Inhalation is a major route of chemical exposure for both consumers and workers. Physiologically-based kinetic (PBK) modeling is a promising tool to understand the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of inhaled chemicals and to predict systemic concentrations of chemicals in humans. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) can help generate essential input parameters for PBK models. However, validated NAM-based test methods to assess uptake of inhaled chemicals are currently lacking. Reliable information on respiratory uptake is required to determine relevant exposure concentrations for evaluation of systemic effects using NAMs. This manuscript describes a project that aims to apply robust and reliable in vitro models to study cellular uptake, intracellular accumulation, absorption and systemic exposure of chemicals following inhalation. To evaluate the robustness and predictivity of different NAM-based barrier models, to examine appropriate in vitro to in vivo scaling strategies, and to assess sensitivity and uncertainty in the resulting PBK models, the project will focus on relatively data-rich chemicals, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). While some have been widely explored and others remain data-poor, the entire chemical family is of interest due to its health hazards. Therefore, the work combines experimental and modeling approaches by generating in vitro data on the respiratory uptake and benchmark this to existing human in vivo data, developing biokinetic models to better understand chemical fate within the test systems, and refining inhalation PBK models to improve estimates of systemic uptake. Read-Across (RAx) will be employed as data gap filling technique to infer on the apparent permeability of non-tested PFAS. Together, the in vitro and in silico results will inform and parameterize PBK models, ultimately enabling more reliable predictions of systemic availability. The project will deliver a workflow to combine in vitro and in silico methods to assess the uptake of inhaled substances, that could be modified and applied to other inhaled substances. Standardized in vitro models for respiratory uptake will improve the evaluation of inhalation as a route of exposure contributing to systemic effects, which is a key requirement for quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (qIVIVE) and supports the implementation of next-generation risk assessment (NGRA).
Purpose: This study explores how older adults with chronic back pain (CBP) evaluate different user interface (UI) designs and gamification elements for an ultrasound-based wearable providing real-time biofeedback during segmental stabilization exercises (SSE). The aim is to identify design preferences and motivational factors to enhance usability, engagement, and adherence in this specific population. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study with 15 older adults (aged ≥ 65) experiencing CBP. Participants interacted with three UI mockups (simple, anatomical, and playful) via a Wizard-of-Oz simulation and evaluated additional motivational elements (e.g., points, badges, progress charts). Semi-structured interviews and the Technology Usage Inventory (TUI) subscales were used to assess usability, acceptance, and intention to use. Results: Participants preferred the simple and anatomical UI designs, citing clarity, professionalism, and ease of interpretation. The playful design was viewed as less appropriate due to perceived infantilization. Game elements such as progress tracking, points, and levels were positively received, while competitive features like leaderboards were viewed critically. Most participants expressed interest in integrating pain education, favoring multimedia formats. Conclusions: Digital health tools for older adults must prioritize intuitive, medically reliable interfaces and allow personalization of motivational and educational components. The findings highlight the need for age-appropriate UI design and suggest that well-balanced gamification and educational features may enhance perceived acceptance and have the potential to support long-term use, which should be evaluated in longitudinal studies.
ObjectiveTo investigate how AI-provided explanations impact efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, user perceptions, and workflow integration in ophthalmologists' clinical diagnostic and treatment workflows, this study explores the challenges in human-AI interaction with transparency features in time-sensitive environments.BackgroundWhile explainable AI (XAI) aims to foster trust and understanding, its introduction into complex work domains can unintentionally increase cognitive load and disrupt workflows, especially in high-stakes medical settings, potentially impairing system performance.MethodThe multi-phase, mixed-methods study included two parts. Study 1 (N = 32) was a between-subjects experiment in which ophthalmologists diagnosed diabetic retinopathy with AI support, with or without visual explanations (e.g., highlighting lesions). Measures included diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic time, trust, and usefulness. Study 2 (N = 11) employed qualitative methods, including think-aloud protocols and interviews, to explore clinicians' experiences with AI in daily (treatment) workflows.ResultsIn Study 1, explanations did not improve accuracy but increased decision time, reducing efficiency. Trends suggested lower perceived usefulness and trust in the explanation condition. Qualitative data from Study 2 supported these findings; clinicians found explanations time-consuming and disruptive, questioning their practical value, especially for routine cases.ConclusionA critical trade-off exists between pursuing AI transparency and the operational demand for efficiency. Explanations, while well-intentioned, can function as efficiency pitfalls in time-pressured clinical practice, highlighting the boundary conditions and challenges in designing effective human-AI systems.ApplicationThese insights inform future AI system design, favoring adaptable, on-demand explanations tailored to user needs. Such a user-centric approach supports complex cases without impeding routine task efficiency.
