bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postmastectomy Radiotherapy in T1–2 Female Breast Cancer Patients with 1–3 Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes: A Propensity Score Matched SEER Analysis
Authors: Xu Gang , Bu Shanshan , Wang Xiushen , Ge Hong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The application of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in T1–2 female breast cancer patients with 1–3 positive lymph nodes has been controversial. We sought to determine the survival benefits of PMRT in the patients with T1–2 and 1–3 positive nodes.
Methods

A retrospective study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Regs Custom Data (with additional treatment fields) from 2001 to 2011 was performed. Patients who received PMRT were matched by the propensity score with patients who did not receive PMRT. The Overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were analyzed.
Results

We identified 56,725 female breast cancer patients with T1–2 and 1–3 positive nodes, and 18,646 patients were included in the analysis. After propensity score matching (1:1), with a median follow-up of 116 months, PMRT showed an increase in the OS (P = 0.018) but had no effect on the BCSS. The 10-year OS rates were 76.8% and 74.4%, and the 10-year BCSS rates were 82.8% and 82.2% for the patients who received and who did not receive PMRT, respectively. Only patients with 3 positive nodes could gain the benefit of PMRT for BCSS.
Conclusion

PMRT for patients with T1–2 and 1–3 positive lymph nodes could increase the 10-year OS, and had no effect on the 10-year BCSS. Subgroup analysis indicated that only patients with 3 positive lymph nodes could benefit from PMRT for both the OS and BCSS.
Sero-prevalence and immunological characterization of Trypanosoma evansi infection in livestock of four agro-climatic Zones of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sharma Diksha , Gupta Snehil , Sethi Khushboo , Kumar Sanjay , KUMAR RAJENDER
Published: October 2021

Trypanosoma evansi, a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite causes wasting disease called surra in wide range of animals. Although, the organism has been reported from various parts of the India, data generated from organized epidemiological study is still in infancy in majority states of India. In the present study, livestock of Himachal Pradesh, India was targeted for epidemiological investigation of T. evansi infections. A total of 440 equines and 444 cattle serum samples were collected from four agro-climatic Zones. Further, serum samples of 280 buffaloes from three different agro-climatic Zones of Himachal Pradesh were also collected and evaluated for presence of T. evansi infection by indirect ELISA. Data generated showed higher prevalence in buffalo (23.57%) followed by cattle (22.52%) and equines (1.82%). Disease was found to be more prevalent (P < 0.05) in cattle of lower altitude as compared to those of higher altitudes. No significant variation was seen in prevalence of disease on the basis of age and sex of the animals. Serum biochemical analysis revealed increased levels of BUN in T. evansi infected equines. Levels of liver function enzymes such as ALT/GGT and AST were found to be significantly elevated (P < 0.01) in infected animals whereas glucose levels were significantly lower in surra infected animals as compared to non-infected animals. Western blot analysis of whole cell lysate (WCL) antigen of T. evansi using surra infected serum samples of equines showed immunodominant bands in the range of 100-25 kDa. Surra infected bovine serum samples recognized polypeptide bands in the range of 85-32 kDa, including protein clusters of 52-55 and 48-46 kDa. Poypeptide cluster of 62-66 kDa was found common to serum samples of bovines and equines from all agro-climatic Zones. Animal trypanosomosis was found to be highly prevalent in livestock of Himachal Pradesh and thus there is dire need for designing of proper control strategies against surra.
Frailty Assessment Using a Novel Approach Based on Combined Motor and Cardiac Functions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Toosizadeh Nima , Eskandari Maryam , Ehsani Hossein , Parvaneh Saman , Asghari Mehran , Sweitzer Nancy
Published: October 2021

Background: Previous research showed association between frailty and an impaired autonomic nervous system; however, the direct effect of frailty on heart rate (HR) behavior during physical activity is unclear. The purpose of the current study was to determine the association between HR increase and decrease with frailty during a localized upper-extremity function (UEF) task to establish a multimodal frailty test. Methods: Older adults aged 65 or older were recruited and performed the UEF task of rapid elbow flexion for 20 seconds with the right arm. Wearable gyroscopes were used to measure forearm and upper-arm motion, and electrocardiography were recorded using leads on the left chest. Using this setup, HR dynamics were measured, including time to peak HR, recovery time, percentage increase in HR during UEF, and percentage decrease in HR during recovery after UEF. Results: Fifty-six eligible participants were recruited, including 12 non-frail (age=76.92±7.32 years), and 44 pre-frail/frail (age=81.23±8.14 years). Analysis of variance models showed that the percentage increase in HR during UEF and percentage decrease in HR during recovery were both 47% smaller in pre-frail/frail older adults compared to non-frails (p<0.01, effect size = 1.42 and 1.17 for increase and decrease percentages). Using logistic models with both UEF kinematics and HR parameters as independent variables, frailty was predicted with a sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.83. Conclusion: Current findings showed evidence of strong association between HR dynamics and frailty. It is suggested that combining kinematics and HR data in a multimodal model may provide a promising objective tool for frailty assessment.
LncRNA TARID Induces Cell Proliferation Through Cell Cycle Pathway Associated With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Cheng Zheng , Zhang Yonghong , Zhuo Yang , Fan Jie , Xu Ying , Li Mengmeng , Chen Hao , Zhou Li
Published: October 2021

