bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factores de riesgo del pie diabético en adulta mayor: caso clínico
Authors: Huerta Chimborazo Veronica , Mesa Cano Isabel Cristina
Published: February 2023

Introducción. El pie diabético se define como la infección, ulceración o destrucción de los tejidos profundos del pie que puede estar asociado a diferentes factores. Objetivo. Efectuar un análisis bibliográfico y tratamiento de la enfermedad para determinar los factores de riesgo del pie diabético en adulta mayor mediante un caso clínico del Centro geriátrico FUNPRA de la ciudad de Cañar – Ecuador. Metodología. Paciente de 80 años de edad, sexo femenino, viuda, procedente de la ciudad de Azogues y residente en Cañar-Ecuador FUNPRA (Asilo de ancianos), con ninguna instrucción. Es atendida por pie diabético grado I herida superficial en el pie derecho, no involucra tendón cápsula o hueso, en proceso de cicatrización se observa tejido de granulación. Resultados. Tratamiento y evolución: Se le administró dieta general, actividad física previa curaciones, insulina en la mañana 14 UI/dL y en la tarde 6 UI/dL por día al final curar y vendar. Con 3 años evolución DMT tipo II, 3 meses de evolución de pie diabético. Sin antecedentes patológicos, quirúrgicos y familiares. Se observa mejoría de la paciente después de las curaciones realizadas, control de la glicemia y la administración de la medicación adecuadamente. Conclusión.  Se trató a una paciente con diabetes mellitus tipo II, se asocia su pie diabético a la obesidad, al inadecuado cuidado y mala higiene.
Algorithm for the formation of price lists for raw amber taking into account individual consumer characteristics
Authors: Kirin R. S , Baranov P. M , Korotaiev V. M , Shevchenko S. V
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Development of an algorithm for the formation of price-lists for raw amber, taking into account its individual consumer characteristics, which is based on the principle of inheritance of properties. Methodology. In the course of the study, general scientific and special research methods were used: analytical, dialectical, comparative-evaluative, gemmological-economic, comparative-legal, systemic-structural. The main part of the work is based on the practical results of previous studies and expert assessments. Findings. A critical analysis of modern gemmological terminology, which is used in the geological, mineralogical and expert-evaluative study on the individual characteristics of raw amber samples, is carried out, and its content has a direct impact on its further pricing. The specifics of the relationship between the raw, appraisal and consumer amber markets, the subjective features of the gemmological interests of the manufacturer (seller), expert (appraiser) and consumer (buyer) are disclosed. The authors’ method of establishing the relationship of individual consumer characteristics between raw materials and products is proposed, which is based on the principle of inheritance of decorative, geometric and weight characteristics of raw amber. The concept of “individual consumer characteristics of amber” is formulated. Originality. An algorithm for the formation of price-lists for raw amber has been developed, taking into account the individual consumer characteristics of samples, which is based on the principle of inheritance of amber properties formulated by the authors, according to which its natural decorative characteristics are related to direct criteria for evaluating amber, whereas the transformable geometric and weight characteristics of samples are indirect. Practical value. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the fact that they can be used in research and educational activities by scientists and applicants of higher education, business and financial-and-economic activities of subjects of gemmological relations, law-making and law enforcement activities of public authorities in the process of improving national legislation.
Predicting underground mining impact on the earth’s surface
Authors: Ivadilinova D. T , Issabek T. K , Takhanov D. K , Yeskenova G. B
