Search

Abstract A review of the cuticular and sensory metatibial and metatarsal structures in cixiid planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) is proposed, depicting both their strong disparity and the great diversity of the patterns observed. Terminology and definitions for these structures are provided. The so-called lateral teeth of the metatibia in fact are particular styloconic sensory structures, called spiniform sensilla in Cixiidae. The apical metatibiotarsal teeth are non-sensory cuticular expansions, often bearing one or several chaetic sensilla ventrally, generally distributed in an internal and an external group of three teeth each, in some instances separated by a diastema; innermost and outermost teeth are generally larger. On the first tarsomere seven to eight teeth generally occur in one row, although two rows are observed in Brixidiini. A strong diversity of conformations and patterns is observed in the second metatarsomere. A specific subdorsal sensillum, of platellar type, may be present in the first metatarsomere teeth for a few taxa. It is generally present in the second metatarsomere, either as a narrow-based acutellar sensillum or as a broad-based platellar sensillum according to the taxon. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of 54 species of cixiids from all described tribes of the family, supplemented by data from the literature, are used to provide a metatibiotarsal diagnosis for each of the tribes of Cixiidae. In the state of our knowledge of the sufficiently precise observations of metatibiotarsal structures in the Cixiidae which are available, and of the phylogeny of the group as a frame of reference for their interpretations, we note that the observed patterns are probably the result of multiple and independent convergences and evolutionary regressions. These occurred at all levels of cixiid classification. Although these patterns can be useful in the identification of taxa at a low taxonomic level, they would be less useful for phylogenetic approaches.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to detect Hard Exudates (HE) and classify Disorganization of Retinal Inner Layers (DRIL) implementing a Deep Learning (DL) system on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). We collected a dataset composed of 442 OCT images on which we annotated 6847 HE and the presence of DRIL. A complex operational pipeline was defined to implement data cleaning and image transformations, and train two DL models. The state-of-the-art neural network architectures (Yolov7, ConvNeXt, RegNetX) and advanced techniques were exploited to aggregate the results (Ensemble learning, Edge detection) and obtain a final model. The DL approach reached good performance in detecting HE and classifying DRIL. Regarding HE detection the model got an AP@0.5 score equal to 34.4% with Precision of 48.7% and Recall of 43.1%; while for DRIL classification an Accuracy of 91.1% with Sensitivity and Specificity both of 91.1% and AUC and AUPR values equal to 91% were obtained. The P-value was lower than 0.05 and the Kappa coefficient was 0.82. The DL models proved to be able to identify HE and DRIL in eyes with DME with a very good accuracy and all the metrics calculated confirmed the system performance. Our DL approach demonstrated to be a good candidate as a supporting tool for ophthalmologists in OCT images analysis.

The treatment of older patients with cancer is challenging owing to frailty and the presence of comorbidities, which complicate treatment decisions by impacting tolerance to therapeutic interventions, as well as poor representation of this patient population in clinical trials, leading to a lack of evidence-based data, especially in later lines of therapy. There is an urgent need for predictive models that could provide diagnostic and prognostic information relevant to older patients with cancer. Organoid technology has emerged as a promising frontier in cancer treatment, offering a versatile platform for personalized medicine and drug development. By recapitulating the three-dimensional (3D) architecture, cell-matrix interactions and tissue heterogeneity, organoid cultures provide an accurate representation of individual tumor properties, thus enabling the precise modeling of tumor behavior. Clinical trials have demonstrated a high predictive value and statistically significant correlation between the patient’s clinical response and tumor organoid response in different cancer types. The first ongoing Swiss registry study aims to apply organoid-based drug screening technology to identify optimal treatments in older cancer patients in the second or later therapy line setting. This study will help to identify optimal personalized treatment strategies while reducing unnecessary treatment-related toxicity and improving patient outcomes in this patient population. PEER REVIEWED ARTICLE **Peer reviewers:** Dr Andreas Hochstrasser, Hospital Thun, Thun, Switzerland Dr Bich Doan Nguyen-Sträuli, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland Received on April 22, 2024; accepted after peer review on October 23, 2024; published online on October 30, 2024.

Abstract Background The current paradigm of competency-based medical education and learner-centredness requires learners to take an active role in their training. However, deliberate and planned continual assessment and performance improvement is hindered by the fragmented nature of many medical training programs. Attempts to bridge this continuity gap between supervision and feedback through learner handover have been controversial. Learning plans are an alternate educational tool that helps trainees identify their learning needs and facilitate longitudinal assessment by providing supervisors with a roadmap of their goals. Informed by self-regulated learning theory, learning plans may be the answer to track trainees’ progress along their learning trajectory. The purpose of this study is to summarise the literature regarding learning plan use specifically in undergraduate medical education and explore the student’s role in all stages of learning plan development and implementation. Methods Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a scoping review will be conducted to explore the use of learning plans in undergraduate medical education. Literature searches will be conducted using multiple databases by a librarian with expertise in scoping reviews. Through an iterative process, inclusion and exclusion criteria will be developed and a data extraction form refined. Data will be analysed using quantitative and qualitative content analyses. Discussion By summarising the literature on learning plan use in undergraduate medical education, this study aims to better understand how to support self-regulated learning in undergraduate medical education. The results from this project will inform future scholarly work in competency-based medical education at the undergraduate level and have implications for improving feedback and supporting learners at all levels of competence. Scoping review registration: Open Science Framework osf.io/wvzbx.