Background/Aim:
Long noncoding RNA TARID (lncRNA TARID) can activate the tumor suppressor TCF21 in tumorigenesis by inducing promoter demethylation. However, the impact on lncRNA TARID and its variants of coronary artery disease (CAD) are poorly understood.
Methods
We performed a case-control study enrolling 949 case patients and 892 controls to assess genotype. Five variants were genotyped by TaqMan assay. 20 case patients and 20 controls were used to evaluate the expression of lncRNA TARID. The qRT-PCR and cell cycle analysis were applied to examined cell proliferation and cell distribution.
Results
This study indicated that rs2327433 GG genotype was associated with CAD risk adjusting for traditional risk factors (OR=2.74, 95%CI: 1.10-6.83, P=0.03). Our results analyses revealed that the genotype of rs2327433 was related to the proportion of CAD patients with left anterior descending artery disease and left circumflex artery disease (P=0.025 and P=0.025, respectively). The results showed that the minor allele frequency of rs2327433 was significantly correlated with the severity of the disease (P=0.029). The eQTL analysis showed that rs2327433 may affect the transcription factors TCF21 regulated by lncRNA TARID. We found that TARID silencing regulated the cell proliferation and altered cell cycle progression by induced upregulation of CDK1 and PCNA.
Conclusions
SNP rs2327433 in lncRNA TARID was associated with CAD risk and the severity of CAD in Chinese Han population. Furthermore, SNP rs2327433 may affect the expression of atherosclerosis-related transcription factor TCF21 regulated by lncRNA TARID. Finally, our study provided a new lncRNA-dictated regulatory mechanism participating in cell proliferation.
Epidemiological Parameter Sensitivity In Covid-19 Dynamics And Estimation
Authors: Bhadana Jyoti , Singh R.K. Brojen
Published: October 2021

Covid-19 is one of the most dreaded pandemics/epidemics in the world threatening the human population. The dynamics of this pandemic is quite complicated and prediction of pandemic states often fails. In this work, we study and correlate the SIR epidemiological model with the ongoing pandemic and found that pandemic dynamics and states are quite sensitively dependent on model parameters. The analysis of the exact parametric solution of the deterministic SIR model shows that the fixed points ($g^*$) depend on the SIR parameters, where, if $g^*\langle\frac{\gamma}{\beta x_0}$ then $g^*$ is stable and the pandemic can be controlled, whereas, if $g^*\rangle\frac{\gamma}{\beta x_0}$ then $g^*$ is unstable indicating active pandemic state, and $g^*=0$ corresponds to an endemic state. The dynamics show asymptotic stability bifurcation. The analytical solution of the stochastic SIR model allows to predict endemic time $t_E\propto\frac{1}{\gamma}$ and mean infected population becomes constant for small values of $\gamma$. The noise in the system even can modulate pandemic dynamics. Hence, we estimated the values of these parameters during lockdown periods using the ABC SSA algorithm and found strong dependence on control strategy, namely, lockdown and follows power-law behaviors. The numerical results show strong agreement with the real data and have the positive effect of social distancing or lockdown in the pandemic control.
Strong Population Genetic Structure and Cryptic Diversity in the Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumops Floridanus)
Authors: Austin James D , Gore Jeffery , Hargrove John , de Torrez Elizabeth Braun , Carneiro Celine , Ridgely Frank , Wisely Samantha
Published: October 2021

Knowledge of genetic structure is essential for the long-term management and conservation of endangered species. We report the results from a genetic examination of the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) sampled from its range in southern Florida, USA. Bonneted bats are primarily found in four regions separated by approximately 100 to 250 kms, including three western natural areas (BW, PC, and CC) and one urban population on the east coast [Miami-Dade County (MD)]. We used 22 microsatellite loci and cytochrome b sequences to assess the extent of connectivity and levels of genetic diversity. Regional populations were highly differentiated (FST = 0.178) and model-based and multivariate analyses showed that MD was the most distinct among pairwise comparisons. Regional populations are small (i.e., Ne < 100) but demographically stable. Estimates of contemporary migration and historic gene flow suggest that regional populations do not frequently exchange migrants, but simulations suggest that the divergence among western regions is likely a result of recent genetic drift rather than long-term isolation. Significantly, mitochondrial DNA revealed that haplotypes from MD were similar or shared with those recognized as Eumops ferox from Cuba and Jamaica, and divergent (1.5%) from the remainder of bonneted bats in Florida. Our data support the management of each of the four populations as distinct population segments, and that BW, PC and CC combined are on an independent evolutionary trajectory from bats in MD. Critically, bonneted bats in Florida appear to harbor cryptic diversity that will require a reassessment of their taxonomy.
SARS-COV-2 δ variant drives the pandemic in the USA through two subvariants
Authors: Yang Xiang-Jiao
Published: October 2021