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Development of a digital model of the stress-strain state of a rock mass during the extraction of coal by an underground method to predict the displacement of the earth’s surface. Methodology. The proposed technique is based on modeling the stress-strain state of a rock mass using the finite element method. Computer simulation of the stress-strain state of the rock massif was carried out in the area of lavas worked out in previous years in layers with the index K of the Karaganda suite of the mine named after Kostenko of the Karaganda coal basin, where instrumental surveying measurements were previously made to monitor the vectors and numerical values of the displacements of the earth’s surface undermined by mining. Findings. The reliability of the obtained finite element model of a rock mass for predicting the process of displacement of rocks and the earth’s surface is confirmed by the results of full-scale instrumental mine surveying measurements on the earth’s surface. Originality. For the first time, a method has been proposed for predicting the shifts of points on the earth’s surface, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of rocks, based on a finite element model of a rock mass. A new approach was applied to assess the reliability of the model of the stress-strain state of a rock mass based on a comparison of the results obtained with the data of instrumental mine surveying. Practical value. A technique for computer simulation of the stress-strain state of a rock mass during the extraction of hard coal at the mine named after Kostenko, owned by one of the world’s leading steel producers, JSC ArcelorMittal. For modeling, a site was chosen in the area of lava mining along the coal seams of the Karaganda Formation of seams, starting from the K18 seam to the K10 seam, that is, a rock mass with a depth of more than 700 m. Previously, within this area a series of instrumental surveying observations was carried out of the displacement of the earth’s surface during the working out of these lavas using the method of roof management – complete collapse. The obtained values of vertical displacements of a point on the earth’s surface according to the results of computer simulation of the stress-strain state of a rock mass correspond to the data of field mine surveying observations of displacements of the same point, which confirms the reliability of the constructed model.
Modeling of drilling water supply wells with airlift reverse flush agent circulation
Authors: Biletskiy M. T , Ratov B. T , Sudakov A. K , Sudakova D. А , Borash B. R
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Determination of the influence of mining and geological conditions of drilling hydrogeological wells with backwash on the technological parameters of the airlift method of cleaning it from drilled rock and the properties of the ascending flow of aerated washing liquids. Methodology. The tasks were solved by a complex research method, including analysis and generalization of literary and patent sources, analytical, experimental studies, using computer and mathematical modeling methods. Findings. An algorithm for the functioning of the airlift circulation method during rotary drilling with backwash has been developed. The algorithm takes into account: hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures, and the effect on them of the rate of drilling of the well; the effect of the sludge content in the upstream. The effective values of the airflow rate, the density of the water-air mixture and the velocity of its upward flow are established. A method for estimating the effective values of technological parameters and their changes in the upward flow of the mixture is proposed. A model has been developed that allows analyzing the dependences of the air flow rate, the density of the mixture and the rate of its ascent on the parameters of the well being drilled. The model is applied to typical drilling conditions of a large-diameter water intake well at the Samskoye groundwater deposit on the Mangystau peninsula. Originality. A mathematical algorithm has been developed for the functioning of the airlift backwash method when drilling large-diameter water intake wells. The method is based on the analysis of the pressure balance in the descending and ascending flows of the washing agent. For the case of backwash, a formula for estimating the content of sludge in it was obtained. A method has been developed for determining the average effective density of the mixture in terms of the height of the well, as well as the air content in it. Based on the average effective values, a method is proposed for estimating changes in the density of the mixture, its flow rate and velocity along the upward flow. Practical value. The proposed algorithm is the basis of a computer model that allows you to determine the dependences of the values of the density of the mixture, the content of air and sludge in it and the rate of ascent, from the depth of the well, the depth of the mixer descent, the speed of deepening, the specified velocity of the upward fluid flow, as well as the diameters of the well and drill pipes. Specific modeling results have been obtained in relation to the Samskoye groundwater deposit of the Mangystau peninsula.
Analysis of surface settlements induced by tunnel excavation with EPB-TBM
Authors: Mekahlia N , Khadri Y , Bensehamdi S , Benselhoub A
Published: February 2023