Abstract Protein-based virus-like particles (P-VLPs) are commonly used to spatially organize antigens and enhance humoral immunity through multivalent antigen display. However, P-VLPs are thymus-dependent antigens that are themselves immunogenic and can induce B cell responses that may neutralize the platform. Here, we investigate thymus-independent DNA origami as an alternative material for multivalent antigen display using the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the primary target of neutralizing antibody responses. Sequential immunization of mice with DNA-based VLPs (DNA-VLPs) elicits protective neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a manner that depends on the valency of the antigen displayed and on T cell help. Importantly, the immune sera do not contain boosted, class-switched antibodies against the DNA scaffold, in contrast to P-VLPs that elicit strong B cell memory against both the target antigen and the scaffold. Thus, DNA-VLPs enhance target antigen immunogenicity without generating scaffold-directed immunity and thereby offer an important alternative material for particulate vaccine design.

We present the results of a self-consistent analysis of the magnetic silicon star BD+00°1659, based on its high-resolution spectra taken from the ESPaDOnS archive (R = 68,000). This narrow-lined star shows the typical high Si abundance and Si ii– iii anomaly, making it an ideal prototype for investigating the vertical distribution of Si and Fe in the stellar atmosphere. The derived abundances, ranging from helium to lanthanides, confirm the star’s classification as a silicon Bp spectral type. Silicon and iron are represented by lines of different ionisation stages (Fe i– iii, Si i– iii), indicating an ionisation imbalance interpreted as evidence of atmospheric stratification. Our stratification analysis reveals that there is a jump in iron and silicon abundances of 1.5 dex at atmospheric layers with an optical depth of logτ5000 = −0.85–−1.00. Non-LTE calculations for iron in this stratified atmosphere show minor non-LTE effects. Our results can be applied to studying the impact of stratification on the emergent flux in rapidly rotating Si stars with similar atmospheric parameters and abundance anomalies (for example, MX TrA), where direct stratification analysis is challenging due to line blending.

X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies nowadays are advanced characterization methods for fundamental and applied actinide research. One of the advantages of these methods is to reveal slight changes in the structural and electronic properties of radionuclides. The experiments are generally carried out at synchrotrons. However, considerable progress has been made to construct laboratory-based X-ray spectrometers for X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies. Laboratory spectrometers are reliable, effective and accessible alternatives to synchrotrons, especially for actinide research, which allow dispensing with high costs of the radioactive sample transport and synchrotron time. Moreover, data from laboratory spectrometers, obtained within a reasonable time, are comparable with synchrotron results. Thereby, laboratory spectrometers can complement synchrotrons or can be used for preliminary experiments to find perspective samples for synchrotron experiments with better resolution. Here, the construction and implementation of an X-ray spectrometer (LomonosovXAS) in Johann-geometry at a radiochemistry laboratory is reported. Examples are given of the application of LomonosovXAS to actinide systems relevant to the chemistry of f-elements, the physical chemistry of nuclear power engineering and the long-term disposal of spent nuclear fuel.

Em 2003, a promulgação da Lei 10.639, que tornou obrigatório o ensino de História africana e afro-brasileira, e mais tarde a indígena, de acordo com a Lei 11.645, de 2008, que atualizou a anterior, possibilitou a entrada desses temas no ensino básico e acadêmico, porém há desafios em torno de sua efetivação. Neste artigo, apresenta-se uma análise das pesquisas levantadas em revisão bibliográfica cujo tema central foi a História da África. Utilizando-se a metodologia do Estado da Arte (EA), investiga-se o que se tem produzido acerca da temática e expõem-se suas lacunas. Conclui-se que apesar dos avanços, ainda que de forma lenta, como apontado em geral nas pesquisas, é preciso formular e aplicar eficientemente políticas públicas em prol da efetivação do tema na formação dos professores e nas práticas do ensino básico. O artigo faz parte de um projeto de iniciação científica composto por duas pesquisadores e a orientadora sobre História da África e afro-brasileira, que objetiva desenvolver um material didático como produto final.

O ensino da história dos povos indígenas é uma questão fundamental para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa e equitativa. Sua inserção na legislação advém da modificação da Lei anterior, que contemplava o ensino de História africana e afro-brasileira, conforme a Lei 11.645, de 2008. O objetivo é apresentar o que se tem produzido e discutido a respeito da História indígena no Brasil, por intermédio do levantamento e análise de publicações que contemplam os descritores Lei 11.645 e indígenas. É possível apontar que as produções reconhecem a legislação como um compromisso com a preservação da memória e da identidade dos povos indígenas e que há possibilidade de uma educação intercultural. No entanto, indicam também os limites da aplicação da Lei, uma vez que ainda existem visões estereotipadas e tratamento esporádico da temática, e geralmente advinda da iniciativa individual de professores

The TESS light curve of the silicon Ap star MX TrA was modeled using the observational surface distribution of silicon, iron, helium, and chromium obtained previously with the Doppler Imaging technique. The theoretical light curve was calculated using a grid of synthetic fluxes from line-by-line stellar atmosphere models with individual chemical abundances. The observational TESS light curve was fitted by a synthetic one with an accuracy better than 0.001 mag. The influence of Si and Fe abundance stratification on the amplitude of variability was estimated. Also, the wavelength dependence of the photometric amplitude and phase of the maximum light was modeled showing the typical Ap Si star behavior with increased amplitude and anti-phase variability in far ultraviolet caused by the flux redistribution.

The article examines the issue of establishing the functional ability of the horseshoe kidney both in general and in its nominal parts, using dynamic renoscintigraphy. Such studies are necessary for children of any age with detected anomalies of the development of the urinary system for the simultaneous study of the anatomical and topographical state and functional capacity of the abnormally developed kidney.