Delta variant of SARS-COV-2 has overtaken all other variants and become a dominant pandemic driver aggressively. In India, it has evolved and yielded delta1, delta2, delta3 and delta4 subvariants. Delta1 has also gradually become the dominant pandemic driver there and across Europe, raising the question whether this is true in other regions around the world. Here I demonstrate that delta1 has also become the dominant pandemic driver in the USA. In April and May 2021, alpha variant was the major pandemic driver, with Ida and gamma variants playing minor roles. Delta variant only started to emerge in April and May, but it rose exponentially and became a major driver one month later. By September, it was detected in ~99% COVID-19 cases and emerged as almost the sole pandemic driver. In the country, ~50% of its population was fully vaccinated in the summer of 2021; vaccination may have selected against all other variants and thereby helped delta variant achieve such an alarming status. One puzzling question is what genomic features make delta variant so highly competitive. Related to this, delta1, but not delta2, delta3 and delta4, has risen exponentially after May 2021, suggesting that unique NSP3 and nucleocapsid mutations that delta1 carries make it so competitive as a predominant pandemic driver. These results indicate that it is not delta variant per se, but its offspring, delta1, that makes delta variant a predominant pandemic driver. Alarmingly, delta1 subvariant has evolved further and gained additional mutations to finetune functions of spike, nucleocapsid and NSP3 proteins. Compared to delta1, delta2 subvariant is less important in driving the ongoing pandemic in the USA, but this subvariant has also evolved further and gained extra mutations. These results suggest a continuously branching model on delta variant evolution and reiterate urgent need to track and block the evolution.
Role of Atlantic SST in the Recent ENSO Predictability Change in NMME Model Hindcasts
Authors: Pillai Prasanth A , Dhakate Ashish R
Published: October 2021

The present study analyses the possible change in the seasonal prediction skill of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in association with the reported climate modification in the tropical Pacific during the early 21st century. The hindcasts of nine models that participated in the National Multimodel Ensemble Project (NMME) are used for the analysis. Both the boreal summer (JJAS) and winter (DJF) seasons ENSO indices from 4 months and 1-month lead for the period 1981-2018/19 are studied. The analysis shows that all the models have reduced interannual variability as observations for both seasons. There is not much skill (both actual and potential) difference for DJF season for all the models for both the lead times. Summer skill loss for Feb IC is more for models such as CanSIPv2, CCSM3 and NEMO, while it is minimum for CCSM4. There is an increase of skill for Feb IC hindcasts for three GFDL models for JJAS season. Most of the models failed to simulate the ENSO events during the second period. The summer season ENSO pattern in the recent period are influenced by spring time north Atlantic SST anomalies. The models with maximum decrease of skill after 2000 fail to simulate the tropical Atlantic SST anomalies during the initialization months and also the summer season SST anomalies induced by these SST anomalies. The models with better or close to observed patterns with Atlantic SST induced ENSO patterns are only able to maintain the same skill as previous decades.
Differences in composition of interdigital skin microbiota predict sheep and feet that develop footrot, a globally important cause of lameness in sheep
Authors: Clifton Rachel , Monaghan Emma M , Green Martin J , Purdy Kevin J , Green Laura E
Published: October 2021

Footrot has a major impact on health and productivity of sheep worldwide. The current paradigm for footrot pathogenesis is that physical damage to the interdigital skin (IDS) facilitates invasion of the essential pathogen Dichelobacter nodosus. The composition of the IDS microbiota is different in healthy and diseased feet, so an alternative hypothesis is that changes in the IDS microbiota facilitate footrot. We investigated the composition and diversity of the IDS microbiota of ten sheep, five that did develop footrot and five that did not (healthy) at weekly intervals for 20 weeks. The IDS microbiota was less diverse on sheep 2+ weeks before they developed footrot than on healthy sheep. This change could be explained by only seven of >2000 bacterial taxa detected. The incubation period of footrot is 8-10 days, and there was a further reduction in microbial diversity on feet that developed footrot in that incubation period. We conclude that there are two stages of dysbiosis in footrot: the first predisposes sheep to footrot and the second occurs in feet during the incubation of footrot. These findings change the paradigm of footrot pathogenesis.
Binuclear Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes of a new Bis(tridentate) Hydrazone Ligand: Synthesis, Thermal, Spectroscopic, Biological, Molecular Docking and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Samy Fatma , Shebl Magdy
Published: October 2021