Purpose. To investigate the efficiency of various approaches to predict surface settlements due to tunnel excavation. Methodology. To appreciate the surface displacements, our study is focalized on the case of a real tunnel in a layered ground (Algiers’s Metro), where a tunnel boring machine was driven for the first time in this country. Firstly, the surface settlement trough was calculated with empirical, analytical, and numerical (FEM) methods. Secondly, a set of numerical analyses was carried out to inspect the evolution of surface settlement as the TBM progresses. Finally, a parametric study was performed to examine the construction step most productive for surface settlement. Findings. FEM is a useful tool for predicting surface displacements due to tunnelling, especially when assigning an adequate and sophisticated behaviour model. Originality. A reference numerical model which represents well the construction procedures of the Algiers tunnel has been established. Practical value. This study illustrates that the results obtained by FEM with the use of Hardening Soil as a constitutive model to represent the soil are almost identical to those measured during the tunnel excavation. On the other hand, the empirical formulas available in the literature are not always efficient to predict surface movements.
Load of a semi-car having the dismountable roof of composites
Authors: Fomin O. V , Lovska A. O , Fomina A. M , Vasylieva L. O , Sushchenko R. V
Published: February 2023

Purpose. Creation and substantiation of the measures for adopting the supporting structure of the multipurpose semi-car to carry cargoes that need weather protection. Methodology. For the adaptation of supporting constructions of semi-cars to carriage of cargoes that need weather protection, it was proposed to apply a removable roof manufactured from composites. As the application of a removable roof enlarges the volume of the container of the semi-car, the authors defined the load on its construction with the help of mathematical modeling. The authors see semi-car as a system which includes three components – a supporting construction having a roof with two carts. The Runge-Kutta method was used to calculate the main dynamic parameters of the semi-car. These defined dynamic parameters were accounted during calculation of the strength of the dismountable roof. Graphic spatial modeling of a semi-car with a dismountable roof was performed in the SolidWorks software kit. The calculation of solidity is implemented by the method of ultimate elements using the SolidWorks Simulation program kit. The original frequencies and forms of vibrations of the supporting construction of the semi-car are performed in this research. Findings. The outcomes of a mathematical model of the dynamic loading of the supporting construction of the semi-car having a dismountable roof set that the obtained dynamic parameters are not higher than the allowable values. The acceleration of the semi-car supporting construction in the gravity center made approximately 4.5 m/s2. The vertical dynamic ratio amounts to 0.53. The car motion is evaluated as “excellent”. It was found that when the vertical load acts on the dismountable roof, the maximum tension emerging inside is 173.2 MPa. When concentrated load affects the dismountable roof, the biggest tensions are focused on the zones of its attachment to the upper strapping of the casing, and makes 205.7 MPa. It can be seen from the modal analysis that the first original frequency of the semi-car casing is equal to 9.6 Hz, which is more than the allowable value – 8 Hz. Originality. Models for determining the loading of the supporting construction of the semi-car having a dismountable roof from composites within the general modes of loading operation are given in this study. Practical value. The study results allow expanding the applicability of semi-cars by adapting them to the carriage of cargoes, which need protection from weather effects and can increase the performance of railroad carriage.
Standardization of Requirements for Culture Media Used to Assess the Quality of Drugs (Review)
Authors: Sukhanova S. M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. A reliable assessment of the quality and safety of medical products (MP) by biological indicators is directly related to the use of culture media (CM) that meet the established requirements. However, when conducting trial, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of culture media due to the presence in their composition of components of biological origin. In particular, a high degree of variability and unstable stability of raw materials, as well as possible mistakes in producing and storage of media, create the prerequisites for deviations. The use of industrial culture media also does not guarantee their suitability for the appropriate test. Therefore to obtain reliable results, the compliance of each batch CM with the specified criteria be confirmed must be confirmed by standard methods using the full range of meaningful indicators. The current lack of a state standard in the Russian Federation regulating the requirements for the use of culture media when confirming the quality of medical products makes it much more difficult to assess the suitability, comparability and reliability of the analysis results, both themselves CM and drugs.

Text. The article discusses the draft General Pharmacopoeia Article (GPM) "Culture media", which presents the general requirements for of culture media when used in pharmacopoeia analysis. The standard is intended for specialists involved in the development, improvement and application of methods and / or techniques necessary for confirming the properties of medical products for the purpose of registration, entry into civil circulation, as well as in their production. The document was drawn up taking into account modern domestic and international approaches of good pharmaceutical practices to the assessment of the drugs that involve the use of culture media. The project identifies the key factors that most affect the quality of culture media. Based on the principle of continuity, compiled and described in detail a set of standardized control methods, including tests on physical-chemical and biological indicators. For exploring of specific properties, there are requirements for test cultures have been established. Governs special requirements for culture media used to obtain biological medical products are regulated. The procedure for storage and disposal of culture media unsuitable for use is described.

Conclusion. The introduction of the GPM "Culture media" into the practice of domestic pharmacopoeic analysis will increase the reliability of the results of the evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of drugs, and as a result will lead to a reduction in production risks and risks of harm to health patients during in pharmacotherapy and immunoprophylaxis. The proposed approaches can also be used in other branches of science and industry.
Dissolution Profile Study and Uniformity of Dosage Units Test for Various Manufacturers of "Captopril" Drugs from the Russian Market
Authors: Grebenkin D. Yu. , Ryabova A. V. , Kuramshina A. M. , Kislyakov I. V. , Zhukova E. D.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. As part of a comparative assessment of drugs quality available on the Russian market a dissolution profile studies and uniformity of dosage units test was conducted for various manufacturers of "Captopril" drugs. Drug release studies in three dissolution media (0.1 M hydrochloric acid, acetate buffer pH 4.5, phosphate buffer pH 6.8) with sampling at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 min and analysis using UV/Vis spectrophotometer at 212 nm were conducted. Dissolution kinetics was compared based on calculation of the similarity factor f2 and the values of relative standard deviations. Uniformity of dosage units test of scored tablets were evaluated based on HPLC-UV analysis and AV factor calculation.

Aim. The purpose of this study was a comparative evaluation of "Captopril" drugs from various manufacturers on the Russian market based on dissolution profile studies and uniformity of dosage units test of scored tablets in order to assess the quality of the tablets.

Materials and methods. To prove the dissolution profile studies DT 827/1000 tester (ERWEKA GmbH, Germany) was applied. Each drug in three dissolution media in 12 replicates for each dissolution medium was analyzed. The selected samples were analyzed on a UV 1800 UV spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan) at a of 212 nm. In uniformity of dosage units test of scored tablets each tablet was divided according to the applied mark. Sample preparation was carried out in accordance with a validated method and samples were analyzed by HPLC-UV using Agilent 1260 (Agilent Technologies, США).

Results and discussion. Based on the results of dissolution profile studies and calculations of the similarity factors and values of the relative standard deviation it can be concluded that the dissolution kinetics for drug no. 4, drug no. 5, drug no. 6 are not equivalent in comparison with the reference drug. During the uniformity of dosage units test of scored tablets, no deviations were found in accordance with the requirements of the RF Pharmacopoeia OFS.1.4.2.0008.18 "Uniformity of dosing" and the EAEU Pharmacopoeia OFS.2.1.9.14 "Uniformity of Dosed Units".