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) is a comprehensive and usable method for characterizing the structures of various materials, including radioactive and nuclear materials. Unceasing discussions about the interpretation of EXAFS results for actinide nanoparticles (NPs) or colloids were still present during the last decade. In this study, new experimental data for PuO2 and CeO2 NPs with different average sizes were compared with published data on AnO2 NPs that highlight the best fit and interpretation of the structural data. In terms of the structure, PuO2, CeO2, ThO2, and UO2 NPs exhibit similar behaviors. Only ThO2 NPs have a more disordered and even partly amorphous structure, which results in EXAFS characteristics. The proposed new core-shell model for NPs with calculated effective coordination number perfectly fits the results of the variations in a metal–metal shell with a decrease in NP size.

L’articolo descrive il percorso di ridefinizione strategica del Settore Biblioteche e welfare culturale del Dipartimento Cultura e promozione della città del Comune di Bologna, curato da Kilowatt. Un percorso che parte, nel 2020, da una fase di ascolto del personale delle biblioteche comunali – che ha permesso di generare domande di ricerca su bisogni formativi, comportamenti legati alla lettura e impatto delle biblioteche nella città contemporanea – e che oggi diventa ascolto della cittadinanza a scala metropolitana. Di seguito si presentano i risultati delle analisi condotte nelle prime due tappe del percorso (Etnografia bibliotecaria e Maieutica bibliotecaria) e si approfondiscono i presupposti e i primi risultati – a partire da una visione di città a cui ispirarsi per orientare politiche e azioni – delle due progettualità ancora in corso (l’indagine etnografica sulla lettura e il processo di pianificazione e valutazione d’impatto delle politiche del Settore Biblioteche e welfare culturale), entrambe promosse dalla rete del Patto per la lettura di Bologna, un ramo dello stesso settore.

Common Usage vs Codified Standard: Problems with the Codification of Anglicisms in the Contemporary Russian Language This article focuses on the important problem of codification of the most recent borrowings of British and American English origins in the contemporary Russian language. Standardization of loanwords is a current issue of vital importance, as it has a global reach, which means that it affects not only the Russian language but many other national languages that are under the influence of the English language – the contemporary lingua franca. The codification of the lexis of foreign origin is examined based on material obtained from contemporary lifestyle maga­zines published in Russian. This type of press disseminates borrowed neologisms particularly intensively and, at the same time, creates the language use of the given discourse. The excerpted vocabulary items have been confronted with the lexis of the most recent Russian spelling dictionaries. The deliberations contained in this paper show a fragment of linguistic reality changing under the influence of ubiq­uitous English language, where common usage competes with the linguistic norm. The article shows the difficulties caused by lexical transfer of loanwords faced by specialists in prescriptive linguistics (e.g. a common problem of orthographic variation). Norma uzualna vs norma skodyfikowana. O problemach kodyfikacji anglicyzmów we współczesnym języku rosyjskim Niniejszy artykuł zwraca uwagę na istotny problem kodyfikacji najnowszych zapożyczeń anglo-amerykańskiej proweniencji we współczesnej ruszczyźnie. Temat standaryzacji zapożyczeń jest aktualny i niezwykle ważny, bowiem ma on zasięg globalny, zatem dotyczy nie tylko języka rosyjskiego, lecz wielu innych języków narodowych, które znajdują się pod wpływem angielszczyzny – współ­czesnej lingua franca. Badanie kodyfikacji leksyki obcego pochodzenia oparto na materiale zaczerpniętym z najnowszych rosyjskojęzycznych czasopism kolorowych typu life style. Ten rodzaj prasy szczególnie ochoczo rozpowszechnia zapoży­czone neologizmy, jednocześnie kreuje uzus danego dyskursu. Wyekscerpowany materiał porównano z leksyką zawartą w najnowszych słownikach ortograficznych języka rosyjskiego. Niniejsze rozważania dają obraz fragmentu rzeczywistości językowej zmieniającej się pod wpływem wszechobecnej angielszczyzny, w której uzus konkuruje z normą językową. Ponadto wskazano tu szereg problemów wywoływanych zapożyczeniami leksykalnymi, z którymi zmagają się specjaliści z obszaru językoznawstwa normatywnego (np. powszechny problem wariantywności ortograficznej zapożyczeń).

IntroductionOmphalocele represents a rare congenital abdominal wall defect. In giant omphalocele, due to the viscero-abdominal disproportion, gradual reintegration of eviscerated organs is often associated with medical challenges. We report our preliminary experience combining staged gravitational reduction with vacuum (VAC) therapy as a novel approach for treatment of giant omphalocele.Patients and methodsRetrospective chart review of six patients (five females) born between September 2018 and May 2022 who underwent staged reduction of giant omphalocele in conjunction with VAC therapy was conducted. Treatment was performed at two German third-level Pediatric Surgery Departments. Biometric and periprocedural data were assessed. Main outcome measure was the feasibility of VAC therapy for giant omphalocele. Data are reported as median and interquartile range (Q1–Q3).ResultsGestational age was 37 (37–38) weeks, and birth weight was 2700 (2500–3000) g. VAC dressing was changed every 3 (3–4) days until abdominal fascia closure at the age of 9 (3–13) days. Time to first/full oral feeds was 3 (1–5)/20 (12–24) days with a hospital stay of 22 (17–30) days. Follow-up was 8 (5–22) months and complications were of minor extent (none: n = 2; Clavien–Dindo I: n = 3; Clavien–Dindo II: n = 1), comprising a delayed neo-umbilical cord rest separation (n = 2) and/or concomitant neo-umbilical site infection (n = 2) with no repeat surgery.ConclusionIn neonates with giant omphalocele, VAC constitutes a promising and technically feasible enhancement of the staged gravitational reduction method. This study shows evidence that VAC may accelerate restoration of the abdominal wall integrity in giant omphalocele, thus minimizing associated comorbidities inherent to a prolonged hospitalization.

