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Sherri Di Lallo,1 Keren Schoenberger,2 Laura Graham,2 Ashley Drobot,2 Mubashir Aslam Arain3 1Stollery Awasisak Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; 2Health Systems Evaluation and Evidence, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; 3Health Systems Evaluation and Evidence, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, CanadaCorrespondence: Mubashir Aslam ArainHealth Systems Evaluation and Evidence, Alberta Health Services, 10301 Southport Lane SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2W 1S7, CanadaTel +1 403-943-0783Fax +1 403-943-2875Email mubashiraslam.arain@ahs.caObjective: The Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, introduced the Stollery Awasisak team to provide targeted support to Indigenous families and their children. Talking Circles were conducted across northern communities from 2017 to 2019 to better understand how Indigenous people perceive the current state of healthcare services delivered by the Stollery Hospital.Methods: The 2019 Talking Circles were held in six cities: Grande Prairie, Slave Lake, High Level, Fort McMurray, Edmonton, and Cold Lake, which were the biggest circles held to date with an attendance of 160 participants. Participants included members of Treaties 6 and 8, and Metis Nations of Alberta, as well as healthcare professionals in those regions.Results: Talking Circles identified challenges Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit and Metis) pediatric patients and their families experienced from accessing care to transitioning home to exploring their positive experiences with the Stollery Hospital and other frontline collaborates. Through these circles guided by Elders in ceremonies, priorities and recommendations were made to help support pediatric patients and their families.Conclusion: Multiple perspectives provided rich data on how best to adhere to the Truth Reconciliation of Canada 19th mandate and ensure equitable healthcare access to all Indigenous children. Together, leaders, healthcare providers, service providers and community members reflected on the lessons of the Medicine Wheel quadrants and the Seven Sacred Teachings, and brought forward four priorities; capacity building, continuity of care, culturally responsive care and increased communication.Keywords: discharge planning, Indigenous Health, Talking Circles, cultural safety

Abstract Background Brain imaging suggests the involvement of the limbic system, particularly the cingulate gyrus (GC), in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE). Hypothesis A correlation exists between the side of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and the volume of the ipsilateral GC (GCe) in dogs with IE. Animals Dogs admitted to the neurological consultation (32 with epileptic seizures and 13 control) were included. Methods This retrospective, blinded study followed the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force recommendations for diagnosing IE at the Tier III confidence level. The IE group included 18 and 14 dogs with IEDs in the left and right hemispheres, respectively (median age: 36 months, median weight: 19.5 kg), whereas the control group included 13 dogs (median age: 32 months, median weight: 20 kg). Whole‐brain and GC‐volumetric assessments were performed by a semiautomated method. Results In the control group, the volume of the GC was: left, from 743.63 to 1001.61 mm3, right, from 789.35 to 1015.86 mm3. In the study group, the volume of the GC was: left, from 720.88 to 1054.9 mm3 and right, from 566.29 to 987.77 mm3. In dogs with IE, GCe volume was significantly lower than the mean volume of the GC in the control group relative to total intracranial volume (TIV; P = .00044). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Alterations in the volume of the GC provide insights into structural changes during IE. The use of semiautomatic volumetry provides an advantage by reducing the potential for human error.

The research relevance of the institutional and socio-psychological determinants of ruscism delinquency in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine is determined by the unprecedented scale of crimes against humanity committed by the Russian occupants. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive coverage of the historical, political, ideological, legal, propaganda and socio-psychological factors that determine the criminal behaviour of the invaders. The main findings of the study showed that the crimes of ruscism are not isolated excesses of individual perpetrators, but a natural outgrowth and quintessence of the centuries-old tradition of Russian imperialism, which over a long historical period systematically violated the fundamental norms of international law, disregarded basic human rights and cynically despised the values of civilised coexistence of peoples. The delinquency of ruscism has deep historical roots, going back to the centuries-old tradition of territorial expansion, political despotism and unpunished state terror that have defined the character of the Russian state for centuries. The current manifestations of racist crime are an organic and natural extension of the neo-imperial paradigm of the “Russian world”, which is based on great-power chauvinism, outright contempt for the sovereignty and identity of other nations and justifies Moscowʼs right to dominate neighbouring nations. A decisive role in generating massive public support for the aggressive war against Ukraine was determined by the Kremlinʼs powerful and extensive propaganda machine, which, through controlled media and public discourse, systematically demonised and dehumanised the Ukrainian people and legitimised any atrocities and crimes against humanity in the eyes of Russians under the cynical pretext of “protecting the Russian-speaking population”