Conclusion. The conducted dissolution profile studies and uniformity of dosage for scored tablets of Captopril drugs show the example of possibility to identify potential problems with drugs quality presented on the Russian market and as a result improve and maintain quality assurance of drugs for the national healthcare system.
Pharmacokinetic and Bioequivalence Study of the Two-component Drug Product "Ezetimibe + rosuvastatin" (JSC "Sanofi-aventis group", Russia): Resuts and Experience with the Use of Enzymatic Hydrolysis in the Analysis of Samples
Authors: Khokhlov A. L. , Grebenkin D. Yu. , Faeva E. K. , Kazey V. I. , Khokhlov A. A. , Miroshnikov A. E. , Lebedeva O. V.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. As a part of the registration of the drug product a bioequivalence study of the fixed-dose combination "Ezetimibe + rosuvastatin" (JSC "Sanofi-aventis group", Russia) compared with coadministered Ezetrol® (ezetimibe) and Crestor® (rosuvastatin) was conducted with 76 healthy volunteers. Enzymatic hydrolysis was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of total ezetimibe. This was the reason for the inclusion of the additional monitored parameters in the validation and analysis.

Aim. The purpose of the bioequivalence trial was a comparative study of the pharmacokinetics and evidence of the bioequivalence of the fixed-dose combination "Ezetimibe + rosuvastatin" (ezetimibe + rosuvastatin,tablets, 10 + 40 mg, JSC "Sanofi-aventis group", Russia) compared with coadministrated monocomponent drugs ezetimibe and rosuvastatin in fasting healthy volunteers after a single administration using the described additional parameters for controlling the enzymatic hydrolysis of ezetimibe-glucuronide during the analysis of samples.

Materials and methods. To prove bioequivalence, an open label, comparative, randomized, crossover two-period clinical trial was conducted. During the study, blood plasma samples were taken from volunteers, the concentrations of ezetimibe (unconjugated) and total ezetimibe (ezetimibe + ezetimibe-glucuronide) and rosuvastatin in plasma samples were determined by validated HPLC-MS/MS methods. Based on the received data pharmacokinetic and statistical analysis was performed and confidence intervals (CI) for the pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax and AUC0-72 were calculated.

Results and discussion. It can be concluded that the studied formulations are bioequivalent in terms of pharmacokinetic parameters of ezetimibe (free) and rosuvastatin. Pharmacokinetic parameters of total ezetimibe were considered as secondary and were not required for the conclusion on bioequivalence. While HPLC-MS/MS analysis of incurred samples, additional control parameters for the enzymatic hydrolysis of ezetimibe-glucuronide made it possible to legitimately reject the results of inaccurate analytical batches.

Conclusion. Thus, according to the criteria used in the study, the drugs are proved to be bioequivalent. The described additional parameters for controlling the enzymatic hydrolysis of ezetimibe-glucuronide have been shown to be effective.
Antitumor Activity of Species of the Genus Artemisia L.: Current State and Prospects (Review)
Authors: Romanteeva Yu. V. , Berezutsky M. A. , Kurchatova M. N.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Recently, the anticancer activity of representatives of the genus Artemisia L. has been actively studied, and most studies are devoted to Artemisia annua L., which has been used since ancient times in the folk medicine of several countries as an antimalarial and anticancer agent. The similarity of the chemical composition predetermines the study of the anticancer activity of other species of the genus Artemisia L. The information about this is still not fully presented in scientific publications, is very diverse and sometimes even contradictory. Review of modern studies of anticancer activity of species of the genus Artemisia L., generalization of available data and providing information for future research is relevant.

Text. The article presents a review of experimental data on the study of anticancer activity of representatives of the genus Artemisia L. It is noted that the main mechanism of such activity is apoptosis. Apoptosis is triggered by the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of pro-apoptotic and, on the contrary, inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins, as well as by formation of membrane bubbles, cell compression and by activation caspase.

Conclusion. In the presented review, about 30 species of the genus Artemisia L. With the presented degree of study of this area, a number of questions remain unresolved. The most studied with respect to cytotoxic activity are Artemisia absinthium L. and Artemisia vulgaris L. In this aspect, the study of other closely related species of the genus Artemisia L. Also relevant is the study of cytotoxicity of representatives of the genus Artemisia L. on normal cell cultures and in comparison with positive control. In addition, a detailed study of the pool of secondary metabolites of different species of the genus Artemisia L. remains significant in order to reliably determine the components responsible for the manifestation of anticancer action. The pronounced effectiveness against cancer cells and, at the same time, a weak effect on healthy cells of the body of representatives of the genus Artemisia L. opens up the prospect of their use as sources of partner drugs with a synergistic effect and means of augmentation of antitumor therapy.
Methodology of the Development of a Topical Transdermal Fucoidan Delivery System
Authors: Obluchinskaya E. D. , Shikov A. N. , Pozharitskaya O. N.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Marine-derived polysaccharides are promising candidates for the development of innovative drugs. One of such compounds is the polysaccharide fucoidan from brown seaweeds, which shows anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activity. The development of topical transdermal formulation for the treatment of chronic venous diseases is of particular interest, because with targeted delivery, the active compound in high concentration comes directly to the site where the drug is required, while the risk of side effects is minimal.