Abstract Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and transition to a new forest inventory system, Russia has reported almost no change in growing stock (+ 1.8%) and biomass (+ 0.6%). Yet remote sensing products indicate increased vegetation productivity, tree cover and above-ground biomass. Here, we challenge these statistics with a combination of recent National Forest Inventory and remote sensing data to provide an alternative estimate of the growing stock of Russian forests and to assess the relative changes in post-Soviet Russia. Our estimate for the year 2014 is 111 ± 1.3 × 109 m3, or 39% higher than the value in the State Forest Register. Using the last Soviet Union report as a reference, Russian forests have accumulated 1163 × 106 m3 yr-1 of growing stock between 1988–2014, which balances the net forest stock losses in tropical countries. Our estimate of the growing stock of managed forests is 94.2 × 109 m3, which corresponds to sequestration of 354 Tg C yr-1 in live biomass over 1988–2014, or 47% higher than reported in the National Greenhouse Gases Inventory.

Abstract Background A correlation between unsuccessful noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and poor outcome has been suggested in de-novo Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) patients. Consequently, it is of paramount importance to identify accurate predictors of NIV outcome. The aim of our preliminary study is to evaluate the Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction (DTF) and the respiratory rate/DTF ratio as predictors of NIV outcome in de-novo ARF patients. Methods Over 36 months, we studied patients admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of de-novo ARF and requiring NIV treatment. DTF and respiratory rate/DTF ratio were measured by 2 trained operators at baseline, at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of NIV treatment and/or until NIV discontinuation or intubation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of DTF and respiratory rate/DTF ratio to distinguish between patients who were successfully weaned and those who failed. Results Eighteen patients were included. We found overall good repeatability of DTF assessment, with Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.72–0.88). The cut-off values of DTF for prediction of NIV failure were 0.6 for both operators (p

This paper presents a building construction approach that is based on forty years of experience and a focus on multi-disciplinary synergies. After 1980, the migration science-based design was accelerated by the “Integrated Design Process (IDP)”. As a result, building science became a significant force in reducing the effects of climate change. The component associated with heating, cooling, and ventilation that is labeled “Environmental Quality Management” (EQM) or EQM-retro for interior applications will be discussed. The critical aspects of EQM-retro are: (1) A two-stage process for new and retro construction that modifies financing patterns. In stage one, the object is to develop the best possible performance within an investment limit. In stage two, the cost is minimized; (2) Building Automatic Control Systems (BACS) are important for control thermal mass contributions of while achieving adaptable indoor climate as well as an integration of the HVAC system with the building structure; (3) This is achieved with use of a monitoring application and performance evaluation (MAPE); (4) Introduction of BACS and MAPE during design process improves the integration of building subsystems and energy optimization. Examples showing increaseased occupant-controlled comfort, energy efficiency and flexibility of energy demand are presented in the paper.

В роботі виконано аналіз використання обчислювальних ресурсів мікроконтролера для машинного навчання та розпізнавання голосу. Поставлено експеримент для визначення залежності часу розпізнавання ключового слова, об’єму використаної оперативної пам’яті та пам’яті програм в залежності від кількості мел-частотних кепстральних коефіцієнтів та типу згорткової нейронної мережі. Для проведення експерименту використано плату розробки Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense. Модель нейронної мережі створено та треновано на програмній платформі Edge Impulse. В результаті аналізу встановлено, що пам’яті 32-х бітного мікроконтролера достатньо для обчислень та використання нейронної мережі. Однак час класифікації ключового слова складає приблизно 0,3 с, відповідно розпізнавання довгих фраз може зайняти декілька секунд, що не завжди є прийнятним.

The influence of ultrasound cavitation in the atmosphere of different gases, namely oxygen, air, and nitrogen, on the destruction of impurities of butanol and ethanol found in wastewater from the pharmaceutical plant “Galichpharm” was investigated. The effect of the corresponding gases (oxygen, nitrogen, and air) without ultrasound cavitation on the destruction of ethanol and butanol impurities in wastewater was comparatively investigated. The degree of oxidation of organic matter, effective rate constants, and approximation coefficients were calculated. It was found that the air supply is the least effective for both ethanol and butanol impurities. Degradation of ethanol by air contributed to the reduction in the organic matter content by 14.6 %, while oxidation of butanol was not observed. Ultrasound cavitation enhanced the effect of air and in common action with air the ethanol impurity content reduced by 32.58 %, and butanol impurity by 4.05 %. Nitrogen bubbling produced mediocre results for the destruction of ethanol and butanol impurities giving a decrease by 17.04 % and 0.67 %, respectively. The highest results were obtained with oxygen. Ethanol impurities decreased by 22.47 % and butanol impurities by 1.75 %. With the common action of oxygen and ultrasound, much higher results were obtained, 44.32 % for ethanol impurities and 7.43 % for butanol impurities.

Planktonic cells of the luminous marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri establish themselves in the light-emitting organ of each generation of newly hatched Euprymna scolopes bobtail squid. A symbiont population is maintained within the 6 separated crypts of the organ for the ∼9-month life of the host. In the wild, the initial colonization step is typically accomplished by a handful of planktonic V. fischeri cells, leading to a species-specific, but often multi-strain, symbiont population. Within a few hours, the inoculating cells proliferate within the organ’s individual crypts, after which there is evidently no supernumerary colonization. Nevertheless, every day at dawn, the majority of the symbionts is expelled, and the regrowth of the remaining ∼5% of cells provides a daily opportunity for the population to evolve and diverge, thereby increasing its genomic diversity. To begin to understand the extent of this diversification, we characterized the light-organ population of an adult animal. First, we used 16S sequencing to determine that species in the V. fischeri clade were essentially the only ones detectable within a field-caught E. scolopes. Efforts to colonize the host with a minor species that appeared to be identified, V. litoralis, revealed that, although some cells could be imaged within the organ, they were

Les danseuses et choréologues, Ana Yepes et Anna Romaní, parmi les plus grandes spécialistes du style espagnol de danse de la Renaissance et du Baroque, parlent de leur parcours, de leur méthode de recherche sur les sources historiques et du rôle l’intuition et de l’improvisation dans leur travail.