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh motivasi kerja dan lingkungan kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan bagian produksi di PT Citra Terang Abadi. Didalam persaingan industri, sumber daya manusia punya peran penting dalam keberhasilan perusahaan. Pada keadaan di lapangan, kinerja karyawan dinilai belum optimal karena motivasi kerja yang rendah dan lingkungan kerja yang kurang mendukung. Maka dari itu, penelitian ini dilakukan untuk memberi rekomendasi didalam meningkatkan kinerja karyawan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Data dikumpulkan pada kuesioner skala Likert menggunakan Google Form. Sampel penelitian bertotal 35 karyawan bagian produksi yang dipilih menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan uji validitas, reliabilitas, uji asumsi klasik, regresi linier berganda, uji t, uji F, dan koefisien determinasi (R²) pada bantuan IBM SPSS. Hasil penelitian memberi suatu petunjuk jika motivasi kerja dan lingkungan kerja punya pengaruh yang signifikan pada kinerja karyawan, baik secara parsial serta simultan. Maka, perusahaan perlu meningkatkan motivasi kerja dan menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang nyaman agar tujuan perusahaan tercapai. Penelitian ini diharapkan menjadi bahan pertimbangan manajemen dalam menyusun kebijakan peningkatan kinerja karyawan secara berkelanjutan dan berdaya saing perusahaan optimal. Hasil penelitian ini juga diharapkan dapat menjadi referensi bagi penelitian selanjutnya yang membahas motivasi kerja, lingkungan kerja, dan kinerja karyawan pada perusahaan sejenis, sehingga memberikan kontribusi bagi pengembangan ilmu manajemen sumber daya manusia serta peningkatan kualitas pengelolaan organisasi secara berkelanjutan dan efektif.
Abstract The preservation of primary, complex, and immunocompetent tissue models remains a major challenge in biomedical research. Effective cryopreservation is essential to ensure a reliable supply of standardized tissue models, reduce dependence on freshly isolated samples, and enable long-term storage for research and clinical applications. Conventional slow freezing, commonly used for cell cultures, often induces cellular stress and alters immune responses. Although previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of cryopreservation for maintaining tissue viability and function, notable differences between frozen and fresh tissues persist, highlighting the need for improved preservation strategies.In this study, human precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) were cryopreserved using a newly developed rapid freezing method and compared to the conventional slow freezing approach. PCLS were prepared from agarose-inflated human lung tissue. One day after preparation, slices were subjected to either the fast or slow freezing protocol. Post-thaw evaluation included metabolic activity (WST-1 assay), cytotoxicity (LDH release), live/dead staining, RNA quantity and integrity, and cytokine secretion following proinflammatory stimulation.Both freezing methods reduced PCLS viability compared with fresh controls; however, fast freezing preserved significantly higher viability—approximately 70% immediately after thawing and 85% after 24 hours—compared to 50% and 60% for slow freezing, respectively. Cytotoxicity was markedly lower following fast freezing (10% and 20% after thawing and 24 hours, respectively) than after slow freezing (40% and 45%). RNA quantity and integrity remained unaffected by either method, with RIN values consistently above 7.9. To assess immune responsiveness, PCLS were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours, and IL-6 and IL-8 secretion was measured. Freezing influenced basal cytokine levels, with elevated IL-6 and IL-8 detected immediately after thawing. A significant reduction in IL-8 responsiveness was observed only in slowly frozen PCLS. Both freezing methods showed recovery of cytokine responsiveness after one and three days, with faster and more complete recovery in PCLS preserved by the rapid freezing method.In summary, the newly developed rapid freezing technique enables superior preservation of PCLS viability, RNA quality, and immune functionality compared with conventional slow freezing. This method represents a promising advance for the long-term storage and standardized use of complex human tissue models in biomedical research. This abstract is funded by: None
