Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Heavy metals, including Sb, are major pollutants with limits on their allowed concentration in drinking water. Therefore, there is a need for sensitive, simple, and portable detection methods for which electrochemical sensors are ideally suited. In this current study, Meta‐chemical surfaces are developed for electrochemical sensing by patterning gold electrode surfaces with a mixture of black phosphorus (BP) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as nanoclusters using dip‐pen nanolithography. It is found that the surface‐to‐volume ratio (S/V), fill factor, and ink composition affect the sensitivity of the sensor for Sb detection. The S/V ratio and fill factor can be altered by the dwell time, which has a complex effect on the limit of detection (varying from 14 to 24 ppb with the changes in the dwell time). Density functional theory calculations show that the binding between Sb(III) and BP is more exergonic in the presence of PMMA. These results are significant because they allow for the development of more sensitive Sb sensors, which can affect the wider field of the detection of heavy metals in drinking water sources and achieve higher efficiency than the commonly used instruments.

Variation in life histories influences demographic processes, from adaptive changes to population declines leading to extinction. Among life history traits, generation length offers a critical feature to forecast species' demographic trajectories such as population declines (widely used by the IUCN Red List) and adaptability to environmental change over time. Therefore, estimates of generation length are crucial to monitor demographic stability or predict future changes in highly threatened organisms, particularly amphibians and reptiles, which are particularly threatened among vertebrates and for which uncertainty in future impacts remains high. Despite its importance, generation length for amphibians and reptiles is largely missing. Here, we aim to fill in this gap by modeling generation lengths for amphibians, squamates and testudines as a function of species size, climate, life history and phylogeny using generalized additive models and phylogenetic generalized least squares. We estimated generation lengths for 5059 (57%) amphibians, 8722 (73%) squamates and 117 (32%) testudines. Our models performed well for most families (e.g. Bufonidae among amphibians, Lacertidae and Colubridae among squamates, and Geoemydidae among testudines) while we found high uncertainty around the prediction of a few families, notably Chamaeleonidae. Species' body size and mean temperature were the main predictors of generation length in all groups. Although our estimates are not meant to substitute robust and validated measurements from field studies or natural history museums, they can help reduce existing biases in conservation assessments until field data is comprehensively available.

Needs edits as it misses the important point of specifying the non‐corticosteroids and should not be in the past tense. “Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin disease that causes red, dry skin patches that may itch intensely, and may be persistent or intemittent. Most patients with mild‐to‐moderate AD use topical corticosteroids or topical non‐steroids to help them get better. This study looked at how dermatologists treat AD in different parts of the world. Dermatologists in North America, the Middle East, Asia, South America and the UK were asked questions about how they treat AD with topical medications. Most dermatologists use a type of cream or ointment called topical corticosteroids (TCSs) as the first treatment for ≤ 4 weeks. Weaker TCSs are used for younger patients and sensitive parts of the body. After using TCSs for a few weeks, patients visit their dermatologist to check if the treatment is working. Dermatologists advise patients to continue with the same TCS, use less of the TCS or change to non‐steroid topical creams or ointments such as calcineurin inhibitors, crisaborole or topical JAK inhibitors. Sometimes treatments are changed if the patient's skin becomes infected, reacts badly to the medication or there are concerns about side effects. Patients also change treatment if their AD worsens. Sometimes it is difficult for patients to access treatments where they live. This study gives important information about how dermatologists treat mild‐to‐moderate AD. Treatment depends on factors like the patient's age, how severe the disease is, and if the patient is worried about using some creams and ointments. This information should help dermatologists plan the best treatment for patients with AD.