Objectives. The study purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental program of training means aimed at stimulating reactions of aerobic energy supply of athletes who are part of Ukraine national rugby union team. Material and methods. The athletes of the Ukrainian national rugby union team were divided into two homogeneous groups (experimental and control) consisting of 15 individuals. The experimental group underwent a specialized program aimed at developing aerobic energy supply, whereas the control group followed a standard training program. The object of study focused on the training process of Ukraine national rugby union team. Results. The results of testing rugby players in the experimental group demonstrated reliable changes in reactions of aerobic energy supply under the influence of a program of special training sessions. The most significant alterations were noted in the indicators of kinetics and stability of reactions. The indicators of O2 consumption and pulmonary ventilation in the intensity zone of anaerobic metabolism threshold increased significantly. There was a tendency to increase indicators characterizing the power of the respiratory response (max VE), in particular under conditions of growing fatigue (% excess VE). However, there were no significant changes in indicators of aerobic capacities components in the athletes’ control group. Conclusions. We believe that the mentioned indicators mostly reflect specialized manifestations of rugby players’ aerobic capacities and impact the increase of athletes’ special functional capabilities. This has been confirmed by the results of the analysis of urgent adaptive responses registered in model conditions of competition activity. As a result of the implementation of the specified experimental programme during the preparation process, the Ukrainian national team achieved 2nd place at the European Rugby Union Championship in the Trophy division of the 2022-2023 season.

Purpose: to analyze the influence of Hand-to-Hand Combat on functional fitness of cadets of a higher educational establishment of the national police of Ukraine. Materials and Methods. The study involved 125 Cadets at Higher Educational Establishments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Research methods: methods of theoretical level of research; empirical research methods: pedagogical observation, pedagogical experiment; chest rheography (to determine functional state of the cardiovascular system); assessment of anaerobic performance according to the Wingate test and physical performance according to the PWC170 test; methods of mathematical statistics. Results: the service and combat activities of police officers in modern social and political environment in Ukraine set high demands to functional capabilities of the body. Hand-to-hand combat can have a significant impact on professional and psychophysiological fitness of personnel for effective actions to apprehend and detain a criminal, as well as under conditions of limited space. Hand-to-hand combat is an effective sport for quality formation of the process of training cadets of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as evidenced by improvement of all indicators of cadets of the experimental group, namely: heart rate variability, anaerobic and aerobic mechanisms of motor activity. Conclusions: for the first time, data on HRV, the Wingate test and physical performance of cadets of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were obtained. The changes of these indicators under the influence of Hand-to-Hand Combat classes in annual dynamics have been presented. Positive influence of Hand-to-Hand Combat classes on functional state of cadets has been established, which contributes to increase of the efficiency of their professional activities in future. At the end of the study, cadets of the experimental group had significantly better indicators of functional fitness than the cadets of the control group. The obtained results proved that the developed training program based on the application of Hand-to-Hand Combat is effective and proves expediency of its application in practice.

Aim. This study is focused on a comprehensive overview of mechanisms and processes involved in the acquisition of cancer cell plasticity in a manner dependent on the adapter protein Ruk/CIN85 (in rodents, Ruk — regulator of ubiquitous kinase; in human CIN85 — Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa, encoded by SH3KBP1 gene).. Methods. Gene expression was evaluated using RT2-PCR and Western blotting, cell proliferation and survival were analyzed using MTT and/or dye exclusion assays, motility was assessed by scratch test and Transwell assay, enzyme activities were measured using spectrophotometric assays. In vivo metastasis were studies using experimental metastasis model. Conclusion. This study discloses various aspects of cancer cells plasticity, such as EMT, stemness, metabolic changes, ECM components, and drug resistance in dependence on adaptor protein Ruk/CIN85 expression level.

