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This research explores the process of a Participatory Research (PR) project that brought together university researchers with museum practitioners to create reflective tools that can be used to better understand real practical challenges. This project followed Bourke's (2009) definition of PR, viewing the process as a collaborative endeavour between researchers and practitioners in all steps of the way including project planning, research design, data collection and analysis, and distribution and application of research findings. In this project, we ran three main workshops with small group meetings in between, which were audio and video recorded and subsequently transcribed. These were then analysed to capture the PR process using James and Shaw's (2023) Heuristic Framework as our analytical framework while using deductive and inductive techniques. Our analysis focused on understanding the dynamics between researchers and practitioners in this PR project in order to better understand how to conduct PR projects in this context. Our analysis offers a refined model that can be adapted and used with museum practitioners while identifying areas that need further attention in the process of PR. We included an important phase of reflection, and we offer recommendations for those who would like to take a PR approach in their research.

The COVID-19 pandemic compelled teachers to grapple with the challenge of distance learning and remote communication with pre-school children and their parents. This study examines how student-teachers perceived their and the teacher's relations with the pre-school children and parents during the first lockdown. The study is based on a mixed-method, quantitative and qualitative, research design among ten third-year student-teachers in Israel. 56% reported that relations with parents during the first lockdown were strengthened, which they attributed to several factors (e.g., parental desire to establish a routine and maintain the child's connection with their friends and teacher, and a desire to advance their children). Other factors were perceived to undermine parent-teacher relations (e.g., number of siblings, busy parents, economic and emotional stress, technological illiteracy). The study underscores the importance of a holistic and ecologic approach to relations among early childhood education teachers, student-teachers, parents, and children, and the critical need for partnership and transparency between the pre-school teacher and student-teacher.

Fast urban pluvial flood models are necessary for a range of applications, such as near real-time flood nowcasting or processing large rainfall ensembles for uncertainty analysis. Data-driven models can help overcome the long computational time of traditional flood simulation models, and the state-of-the-art models have shown promising accuracy. Yet the lack of generalizability of data-driven urban pluvial flood models to both unseen rainfall and distinctively different terrain, at the fine resolution required for urban flood mapping, still limits their application. These models usually adopt a patch-based framework to overcome multiple bottlenecks, such as data availability and computational and memory constraints. However, this approach does not incorporate contextual information of the terrain surrounding the small image patch (typically 256 m×256 m). We propose a new deep-learning model that maintains the high-resolution information of the local patch and incorporates a larger surrounding area to increase the visual field of the model with the aim of enhancing the generalizability of data-driven urban pluvial flood models. We trained and tested the model in the city of Zurich (Switzerland), at a spatial resolution of 1 m, for 1 h rainfall events at 5 min temporal resolution. We demonstrate that our model can faithfully represent flood depths for a wide range of rainfall events, with peak rainfall intensities ranging from 42.5 to 161.4 mm h−1. Then, we assessed the model's terrain generalizability in distinct urban settings, namely, Lucerne (Switzerland) and Singapore. The model accurately identifies locations of water accumulation, which constitutes an improvement compared to other deep-learning models. Using transfer learning, the model was successfully retrained in the new cities, requiring only a single rainfall event to adapt the model to new terrains while preserving adaptability across diverse rainfall conditions. Our results indicate that by incorporating contextual terrain information into the local patches, our proposed model effectively simulates high-resolution urban pluvial flood maps, demonstrating applicability across varied terrains and rainfall events.

Automated phenotyping is the task of automatically measuring plant attributes to help farmers and breeders in developing and growing strong robust plants. An automated tool for early illness detection can accelerate the process of identifying plant resistance and quickly pinpoint problematic breeding. Many such phenotyping tasks can be achieved by analyzing images from simple, low cost, RGB-D sensors. In this paper we focused on a particular case study — identifying the resistance level of tomato hybrids to the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) in production greenhouses. This is a difficult task, as separating between resistance levels based on images is difficult even for expert breeders. We collected a large dataset of images from an experiment containing many tomato hybrids with varying resistance levels. We used the depth information to identify the topmost part of the tomato plant. We then used deep learning models to classify the various resistance levels. For identifying plants with visual symptoms, our methods achieved an accuracy of 0.928, a precision of 0.934, and a recall of 0.95. In the multi-class case we achieved an accuracy of 0.76 in identifying the correct level, and an error of 0.278. Our methods are not particularly tailored for the specific task, and can be extended to other tasks that identify various plant diseases with visual symptoms such as ToBRFV, mildew, ToMV and others.