This article builds on ideas of democratic populism and transformative politics. Researchers of populism who do not dismiss the phenomenon as dangerously anti-democratic discuss the “democratic nucleus” in popular demands, the “democratic aspirations” of the people, or the redemptive and pragmatic sides of politics to suggest a certain democratic capacity that is inherent to populism. While there is sufficient theoretical scholarship on democratic populism, research on its potential concrete practices remains relatively less explored. To address this gap, this article points to certain transformative political practices and concretizes abstract ideas of popular democracy and left-wing populism. Illustrative findings about the Bernie Sanders movement and presidential campaigns help identify four levels of democratic transformation—of discourse, participation, rules of the game, and policy—with which to assess the populist and democratic nature of different political phenomena. The term “transformative populism” is proposed to encapsulate these populist-democratic practices, and empirical and theoretical implications are discussed.

Transcription is regulated by an intricate and extensive network of regulatory factors that impinge upon target genes. This process involves crosstalk between a plethora of factors that include chromatin structure, transcription factors and posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Among PTMs, lysine methylation has emerged as a key transcription regulatory PTM that occurs on histone and non-histone proteins, and several enzymatic regulators of lysine methylation are attractive targets for disease intervention. SET domain-containing protein 6 (SETD6) is a mono-methyltransferase that promotes the methylation of multiple transcription factors and other proteins involved in the regulation of gene expression programs. Many of these SETD6 substrates, such as the canonical SETD6 substrate RELA, are linked to cellular pathways that are highly relevant to human health and disease. Furthermore, SETD6 regulates numerous cancerous phenotypes and guards cancer cells from apoptosis. In the past 15 years, our knowledge of SETD6 substrate methylation and the biological roles of this enzyme has grown immensely. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of SETD6 that will enhance our understanding of this enzyme’s role in chromatin and in selective transcriptional control, the contextual biological roles of this enzyme, and the molecular mechanisms and pathways in which SETD6 is involved, and we highlight the major trends in the SETD6 field.

The power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has exceeded in 2024 the theoretical single-junction Shockley–Queisser limit of 33.7% with the perovskite/silicon tandem version. The commercialization of the technology is now a reality with the PV industry demonstrating its first commercial products. Many companies have shown excellent module reliability with most of them passing the IEC standardization (required for commercial silicon solar cells). In this article, we want to bring some light on the most intriguing question regarding the stability and reliability of PSC technology: Are we there yet? Issues on stability are still under strong investigation and research on the topic has increased exponentially in the last 10 years. Since some companies have already promised excellent reliability of their modules, with 80% retention of the initial PCE after 25 years, the following two or three years will be crucial to demonstrate these pledges. In this work, we present an outline of the most stable PSC devices reported to date and discuss the most important strategies leading to highly stable devices. Graphical abstract

Small-size autonomous vehicles have reached a level of technological maturity that enables their use as efficient means for goods delivery. Yet, current designs of both ground and aerial vehicles fail to address potential information needs of bystanders: What is this robot doing? Can it harm me? Does it need help? Through a series of six co-design workshops ( N=22 ), we iteratively explore two types of autonomous healthcare delivery vehicles, namely aerial and ground robots, with a focus on bystanders’ perspectives and interaction needs between bystanders and AVs. The resulting design propositions were then synthesized into functional scale-model prototypes of a healthcare delivery robot and drone. We validate our co-design findings by conducting two laboratory Wizard-of-Oz experiments ( N=24 ). Our results demonstrate how familiar colors and iconography support goal sharing and bystanders in recognizing the delivery vehicle's purpose and intentions. Mapping interaction needs of bystanders, we find contextual effects on bystander attitudes and the effectiveness of communication modalities. This work contributes to the design of future, socially acceptable small-size delivery vehicles fit for human spaces.

Deliberate Practice (DP) is a model of behavioral skill acquisition structured by several key tasks. The past decade has shown a consistent growth in interest in this form of learning for psychotherapy skills, with promising research suggesting DP training is superior to traditional learning methods of psychotherapy. This paper presents a case study of a single practitioner's experience with Deliberate Practice. It follows a clinician treating a client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) while learning Behavioral Activation under the guidance of a DP Supervisor. The main components of DP are presented: direct observation of performance, concrete feedback, defining learning goals, performing repeated behavioral rehearsal and the ongoing assessment of performance. Real case vignettes are used to demonstrate these components. The paper concludes with a discussion of challenges that DP supervisors commonly face, and some practical implications for clinicians.