A new hydrazone ligand; 4,6-bis(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyl-ene)hydrazono)ethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (H4L; DHNAPH) was synthesized by the reaction of 4,6-bis(1-hydrazonoethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (NH2DAR) with 2-hydroxy 1-naphthaldehyde. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)- complexes ([M2L(H2O)6].nH2O.mEtOH; M = Co, Ni or Cu, n = 0.5 or 1 and m = 0.5 or 0) of DHNAPH have been successfully synthesized. Characterization of DHNAPH and its complexes was performed by analytical, spectral (IR, mass, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and ESR), magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for detection of the morphology of DHNAPH and its Co- and Ni-complexes, which refers that the DHNAPH complexes are in the nano scale. The analytical data, magnetic moments and spectral studies recognized octahedral geometries for DHNAPH complexes. DHNAPH acts as a bis(dibasic triadentate) via (C=Nazomethine and 2 OH) with metal in complexes. The optimized structure of DHNAPH and its complexes has been done theoretically by Hyperchem program and structural parameters were linked with the IR experimental data. The activity of DHNAPH and its complexes against Hepatocellular carcinoma, fungi and bacteria has been tested. The new complexes are more active than DHNAPH and the highest antitumor activity was given by copper(II) complex. The DNA-binding of DHNAPH and Cu- DHNAPH has been investigated. Molecular docking studies showed that all the tested compounds show good binding score revealing good fitting in between the DNA strands. There is agreement between docking data and DNA binding results.
LINC00961 Attenuates TGF-β-induced Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition and Myocardial Fibrosis Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hu Jinxing , Zheng Zeqi , Kang Ting , Qian Wei , Huang Shanhua , Li B
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLINC00961 has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases, and its potential mechanisms of action have been suggested. Here, we investigated the role of LINC00961 in the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) induced by TGF-β and myocardial fibrosis following myocardial infarction(MI). Methods and ResultsHuman cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) and male wild-type (WT) mice were used. HCMECs were exposed to TGF-β in serum-free medium for 48 h to induce EndMT. CCK8 and Flow cytometry analysis were used to examine cell viability and assess apoptosis. To identify CD31+/α-SMA+ double-positive cells, immunofluorescence staining was used. Western blotting and PCR were used for protein and mRNA analyses. TGF-β time-dependently contributed to EndMT and injuries of HCMECs, LINC00961 attenuated the injury and EndMT caused by TGF-β. WT and LINC00961 knockout C57BL/6 mice were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to trigger MI. Myocardial fibrosis was assessed using H&E and Masson's trichrome staining, and Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function. Western blotting and PCR were used for protein and mRNA expression analyses. MI contributed to myocardial fibrosis and the reduction of cardiac function, LINC00961 and SB-431542 (TGF-β selective inhibitor) attenuated the reduced cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis following MI. ConclusionLINC00961 attenuates EndMT induced by TGF-β and myocardial fibrosis following MI, owing by suppressing the TGF-β pathway, reducing p-SMAD2/3 expression, and inhibiting SNAIL and SLUG.
Prognostic value of post-ablation stimulated thyroglobulin in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with biochemical incomplete response
Authors: Wang Yu , Wu Jie , Jiang Lisha , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Bin
Published: October 2021

Objective:Little is known regarding parameters predicting persistence/recurrence for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients exhibiting biochemical incomplete response (BIR) to initial therapy. High post-ablation stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg) levels have undetermined prognostic significance in DTC patients with BIR. The goal of this two‐center study was to systemically assess the prognosis of DTC patients with BIR in relation to ps-Tg levels and to establish the determinants of clinical outcomes. Design and Methods:The retrospective study of consecutive 81 DTC patients from two tertiary centers who were classified as BIR after total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation between January 2010 to December 2019 were analyzed. BIR was defined as ps-Tg > 10 ng/mL measured under thyroid hormone withdrawal at 9–12 months followed by radioiodine ablation, negative anti-Tg antibodies, and no structural evidence of disease. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate potential risk factors associated with clinical outcomes.Results:With a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 28 patients (34.6%) showed no evidence of disease and 50 patients (61.7%) were of a biochemical persistent status at the time of final follow-up. Conversely, 3 patients (3.7%) developed structural evidence of disease. Ps-Tg of 20.2 ng/mL or greater displayed the high positive predictive value (81%) for disease persistence/recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that only a high ps-Tg level (>20.2 ng/mL) was an independent risk factor for persistent/recurrent disease (odds ratio = 8.6; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The ps-Tg (>20.2 ng/mL) was a valuable predictor of disease persistence/recurrence in DTC patients with BIR.
Topological transitions in ac/dc-driven open superconductor nanotubes
Authors: Fomin Vladimir M. , Rezaev Roman O. , Dobrovolskiy Oleksandr V.
Published: October 2021