Małżeństwa aranżowane są najbardziej popularną formą relacji intymnych w Indiach. Niemniej jednak, coraz częściej - wśród miejskiej klasy średniej - zdarzają się małżeństwa z miłości oraz związki nieformalne. Niestety, literatura antropologiczna rzadko porusza zagadnienie miłości romantycznej i jej powiązania z klasą społeczną. Jeszcze rzadsze są badania miłości romantycznej z zastosowaniem techniki obserwacji uczestniczącej. W tym artykule autorka analizuje powiązania pomiędzy różnymi typami związków heteroseksualnych a klasą społeczną. Innymi słowy, omawia formy kapitału kulturowego, które odgrywają rolę w wyborze partnera i wpływają na stabilność i trwałość relacji. Artykuł opiera się na etnograficznych badaniach terenowych w Delhi.

Analyzing agro-climatic conditions for the period of 1981–2020 has revealed a tendency for local climate warming under the condition of its aridization in the territory of the Central region of the Russian Non-Chernozem zone, and the new northern borders for soybean growing in the region have been marked. The isotherm of the sum of active temperatures has been established to have shifted towards high latitudes by 150–200 km. The values of the sum of active temperatures have increased from 1700–2200 °C to 1950–2400 °C, while the amount of precipitation during the growing season has decreased by 20–40 mm on average, from 270–280 mm to 190–230 mm. Three agro-climatic subzones—northern (NAS), central (CAS) and southern (SAS)—have been identified, each characterized by similar temperature and humidity conditions during the growing season. Thus, in the northern agro-climatic subzone, the sum of temperatures during the growing season is 2000–2200 °C, the HTC (hydrothermal coefficient) is 1.4–1.7, and the sum of precipitation is 285–295 mm; in the central subzone, the sum of temperatures is 2200–2400 °C, the HTC is 1.1–1.4, and the sum of precipitation is 265–285 mm; in the southern one, the sum of temperatures is 2400–2600 °C, the HTC is 0.7–1.1, and the sum of precipitation is 255–265 mm. Along with the northern ecotype varieties recommended for this zone, the vegetation features of early maturing soybean varieties of other ecological types—southern and Far Eastern—were studied. As a result of the agro-ecological analysis of early maturing soybean varieties, it has been found that the soybeans belonging to the group of very early or early maturing with a determinant type of growth are recommended for cultivation in the northern agro-climatic subzone of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem zone; the soybean varieties belonging to the group of very early or early maturing with a determinant or semi-determinant type of growth—in the central zone; the soybean varieties belonging to the group of very early or early maturing with a determinant, semi-determinant, and indeterminant type of growth—in the southern zone. Considering the variety characteristics and the agro-ecological tests conducted, it has been found that the northern ecotype varieties can sustainably ripen in all agro-climatic subzones in the Central region of the Non-Chernozem zone, the southern and the Far Eastern varieties—in the central and the southern zones.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution forms a smart grid with diverse sources of energy through the interconnectivity of data. Buildings that were previously the biggest users of energy are now becoming energy producers. Yet, buildings are also continually changing. The ecological definition of buildings, in addition to the building itself, includes solar panels and geothermal energy storage. The need for decarbonization and energy-efficiency brought about the implementation of heat pumps in buildings. The most economic type of heat pump is a water-sourced heat pump with hot and cold tanks or a connection to the District Energy System. Monitoring using building automatics allows HVAC optimization in the occupancy stage. Until the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the EU and the US differed in their air handling methodology, but the pandemic showed the limitations of both approaches and led to the creation of a new, integrated approach. These new ventilation systems, based on filtration instead of dilution, come together with decarbonization and the demand for new and retrofitted buildings to be smart, have zero emissions and excellent indoor environments, and be affordable. To fulfill these conditions, design teams must extrapolate experience with passive houses and introduce expertise in building automatic controls (BAC). The authors analyze the heating cooling and ventilation aspects of dwellings in a technology called Ecological Thermo-Active (ETA) technology that can also be applied to the interior retrofitting of buildings, including those with historic facades. The building “with classic form and ultramodern function” is an example of this changing design paradigm.

The research objective was to study the association of the AGT rs699 missense SNP with arterial hypertension (AH) and metabolic risk factors among indigenous people of the Arctic territory of Yakutia. The obtained data show that representatives of indigenous people of the Arctic territory of Yakutia with the homozygous GG genotype for the AGT SNP rs699 are characterized by high levels of systolic blood pressure. The carriage of the GG genotype in AH patients is associated with a high frequency of hypo-HDL cholesterolemia. The carriage of GG genotype in AH patients, compared to subjects without AH, is characterized by higher blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides and is associated with a high frequency of abdominal obesity. Thus, the AGT rs699 missense SNP was found to be associated with metabolic risk factors in indigenous AH persons of the Arctic territory of Yakutia.

The authors of the paper will analyse the structure of revenues and expenditures of local governments and evaluate the actual level of their independence. The authors will try to identify the room for improving of the financial position of the municipalities and special attention will be paid to a certain means of rationalisation of public administration, particularly computerisation within the e-Government projects that should, inter alia, lead to reduction of the administrative burden laid upon (local) government bodies and also saving of the budget. The analysis, largely based on a survey conducted by the authors within primary research, shows that performance of reforms in terms of rationalisation efforts may be a way forward, hence, the one analysed in this paper was not implemented in a fully satisfactory manner.