Aim. Experimental and theoretical justification of the methodological scheme for the development of a transdermal delivery system with fucoidan for local therapy using the Quality by Design (QbD) approach.

Materials and methods. Fucoidan was isolated from the thalli of Fucus vesiculosus L. from the Barents Sea according to the original technology of the MMBI RAS. All excipients were approved for medical use. The experiments for rational selection of the excipients for the transdermal delivery system (TSD) were planned using the Greek-Latin square 4 × 4 with repeated observations. The colloidal and thermal stability and pH were evaluated as physicochemical parameters of TSD Structural and mechanical properties of TSD were deter-mined with rotational viscometer. The dissolution rate of fucoidan in vitro was evaluated using the paddle-over-disk method at a temperature of 32 ± 0.5 °C.

Results and discussion. The composition and technology of topical TSD цwith fucoidan were developed using the QbD concept. The composition and technology of topical TSD with 15 % of fucoidan as active ingredient were developed. TSD has thermo- and colloidal stability, and has a pH value close to the pH of human skin. Poloxamer 407 was used as a gel base; olive oil was used as a hydrophobic phase. It was found that the ratio of poloxamer 407 to the aqueous phase should be no less than 0.1 and no more than 0.37; the ratio of water to the aqueous phase should not be less than 0.56 and not more than 0.69; and the ratio of polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil to the oil phase must be at least 0.34. It was found that 9 % poloxamer 407 provides the necessary structural and mechanical properties of TSD. It has been established that the developed TSD of fucoidan with poloxamer 407 belongs to non-Newtonian flow types with plastic properties and has thixotropy.

Conclusion. The complex of studies based on QbD approach led to the experimental and theoretical justification of the methodological scheme for the development of a transdermal delivery system with marine polysaccharide fucoidan. The methodological scheme takes into account the physicochemical and technological features of fucoidan and allows you to create a high-quality TSD that ensures stability and complete release of the active substance.
Double Proteolysis for N- and O-glycan Analysis of Fc-fusion Protein Etanercept
Authors: Varzieva V. G. , Mesonzhnik N. V. , Belushenko A. О. , Bochkareva N. L. , Appolonova S. А.
Published: February 2023

Introduction. Highly glycosylated proteins are the most abundant class of modern biopharmaceuticals. A majority of such therapeuticals produced by Russian biopharmaceutical companies is biosimilars. The foundation of biosimilar manufacturing is analytical assessment of structure equivalence to an original molecule. Fc-fusions present a challenge due to their structural properties. The only biosimilar of this kind registered in Russia is etanercept – a fusion of tumor necrosis factor receptor α and Fc-fragment of IgG1. Existing approaches widely used in protein analysis do not allow accurate and reliable description of glycoylation of these proteins. Development of new approaches and principles of such analysis is necessary, as the changes in biosimilar’s molecular structure can seriously affect its efficacy and safety.

Aim. Development of double proteolysis approaches for glycopeptide mapping of Fc-fusion protein etanercept using Arg-C protease.

Materials and methods. Etanercept was subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using trypsin in combination with Arg-C or Asp-N. The resulting peptides were analyzed using HPLC-MS system Xevo G2-XS QTOF (Waters Corporation, USA). The conformation of glycan structure was performed via analysis of fragment spectra of glycopeptides, acquired with high collision energy mode (MS E ). UNIFI (version 1.8) with biopharmasuetical assessment setting (Waters Corporation, USA) was used to analyze the peptide maps.

Results and discussion. It was found that using the combination of trypsin with protease Arg-C leads to reliable results Using the developed approach we successfully determined the majority of O-glycosylation sites and types of O-glycans. It was shown that for an effective O-glycopeptide maping N-deglycosylation stage is required. Most abundant N-glycan structures were identified for each of three N-glycosylation sites (N149, N171, N317). It was determined, that the combination of trypsin with Arg-C allows identification of three-antenna forms despite the presence of O-glycosylation site on the analyzed peptide. General N-glycosylation profile shows comparability of results for both approaches.

Conclusion. As a result of this research we developed glycopeptide mapping approaches in which a combination of proteases is used. Using these methods sites of N- and O-glycosilation and glycofoms of etanercept were accurately and reproducibly determined. Developed procedures can be applied to other types of Fc-fusion proteins, making it of broader appeal and benefit to the overall biopharmaceutical industry. These approaches provide comprehensive information useful for structure-function studies and of potential value for product comparability measurements and possibly even future manufacturing control strategies.
THE ACCEPTANCE OF AN EDUCATIONAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT TO LEARN PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS
Authors: Noor Nor Farahwahida Mohd , Saad Aslina , Ibrahim Abu Bakar , Noor Norashady Mohd
Published: February 2023