Extending of nanostructures into the third dimension has become a major research avenue in condensed-matter physics, because of geometry-and topology-induced phenomena. In this regard, superconducting 3D nanoarchitectures feature magnetic field inhomogeneity, non-trivial topology of superconducting screening currents and complex dynamics of topological defects. Here, we investigate theoretically topological transitions in the dynamics of vortices and phase slips in open superconductor nanotubes under a modulated transport current. Relying upon the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation, we reveal two distinct voltage regimes when (i) a dominant part of the tube is in the normal or superconducting state and (ii) the complex interplay between vortices, phase slips and screening currents determines a rich FFT voltage spectrum. Our findings allow for unveiling the distributions of the superconducting order parameter in open nanotubes via recording time-dependent induced voltage and for controlling these states by using superimposed dc and ac transport currents.
Practical-Oriented Approach to Preparation of Linguistics Bachelor’s Thesis
Authors:   Buryat State University, Larisa M. Orbodoeva , Vera B. Sambueva ,   Buryat State University, Yaroslava W. Taraskina ,   Buryat State University
Published: October 2021

The article deals with the requirements for the Linguistics Bachelor’s thesis, the program of Translation and Translation Studies in the Buryat State University. At present the issue of correlation between the research topics of graduate papers and needs of the translation market is becoming relevant because it helps to improve the quality of future translators’ preparation. Bachelor’s thesis should solve real complex translation objectives. The purpose of this article is to justify the need for a practical orientation of the Bachelor’s thesis. The methodological basis of the study is a practiceoriented approach to learning. The material of the study is the Federal Educational Standard in Linguistics, Bachelor’s level; the Professional Translator Standard, Buryat State University students’ graduate papers of the past five years majoring in Translation and Translation Studies. Research methods are analysis of the translation theory and practice literature; study and analysis of legal documents regulating the process of obtaining Bachelor’s degrees in Linguistics, the method of summarizing pedagogical experience. The Professional Translator Standard’s introduction requires the revision of practice-oriented approach to training and to writing the Bachelor’s graduate papers, which changes the research tasks of the Bachelor’s thesis and the selection of the material of the thesis that would meet the market requirements. Keywords: linguistic education, translator’s competencies, graduate paper, bachelor’s thesis,practical-oriented approach, translation solutions
Architectonics of Scientific Personnel Training in the Conditions of Postgraduate Study (on the Example of the First Year of Training)
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Svetlana E Kaplina
Published: October 2021

The questions related to postgraduate education as an institution for training scientific personnel, which seeks to create and put into practice its own concept of training graduate students and applicants on the basis of universities are observed in the article. The author considers the architectonics of postgraduate training from the perspective of the quality of educational programs and pedagogical technologies; creating conditions for continuing education through a combination of different forms and methods of education based on the principle of continuity and preservation of the pedagogical potential of all scientific disciplines in teaching of personnel in postgraduate school. Having studied the reasons for low publication activity of postgraduates / applicants in the Transbaikal State University and on the basis of the existing FSES of Higher Education in postgraduate education the author has attempted to create an architectonics of postgraduate training continuity (1st level). On the example of the “Foreign Language” discipline the practical implementation of first-year postgraduates training within the framework of the succession architectonics is shown. The article provides a detailed description of each block of training with an emphasis on the integration of the educational process participants and taught scientific disciplines, analyzes the collected statistical data on the problem in the ZabGU, draws conclusions and forecasts the results. Keywords: architectonics, continuity, postgraduate professional education, scientific personnel, postgraduate school, foreign language, publication activity
25th Anniversary of the Research Laboratory Dealing with the Problems of Higher Education of the Transbaikal State University
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Lidiya A. Bordonskaya , Ekaterina A. Igumnova ,   Transbaikal State University, Svetlana S. Serebryakova ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2021

