and friction behavior were investigated under abrasive and self-friction conditions using pin-on-disk testing with an abrasive counterpart representative of asphalt, supported by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that NR-SBR undergoes severe abrasive and erosive wear, characterized by deep and irregular wear tracks, pronounced fluctuations in the dynamic friction coefficient, and strong sensitivity to load and sliding speed, particularly during the initial stages of track formation. In contrast, VMQ exhibits mild abrasive wear dominated by viscoelastic deformation, leading to shallow and stable wear tracks, lower friction coefficients, and significantly reduced material loss once the contact track is fully developed. These differences are attributed to the distinct mechanical responses of the elastomers, as the higher hardness and limited strain capacity of rubber promote micro-tearing and unstable material removal, while the high elasticity of silicone enables stress redistribution and stable contact conditions under abrasive loading. UV aging increases stiffness of rubber, resulting in reduced wear and friction, while silicone remains largely unaffected after 750 h due to the stability of its Si–O–Si backbone. Self-friction tests further indicate that smooth silicone sliding against rubber yields the lowest friction values, highlighting a favorable material pairing for detachable tread concepts. Factorial design analysis confirms material type as the dominant factor influencing both wear and friction. Overall, for the specific materials and operating conditions investigated, VMQ demonstrates higher durability, greater tribological stability, and improved aging resistance compared to NR-SBR, providing experimental evidence that supports its potential for long-life, more sustainable detachable tread applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science and Engineering)
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27 pages, 409 KB  
Article
Adaptive e-Learning for Number Theory: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability, Perceived Learning Outcomes, and Engagement
by Péter Négyesi, Ilona Oláhné Téglási, Tünde Lengyelné Molnár and Réka Racsko
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010127 - 14 Jan 2026
Abstract
This study developed and evaluated an adaptive e-learning environment for selected number theory topics using a mixed-methods research design, conducted over an eleven-month period across secondary and early tertiary education contexts. The evaluation focused on three primary outcome domains: (1) learning-related outcomes (problem-solving [...] Read more.
This study developed and evaluated an adaptive e-learning environment for selected number theory topics using a mixed-methods research design, conducted over an eleven-month period across secondary and early tertiary education contexts. The evaluation focused on three primary outcome domains: (1) learning-related outcomes (problem-solving accuracy and task success rate), (2) learner engagement and activity indicators (daily logins and tasks completed per day), and (3) system usability, assessed according to Jakob Nielsen’s usability dimensions. Quantitative data were collected through student and teacher questionnaires (N = 264 students; N = 52 teachers) and large-scale logfile analytics comprising more than 825,000 recorded system interactions. Qualitative feedback from students and teachers complemented the quantitative analyses. The results indicate statistically significant increases in learner activity, task completion rates, and problem-solving success following the introduction of the adaptive system, as demonstrated by inferential statistical analyses with confidence intervals. Post-use evaluations further indicated high levels of learner motivation and self-confidence, along with positive perceptions of system usability. Teachers evaluated the system positively in terms of learnability, efficiency, and instructional integration. Logfile analyses also revealed sustained growth in daily engagement and task success over time. Overall, the findings suggest that adaptive e-learning environments can effectively support engagement, usability, and learning-related performance in number theory education, although further research is required to examine the sustainability of learning-related outcomes over extended periods and to further refine error-handling mechanisms. Full article
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18 pages, 494 KB  
Article
Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture as Instruments for Managing the Eighth Loss of the LEAN Model in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
by Aleksandra Anđelić, Ivana Nobilo, Sara Koprivica and Minja Bolesnikov
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020834 - 14 Jan 2026
Abstract
This study examines how leadership styles and organizational culture influence the eighth Lean waste—unused human potential—in contemporary organizations operating within the context of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Using quantitative research design and a sample of 200 employees from public and private sectors, the [...] Read more.
This study examines how leadership styles and organizational culture influence the eighth Lean waste—unused human potential—in contemporary organizations operating within the context of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Using quantitative research design and a sample of 200 employees from public and private sectors, the results show that leadership styles and cultural dimensions significantly predict five categories of human-potential losses: creativity, innovation, motivation, communication, and role clarity. Autocratic and task-oriented leadership styles exhibit positive associations with these losses, while democratic and people-oriented leadership exhibit predominantly negative associations. Organizational culture dimensions, particularly involvement, adaptability, and mission, strongly reduce human-potential losses. Although AI is not measured as an empirical variable, it is considered as a contextual factor that heightens the importance of human-centered leadership and adaptive cultures. The study contributes to Lean management research by integrating behavioral, cultural, and contemporary technological perspectives and highlights practical implications for managing human potential in an evolving technological environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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