In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are prepared through green reduction of Curcuma zedoaria rhizome essential oil (CZREO). A sharp surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 419 nm obtained through UV–Visible spectroscopy confirms the formation of Ag NPs and also hints that CZREO acts as a green reducing agent. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) reveals crystalline Ag NPs having a spherical shape with an average size of 10.4 nm. It is believed that terpenoids and camphor bioactive compounds are responsible for reduction reactions involved in the formation of Ag NPs. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of CZREO and Ag NPs suggest the encapsulation of some bioactive compounds on the surface of Ag NPs. Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) into 4-aminophenol (4-AP) is obtained with the Ag NPs within 10 min. Further, the role of HRTEM Ag NPs in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) is assessed under UV and sunlight. About 99.9% and 72% degradation efficacy is obtained for MB and MO, respectively, under UV light. Ag NPs showed 81.52% and 25.70% efficacy for MB and MO dyes, respectively, under sunlight. The presence of bioactive compounds like linalool and camphene at Ag NPs’ surface contributes towards the generation of hydroxyl and oxygen radicals caused by electronic transition under UV and sunlight irradiation which are responsible for the dye degradation. CZREO encapsulated Ag NPs demonstrate their potential to serve as cost-effective nano catalysts for treating wastewater and remediation to aquatic environments.

International Relations scholars are paying more attention to the various manifestations and outcomes of sports diplomacy. The term relates to the power of the private, public and third sectors to harness sportspeople, clubs, associations and events to promote a state’s policy within a global setting. While Western, Asian and Middle Eastern contexts have attracted most scholarly discussions in this regard, less attention has been devoted to Africa. This article addresses this shortcoming by analysing the goals and outcomes of the Chinese and American sports diplomacy in Africa, namely, the former’s stadium diplomacy and the latter’s basketball diplomacy. The examination is based on the analysis of state policies and media coverage of the countries’ sports endeavours in Africa. The article observes the two’s interests alongside the role African actors play in this rivalry, who express their agency as they seek to exploit the global popularity of sports and the American-Chinese competition in the continent to promote their own interests. The article argues that whereas sports enables African countries to draw investments from China and the United States while enabling the two to increase their influence throughout the continent, the two’s sports diplomacies have unwanted outcomes for African, American and Chinese sides.

Binary compounds consisting of Cu(I) and moderately electronegative elements (N, P) are attractive semiconductors for optoelectronic and electrocatalytic applications. This study investigates the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NO3RR) using copper‐based catalysts, specifically Cu3N and Cu3P. Inhibiting the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction and ensuring active hydrogen (H*) for NH3 production during NO3RR pose significant challenges. Our research demonstrates that while Cu₃P is effective in the initial reduction of nitrate to nitrite, it fails to produce NH₃ at more negative potentials due to competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In contrast, Cu₃N exhibits remarkable performance, achieving an ammonia yield rate of 48.8 mmol h⁻¹ mmol⁻¹cat at −0.9 VRHE, accompanied by considerable Faradaic efficiency and durability. The formation of a Cu3N/CuO interface during the catalysis is crucial for its activity, facilitating efficient NO3RR through a stepwise reduction mechanism. The study provides insights into the surface modifications and mechanistic aspects of these catalysts during NO3RR, offering guidance for strategically developing more efficient catalysts for nitrate reduction to ammonia.