Abstract Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs), a subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed orally and extraorally, elicit signaling in response to a large set of tastants. Among 25 functional TAS2Rs encoded in the human genome, TAS2R14 is the most promiscuous, and responds to hundreds of chemically diverse ligands. Here we present the cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the human TAS2R14 in complex with its signaling partner gustducin, and bound to flufenamic acid (FFA), a clinically approved nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The structure reveals an unusual binding mode, where two copies of FFA are bound at distinct pockets: one at the canonical receptor site within the trans-membrane bundle, and the other in the intracellular facet, bridging the receptor with gustducin. Together with a pocket-specific BRET-based ligand binding assay, these results illuminate bitter taste signaling and provide tools for a site-targeted compound design.

Abstract The term supramolecular polymer has been applied to polymeric materials in which the individual units, i.e., building blocks—are bound to each other via noncovalent interactions, including electrostatic or hydrogen bonding, as well as metal–ligand conjugation. The building blocks are generally low molecular weight amphiphiles. Methods for preparing biopolymers based on non-toxic, metal–ligand conjugation have been little studied; however, they offer significant potential for tuning the response of biologically relevant macromolecules. In this communication, we characterize the assembly and morphology of supramolecular biopolymers in which the building blocks are low- or medium-molecular weight globular proteins—ubiquitin and Cas9-interacting via metal–ligand conjugation. In each case, the protein gene was expressed in cell culture with the addition of hexa-His/linkers at both the N and C termini. Divalent cations investigated were Zn2+ and Ni2+. We observe in cryo-TEM imaging an absolute requirement for divalent cations for the formation of supramolecular biopolymers. In the presence of Ni2+, 1D assembled fibers are predominant, while with Zn2+, the more frequently detected structures are sheet-like. We use gel electrophoresis and CD spectroscopy to monitor possible secondary and tertiary structural changes in the protein building blocks during conjugation.

Abstract Background Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) pose significant challenges for healthcare systems. While policies are typically crafted based on past experiences, the lessons learned from each incident play a crucial role in enhancing emergency preparedness. On October 7th, 2023, Israel came under the largest terror attack in its history. During an ongoing terror attack, more than 1300 Israelis were killed, and more than 200 were abducted to Gaza. During the first day of the attack, 1457 casualties were evacuated to a hospital, approximately half of them to Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC). This MCI surpassed conventional MCI challenges, necessitating a need to face the unexpected under fire. Through a description of this extreme MCI, we delve into the challenges faced, the strategic interventions deployed to address them, and the invaluable lessons learned. Methods Injury characteristics, severity and outcomes of casualties are presented based on the medical records of all casualties arriving to SUMC between October 7th 6:30 a.m. and October 8th 7:00 a.m. Data regarding patient influx, capacity and hospital resource utilization, were collected from the Patient Registration System and other hospital information systems. Results During the incident, a total of 673 injured arrived at SUMC within a mere 24-h period, at a peak rate of 83 injured per hour. The mean casualty age was 29.6, with male predominance. Gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries were the dominant types of injuries. Out of the casualties arrived, about half were hospitalized or transferred to receive definitive care at other hospitals after initial care at SUMC. Mortality rate was low, at 2.9% of those admitted alive. Conclusions In this article, we describe the injury characteristics and outcomes of casualties seen at SUMC on October 7th 2023, during one of the largest MCIs in history. We present a detailed overview of the challenges encountered, strategies implemented to address them and lessons learned. These insights hold global relevance, offering actionable guidance for the refinement of future emergency protocols and policies on a global scale.

