Search Results (1,783)

As quantum technologies advance, there is growing international interest in integrating quantum concepts into secondary education. However, most K-12 quantum education studies rely on self-reported data or informal assessments lacking documented validity. This study aimed to address this gap by developing and validating the Quantum Literacy Test (QLt), a standardized instrument designed to objectively assess upper-secondary students’ understanding of foundational quantum concepts, practices, and perspectives. Grounded in the computational thinking (CT) framework, the QLt was piloted with 819 senior secondary school students in Nigeria and underwent a multi-phase validation process, including expert review, factor analysis, item-response modeling, differential item functioning analysis, and concurrent validity. The QLt demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.87) and structural validity. Strong concurrent validity was observed with the Computational Thinking Test (r = 0.65), and moderate validity was observed with a Spatial Ability Test (r = 0.32). However, machine learning models explained less than 40% of QLt score variance, suggesting the domain-specific nature of quantum literacy. We recommend future research to expand the QLt across diverse cultural contexts and to increase item coverage of quantum practices and perspectives. The QLt offers a valuable tool for evaluating curriculum effectiveness and monitoring equity in quantum education, thereby contributing to a more inclusive quantum-ready workforce. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ageism is a pervasive form of prejudice that undermines health, social participation, and intergenerational solidarity, yet validated research tools for measuring ageism are lacking in many countries. The Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) is one of the widely used instruments, but its psychometric properties have not previously been examined in the Czech context. This study aimed to translate the 29-item FSA, evaluate its reliability and validity, and describe ageism across generations. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey based on face-to-face interviews was conducted in March 2024 among the Czech population aged 15–74 years (n = 1096). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, internal consistency indices (Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, Composite Reliability, Average Variance Extracted), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on a random half-sample, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the second half. Construct validity was also examined. Results: The Czech FSA showed very good distributional characteristics with no floor or ceiling effects and excellent internal consistency (α = 0.949; subscales α = 0.848–0.898). EFA replicated the original three-factor structure (Antilocution, Avoidance, and Discrimination) explaining 57.6% of variance. CFA supported this structure with good-to-excellent model fit. FSA scores increased systematically from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, indicating higher ageism among younger cohorts. Higher fear of old age, lower education, an earlier subjective boundary of old age, and absence of an older co-resident were associated with higher ageism scores. Conclusions: The Czech version of the FSA is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing ageist attitudes in the Czech population. Its robust psychometric properties and sensitivity to theoretically relevant correlates support its use for monitoring ageism, evaluating interventions, and enabling cross-national comparisons in aging research and policy. Full article

This study analyzes how Entrepreneurship Education Programs (EEPs) are discussed in the scientific literature, focusing on their relationship with social entrepreneurship, socioeconomic inclusion, sustainable development, and economic growth. The study adopts a narrative literature review with an analytical approach, drawing from nationally and internationally recognized databases. Additionally, this study distinguishes entrepreneurship education from social entrepreneurship, recognizing that while both share core values, they require distinct educational strategies and institutional support. The results were categorized into seven analytical dimensions, allowing a comprehensive evaluation of the relevance, challenges, best practices, and future perspectives of EEPs in higher education. Good practices were identified, as well as the importance of strengthening community networks and adopting active methodologies and emerging technologies as strategies to expand the programs’ impact. Practical recommendations were organized by target audiences—including educators, policymakers, institutional managers, and researchers—to support more inclusive and context-sensitive, and growth-oriented implementation of EEPs. This study reinforces the relevance of EEPs as instruments of social transformation and sustainable development, and recommends further investigation into the impacts of EEP on vulnerable communities, and developing more effective inclusion strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many studies in the literature are increasingly focusing on how genes influence the development of individual behaviors and personality traits through genome sequencing. Most research indicates that complex behaviors and their characteristics are influenced by multiple genes, highlighting the crucial role of genetic studies in this field. Behavioral genetics, as a scientific discipline, investigates how genetic factors shape individuals’ behaviors and personality traits. The concepts of violence and aggression, observable in various contexts, have been extensively studied, with a particular focus on the underlying causes of these behaviors. In sports, where physical strength plays a significant role, regulations designed to prevent violent behaviors and aggressive attitudes contribute to the establishment of appropriate behavior patterns and discipline. Methods: This study aims to identify correlations between polymorphisms found in athletes and their responses to questionnaires, focusing on candidate genes known to influence personality and behavior traits, such as catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), serotonin transporter (5-HTT), monoamine oxidase (MAO-A), and serotonin 1A transporter (5-HT1A). A total of twenty licensed athletes participated in the study. Participants completed three standardized instruments: the Sportsmanship Behavior Scale (27 items), the Sports Emotion Scale (22 items), and the Anger-Control Scale (34 items). Following the acquisition of informed consent, buccal swab samples were collected for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis targeting the COMT, MAO-A, 5- HT1A, and 5-HTT genes. Subsequent to sample collection and questionnaire administration, statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationships among behavioral measures and genetic variants. Results: Overall, the findings point to gene-specific patterns in 5-HTT, MAO-A, and COMT, while no clear pattern emerged for 5-HT1A. Conclusions: Ultimately, this study provides an early exploration of aggression-related genetic patterns within the context of forensic sciences, highlighting preliminary trends and potential associations that may inform the design of future research. Full article