The article presents an analysis of the laboratory’s activities on the problems of higher education of the Transbaikal State University for a twenty-five-year period, carried out by a team under the leadership of doctor of pedagogical sciences, professor – Bordonskaya Lydia Aleksandrovna. At the university level, the laboratory successfully solved urgent problems in all main areas of activity: conceptual substantiation of the development of a pedagogical university to the level of a humanitarian-pedagogical university; the revival in 2008 of the scientific journal “Scientists notes” (1957–1971), which is published as the journal “Scientific Notes of the Transbaikal State University” and is included in the base of the State Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles journals; training of highly qualified personnel; development of international cooperation and stimulation of joint scientific research; improving the quality of education at the university. The laboratory staff worked out the problems of the development of education in general and the content of natural science and environmental education, in particular, the problems of regionalization and integration of education, improving the professional growth of teachers, accompanying talented and gifted children, and the development of modern didactic tools. In a fertile scientific environment, over the years of the laboratory’s activity, dozens of doctoral and candidate dissertations have been prepared and successfully defended, in which innovative pedagogical experience on the problems of higher, general and additional education is summarized. The laboratory staff published textbooks and monographs, prepared and published articles in the journals of the Higher Attestation Commission, Scopus databases, etc. various formats (offline and online: scientific show, scientific meeting, festival, etc.) within the framework of the Science Festival in the Transbaikal Territory. The laboratory team obtained scientific results on topical problems of education development at all levels, taking into account the tendencies of humanization and humanization, integration and regionalization of education, which today are the basis for further scientific research, taking into account modern socio-cultural conditions. Keywords: research laboratory on the problems of higher education, Transbaikal State University, anniversary, scientific activity in the field of education
On Environmental Education in the Discourse of the Concept of Sustainable Development (from the Experience of a Pedagogical University)
Authors:   I. Y. Yakovlev State Pedagogical University of Chuvash, Marina Yu. Kupriyanova , Evgeniya G. Sharonova ,   I. Y. Yakovlev State Pedagogical University of Chuvash, Inessa Yu. Arestova ,   I. Y. Yakovlev State Pedagogical University of Chuvash
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the implementation of the ideas of sustainable development at the Chuvash State Pedagogical University named after I. Ya. Yakovlev in the field of education. The methodological basis was the work of domestic and foreign authors in the field of research. The relevance of the work lies in considering the experience in the field of environmental education in the discourse of the concept of sustainable development from the standpoint of participation in it of the administration, teachers and students of the university in question, from the point of view of content and organizational aspects. Analysis of the experience of the ChSPU named after I. Ya. Yakovlev in the field of environmental education from the perspective of the sustainable development concept, identified the main contradictions that are of a socio-political and economic nature. It has been noted that teachers, students and the administration of the university are involved in the implementation of activities that create conditions for the implementation of the principles of sustainable development in education on the example of environmental education. It is noted that the university still has problematic issues in the field of education for sustainable development, for the solution of which the authors propose a number of measures that will create comfortable conditions at the university for the global responsibility and active citizenship formation in the field of sustainable development. Within the framework of this article, the authors have developed basic recommendations for integrating the concept of sustainable development into national educational programs, which consist in the following: organization of a center for environmental education and sustainable development of the university; development of the concept of the university in the field of sustainable development; development and implementation in the curriculum of the discipline “Sustainable Development” with the provision of the course with appropriate methodological support. Keywords: sustainable development, environmental education, education for sustainable development, pedagogical university
Formation of Ecological Culture Among Students of General Education Organizations in the Field of Solid Municipal Waste Management
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Dolgorma Ts. Anudarieva , Zhanna A. Lesnyanskaya ,   Transbaikal State University, Lyubov V. Kopylova ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2021

The problem of handling solid municipal waste, which is formed during the life of a modern person, is becoming more and more urgent every day. The growth of consumption in modern society entails an increase in the formation of waste, which must no longer be stored, but subjected to recycling or recycling for further use. The solution of this problem, in addition to the technical and organizational component, is possible by forming a culture of solid municipal waste management (hereinafter MSW) among the population, that is, the formation of an ecological culture. The article describes the implementation of the social project “Organization of environmental education and formation of environmental culture of the younger generation in the field of solid municipal waste management” of the Transbaikal State University. During the implementation of the project, the level of environmental culture of schoolchildren was studied by testing in accordance with age. The developed educational and educational program, which includes a set of measures for training and environmental education of general education organization students, helped to motivate them to properly handle waste and form a responsible attitude to nature. Diagnostics formation level of the ecological culture of the younger generation allowed us to state the presence of a problem, namely, the insufficient (low and average) formation level of the ecological culture of general education organization students. Environmental classes and actions allowed students to form an idea of the problems of waste disposal, as well as their understanding of the need for separate collection and recycling of waste. Environmental education of the younger generation has changed their attitude to the problem of separate waste collection and contributed to the formation of environmental consciousness. Keywords: environmental education, environmental culture, younger generation, municipal solid waste, waste management
Psychological Readiness of Future Teachers to Implement an Inclusive Approach in Education: Formation and Assessment in the Learning Process
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Svetlana A. Kalashnikova
Published: October 2021

The relevance of the research is determined by a new social demand related to the implementation of inclusive education, the need to transform the content, forms and methods of professional training of future teachers in order to form their professional readiness to work in an inclusive educational space. The subject of a meaningful and structural analysis is the psychological readiness of future teachers to implement an inclusive approach in education within the framework of competence-based and axiological approaches. The study was conducted using theoretical methods-analysis, generalization, comparison, systematization. The main features of inclusive thinking as the basis of psychological readiness of future teachers for inclusive practice are selected: acceptance of inclusion as a normal way of functioning of an educational institution; understanding of an inclusive educational space as open to everyone; reorientation of the priorities of a teacher’s professional activity from achieving academic results to creating conditions for the formation of life competencies and successful socialization of children with disabilities; orientation to team interaction with all participants in the educational process, etc. The experience of forming the psychological component of inclusive readiness of future teachers is described in detail. It is argued that the technologies of contextual learning most meet the tasks of forming the psychological readiness of future teachers to implement inclusive practice. The scientific data on the methods of assessing the psychological readiness of teachers to implement inclusive practice are summarized. It is shown that the formation and qualified assessment of the psychological readiness of a future teacher to work in an inclusive education should be of a systematic and complex format. The presented materials can be taken into account when designing the content of professional educational programs in order to increase the effectiveness of the formation of future teachers’ psychological readiness to work in an inclusive practice. Keywords: professional readiness, inclusive readiness, psychological readiness of future teachers to implement an inclusive approach in education, inclusive thinking, formation and assessment of competencies
Application of the CERES‐Wheat Model for Within‐Season Prediction of Winter Wheat Yield in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bannayan M. , Crout N. M. J. , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: October 2021