Programming is an important course for any IT or engineering-related course. However, previous research shows that students face difficulties in learning programming due to its abstract concepts. This study aims to evaluate the acceptance of a developed Integrated Development Environment (IDE), namely C-SOLVIS which is a web-based application that specifically intends to facilitate the teaching and learning of the C programming fundamentals in Malaysian tertiary education. The C-SOLVIS integrates problem-solving into a program development environment for the C language. The goal is to guide the users in problem-solving and help them write C programs based on problem-solving algorithms. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model was employed in the C-SOLVIS development process. Based on this model, the requirement planning phase was carried out through the triangulation technique by applying qualitative approaches comprising a literature review supported by semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and content validation by expert programming lecturers. Subsequently, the design of the application was accomplished through the iterative prototyping process which was then followed by the application construction. Then, the C-SOLVIS is deployed to be used by several programming lecturers to evaluate its usability by adopting a quantitative method using the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. The study has discovered several suitable techniques and designs for the problem-solving and program development environment. For the problem-solving environment, the Computational Thinking (CT) concepts were applied which were supported by the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model through Scientific Instructions and Inquiries. Meanwhile, the program development environment was designed and developed based on frame-based programming using a set of developed Code Patterns. The C-SOLVIS evaluation using the SUS instrument has yielded a SUS mean score of 86.07. This score is interpreted by SUS as an A grade that indicates C-SOLVIS as a highly usable application and thus is accepted for C programming learning. Hence, the development process of the C-SOLVIS can be used as a guideline for educational software development, especially in the field of programming education.
АВТОМАТИЗОВАНА ІНФОРМАЦІЙНА СИСТЕМА УПРАВЛІННЯ ЗАКЛАДОМ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ «ЕЛЕКТРОННИЙ УНІВЕРСИТЕТ»
Authors: Косіюк Микола Миколайович , Більовський Костянтин Едуардович , Лисак Віктор Миколайович
Published: February 2023

У статті розглянуті питання розробки і впровадження інформаційних систем управління діяльністю закладу вищої освіти за умов цифрової трансформації. В останні роки в умовах посилення конкуренції важливою рисою для сфери вищої освіти є системний підхід до автоматизації управління всіма процесами, які в ній відбуваються. Цифровізація цих процесів є одним з найбільш ефективних інструментів. Метою дослідження є узагальнення 20-річного досвіду формування інформаційної системи «Електронний університет» Хмельницького національного університету, визначення рекомендацій до інтегрованих інформаційних систем комп’ютерної підтримки управлінської та освітньої діяльності ЗВО. Обговорені питання раціональної організації університетського менеджменту та навчального процесу з використанням сучасних інформаційних технологій. Розглядаються основні бізнес-процеси та функціональна структура інформаційної системи, основні завдання, які вирішує інформаційна система, прийняті архітектурні рішення, принципи побудови ефективної структури бази даних, засоби розробки, формування звітів, мови програмування тощо. Обґрунтована необхідність і можливість зберігання даних, які відображають історію всіх змін. Це забезпечує можливість отримання зрізу даних або стану певного інформаційного об’єкту у будь-який момент шляхом певних розрахунків у базі даних, дає можливість отримати будь-яку статистику за будь-який інтервал або в будь-який час. На базі автоматизованої системи організації навчального процесу «Електронний університет» запропонований автоматизований підхід до формування робочих навчальних планів закладу вищої освіти з урахуванням реалізації вільного вибору студентами частини дисциплін. Надзвичайно актуальним питанням є забезпечення надійності функціонування інформаційної системи. Замість використання дорогих апаратних кластерних рішень запропоновано поєднання резервування та балансування навантаження. Це дозволяє значно збільшити як продуктивність усієї інформаційної системи, так і підвищити її працездатність, забезпечивши постійний цілодобовий доступ користувачів за наявності лише двох окремих серверів. Описано багаторічний досвід розбудови ІТ-інфраструктури університету, методичні та технологічні розробки і надано відповідні рекомендації. Інноваційне управління навчальним процесом сприяє оптимізації навчального процесу і якісній підготовці фахівців у Хмельницькому національному університеті.
O trabalho em plataformas digitais e o salário por peça
Authors: Gontijo Laura Valle
Published: February 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo oferecer contribuições à compreensão do trabalho em plataformas digitais a partir da sua forma de remuneração. O salário por peça é identificado, na teoria do valor de Marx, como uma forma de remuneração que permite o aumento da produtividade e da intensidade do trabalho, assim como o prolongamento da jornada de trabalho, com particular incidência sobre a subjetividade dos trabalhadores. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica da literatura mais recente sobre o trabalho em plataformas digitais e da literatura acerca do conceito de salário por peça, tendo como principal referência o volume I do livro “O Capital”, de Marx. Em seguida, foram construídas categorias a partir das características do salário por peça identificadas na revisão de literatura, que nortearam a elaboração de um questionário. O questionário foi aplicado entre maio e julho de 2021 com 87 entregadores em plataformas digitais, em 19 estados do país. A hipótese que norteou esse estudo é a de que o trabalho em plataformas digitais promove um retorno do salário por peça. Os resultados da aplicação do questionário confirmaram a hipótese e colocaram em destaque a importância que possui a forma de remuneração para compreender a disposição desses trabalhadores em perfazer longas jornadas e suportar péssimas condições de trabalho. Sugere-se a realização de mais estudos para um melhor entendimento da relação entre salário por peça e trabalho em plataformas digitais.
Quilômetros da fome: As debilidades da uberização do trabalho e a subordinação do novo sujeito neoliberal
Authors: Rodrigues Thayuany de Jesus
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo busca analisar as debilidades da uberização do trabalho, incluindo a discriminação, escassez de segurança e as dificuldades alimentícias de Motoboys/girls e Bike boys/ girls. Apresenta resultados de pesquisa empírica a partir de experiência dos próprios entregadores por aplicativo, no Distrito Federal. Para tanto, os resultados levantados revelam as contradições da flexibilização, da colaboração e da autonomia presente nas retóricas de empresas por plataformas digitais. A gestão, organização e o controle, fazem parte de um combo de políticas neoliberais, baseado na mão de obra de “colaboradores”. Dentro deste combo está a discriminação, a insegurança e os riscos à saúde. Por fim, considera-se a necessidade de políticas que introduzem a segurança e os direitos dos entregadores, nos parâmetros das empresas por aplicativo.
Seeking Traces of Filters and Amplifiers as Pre-service Teachers Perform Their Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors:   Department of Elementary Education- Primary Education, TED University, Ankara, Turkey, Şen Mehmet , Demirdöğen Betül ,   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
Published: February 2023