Abstract We argue that on-shell excitations with large negative energies are created rapidly when the string coupling increases with time. This does not indicate an inconsistency in string theory since the negative energy on-shell excitation is always entangled with an on-shell excitation with a positive energy. The total energy of this energy-EPR state vanishes. We discuss the reason the energy-EPR states appear in string theory and the role they might play in black hole physics.

Purpose: The study investigated the correlation between school communication and teachers' perceptions of the school's innovative climate in the Israeli education system during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Furthermore, this study examined the role of affective commitment and the role of sector (Arab or Jewish) in these correlations. Design/methodology/approach: First, Arab and Jewish teachers studying toward their MA degree were randomly selected from 2 higher education institutes in Israel, and then other teachers were selected using the snowball method through teacher groups on the Facebook social network and WhatsApp groups (N = 383). Findings: The findings revealed major differences between Arab and Jewish teachers. Among Arab teachers, the correlation between school communications and an innovative climate was found to be mediated through affective commitment, whereas among Jewish teachers, a direct correlation was found between the first two variables. The correlation between school communications and affective commitment was found to be stronger among Arab teachers than among Jewish teachers. Originality/value: The study results confirmed that school communication and affective commitment hold a significant predictive value in school innovation and highlight the importance of affective commitment in supporting innovation. The study adds to the body of research directed at identifying antecedents to innovative climate as well as studies examining the effects of school communications on affective commitment and innovative climate in a multicultural society, both in regular and emergency situations. The findings can also provide valuable insights for culturally sensitive and relevant education policy design and management in the post-COVID-19 period.

Background: Students who are blind are integrated into public schools in many countries, yet are often excluded from full participation in science since most learning materials are visual. To create a compensatory route, an existing model-based inquiry-learning environment was adapted by means of sonification (addition of non-speech sounds that represent dynamic information). The learning environment uses agent-based models and a complex systems approach to teach the Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) and Gas Laws. The models are accompanied by a workbook consisting of text (printed or auditory) and images (printed or tactile). Objectives: The current research examined whether such perceptual compensation creates a comparable learning environment for learners who are blind compared with learners who are sighted using the original learning environment. The aim of the study is to expand knowledge about how the auditory channel may compensate the visual channel among individuals who are blind. Methods: Conceptual learning in science and reasoning about complex systems were assessed using pre- and post-questionnaires. To explore learners' learning progression throughout the unit, four progression analysis "windows" were selected. These were groups of adjacent or nearly adjacent items in the workbook that permitted a glimpse of learners' progression. Results: The sonified environment not only supported the learning of learners who are blind compared with the learning of learners who are sighted using visual material, but even furthered their learning with respect to diffusion, one of the more challenging concepts in KMT. It seems the types of sonified representations used in this study increased listeners' sensitivity to the micro-level interactions in a way less accessible in visual representations. Takeaways: Sonified environments can be provide learners who are blind with equitable participation by compensating and complementing the visual channel. Sonification can have implications for students who are blind as well as students who are sighted.

While early childhood education worldwide has become increasingly interested in integrating makerspaces into their curricula, little research has examined how this can be done. We conducted a comparative case study to understand how three pioneering and prominent teachers have established such spaces, their perspectives regarding makerspaces and their role in them, and what characterizes these spaces. Observational and interview research data were organized and analyzed for patterns, themes, and relationships. Three main themes were identified: (1) the makerspace design, activities, and teacher's role are impacted by the reasons and goals teachers espouse for establishing them; (2) all three sites provided limited scaffolds for the making process - five different forms of teachers' scaffolding were identified; and (3) while advanced technologies (robotics, 3D printing) were present, their use was limited as they required significant troubleshooting by the teacher and close supervision. These results can be used to construct a theoretical framework that provides guidance to early childhood educators who wish to integrate makerspaces in differentiated ways suited to teachers with different inclinations.