Background. Among patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), the proportion of people with diabetes mellitus (DM) is about 40 %. To date, the problem of choosing the optimal method of surgical myocardial revascularization, which can provide the best result in this cohort, remains completely unresolved. The aim of the study. To assess the in-hospital and long-term results of bimammary and traditional bypass surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. From September 2018 to December 2021, 176 CABG surgeries were performed in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes at the Federal Center for Cardiovascular Surgery (Krasnoyarsk). Group 1 (n = 45) included patients who underwent myocardial revascularization using two mammary arteries; group 2 (n = 131) included patients who underwent myocardial revascularization using traditional technique. After propensity score matching, 45 patients were selected into each group, comparable by basic preoperative characteristics. Results. In group 1, cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries were performed in 23 (51.1 %) patients (group 1CPB), off-pump surgeries – in 22 (58.2 %) (group 1OP); in group 2, all patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgeries. Hospital mortality was recorded in group 2 in 1 (2.2 %) case. Deep sternal infection developed in 1 (4.5 %) patient in group 1OP. Long-term survival in group 2 was 85.3 %, in group 1CPB – 83.3 % (p = 0.689), in group 1OP – 84.2 % (p = 0.739). 84.2 % of patients in group 2 and 100 % in groups 1CPB and 1OP had no cardiovascular events (p = 0.144 and p = 0.145, respectively). Conclusion. Bimammary bypass surgery in patients with type 2 diabetes is a safe and effective method of surgical treatment of coronary artery disease in both shortand long-term period and may be the operation of choice in patients with multivessel disease. There were no differences in patient survival up to 45 months; bimammary revascularization was associated with 100 % absence of cardiac mortality.

Almost all multipurpose reservoirs in Romania were put into operation 30–50 years ago or even earlier. Meanwhile, a large volume of hydrologic data has been collected, and the initial design flood should be reconsidered. Consequently, the operating rules of flow control structures (bottom gates and weir gates) should be re-examined, mainly for medium and low-frequency floods. The design flood is not unique, being characterized by different shapes and time to peak, which has consequences for flood mitigation rules. Identifying the critical design flood is an important preliminary step, although it is usually neglected in flood management. Simulating the operation of the Stânca–Costești reservoir on the Prut River, it was found that the design flood corresponding to the maximum value of the compactness coefficient is the most difficult to mitigate considering the specific conditions of the dam and the reservoir: the prescribed conservation level in the reservoir, and the design flood volume of medium and rare floods that far exceeds the flood control volume. These conditions can jeopardize both dam safety and downstream flood protection. The main steps of the proposed approach are as follows: (1) developing the hydraulic model; (2) statistical processing of the registered floods and defining critical design floods for different AEPs (Annual Exceedance Probabilities); (3) deriving optimal operation rules based on a simulation-optimization model; (4) implementing real-time adaptive operation of the mechanical outlets; and (5) critically assessing the operating rules after the event. Based on the hydrological forecast, if necessary, new outlets are put into operation while keeping the ones already activated. Based on the hydrological forecast and properly operated, the safety of the Stânca–Costești dam is guaranteed even in the event of a 0.1% CC (Climate Change) flood. However, for floods greater than 1% magnitude, the carrying capacity of the downstream riverbed is exceeded. The main gaps addressed in this paper are the following: (1) the establishment of critical design floods, and (2) the adaptive operating rules of outlet devices aimed at optimizing flood control results, using short-term flood forecasts.

The purpose of the paper is to show how technology can be used to make attractive the learning of a foreign language. Social media posts about vocabulary in various foreign languages, for instance, as well as short conversational phrases, could be used to replace the traditional drill types of exercises. Videos that are present could be used to replace the traditional listening exercises. The social media posts could be used as additional material to what is used during class. It is assumed that social media is part of students’ lifestyle, and that learning foreign languages is adapted to modern life.

Nonspecific bronchopneumonia of calves causes significant economic damage to farms, and therefore, it is important to develop effective therapeutic drugs, especially for group use. Aerosolbased medicines deserve attention. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the group aerosol method of administering the drug “Calfmin” to calves with nonspecific bronchopneumonia. Analogue calves of two to three months of age, both clinically healthy and patients with nonspecific bronchopneumonia, were involved in the experiment. Standard clinical and haematological research methods were used to determine the diagnosis and monitor the functional state of the calves’ bodies. It was found that in the blood of calves with nonspecific bronchopneumonia, an increase in the number of white blood cells was observed by 1.3 times (P