Для визначення ресурсного потенціалу України щодо організації та обслуговування круїзних напрямків було досліджено інфраструктурні та туристичні наявні ресурси, які є обов’язковою умовою та складовою круїзного маршруту: глибоководні річки; портові термінали, які призначені для обслуговування пасажирів; туристичні підприємства, які займаються організацією круїзів; дестинації другого плану (місця з туристичним потенціалом, які приваблюють туристів та знаходяться в зоні доступності круїзних лайнерів). Проведено аналіз вже задіяних ресурсів та тих, які можуть використовуватися без попередньої підготовки для організації круїзних подорожей. Досліджено круїзні ресурси, які нині не використовуються для організації круїзних подорожей та обслуговування. Сформульовано рекомендації для відновлення та розвитку міжнародної круїзної індустрії в Україні.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a commonly used approach for assessing the environmental impact of products, processes, or services. This paper presents LCA of a selected Living Green Wall (LGW), a greening structure which is attached to building envelope and improve its sustainability. Impacts of the LGW useful life stages (manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and disposal) are quantified through LCA. In this study a felt system LGW example was selected, to build a case study. The information on the component's material, weight, supplier, distance travelled, and type of transportation (inventory data) was gathered from the manufacturer. The data gathering process was through informal interview and manufacturer's public information search. The study found that the manufacturing stage of LGW production is responsible for 80.67 % of the Greenhouse Gases emissions (GHG).

Protests during the 2021 Climate Conference in Glasgow exemplified our dilemma. The establishment perpetuates old thinking, while young people demand a new approach to mitigate the impact of climate change. The authors agree with the young people, and as a solution we propose to replace the current fragmentary approach with a new holistic one. The passive house approach that was conceptualized by the University of Illinois and built in Canada in 1977 showed us that energy consumption can be reduced about half of that used in the traditional design. Seventeen years later, a European passive house was built in Darmstadt. In 2008, a demonstration house in Syracuse, NY, showed that integrated passive measures produced energy use by about half of the NY state code for 2004. At the same time, some advanced houses in the USA showed total energy use of about 70 kWh/(m2∙y). In 2008, at the first Building Enclosure Science and Technology Conference, two equally important objectives for 2030 were proposed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: (1) a 90% reduction of energy use in new buildings and (2) 50% for the retrofitting of existing buildings, i.e., to the level achieved in the 1980s. The first objective has recently been achieved in small buildings while the large residential buildings remain on the level obtained in the 2000s. Yet, the retrofitting of existing buildings (the second objective) has been a dismal failure. This paper acknowledges progress in hydronic heating and cooling involving electric heat pumps and hybrid solar panels, building automatics used for operation of HVAC, and modification of air distribution systems that comes from experience with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Furthermore, it highlights that to accelerate energy efficiency and carbon emission reductions, there must be broad public-private educational programs with demonstrations of a new generation of retrofitting. Economically and ecologically retrofitted buildings will create a new approach to real estate investment.

Intimal sarcoma of the heart is a sporadic disease, which involves symptoms of cardiac insufficiency due to a fast-growing intraluminal mass. Tumor resection is the first-line treatment, although its location precludes excision with wide uninvolved margins. Despite the aggressiveness of this neoplasm and a high risk of recurrence even after removal by microscopically radical surgery, no standard adjuvant therapy has been established. Chemotherapy is used either as an adjuvant treatment or in cases of advanced disease. In contrast, the use of radiotherapy is rare and usually considered in a palliative setting because the risk of radiation-induced heart disease after high-dose radiotherapy to the heart is significant. Herein, we present the cases of two patients, both diagnosed with cardiac intimal sarcoma, who received irradiation after tumor resection. In both cases, radiotherapy was effective, providing long-lasting local disease control. We regularly monitored cardiac function in both patients to assess the impact of radiotherapy on tumor-free heart structures. The excellent local control of the disease with only mild long-term cardiac dysfunction in both patients suggests that radiotherapy can be a useful treatment modality in this indication.

This pilot research was one of the first sociological studies with general questions on genetic testing with 300 participants, 75% of which were representatives of one people – the Sakha. A quantitative method was used: a sociological survey with quota sampling (Δ ± 5%), held in February – March 2018 in the City of Yakutsk (n = 350). Analysis of the survey results have shown that the respondents have low levels of awareness about the DNA-testing method: 72.3% “do not know about the method”. Only 18.7% of respondents knew that since 2000 the Medical-Genetic Centre of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) conducts DNA diagnostics for hereditary diseases, with 81.0% replying that they didn’t know that. The questionnaire has shown that 90.3% of participants would like to undergo DNA-testing to identify their susceptibility to genetic diseases. Our questionnaire has shown high levels of self-identity among the young Sakha and their desire to learn about their belonging to a specific ethnicity (49.3%) with the assistance of DNA-testing. Furthermore, based on the answers relating to motivations for undergoing DNA-testing, we can say that the respondents have confirmed the peculiarities of their national mindset, specifically, high value of children for a family: “concern for the health of my future children” was a great motivator for taking the test (50.3%).

Artykuł jest oparty na etnograficznych badaniach terenowych i dotyczy działalności organizacji pozarządowych zwalczających prostytucję i sex-trafficking w jednej z indyjskich metropolii. Autorka twierdzi, że pracownicy organizacji konstruują obraz swoich beneficjentów jako ofiar patriarchalnej opresji w celu podkreślania dystynkcji klasowych pomiędzy nimi samymi (członkami klas średnich) a beneficjentami (członkami klas niższych). Dokonuje także analizy postrzegania Innego spoza systemu NGOsów. Na tej podstawie postuluje ona rozszerzenie granic orientalizmu (Buchowski 2006), gdzie Inny wpisywany jest nie tyle w dychotomię geografii wyobrażeniowej na linii „Wschód–Zachód” (Said 1979), ale jest konstruowany właśnie w oparciu o dystynkcje klasowe (Buchowski 2006).