Purpose: The study aims to explore the diverse meanings and sources of frustration among Israeli principals working in special education settings. The study poses two questions: 1. What are the perceived expressions of frustration among principals working in the context of special education? 2. What are the perceived sources of frustration among principals working in special education settings? Design/methodology/approach: A total of 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with principals working in special education schools for complex disabilities to investigate perceived expressions and sources of frustration. Findings: The study identified four themes through data analysis: helplessness regarding the children, helplessness regarding bureaucratic aspects, frustration from conflicts and disappointment and frustration from feeling alone. Originality/value: Despite the extensive acknowledgment of emotions and feelings in the context of educational leadership, the experience of work frustration among special education school principals has not been explicitly investigated. This research provides empirical insights into the nuanced experiences of frustration among special education principals, offering both empirical and practical implications for understanding and addressing this critical aspect of their work.

Summary: Fibroblasts, the most common cell type found in connective tissues, play major roles in development, homeostasis, regeneration, and disease. Although specific fibroblast subpopulations have been associated with different biological processes, the mechanisms and unique activities underlying their diversity have not been thoroughly examined. Here, we set out to dissect the variation in skeletal-muscle-resident fibroblasts (mrFibroblasts) during development. Our results demonstrate that mrFibroblasts diversify following the transition from embryonic to fetal myogenesis prior to birth. We find that mrFibroblasts segregate into two major subpopulations occupying distinct niches, with interstitial fibroblasts residing between the muscle fibers and delineating fibroblasts sheathing the muscle. We further show that these subpopulations entail distinct cellular dynamics and transcriptomes. Notably, we find that mrFibroblast subpopulations exert distinct regulatory roles on myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Finally, we demonstrate that this diversification depends on muscle contraction. Altogether, these findings establish that mrFibroblasts diversify in a spatiotemporal embryonic process into distinct cell types, entailing different characteristics and roles.

Abstract Background An epidemiological link between Parkinson's disease (PD) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) has been widely reported. The role of CMM risk factors in this association is unclear. Objectives To compare rates of risk factors for skin tumours, specifically actinic keratosis (AK), non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and CMM, between persons with and without PD. Methods In this cross‐sectional observational study, patients attending tertiary PD clinics and community controls were interviewed for background/medical data and underwent dermatological examination. Logistic regression models assessed risk factors for skin tumours and their interactions with PD status. Results Included were 141 persons with PD and 155 controls; mean age 71.7 and 72.6 years, respectively. In both groups, the majority were males of Ashkenazi origin. Altogether, AK, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and CMM were recorded in 76 (53.9%) persons with PD and 92 (59.3%) controls (NS). CMM prevalence predominated in PD patients. In the PD group, prolonged sun exposure (p = 0.007), freckles (p

The relationship between mean daily precipitation and elevation is often regarded as linear and positive, resulting in simple “precipitation lapse rate” equations frequently employed to extrapolate daily rainfall from a single weather station over a large area. We examine the precipitation-elevation relationship in the Swiss Alps using a combination of weather radar and rain gauge data to test this common assumption, challenging it by fitting a two-segment piecewise linear model with a mid-slope break-point as an alternative. By examining data stratified by catchment, season, and weather type, we assess the space–time variability of the precipitation-elevation relationship. We conclude that a non-linear and non-stationary model seems necessary to capture the variability of the observed precipitation-elevation relationship. Based on our findings, we suggest that the simplified precipitation lapse rate concept is misleading and should be reconsidered in hydrological applications, emphasizing the need for a more realistic representation of precipitation variability over time and space.

The study of loneliness in the workplace has received extensive attention recently. However, there is a lack of research concerning loneliness within educational organizations and no study to date has examined loneliness among deputy principals. The current study examined deputy principals' interpretation of loneliness in the workplace and posed two questions: (1) How do deputy principals interpret their experience of loneliness at work, specifically in regard to how it manifests across different contexts? (2) What do deputy principals note as the reasons for their feelings of loneliness at work across different contexts? Based on 19 semi-structured interviews with Israeli school deputy principals, four distinctive themes of loneliness expressions were found: (1) loneliness perceived as separateness; (2) loneliness perceived as abandonment; (3) aloneness in carrying the burden of responsibility; and (4) aloneness in commitment to the school. From an analysis of the deputy principals' accounts, several insights are provided and practical implications are suggested.