Lanthanides and actinides are emerging contaminants, but little is known about their uptake and distribution by plants and their interactions in the rhizosphere. To better understand the fate of these metals in plants, the bioassociation of 2, 20 and 200 µM Eu(III) by five hydroponically grown crops endemic to Europe was assessed. The metal’s concentration and its speciation were monitored by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy, whereas root exudation was investigated by chromatographic methods. It has been shown, that Eu(III) bioassociation is a two-stage process, involving rapid biosorption followed by accumulation in root tissue and distribution to the stem and leaves. Within 96 h of exposure time, the plant induces a change of Eu(III) speciation in the liquid medium, from a predominant Eu(III)aquo species, as calculated by thermodynamic modelling, to a species with longer luminescence lifetime. Root exudates such as citric, malic, and fumaric acid were identified in the cultivation medium and affect Eu(III) speciation in solution, as was shown by a change in the thermodynamic model. These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the fate of lanthanides in the biosphere and provide a basis for further investigations with the chemical analogues Cm(III) and Am(III).

The paper dwells on the nation-state’s future in the information age. The futuristic tour of the nation-state’s future leaves a wide field for reflection and research. It is time to create a qualitatively new postmodern concept of the nation as opposed to the traditional industrial-modern one, which will help the modern man not only to moderately distance himself from the globalization foundations of world life but also to create a kind of axio-resistant for the nation-state. The object of research is the entire sphere of national consciousness through the prism of the research of modern Western theoreticians of the nation in spectral analysis. The research subject is the sociological concept of the nation (D. Schnapper) and the political and legal concept of triad nationalism (R. Brubaker). The main idea is to find out the specifics of the theoretical load of the supramodern Western concepts of nation and nationalism, to analyze and compare the concepts of modern theorists of the nation with modern ones, to create a new strategic theory of the development of the nation-state in the information age, to prove the impossibility of the nation-state in changing conditions of the globalized 21st century. The author determines the cognitive value and intellectual load of the theoretical decline and praxeological aspects of modern scientific versions of the nation and nationalism and the heuristic potential that can give impetus to constructing a new theory of strategic development of the nation-state in the 21st century. The methodological orientations of the problem of the position of the national state in the era of global society are clarified in comparison with theoreticians of the concepts of global world life – M. McLuhan, N. Postman, M. Castells, and, based on this, the aspects of changing the functional load of the concept of the national state at the current stage are determined. Expressed mobility of nationology is determined.

The purpose of this paper is to look at the ways the Liberalist ideology undergoes various changes, due to the changes occurring in the world at a geopolitical level. These changes are due to the destabilization brought about by various events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, then by the war between Russia and Ukraine. The advantages promised by the Liberal democracies lose various aspects due to current restrictions. One of the advantages of the liberal democracy was freedom of expression, which was visible all over the Internet. However, with the war going on, various Internet sites can be placed under interdiction in certain countries, so as not to influence public opinion. The role of the Internet in politics is beyond dispute. However, many alternative channels can promote alternative opinions, opposed to the mainstream trends. At the same time, information can become distorted due to this and biased, since it is presented only from certain perspectives. The paper will present the context of today’s world from a political point of view and analyse its consequences over the use of the Internet, until not so long ago a medium of pure freedom of action and expression. The ethics of freedom of expression on the Internet is a subject of current concern, and it can be analysed in strong connection with the practice of politics. The changing ideological features of liberalism will also be analysed.

Мета статті – дослідити механізми вдосконалення спеціальної ударної підготовки спортсменів чоловіків та жінок у змішаних єдиноборствах у передзмагальних мезоциклах в умовах використання різних за структурою силових програм тренувань. Методи. У дослідженні брали участь 44 спортсмени, яких розділено на чотири групи. Представники обстежених групи використовували різні за структурою й направленістю силові тренувальні навантаження. Застосовуючи метод контрольного тестування спеціальної ударної підготовки, визначали кількість точних попадань за 30 с по манекену, який рухається та не рухається, серед спортсменів-чоловіків і спортсменок. Результати. Виявлено, що найбільше зростання показника спеціальної ударної підготовки на 103,7 % (р