Background: The clinical research laboratory plays a pivotal role in the execution of clinical studies. The accurate and consistent registration of patients is dependent on the competent use of laboratory equipment and manual techniques by technicians, ensuring the reliability of the data collected. To support these activities, the Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS) has been registered with the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Clinical Laboratories Services (CLS) in Johannesburg, South Africa, for external proficiency testing (EPT) of its laboratory, as part of our commitment to quality assurance. The following report details the performance achievements over the past five years. Methods: Proficiency testing (PT) samples are dispatched to GRAS Lab three times a year (quarterly) and the results are generally returned within two to three weeks. In the field of parasitology, challenge specimens were prepared as follows: thick and thin blood films were stained with Giemsa and mounted with strips to protect them for multiple uses. Photographs, also known as whole slide images (WSIs), were also taken. For the biochemistry and haematology tests, a set of five samples were received for processing. All evaluations were carried out in accordance with the GRAS laboratory’s internal procedures. Results: The CAP laboratory’s performance in terms of the diagnosis of malaria and other blood parasites from 2020 to 2024 was 97.3% accurate (ranging from 93.33% to 100%), with 93.33%, 100%, 100%, 93.33% and 100% achieved in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The number of microscopists evaluated annually has been subject to variation according to operational staff at the time of evaluation. A total of 31 microscopists were enrolled in the CLS PT scheme, of which 73.9% were classified as ‘experts’ and 19.2% as ‘reference’ microscopists. In the field of haematology, the PT demonstrated 100% accuracy over the four-year study period. This outcome is indicative of the high-performance levels exhibited by the automated systems under scrutiny and the comparable nature of the data produced by these systems. The same trend was observed in the biochemistry PT results, with an overall score of 92.12%, ranging from 78% to 100%. Conclusions: Proficiency testing has been shown to be an effective tool for quality assurance in laboratories, helping to ensure the accuracy of malaria and other blood parasite diagnoses made by microscopists, as well as the results generated by automated systems. It has been instrumental in assisting laboratories in identifying issues related to test design and performance. Full article

This article outlines the development of an inter-scale analytical tool designed to evaluate urban, intermediate, and domestic spaces from a gender perspective. Framed within feminist urbanism and ecofeminist theory, the study addresses the need to foster inclusive and equitable environments by incorporating gender-sensitive criteria into spatial planning processes. The methodology employed consists of a six-stage process: (1) a review of the existing literature; (2) the definition of scales of approach; (3) the formulation of indicators; (4) the establishment of evaluation criteria; (5) the design of data collection instruments; and (6) the refinement of the tool through field testing. The tool uses both qualitative and quantitative indicators across three spatial scales—neighbourhood, inter-block, and housing—organised into dimensions such as safety, accessibility, diversity, vitality, and representativeness. The evaluation process employs direct observation, graphic analysis, interviews, and participatory focus groups to provide a nuanced and multidimensional understanding of the built environment. The results confirm that both urban and domestic spaces have historically been designed from an androcentric perspective. They also highlight the potential of using gender-based evaluations to identify spatial inequalities and guide transformative interventions. The tool is replicable, adaptable, and scalable, and can therefore offer a robust framework for future research and public policy-making aimed at fostering gender equity in urban contexts. Full article