Background: Surgery is the current mainstay for the treatment of urachal anomalies (UA). Recent literature data support the theory of a spontaneous resolution within the first year of life. The aim of this study, comprising solely surgically treated children, was to identify age specific patterns regarding symptoms and outcomes that may support the non-surgical treatment of UA. Methods: Retrospective review on the clinico-laboratory characteristics of 52 children aged < 17 years undergoing resection of symptomatic UA at our pediatric surgical unit during 2006–2017. Data was dichotomized into age > 1 (n = 17) versus < 1 year (n = 35), and complicated (pre-/post-surgical abscess formation or peritonitis, n = 10) versus non-complicated course (n = 42). Results: Children aged < 1 year comprised majority (67%) of cohort and had lower complication rates (p = 0.062). Complicated course at surgery exclusively occurred in patients aged > 1 year (p = 0.003). Additionally, complicated group was older (p = 0.018), displayed leukocytosis (p < 0.001) and higher frequencies regarding presence of abdominal pain (p = 0.008) and abdominal mass (p = 0.034) on admission. Regression analysis identified present abdominal pain (OR (95% CI), 11.121 (1.152–107.337); p = 0.037) and leukocytosis (1.435 (1.070–1.925); p = 0.016) being associated with complicated course. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that symptomatic disease course follows an age-dependent complication pattern with lower complication rates at age < 1 year. Larger, studies have to clarify, if waiting for spontaneous urachal obliteration during the first year of life comprises a reasonable alternative to surgery.

The present study examines the sorption of Cs (I) and Sr (II) on organic sorbents in the pH range from 2 to 10, as well as the mechanisms of their binding. In order to determine the influence of the physical properties and the quantity of functional groups of the organic sorbents on sorption, experiments were carried out on organic materials of varying degrees of metamorphism: high-moor peat, hard and brown coals and shungite. A detailed description of their mineral composition, cation exchange capacity, buffering capacity and elemental composition of sorbents is provided. XRD, XRF, SEM and BET adsorption methods were used for assaying. As a result of the conducted research, it can be concluded that Sr (II) showed a higher sorption per unit specific surface area than Cs (I) in the studied range of concentrations and pH values. Sr (II) sorption decreases in the following order: high-moor peat > brown coal > shungite > hard coal. The sorption of Cs (I) is highest on brown coal and lesser for high-moor peat, shungite and hard coal. It is suggested that Cs (I) and Sr (II) can be fixed on carboxyl functional groups and Cs (I), possibly, in insignificant amounts on phenolic hydroxyls of all four studied organic sorbents.

Objective Imperfect culture sensitivity and increase of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) risk in preterm neonates raise concern that culture-based intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) may be insufficient after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Our objective was to compare rates of EONS after empiric versus culture-based IAP in PPROM. Study Design This retrospective cohort study included women with a singleton gestation and PPROM between 23 and 33 weeks. Outcomes after culture-based IAP were compared with empiric IAP. The primary outcome was EONS. Secondary outcomes included group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteremia, bacteremia, and neonatal GBS infection. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed. Results Of the 270 women who met inclusion criteria, 136 (50%) had culture-based IAP of whom 36 (26.5%) were GBS positive. There was no significant difference in bacteremia (2.2 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.30), GBS infection (0.8 vs. 0.7%, p = 1.00), or EONS (11.8 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.82) in infants of women with culture-based IAP compared with empiric IAP. Multivariable analysis confirmed a lack of advantage to empiric versus culture-based IAP in EONS risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–1.93). Conclusion In pregnancies complicated by PPROM, infants of women who received culture-based IAP had no significant difference in EONS or GBS infection compared with infants of women with empiric IAP.

The article focuses on the problem of orthographic and graphic variants of English loanwords in modern Russian. The empirical material was excerpted from normative dictionaries and Russian glossy magazines. The main purpose of the studies was to define the reasons for different notation of anglicisms, to illustrate the types of orthographic and graphic variants, and also to indicate the most important issues of loanword codification in normative practice. Variation in writing is a dynamic phenomenon in Russian (ortho) graphy that requires lexicographical description as there are no separate rules of notation for loanwords.

Introducing integrated, automatic control to buildings operating with the environmental quality management (EQM) system, we found that existing energy models are not suitable for use in integrated control systems as they poorly represent the real time, interacting, and transient effects that occur under field conditions. We needed another high-precision estimator for energy efficiency and indoor environment and to this end we examined artificial neural networks (ANNs). This paper presents a road map for design and evaluation of ANN-based estimators of the given performance aspect in a complex interacting environment. It demonstrates that in creating a precise representation of a mathematical relationship one must evaluate the stability and fitness under randomly changing initial conditions. It also shows that ANN systems designed in this manner may have a high precision in characterizing the response of the building exposed to the variable outdoor climatic conditions. The absolute value of the relative errors ( M a x A R E ) being less than 1.4% for each stage of the ANN development proves that our objective of monitoring and EQM characterization can be reached.

