bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estratégias criativas na formulação e solução de problemas do discurso matemático escolar
Authors: Diniz Leonardo Silva , Ripardo Ronaldo Barros
Published: January 2024

Este artigo apresenta e discute resultados de uma pesquisa que teve como objetivo compreender as estratégias e o que estas revelam sobre a criatividade dos alunos em atividades de formulação e solução de problemas do discurso matemático escolar. Está ancorada na Teoria Comognitiva, que considera a matemática um discurso, na Perspectiva de Sistemas, para o qual a ação criativa não ocorre de forma isolada, mas da relação entre três sistemas: indivíduo, domínio e campo, bem como na verificação de como os alunos manifestam elementos da criatividade nas suas produções em relação à Flexibilidade e Originalidade. É uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida com alunos dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental de escola pública do município de Canaã dos Carajás no Estado do Pará. Para a produção de dados foram aplicadas atividades que demandavam dos alunos formulação de problemas e solução de problemas. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam para a ocorrência de manifestação criativa em relação à flexibilidade e originalidade em rotinas de exploração, ato e ritual.
(Re)Desenho de tarefas matemáticas à luz dos critérios de idoneidade didática e criatividade
Authors: Sousa Adriana Santos , Gusmão Tania Cristina Rocha Silva
Published: January 2024

Este estudo apresenta a análise da competência criativa em (futuros) professores para desenhar tarefas matemáticas ou redesenhar tarefas já existentes envolvendo Funções Quadráticas e quais conhecimentos e critérios utilizam para (re)desenhá-las, a partir de uma formação online utilizando a comunicação síncrona (Google Meet) e assíncrona (Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem). A investigação de natureza qualitativa e interventiva proporcionou aos participantes situações teóricas e práticas para troca de ideias e experiências para o (re)desenho de tarefas. A análise está fundamentada no Ciclo de Estudos e Desenho de Tarefas à luz dos Critérios de Idoneidade Didática. Os resultados apontam que os participantes pouco utilizam tarefas abertas; encontram dificuldades para serem criativos e desenhar tarefas autorais e que a tendência é iniciar o processo de criatividade realizando redesenho de tarefas.
Indonesian Mid-Career EFL Teachers’ Depersonalization and its Impact on Their Well-Being: A Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Fauzan Zelvy , Drajati Nur Arifah , Putra Kristian Adi
Published: January 2024

Well-being is an important aspect for EFL teachers that indicate their psychological and physical wellness state both in their professional and personal life. However, depersonalization that contextually happened in the workplace can negatively affect how they teach and work in the school, causing the feeling of indifference and threatening their well-being in return. On the other hand, depersonalization has been reported to be a contagion to other people, further exposing other colleagues to experiencing and feeling burned out. Questions emerged from this phenomenon, that is, how Indonesian mid-career EFL teachers’ depersonalization affects their motivation and how they employ the coping strategy to sustain motivational well-being. Using a narrative inquiry methodological approach, this study explores this phenomenon through a narrative frame with three Indonesian mid-career EFL teachers. Extensive thematic analysis showcased that Indonesian mid-career EFL teachers experienced depersonalization originating from poor colleague work ethics and inadequate leadership, causing their motivation well-being to plummet. However, the depersonalization was overshadowed by their respective sources of motivation to work as an EFL teacher. Strategies to mitigate such depersonalization were reported to be: (1) involving oneself in continuing professional development, (2) spiritual reflection, and (3) recreational rest. The study implies an indication that contextual factors such as organizational scholarship and interpersonal-collegial relationships are playing a critical role in shaping EFL teachers’ overall well-being.
Constructing bimetal, alloy, and compound-modified nitrogen-doped biomass-derived carbon from coconut shell as accelerants for boosting methane production in bioenergy system
Authors: Ke Teng , Yun Sining , Wang Kaijun , Xing Tian , Dang Jiaoe , Zhang Yongwei , Sun Menglong , An Jinhang , Liu Lijianan , Liu Jiayu
Published: January 2024

Accelerants can enhance methane production in biomass energy systems. Single-component accelerants cannot satisfy the demands of anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) to maximize overall performance. In this work, nitrogen-doped bio-based carbon derived from coconut shells, containing bimetallic Ni/Fe nanoparticles, FeNi3 alloys, and compounds (Fe2O3, FeN, and Fe3O4), was constructed as hybrid accelerants (Ni-N-C, Fe-N-C, and Fe/Ni-N-C) to boost CH4 production and CO2 reduction. The cumulative biogas yield (553.65, 509.65, and 587.76 mL/g volatile solids), methane content (63.58%, 57.90%, and 67.39%), and total chemical oxygen demand degradation rate (60.15%, 54.92%, and 65.38%) of AcoD with Ni-N-C (2.625 g/L), Fe-N-C (3.500 g/L), and Fe/Ni-N-C (2.625 g/L) were higher than control (346.32 mL/g volatile solids, 40.13%, and 32.03%), respectively. These digestates with Ni-N-C, Fe-N-C, and Fe/Ni-N-C showed excellent stability (mass loss: 22.97%-32.75%) and total nutrient content (4.43%-4.61%). Based on the synergistic effects of the different components of the hybrid accelerant, an understanding of the enhanced methanogenesis of AcoD was illustrated.
NUPR1 packaged in extracellular vesicles promotes murine triple-negative breast cancer in a type 1 interferon-independent manner
Authors: Ortiz Angelica , Stavrou Aikaterini , Liu Shan , Chen Danqi , Shen Steven S. , Jin Chunyuan
Published: January 2024

Aim: This study aims to elucidate the involvement of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-derived extracellular vesicles in metastasis. The loss of components in the type 1 interferon (IFN1) signaling pathway has been linked to the promotion of metastasis. However, IFN1 signaling induces immunological dormancy and promotes tumorigenesis. Our hypothesis was that TNBC cells release tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) that promote metastasis in an IFN1-independent manner.