This study examined how filters and amplifiers affect pre-service science teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) in a human and environment unit. The redefined consensus model for PCK and decision-making framework for identifying how personal and extra-personal factors act as filters and amplifiers were selected as theoretical frameworks. Two pre-service science teachers participated in the study. While pre-interviews were used to determine participants’ PCK before teaching, observations and post-interviews were used to reveal participants’ PCK after teaching, and how filters and amplifiers influenced PCK. Data were analyzed deductively to examine teachers’ PCK including interactions among components and the way filters and amplifiers act on PCK. Constant comparison analysis revealed five general assertions of how filters and amplifiers shaped the decision-making process when these teachers enacted their PCK. First, the number of amplifiers and filters affecting knowledge of instructional strategies was the highest. Second, the number of amplifiers and filters affecting knowledge of curriculum in science was the lowest. Third, the effect of filters and amplifiers on PCK components was idiosyncratic. Fourth, the more (or the less) the map was integrated; the less (or the more) amplifier and filter influenced the PCK. Fifth, the number of personal factors affecting knowledge of instructional strategies was highest. Implications are suggested considering the effects of filters and amplifiers on teachers’ PCK.
Phytofabrication and characterization of Alchornea cordifolia silver nanoparticles and evaluation of antiplasmodial, hemocompatibility and larvicidal potential
Authors: Kojom Foko Loick Pradel , Hawadak Joseph , Verma Vaishali , Belle Ebanda Kedi Philippe , Eboumbou Moukoko Carole Else , Kamaraju Raghavendra , Pande Veena , Singh Vineeta
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The recent emergence of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites resistant to current artemisinin-based combination therapies in Africa justifies the need to develop new strategies for successful malaria control. We synthesized, characterized and evaluated medical applications of optimized silver nanoparticles using Alchornea cordifolia (AC-AgNPs), a plant largely used in African and Asian traditional medicine.

Methods: Fresh leaves of A. cordifolia were used to prepare aqueous crude extract, which was mixed with silver nitrate for AC-AgNPs synthesis and optimization. The optimized AC-AgNPs were characterized using several techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), scanning/transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential. Thereafter, AC-AgNPs were evaluated for their hemocompatibility and antiplasmodial activity against Pf malaria strains 3D7 and RKL9. Finally, lethal activity of AC-AgNPs was assessed against mosquito larvae of Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti which are vectors of neglected diseases such as dengue, filariasis and chikungunya.

Results: The AC-AgNPs were mostly spheroidal, polycrystalline (84.13%), stable and polydispersed with size of 11.77 ± 5.57 nm. FTIR revealed the presence of several peaks corresponding to functional chemical groups characteristics of alkanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, anthraquonones and saponins. The AC-AgNPs had a high antiplasmodial activity, with IC50 of 8.05 μg/mL and 10.31 μg/mL against 3D7 and RKL9 Plasmodium falciparum strains. Likewise, high larvicidal activity of AC-AgNPs was found after 24 h- and 48 h-exposure: LC50 = 18.41 μg/mL and 8.97 μg/mL (Culex quinquefasciatus), LC50 = 16.71 μg/mL and 7.52 μg/mL (Aedes aegypti) and LC50 = 10.67 μg/mL and 5.85 μg/mL (Anopheles stephensi). The AC-AgNPs were highly hemocompatible (HC50 > 500 μg/mL).