The article analyzes the inbound and domestic tourism market of the capital of Ukraine Kyiv as a priority target audience of consumers of the all-Ukrainian tourist product. The subject of research of the article is the capital of Ukraine as a perspective market of inbound tourism. The main goal of this article is to research the Kyiv tourist market in the context of the development and implementation of tourism strategies of Ukraine as a whole, as well as other Ukrainian cities. In addition, it is important to analyze the foreign visitors and their behavior for more systematic work on the development of the tourism industry in the country. Another part is to determine the preferences of internal Kyiv tourists, which must necessarily be taken into account when creating target tourism products for the citizens of Kyiv. The objectives are to analyze the features of railway and aviation communication between Kyiv and other countries, to research the dynamics of statistical indicators, as well as the results of economic activity of tourism industry subjects of the city of Kyiv, to represent the results of marketing research of the socio-demographic indicators of foreign and domestic visitors of the capital, their goals of travel, terms of stay, sources of information about Kyiv and the amount of travel expenses. The result of the research is the SWOT-analysis of Kyiv in terms of the tourist attractiveness, challenges and opportunities of the capital. The conclusions are the main recommendations for subject of tourism activity of Kyiv for increasing the tourist flows to Kyiv, namely: improving of the image of the capital and neutralizing the reputation of a dangerous city; clear targeting of the consumer market; creation of a competitive tourist product for certain categories of tourists; holding a large number of world-class events in the capital; training of Chinese-speaking guides as well as personnel of service facilities; promotion of accommodations to get official category; legalization of the casino as a significant factor in increasing of the tourist attractiveness of the destination; creation of convenient public transport logistics and navigation in three languages (Ukrainian, English, Chinese); improvement of amenities; establishment of infrastructure for active recreation, people with disabilities and for children.

An analysis of steganography methods that are can be potentially used as instruments in attacks on information and communication systems is presented. The possible solutions to ensure resilience to such attacks are presented.

Global migration processes are becoming an important factor in forming modern cultural landscape and an object of social networks and media close attention. Proceeding from the Copenhagen school securitization concept, it is the positioning of a problem as a threat that forms our attitude to it from the point of view of security. Mass migration is becoming one of such problems in the modern world. Modern Russian migration flows can be conditionally divided into internal and external. External flows are mainly represented by labour migrants from former Soviet republics, who used to be “own” but turned into “alien” due to the circumstances. Internal migrants predominantly constitute the mass flows of displaced migrants from former hot spots, largely from the Caucasus. They do not have a migrant status; they are Russian citizens, a part of “own” category. The regions of the Southern Federal District have become main host regions. The article analyses situation of the internal migrants and academic mobility subjects, “educational migrants” from Dagestan in the Astrakhan Oblast’, and the way the locals perceive them. The analysis of the forums and social networks has shown that the shift of internal migrant image from directory own/different to the “alien” directory is taking place. In separate cases, the process of demonization can be observed. It disturbs the ethnic and confessional balance that has existed in the region for centuries.

Purpose: determination of relationship between the level of students’ global self-esteem and their perception of the degree of difficulty sailing yacht classes. Material and methods: Study consisted of 178 students of University School of Physical Education in Wrocław. The study used two tools: Polish adaptation of SES M. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a questionnaire designed by the authors of the study. Results: men were characterized by a higher self-esteem than women. Distribution of the results obtained by women was closer to a normal distribution, but it was not completely compatible with it. The relationship was noted between the level of global self-esteem of the students and their perception of the degree of difficulty of the course. People with higher self-esteem assessed the knowledge and skills of sailing as easier. For people with lower levels of self-esteem sailing it was a more difficult. Conclusions: self-acceptance and self-esteem have a substantial impact on goal setting and the perception and taking various tasks. It is therefore important to help young people to build adequate self-esteem and positive self-image, because faith in its own strength and capabilities is a key element in achieving success in every area of life.

This is an overview of a Key Note lecture; the quote for this lecture is from T.S. Eliot: “We must not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive, where we began, and, to know the place for the first time”. This quote highlights that the process of scientific development goes in circles, yet each of them goes above the previous circle, building up the ladder of knowledge. Closing one circle and opening the next may be either be a quiet, unnoticeable event or a roaring loud, scientific revolution. Building science (physics) was started about 100 years ago, but only now are we closing its second circle. Perhaps, because of building physics’ role in the fourth industrial revolution, this discipline itself is undergoing a scientific revolution The first industrial revolution was based on steam generated by burning coal, the second was based on petroleum, and the third on electricity and concentrated electricity production. The current one, i.e., the fourth, is based on distributed energy sources combined with information technology.

Purpose. Defining the level of emotional intelligence of students - prospective physiotherapists and physical education teachers. Material and method. The study was conducted amongst students of University School of Physical Education in Wrocław: There were 134 students from Physiotherapy Department and 254 students of Physical Education Department tested. In the research the tool to diagnose emotional intelligence was used: Emotional Intelligence Scale by Matczak et al. Results. In assessing the level of emotional intelligence the differences between students groups were pointed out due to their field of study and gender. Average emotional intelligence for all groups was at the moderate level although prospective teachers reached higher scores. Students of Physiotherapy and subjects constituting the control group showed lower level of studies parameter and the results were similar. Different levels of emotional intelligence are also visible in the results obtained by women and men. Women in each group receive higher scores than men. Conclusions. Emotional competencies of the subjects are at the moderate and low level, which is not a satisfactory result. Higher predispositions should be expected of people who choose teaching or physiotherapist professions, because it is required by specificity of the work they intend to carry on. Therefore, it seems necessary to pay special attention to the development of these competencies in the course of the study.

Objective: An attempt to determine the level of knowledge of teachers in the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of psychomotor disorders of schoolchildren. Materials and methods: 174 teachers of physical education and integrated education in primary schools were tested. The study used questionnaire technique. Results: As the most common disorders in the population of school-age children surveyed teachers list ADHD (30%) and dyslexia (30%). Only 34% of respondents correctly determined epidemiology of psychomotor disorders and listed their symptoms. Over 80% of respondents claimed that they had never worked with children exhibiting psychomotor disorders. The majority of respondents (98%) did not participate in training on working with children with developmental disabilities. Results: The state of knowledge of psychomotor disorders of the surveyed teachers is low. Teachers have difficulty not only in defining the epidemiology of various disorders but also in correct definition of symptoms full spectrum.