BackgroundOf all the care provided in health care systems, major surgical interventions are the costliest and can carry significant risks. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a bundle of interventions that help improve patient outcomes and experience along their surgical journey. However, given that patients can be overwhelmed by the multiple tasks that they are expected to follow, a digital application, the ERAS app, was developed to help improve the implementation of ERAS. ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to conduct a thorough assessment of patient and provider experiences using the ERAS app. MethodsPatients undergoing colorectal or gynecological oncology surgery at 2 different hospitals in the province of Alberta, Canada, were invited to use the ERAS app and report on their experiences using it. Likewise, care providers were recruited to participate in this study to provide feedback on the performance of this app. Data were collected by an online survey and using qualitative interviews with participants. NVivo was used to analyze qualitative interview data, while quantitative data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS. ResultsOverall, patients found the app to be helpful in preparation for and recovery after surgery. Patients reported having access to reliable unbiased information regarding their surgery, and the app provided them with clarity of actions needed along their surgical journey and enhanced the self-management of their care. Clinicians found that the ERAS app was easy to navigate, was simple for older adults, and has the potential to decrease unnecessary visits and phone calls to care providers. Overall, this proof-of-concept study on the use of a digital health app to accompany patients during their health care journey has shown positive results. ConclusionsThis is an important finding considering the massive investment and interest in promoting digital health in health care systems around the world.

Microorganisms show a high affinity for trivalent actinides and lanthanides, which play an important role in the safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste as well as in the mining of various rare earth elements. The interaction of the lanthanide Eu(III) with the sulfate-reducing microorganism Desulfosporosinus hippei DSM 8344T, a representative of the genus Desulfosporosinus that naturally occurs in clay rock and bentonite, was investigated. Eu(III) is often used as a non-radioactive analogue for the trivalent actinides Pu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III), which contribute to a major part of the radiotoxicity of the nuclear waste. D. hippei DSM 8344T showed a weak interaction with Eu(III), most likely due to a complexation with lactate in artificial Opalinus Clay pore water. Hence, a low removal of the lanthanide from the supernatant was observed. Scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed a bioprecipitation of Eu(III) with phosphates potentially excreted from the cells. This demonstrates that the ongoing interaction mechanisms are more complex than a simple biosorption process. The bioprecipitation was also verified by luminescence spectroscopy, which showed that the formation of the Eu(III) phosphate compounds starts almost immediately after the addition of the cells. Moreover, chemical microscopy provided information on the local distribution of the different Eu(III) species in the formed cell aggregates. These results provide first insights into the interaction mechanisms of Eu(III) with sulfate-reducing bacteria and contribute to a comprehensive safety concept for a high-level radioactive waste repository, as well as to a better understanding of the fate of heavy metals (especially rare earth elements) in the environment.

The choice of an optimal, most safe and physiological place in the heart for the electrode implantation is an issue to be solved by a specialist in surgery of heart arrhythmias. According to the literature, the techniques to stimulate both cardiac apex and other alternative areas are imperfect. At present, stimulation of the heart conduction system, namely, the His bundle is considered a promising area in arrhythmology. This type of stimulation is a physiological one, while it involves the His-Purkinje system. We present a successful clinical case of the electrode implantation with a two-chamber pacemaker to the heart conduction system in a 67-year-old patient with permanent atrial fibrillation. The surgical intervention made it possible to reduce the QRS length from 180 to 110 ms. This clinical case shows that the heart conduction system pacing allows for implementation of the principles of physiological stimulation in patients with impaired atrioventricular conduction. The technique with a two-chamber pacemaker is feasible in clinical practice.

Активність занять студентів у процесі навчання плавання визначається їхнім особистим ставленням. В умовах сучасної вищої школи пріоритети здобувачів виступають основою для реформування освітнього процесу. Мета роботи – визначити суб’єктивні чинники ставлення студентів Херсонського державного уні- верситету до навчання плавання. Методи дослідження – теоретичний аналіз та узагальнення, вивчення доку- ментальних матеріалів, соціологічні методи опитування (анкетування), методи математичної статистики. До опитування упродовж вересня–жовтня 2020 р. залучено здобувачів вищої освіти першого (бакалаврського) й другого (магістерського) ступенів освіти Херсонського державного університету. Загалом було 1513 респон- дентів. Результати. Виявлено достатньо високу та активну позицію студентства, що повинна бути покладена в основу подальшого формування й підтримання мотивації до систематичних занять плаванням як в умовах ЗВО, так і в подальшому житті. Це може бути позитивно перенесено й на інші види рухової активності (види спорту). Загалом можна стверджувати про підтримання тенденцій у фізичному вихованні студентської молоді Херсонського державного університету й дотримання студентоцентрованого та компетентнісного підходу в навчанні. Результати опитування доводять, що не всі респонденти вбачають можливість і бажання до занять плаванням. Однак організація системи навчання плавання матиме ресурсне наповнення орієнтовно в межах 60– 70 %, зважаючи на структуру вподобань студентів. Це доводить наші попередні припущення та ставить вимогу додаткового вивчення й урахування організаційних та методичних особливостей під час безпосередньої реалізації змісту навчання плавання студентів ЗВО. Висновки. Ранжування чинників за частками на певних роках навчання вказало, що беззаперечний негативний вплив на участь у систематичних заняттях плаванням чинять відсутність часу й бажання здобувачів вищої освіти. Для інших чинників притаманні менші частки відповідей респондентів і незначні відмінності в значеннях, виходячи з думок респондентів.