Mechanistic crop growth models have many potential uses for crop management. These models can aid in preseason and within‐season management decisions for cultural practices such as fertilizer and irrigation applications and pest and disease management. When making these management decisions, maximizing yield and net return as a function of inputs and production costs is one of the fundamental goals. Reliable yield forecasting within the growing season would enable improved planning and more efficient management of grain production, handling, and marketing. The objective of this study was to determine if the dynamic simulation model CERES‐Wheat could be used to forecast final grain yield and crop biomass within the growing season for environmental and management conditions in the United Kingdom (UK). Experimental data for three seasons and four sites were used for model calibration and evaluation. A stochastic approach was applied, based on multiple years of weather data generated with the weather generator SIMMETEO. Yield forecasts were conducted for five different developmental stages within the growing season. For each forecast date, observed weather data were used up to the forecast date and supplemented with generated weather data until final harvest was predicted. Eighty‐nine different sequences of generated weather data were used for each forecast. Predicted grain yield had a root mean square difference (RMSD) ranging from 0.95 t ha−1 for the first forecast date to 0.68 t ha−1 for the final forecast date while the RMSD for total predicted biomass ranged from 3.59 to 2.09 t ha−1. An analysis of predicted final grain yield and biomass for all forecast dates showed a significant difference for the first three sample dates up to flag leaf appearance. No significant difference was found for the forecasts conducted at the anthesis stage (paired t test: p = 0.73 for grain yield and p = 0.32 for biomass) and milk stage (p = 0.79 for grain yield and p = 0.22 for biomass). This study showed that using only stochastically generated weather data to substitute measured data could provide a reliable forecast for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield starting in June until the remainder of the season for conditions in the UK.
Genotype and Environment Effects on Dynamics of Harvest Index during Grain Filling in Sorghum
Authors: Hammer Graeme L. , Broad Ian J.
Published: October 2021

An approach based on a linear rate of increase in harvest index (HI) with time after anthesis has been used as a simple means to predict grain growth and yield in many crop simulation models. When applied to diverse situations, however, this approach has been found to introduce significant error in grain yield predictions. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to examine the stability of the HI approach for yield prediction in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Four field experiments were conducted under nonlimiting water and N conditions. The experiments were sown at times that ensured a broad range in temperature and radiation conditions. Treatments consisted of two population densities and three genotypes varying in maturity. Frequent sequential harvests were used to monitor crop growth, yield, and the dynamics of HI. Experiments varied greatly in yield and final HI. There was also a tendency for lower HI with later maturity. Harvest index dynamics also varied among experiments and, to a lesser extent, among treatments within experiments. The variation was associated mostly with the linear rate of increase in HI and timing of cessation of that increase. The average rate of HI increase was 0.0198 d−1, but this was reduced considerably (0.0147) in one experiment that matured in cool conditions. The variations found in HI dynamics could be largely explained by differences in assimilation during grain filling and remobilization of preanthesis assimilate. We concluded that this level of variation in HI dynamics limited the general applicability of the HI approach in yield prediction and suggested a potential alternative for testing.
Using Leaf Color Charts to Estimate Leaf Nitrogen Status of Rice
Authors: Yang Woon-Ho , Peng Shaobing , Huang Jianliang , Sanico Arnel L. , Buresh Roland J. , Witt Christian
Published: October 2021

Leaf color charts (LCCs) have substituted for chlorophyll meter (SPAD) to estimate leaf N status of rice (Oryza sativaL.) and to properly time N fertilizer application. The objectives of this study were to (i) compare three different types of LCC in estimating leaf N status, (ii) determine if specific leaf weight (SLW) affects the estimation of dry weight–based N concentration (Ndw) by LCC, and (iii) determine the relationship between LCC scores and SPAD values. Two field experiments were conducted in the Philippines with different N rates and cultivars grown during 2000 wet season and 2001 dry season. The LCC score and SPAD reading were taken on uppermost fully expanded leaves at three growth stages, and SLW was calculated as the ratio of dry weight to leaf area. Nitrogen content was determined by micro‐Kjeldahl procedure and expressed as Ndwand leaf area–based N content (Na). There was a linear relationship between LCC scores and Ndwat each growth stage (R2range of 0.25–0.97) and across growth stages (R2range of 0.46–0.62). Adjusting LCC scores for SLW (LCC/SLW) greatly improved the prediction of Ndwacross growth stages (R2range of 0.84–0.92), suggesting that leaf thickness affects LCC scores. Leaf color chart estimated Nabetter than Ndwacross growth stages. Leaf color chart scores were closely related to SPAD values (R2range of 0.62–0.98). Strong correlations existed among the scores of the three types of LCC (rrange of 0.93–0.99). They are all suitable for use by rice farmers in timing N topdressing.
Modeling Genetic Effects on the Photothermal Response of Soybean Phenological Development
Authors: Stewart Douglas W. , Cober Elroy R. , Bernard Richard L.
Published: October 2021