Purpose To analyze the association between aqueous flare and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) activity during anti-VEGF treatment using the treat-and-extend (T&E) protocol. Methods A single-centre study consisting of 84 eyes of 84 patients with wet AMD and 17 eyes of 17 patients with dry AMD at Ophthalmology Unit, Mehiläinen Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. Aqueous flare levels were recorded with a laser flare meter. Inclusion criteria was a minimum of six anti-VEGF doses given before enrollment to the study. Results Aqueous flare levels inversely correlated with the anti-VEGF treatment interval ( R 2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). In the group with a 4–6-week treatment interval the aqueous flare was 13.6 ± 8.3 photon units (pu)/ms compared to 7.9 ± 2.9 pu/ms ( P = 0.008), 7.8 ± 3.5 pu/ms ( P = 0.006), and 7.2 ± 3.8 pu/ms ( P = 0.002) among patients with 7–9-week, 10–12-week, and 13–16-week intervals, respectively. Aqueous flare was 15.4 ± 8.5 pu/ms in the group whose treatment intervals were shortened, compared to 8.6 ± 3.8 pu/ms ( P = 0.003) and 7.3 ± 3.3 pu/ms ( P < 0.001) in the groups where the treatment intervals were maintained or extended, respectively. Furthermore, aqueous flare levels correlated with the macular volume ( R 2 = 0.07, P = 0.018). Regarding macular activity, the presence of intraretinal fluid associated with higher aqueous flare levels (13.8 ± 8.6 pu/ms) compared to those without it (8.0 ± 4.0 pu/ms; P < 0.001). Patient age, pseudophakia or the anti-VEGF agent did not associate with the aqueous flare levels. Conclusions Aqueous flare measurements correlated with wet AMD activity during anti-VEGF treatment. Aqueous flare could be used to help evaluate the state of wet AMD patients and assist in decisions regarding anti-VEGF treatment modifications.

Objective To describe the microbiome of the vagina and fallopian tubes (FT) and its relation with hydrosalpinx. Methods Case–control study was conducted in women who underwent salpingectomy for hydrosalpinx (case) or other indications (controls). Samples were obtained during surgery and subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and analyses of alpha diversity and beta diversity measures were compared between sites and groups. Differential abundance of bacteria associated with vaginal dysbiosis was compared between cases and controls. Results Nine women with hydrosalpinx and 23 women without hydrosalpinx were included in the study. The mean age of studied women was 41 (range: 29–54) and most (89%) were premenopausal. After in silico decontamination, only 30% of control FT samples and 10% of case FT samples had evidence of bacterial presence. The vaginal microbiome of control patients showed greater abundance of lactobacilli, whereas the vaginal microbiome of case patients contained relatively more bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria, such as Prevotella and Atopobium. A significant difference was found in alpha and beta diversity between vaginal and FT microbiomes in control patients as FT samples were more diverse. We found that women with hydrosalpinx had a more “dysbiotic” vaginal microbiome and in women without hydrosalpinx, microbial composition within the vagina and FT differed, possibly representing two distinct ecological environments. Conclusion Women undergoing salpingectomy for various reasons harbored bacteria within their FT, while women with hydrosalpinx generally did not. This suggests that even though infection may be an underlying cause of hydrosalpinx, bacteria may not be present by the time patients require surgery.

Polycrystalline nanograined p-type PbTe films were obtained by electron gun-assisted vapor deposition on 100 μm thick amorphous substrates. This part of the study included the establishment and tuning of fabrication technology regimes in terms of the films' composition and crystallites arrangement optimal for having best structural properties, such as dominant texture, tiny-sized or absent voids, and small surface roughness. For this synthesis, we used components' composition Pb0.999Te1.001 bearing in mind that any excess Te builds up an acceptor center. Then, from the thus prepared p-type films, their n-type counterparts were obtained by ion implantation of zinc. At suitable conditions of the implantation process, the inversion of p-type to overall n-type material was experimentally shown and qualitatively explained. The structural and transport properties of both types of films were investigated, demonstrating their high integrity and a moderate effect of grain boundaries. Vertical p-n junction structures were prepared in the p-type films by a combination of proper masking and ion implantation. An electron beam-induced current technique was applied to directly portray the transition between p-and n-sides of the film and to assess the diffusion length of the minority charge carriers. The transition proves rather sharp spatially, which points to a well-defined p-n junction. Increasing the diffusion length of charge carriers of these structures compared to that in epitaxial films was discovered. A possible explanation of this effect and device applications of the developed structure are suggested.