The article is devoted to the analysis of wear resistance of diffusion coatings, which were applied by ionic nitriding on steel 40ХН2МА. There is a comparison of the technological efficiency of the results. The parameters of technological modes used in the process of application are presented, with the list of equipment and stages. The authors conduct the comparative analysis of chemical composition, microstructure, metallographic and tribological studies. They study the wear kinetics of 40ХН2МА steel with nitrided coatings as well as provide practical recommendations on the use of hardened samples in dry friction conditions.

It is noted in the work that the increase in the efficiency of agricultural production in our time is not possible without reducing energy costs. At the same time, the technical means of mechanization of the tillage process have a high material consumption, which leads to an increase in energy consumption, indicating energy and environmental problems. In an effort to improve the quality of soil preparation, expand the functionality of the unit, reduce energy consumption, simplify design and import substitution, the use of known tillage tools has been studied and analyzed. As a result, on the basis of exploratory research, a modernized tillage unit has been developed. The new elements of which are that a chopper module is mounted behind the disk module, consisting of staggered chopper rollers in two rows. The modernized tillage unit considered in the article, developed on the basis of KubGAU, improves the quality indicators of soil cultivation, on which the effective accumulation and consumption of soil moisture depends, reduces energy consumption by increasing the functionality of the unit.

In Burundi, according to ISTEEBU projections, the area of arable land per household could be around 0.3-0.5 ha over 20-25 years. In modern conditions, the use of large tractors is possible only on the Imbo plain and in the Kumoso basins in the east of the country. At the same time, the practice of polyculture does not contribute to the mechanization of agriculture. Under these conditions, the use of walk-behind tractors will facilitate the work, since instead of machines with passive plow and disk working bodies, it is more rational to use machines with active, rotary working bodies, such as tillage cutters, which are characterized by high quality loosening of the arable layer and soil mixing with fertilizers. However, when working with a walk-behind tractor, the operator is subject to high physical stress and vibration, which affects his health. There is also no fertilization operation.

The PLUMED consortium unifies developers and contributors to PLUMED, an open-source library for enhanced-sampling, free-energy calculations and the analysis of molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we outline our efforts to promote transparency and reproducibility by disseminating protocols for enhanced-sampling molecular simulations.

For the reliable safety assessment of repositories of highly radioactive waste, further development of the modelling of radionuclide migration and transfer in the environment is necessary, which requires a deeper process understanding at the molecular level. Eu(III) is a non-radioactive analogue for trivalent actinides, which contribute heavily to radiotoxicity in a repository. For in-depth study of the interaction of plants with trivalent f elements, we investigated the uptake, speciation, and localization of Eu(III) in Brassica napus plants at two concentrations, 30 and 200 µM, as a function of the incubation time up to 72 h. Eu(III) was used as luminescence probe for combined microscopy and chemical speciation analyses of it in Brassica napus plants. The localization of bioassociated Eu(III) in plant parts was explored by spatially resolved chemical microscopy. Three Eu(III) species were identified in the root tissue. Moreover, different luminescence spectroscopic techniques were applied for an improved Eu(III) species determination in solution. In addition, transmission electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to localize Eu(III) in the plant tissue, showing Eu-containing aggregates. By using this multi-method setup, a profound knowledge on the behavior of Eu(III) within plants and changes in its speciation could be obtained, showing that different Eu(III) species occur simultaneously within the root tissue and in solution.