Background: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool in metabolomics, but it is often hindered by the high cost and technical complexity of the machines, limiting its clinical and point-of-care applications. Recent advances in benchtop NMR technology have sought to overcome these barriers by providing more compact, affordable, and user-friendly instruments. This systematic review aims to assess the potential of benchtop NMR in clinical metabolomics, highlighting its practical advantages, current applications, and technological challenges relative to high-field systems. Methods: For this systematic review we searched Web of Science and PubMed databases to identify studies employing benchtop NMR spectroscopy in clinical and biomedical applications. The review focuses on works that evaluated metabolic profiling in human and animal disease contexts, compared benchtop and high-field performance, and utilized advanced data analysis methods, including multivariate and machine learning approaches. Results: Among the 74 records identified, 15 research articles were eligible, including 11 studies involving human biospecimens and 4 studies concerning animal samples. The selected works were published between 2018 and 2025. These studies demonstrated the potential clinical utility of low-field NMR in differentiating disease states such as tuberculosis, type 2 diabetes, neonatal sepsis, and chronic kidney disease, achieving diagnostic accuracies comparable to high-field instruments. Conclusions: Although limited by lower sensitivity and spectral resolution, benchtop NMR represents a significant step toward the democratization of NMR-based metabolomics. Continued hardware development, improved pulse sequences, and the integration of artificial intelligence for spectral processing and modeling are expected to enhance its analytical power and accelerate its clinical adoption. Full article

Existing jealousy scales often conceptualize jealousy as an undesirable or maladaptive emotion. However, jealousy is a biologically rooted emotion inherent in humans and observable in certain animal species as well. The key lies not in the elimination of this emotion, but in its appropriate regulation. In contemporary society, where exposure to social media is pervasive, the experience and expression of jealousy can become more destructive. This study was designed in response to the growing need to understand and assess jealousy. The aim of the present research was to develop a multidimensional current jealousy scale and to present preliminary findings regarding the influence of social media. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected online from a sample of 1053 adult volunteers (aged 18 and above) in Türkiye. The resulting instrument, named the Üsküdar Jealousy Scale, comprises 25 items and 4 dimensions: Relationship-Damaging Jealousy, Destructive Jealousy, Hostile Jealousy, and Controlled Jealousy. The total scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.93), with subscale reliabilities ranging from 0.75 to 0.89. The scale accounted for 57.20% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit indices fell within acceptable limits, supporting the structural validity of the scale. Additionally, criterion validity was supported by moderate correlations (r > 0.30 and <0.70) with the Scale of Social Media Jealousy in Romantic Relationships (SSMJRR). Initial findings revealed generally low levels of jealousy among participants. The dimension concerning relationship-damaging jealousy showed moderate levels, while destructive and controlled jealousy dimensions indicated lower levels. Notably, patterns of social media usage significantly influenced jealousy scores. Individuals exhibiting continuous engagement in social media platforms reported higher levels of jealousy. In conclusion, the Üsküdar Jealousy Scale was found to be a psychometrically sound instrument, suitable for both research and self-assessment purposes in the multidimensional evaluation of jealousy. This validated and reliable tool has the potential to distinguish between adaptive and maladaptive expressions of jealousy, offering practical utility for clinicians and individuals seeking deeper self-understanding. Full article

(1) Background: Intra-articular injection is a fundamental technique in preclinical research for evaluating therapeutics and inducing joint disease models in rodents. However, the absence of standardized and validated protocols compromises reproducibility and translational validity. (2) Methods: This study establishes and experimentally validates a refined protocol for precise intra-articular injection in the knee of adult male Wistar rats. The comprehensive procedure specifies anatomical landmarks (medial border of the patellar tendon), instrumentation (27 G needle, 100 µL Hamilton syringe), a maximum volume of 35 µL, and operative verification criteria based on tactile feedback. Experimental validation was performed by administering a suspension of wear particles (2.35 mg/mL) generated from tribocorrosion tests of CoCr surfaces biofunctionalized with graphene oxide-hyaluronic acid (GO-HA) into the left knee of five rats. (3) Results: Histological analysis using the cutting–grinding technique and Toluidine Blue staining confirmed the exclusive intra-articular localization of particles in all injected animals (5/5 success rate). Qualitative assessment revealed abundant particulate distribution within the synovial space, with numerous individual particles and multiple aggregates observed per high-power field, without evidence of extravasation in any case. (4) Conclusions: The protocol demonstrated high intra-operator repeatability and provides a reliable, ethically refined tool for precise intra-articular administration of nanomaterials and for generating robust joint disease models, thereby enhancing reproducibility and animal welfare in preclinical research. Full article