Cycling is an important field of sport and a great example of a sport in which athletes are highly measured due to cycling computers that monitor and document workouts in detail. Leveraging this variety of data, we developed The Velodrome, a web-based analytics tool in collaboration with the Israel Premier Tech pro-cycling team to support decision-making. Unlike traditional tools that focus on individual cyclists, The Velodrome enables comparative analysis of multiple cyclists, assisting coaches and directeur sportifs in race selection, strategic preparation, and training decisions. The Velodrome integrates both objective metrics (e.g., relative power, elevation gain) and subjective metrics (e.g., sleep quality, fatigue level) to provide a holistic view of each cyclist’s physical and mental state. The platform offers various visualizations, including radar and line charts, facilitating multi-cyclist and time-based comparisons. These features enable detailed insights into training loads, performance trends, and readiness for competition, supporting team-level decision-making.

Understanding the growth rate of nestlings is essential for explaining developmental strategies and is particularly important for birds of prey. Given that they have lower reproduction rates than other species, the growth rate could be one of the critical factors determining parental fitness and influencing the individual's condition. Despite variability often resulting from various stress conditions, the growth rate is predictable for given ages of nestlings, as highlighted here. This study investigates the growth dynamics of Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) nestlings in the Republic of Cyprus, focusing on 13 biometric variables measured over time. We employed logistic and generalized additive models to analyse growth trajectories and identify predictors of age. Our findings highlight that nestlings achieve maximum growth rates in body mass and tarsus length early in development, followed by primary feathers and wing length. Conversely, head width, beak dimensions, and talon length exhibit slower and more gradual growth. Precisely describing the rate and pattern of growth of individual body components enabled us to develop a tool for predicting age. We found that wing, tarsus, and middle talon lengths are the most reliable predictors of nestling age. The effectiveness test of our predictive model conducted on an independent data set showed that the age estimation error is 1 day. Thus, our research provides a deep insight into the eagles’ developmental patterns while offering practical tools for field studies and conservation efforts.

Despite a century of research, turbulent flows mobilizing bedload remain elusive, while seismic waves generated by surface processes can unravel river dynamics. We studied the seismic signals emitted near rivers in two tributaries characterized by large boulders. Data show an unusually high dominant seismic frequency, reaching >2 times the frequency observed in nearby smoother channels. Consistent high‐frequency content during periods without bedload transport prompts the hypothesis that turbulence is a key contributor to generating higher frequencies. Assuming that dominant turbulent eddies decrease in size due to boulder‐constrained flow, we formulate a frequency scaling relationship that aligns well with field data. A positive relationship of the frequency with water depth breaks at bedload onset, indicating that dissipation of flow energy partitions between turbulence and bedload transport. Our study shows that seismic frequency captures contrasting bed morphologies in mountain streams, offering insights into flow‐roughness interactions.

We propose and examine the optimal portfolio selection problem when the investor has different preferences in each of the portfolio’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) average scores. We provide an explicit formula for the optimal weights in the case of the mean-variance model subject to the E, S, and G constraints and show that the same formula also holds in the case of other models that minimize a risk measure of the portfolio, with focusing on the tail-value-at-risk measure. We show that such models that go beyond the mean-variance model have the same formula for the optimal weight but with an effective risk aversion parameter that depends on the E, S, and G preferences of the investor, unlike in the original mean-variance model where the risk aversion is an external parameter. We then provide some numerical illustrations based on ten stocks from the NASDAQ, which offers clear guidance for allocating the portfolio between the different stocks and shows how each stock is sensitive to changes in the E, S, and G constraints.