Conclusion: In worrying context of resistance of parasite and mosquitoes, green nanotechnologies using plants could be a cutting-edge alternative for drug/insecticide discovery and development.
Rare earths stick to rare cyanobacteria: Future potential for bioremediation and recovery of rare earth elements
Authors: Paper Michael , Koch Max , Jung Patrick , Lakatos Michael , Nilges Tom , Brück Thomas B.
Published: February 2023

Biosorption of metal ions by phototrophic microorganisms is regarded as a sustainable and alternative method for bioremediation and metal recovery. In this study, 12 cyanobacterial strains, including 7 terrestrial and 5 aquatic cyanobacteria, covering a broad phylogenetic diversity were investigated for their potential application in the enrichment of rare earth elements through biosorption. A screening for the maximum adsorption capacity of cerium, neodymium, terbium, and lanthanum was conducted in which Nostoc sp. 20.02 showed the highest adsorption capacity with 84.2–91.5 mg g-1. Additionally, Synechococcus elongatus UTEX 2973, Calothrix brevissima SAG 34.79, Desmonostoc muscorum 90.03, and Komarekiella sp. 89.12 were promising candidate strains, with maximum adsorption capacities of 69.5–83.4 mg g-1, 68.6–83.5 mg g-1, 44.7–70.6 mg g-1, and 47.2–67.1 mg g-1 respectively. Experiments with cerium on adsorption properties of the five highest metal adsorbing strains displayed fast adsorption kinetics and a strong influence of the pH value on metal uptake, with an optimum at pH 5 to 6. Studies on binding specificity with mixed-metal solutions strongly indicated an ion-exchange mechanism in which Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ ions are replaced by other metal cations during the biosorption process. Depending on the cyanobacterial strain, FT-IR analysis indicated the involvement different functional groups like hydroxyl and carboxyl groups during the adsorption process. Overall, the application of cyanobacteria as biosorbent in bioremediation and recovery of rare earth elements is a promising method for the development of an industrial process and has to be further optimized and adjusted regarding metal-containing wastewater and adsorption efficiency by cyanobacterial biomass.
Novel SMAD3 variant identified in a patient with familial aortopathy modeled using a zebrafish embryo assay
Authors: Sheppard Mary B. , Smith Jeffrey D. , Bergmann Lisa L. , Famulski Jakub K.
Published: February 2023

In human, pathogenic variants in smad3 are one cause of familial aortopathy. We describe a novel SMAD3 variant of unknown significance (VUS), V244F, in a patient who presented with aortic root dilation, right coronary artery ectasia, abdominal aortic aneurysm, right vertebral artery atresia, and cavernoma. Determination of variant pathogenicity impacted multiple aspects of the patient’s care, including the most appropriate surgical threshold for which to recommend a valve-sparing aortic root replacement. To determine whether the newly identified SMAD3 variant, and whether SMAD3 induced aortopathy in general, can be assayed in a zebrafish embryo model, we injected smad3a mRNA into Tg[kdrl:mCherry] zebrafish embryos. By measuring the size of the dorsal aorta at 48hpf we found a correlation between pathogenic SMAD3 variants and increased dorsal aortic diameter. The newly identified V244F variant increased dorsal aortic diameter (p < 0.0001) similar to that of the pathogenic control variant T261I (p < 0.0084). In addition, we examined several previously identified variants of uncertain significance and found P124T (p < 0.0467), L296P (p < 0.0025) and A349P (p < 0.0056) to behave like T261I. These results demonstrate that the zebrafish embryo assay was successful in validating known pathogenic variants, classifying our newly identified variant V244F as likely pathogenic, and classifying previously identified variants P124T, L296P, and A349P as likely pathogenic. Overall, our findings identify a novel SMAD3 variant that is likely pathogenic as well as offer a new mechanism to model SMAD3 VUSs in vivo.
Sex-specific association of serum uric acid trajectories with risk of incident retinal arteriosclerosis in Chinese population: A population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Geng Ruirui , Feng Qinbei , Ji Mengmeng , Dong Yongfei , Xu Shuanshuan , Liu Chunxing , He Yufeng , Tang Zaixiang
Published: February 2023

Background

The impact of serum uric acid (SUA) trajectories on the development of retinal arteriosclerosis is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to identify adult SUA trajectories by sex and determine their association with risk of retinal arteriosclerosis.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, 4,324 participants who were aged between 18 and 60 years without retinal arteriosclerosis at or before baseline (from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010) were included. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify SUA trajectories during the exposure period (from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2010). Cox proportional-hazards models were applied to evaluate the associations between SUA trajectories and the risk of incident retinal arteriosclerosis during the outcome period (from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2019).

Results

4 distinct SUA trajectories were identified in both women and men: low, moderate, moderate-high, and high. During a median follow-up of 9.54 years (IQR 9.53–9.56), 97 women and 295 men had developed retinal arteriosclerosis. In the fully adjusted model, a significant association between the moderate-high SUA trajectory group and incidence of retinal arteriosclerosis was observed only in men (HR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.17–2.65) compared with the low trajectory group, but not in women (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.39–1.52). Also, the high SUA trajectory group had the highest risk with an adjusted HR of 1.81 (95% CI, 1.04–3.17) in men. However, they did not exhibit a substantially increased risk in women.

Conclusion

Higher SUA trajectory groups were significantly associated with an increased risk of incident retinal arteriosclerosis in men but not in women.