Objective: Several questionnaires for the diagnosis and characterization of tinnitus are available in English but there is a need for Portuguese standardized questionnaires for use in research and in clinic. The goals of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the ESIT-SQ (European School for Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Research Screening Questionnaire) to Portuguese, and to validate the questionnaire for clinical use. Methods: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument were performed. The translation stage included the translation and retroversion of the instrument in the languages of interest (English–Portuguese) by three bilingual translators. Subsequently, cross-cultural adaptation was performed involving an Experts Panel (n = 5) and a Patient Panel (n = 4) to evaluate the questionnaire versions obtained after translation and retroversion. Participants completed their evaluation in Microsoft Forms. All ambiguities and uncertainties were addressed by the research team. Validation of the questionnaire involved an ENT specialist (n = 1), health researchers (n = 3), and patients (n = 300). Results: The Portuguese version of the ESIT-SQ (ESIT-SQ-PT) was found to be culturally appropriate, clear, and valid for clinical use. Expert review confirmed strong face validity, with only minor textual adjustments needed. The validation study, involving both online and paper responses, demonstrated good reproducibility and internal consistency across diverse participant profiles. The questionnaire effectively captured a wide range of tinnitus characteristics and associated factors, and reliability analyses confirmed its temporal stability. Overall, the ESIT-SQ-PT proved to be a robust and reliable instrument for assessing tinnitus in Portuguese-speaking populations. Conclusion: The ESIT-SQ in Portuguese (ESIT-SQ-PT), had good face validity, was comprehensible, and was culturally appropriate; thus, it is a valid tool for the screening and assessment of tinnitus and associated symptoms in Portuguese populations. Full article

Following the World Health Organization’s 2023 declaration, which ended the global health emergency, energy policy shifted from a short-term crisis response to a structural recovery focused on renewable energy. However, the current literature remains fragmented, often overlooking the realities of implementation in the Global South and failing to integrate diverse policy instruments. This study examines post-pandemic renewable recovery strategies to categorize instruments, evaluate effectiveness, and identify critical implementation gaps. An integrative review was conducted, combining bibliometric mapping of 113 documents (n = 113) and systematic thematic synthesis of 42 studies (n = 42), utilizing the SPIDER and PRISMA protocols. Policy instruments were classified into five groups: Recovery (REC), Fiscal/Financial (FISC), Regulatory (REG), Energy Efficiency (EE), and Social and Information (SOC), revealing a “Global North-South Asymmetry”, where advanced economies leverage fiscal–regulatory coupling while emerging markets face administrative bottlenecks. Findings identify coordination failures, such as missequencing, and propose a “Cascading Policy Logic” that prioritizes de-risking before mandatory standardization. This research bridges the evidence gap by validating the need for informal sector mechanisms and equity safeguards in developing nations. Ultimately, this review provides a strategic framework for policymakers to transition from a reactive stimulus to durable, socially legitimate decarbonization pathways beyond 2025. Full article

The Japanese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale (J-eHEALS) measure has primarily been applied to younger populations; however, the psychometric properties of the J-eHEALS in older adults have not been investigated. Therefore, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the J-eHEALS in community-dwelling older adults. A total of 553 adults aged ≥ 65 years (mean age, 73.5 years) attending routine health checkups in a single Japanese municipality completed the J-eHEALS and the Japanese version of the 12-item Health Literacy Scale (J-HLS-Q12). We examined internal consistency, item characteristics, factorial validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, measurement invariance by sex, and convergent and criterion-related validity with general health literacy. The J-eHEALS scores indicated moderate to slightly low perceived eHealth literacy in this population. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94), a stable unidimensional factor structure with acceptable model fit across sexes, and moderate positive associations with general health literacy. Overall, these findings support the J-eHEALS as a reliable and valid instrument for assessing perceived eHealth literacy in older Japanese adults and its suitability for use in research and practice. Full article