The identification of genes that affect plant growth and development has played a prominent role in modern plant research. Mathematical modeling can be a useful tool in this process of quantifying the effects of individual genes. In soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], seven loci (E1 to E7) have been identified that condition time to flowering and maturity and photoperiod sensitivity. Twenty‐nine near‐isogenic lines with different combinations of alleles at six of these loci in either ‘Clark’ or ‘Harosoy’ background were used in this study. Days from planting to first flower were observed in these lines over 2 yr at two locations (Ottawa, ON, Canada, and Urbana, IL, USA) under natural daylength and a 20‐h photoperiod. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the effect of average daily temperature, photoperiod, and the temperature × photoperiod interaction. A photoperiod coefficient was calculated for each isoline, which resulted in an R2 of 0.93 when calculations of times to first flower were correlated with observations. A submodel was developed to calculate photoperiod coefficients by adding contributions from each locus with dominant alleles. This reduced the 29 isoline coefficients to seven coefficients (one for each locus plus an additional value for unknown genes) but with a reduction of the R2 of from 0.93 to 0.89. The E1 coefficient was approximately twice the size of the other five allele coefficients. Time from planting to first flower can be calculated from the average daily temperatures and latitude of a given location using the gene model if the genetic makeup of the line is known.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Isoflavans from the Roots of Rhynchosia ferruginea and In Silico Study on DNA Gyrase and Human Peroxiredoxin
Authors: HUSSEİN Kalid , ESWARAMOORTHY Rajalakshmanan , MELAKU Yadessa , ENDALE ANNİSA Milkyas
Published: October 2021

Rhynchosia ferruginea (Udusalim, Afan Oromo) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat skin infection, intestinal problems and amoebiasis. Silica gel chromatographic separation of dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) roots extract yielded isoflavan (1), isoflavene (2) and 1, 3-dilinoleoyl-2-stearoylglycerol (3), reported herein for the first time from the genus. Antibacterial activity was examined using disc diffusion method against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. pyogenes. AutoDoc vina 4.2 soft ware was used for molecular docking analysis of compounds against human peroxidoxin 5 and DNA gyrase B enzymes. Isoflavan (1) displayed zone of inhibition of 9.67 ± 0.58 mm and 10.67 ± 0.58 mm whereas isoflavene (2) showed 10.33 ± 1.15 mm and 10 ± 1.00 mm against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, compared to ciprofloxacin (15.67±0.58 mm for both strains). DPPH radical scavenging assay of the dichloromethane/methanol (1:1) roots extract and isoflavan (1) exhibited better radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 17.7 and 32, respectively. Molecular docking analysis revealed that 1 and 2 exhibited similar binding affinity of -7.4 kcal/mol compared to ciprofloxacin (-7.3 kcal/mol). In silico analysis against human peroxidoxin 5 (PDB ID: 1HD2) revealed minimum binding affinity of - 3.7 and - 2.0 kcal/mol for compounds 1 and 2, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid (-4.9 kcal/mol). The in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activity of compounds 1 and 2 suggest the potential use of these compounds as drug lead candidates which corroborate with the traditional uses of the roots of R. ferruginea.
A paradigm shift in risk management in public–private partnership arrangements
Authors: Lima Sónia , Brochado Ana , Marques Rui
Published: October 2021

This research sought to determine how public–private partnership (PPP) arrangements can more efficiently address risk management issues using the example of Mozambique as a case study. Analyses of 15 interviews in this country were conducted using the Gioia methodology. The results indicate that integrating key risk indicators into PPP contracts can improve risk management. These measures have been widely used in company risk management. The indicators can serve as monitoring, reviewing and supervising tools, allowing the integration of external factors into PPP contracts at the right time, which is hard to predict when the contracts are signed. Key risk indicators can capture megatrends, track risk evolution and develop future scenarios throughout the entire lifecycle of contracts, preventing conflicts between partners, contract renegotiations or early contract terminations by facilitating an improved understanding of contracts' current realities. The findings suggest that these measures should be applied by PPP units. The proposed approach encourages originality and empirical research-based improvements of PPP risk management frameworks and provides guidelines for future studies.