“After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up” (Acts 15:16 NRSV). This verse, quoting Amos 9:11, is part of James’ speech to the Jerusalem “council” considering the issue of Gentile believers and their relationship to the Law. In some Pentecostal circles, especially those influenced by the “Latter Rain” revival of 1948, this verse has taken on a different force based on the Greek skēnē, literally a tent or traditionally “tabernacle.” This teaching is based on the “tabernacle of David” as described in 1 Chron. 16:1–6 and other places and likely the venue in which some of the original psalms were performed. Their argument is that this is part of a model for experiencing the dynamic presence of God in worship and the restoration of the NT church. It forms a theological basis or rationale for contemporary praise and worship with the use of musical instruments, lifted hands, dance, clapping, etc., following the Psalms. However, this interpretation of “David’s fallen tent” seems to fail interpretive tests such as context, authorial intention and audience understanding. This article discusses the interpretive challenges raised by Acts 15:16, how skilled interpreters have understood the “tent of David,” and some weaknesses in these readings. The argument of “Latter Rain” authors on the “Tabernacle of David” is explained and evaluated in the light of some other contemporary research and hermeneutical principles associated with typology. The Latter Rain position is found to have considerable strengths but overreaches in some key points especially by making structure too central. Full article

Gait events (instant of heel strikes and instant of toe-offs) are essential for extracting spatiotemporal parameters and segmenting biological signals (electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG)) based on gait cycle. While force platforms and optical motion capture (OMC) are ideal for identifying GE, inertial measurement units (IMUs) are more applicable. This study compared the accuracy and variability from IMU- and OMC-based gait event detection methods compared with gold-standard ground reaction force (GRF) detection. Seventeen healthy adults (31 ± 8 years) walked along a 10 m walkway instrumented with force plates. Foot kinematics were recorded using two retro-reflective markers on each foot and an IMU on the sacrum. Gait events were identified using two OMC-based (OMC1, OMC2) and two IMU-based (IMU1, IMU2) algorithms. Accuracy was evaluated using root-mean-square error (RMSE) relative to GRF, and within-subject variability was assessed using coefficient of variation (CoV). The results from the instant of heel strikes, OMC1 yielded a lower RMSE (14 ms) than IMU1 (50 ms) and IMU2 (61 ms) (p < 0.001). For the instant of toe-offs, OMC1 demonstrated a lower RMSE (17 ms), differing from IMU1 (54 ms) and IMU2 (74 ms) (p < 0.001). IMU2 exhibited greatest variability (CoV = 24 ms) compared with OMC1 (7 ms) and IMU1 (9 ms) (p < 0.001). Our results highlight lower accuracy and higher variability in gait event detection using sacrum-mounted IMUs. Despite its convenience, researchers should consider the limitations of using IMUs for EMG/EEG data segmentation. Future studies validating gait event detection methods should report some type of variability metric. Full article

Cardiovascular clamping procedures can cause tissue traumatization, leading to serious adverse events interrupting blood flow and causing life-threatening hemorrhage. The aim of the study is to evaluate the properties of 3D-printed, high-elasticity elastomeric materials—BioMed Flex 50A and 80A (Formlabs Inc., Sommerville, MA, USA)—in terms of their suitability for the fabrication of atraumatic inserts used for surgical clamping instruments. To show the importance of the elaboration of the new atraumatic materials, finite element simulations of blood vessel compression by a surgical tool were validated experimentally with porcine vessels, and histopathology assessed the tissue response. These results confirm that excessive clamping forces can cause vessel wall stratification and rupture. Specimens BioMed Flex 50A and 80A underwent surface, mechanical, and biological testing, including topography, wettability, acoustic microscopy for structural voids, cytotoxicity with human dermal fibroblasts, pro-inflammatory marker analysis, and bacterial biofilm assessment. The results of the testing of the 3D-printed BioMed Flex 50A and 80A materials show good potential for applications in safe atraumatic surgical instruments. Further research may include the possibilities to develop 3D-printed metamaterials with pressure adapting properties. Full article