Methods: Two murine TNBC models and transgenic mice were used to examine the role of IFN1 in TNBC progression to metastasis. Reserpine was employed to determine the effect of TEV education on TNBC progression and overall survival. EVs from cancer cells treated with vehicle and reserpine and from the serum of tumor-bearing mice receiving reserpine were examined to determine changes in EV release and EV content.

Results: TNBC cells progress to metastasis in mice lacking the IFN1-induced gene cholesterol-25 hydroxylase (CH25H) or expressing the IFNAR1S526 knock-in that cannot be downregulated. Reserpine suppresses EV release from TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo . Western blot analysis demonstrated reserpine decreased NUPR1 protein levels in EVs. RNAseq analysis demonstrated that endothelial cells lacking CH25H treated with TEVs exhibited increased NUPR1 expression that was decreased by adding reserpine with the TEVs. NUPR1 overexpression upregulated genes that mediate TEV biogenesis and incorporation. Knockdown of NUPR1 with shRNA decreased the release of TEVs.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our study suggests that TNBC is driven by aberrant packaging of NUPR1 into TEVs which were transferred into recipient cells to activate pro-metastatic transcription driven by NUPR1.
Understanding the EV Semiconductor Chip Sustainable Supply Chain Chip Shortage
Authors: Biney Jeshurun , Jones Erick C. Jnr , Jones Erick Christopher
Published: January 2024

Semiconductor chips play a pivotal role in modern technology, with their significance heightened by the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry. As vital components powering electric powertrains, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and in-car infotainment, semiconductor chips have become the linchpin of the automotive industry's transformation. The escalating global demand for EVs has, however, triggered a semiconductor chip shortage, leading to systemic disruptions in the supply chain. This study adopts a comprehensive approach to understanding the repercussions of the chip shortage within the automotive sector. Our method involves examining news articles about the semiconductor shortage, which worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From this examination, a framework is created that explains the reasons for the shortage and its consequences. Through these analytical frameworks, the paper draws essential lessons and implications regarding the initiation, propagation, and enduring nature of systemic disruptions. The findings provide valuable insights into the complexities of supply chain dynamics, offering an in-depth understanding of how disruptions manifest and persist over time. As semiconductor shortages continue to affect various industries, including the automotive sector, these insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on the sustainable management of semiconductor chip supply chains. This paper aims to delve into the intricacies of the EV semiconductor chip sustainable supply chain, shedding light on the factors contributing to the chip shortage and exploring potential solutions for a resilient and sustainable future.
Efeito de diferentes formas de aplicação de Trichoderma na produção de mudas de beterraba
Authors: Jantsch Felipe Talian , Silva Vanessa Neumann , Mello Emely de Souza , Prior Alisson Vedana
Published: January 2024

A beterraba é uma hortaliça importante para alimentação, tendo uma boa aceitação devido ao seu sabor adocicado. A produção de mudas é uma etapa importante no cultivo de beterraba e estudar formas de se otimizar a eficiência de produção é importante, especialmente visando que a muda esteja apta a enfrentar as condições adversas encontradas no campo. Neste contexto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência das diferentes formas de aplicação de Trichoderma no processo de produção de mudas de beterraba. Foram testadas diferentes formas de aplicação de Trichoderma no processo de produção de mudas de beterraba. O experimento foi  realizado na estufa agrícola da UFFS campus Chapecó. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: sem aplicação de Trichoderma harzianum (testemunha), aplicação de Trichoderma harzianum no tratamento de sementes, no substrato no momento da semeadura e aos 7 dias após a semeadura (DAS). Foram  avaliados: emergência de plântulas, altura da parte aérea, número de folhas/muda, comprimento de raízes, massa seca da parte aérea e de raízes de mudas. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e comparação de médias (p<0,05). Assim, conclui-se que a aplicação de Trichoderma harzianum cepa ESALQ-1306 proporciona efeitos positivos na produção de mudas de beterraba, cultivar Chata do Egito, nas condições em que foi realizada essa pesquisa; de forma geral, a aplicação no substrato (T2 e T3) proporcionaram melhor desempenho de mudas, na maioria dos parâmetros avaliados.
Understanding of the Experimental Concept of Radiation Absorption of Radioactive Materials
Authors: Prayogi Soni , Silviana Fitria , Zainuddin Zainuddin
Published: January 2024

In this article, we discuss the experimental absorption of radioactive light radiation on various materials using Geiger Muller. Under certain conditions, Geiger Muller can be used to determine the absorption coefficient of a material. The radioactive rays observed in this experiment are gamma rays. Gamma rays are radioactive rays that have no charge so they cannot be deflected by magnetic or electric fields and have the greatest penetrating power. We made several important results on experimental studies of the absorption of gamma radiation passing through matter. Our results relate to the trend of the unexpected, measured intensity of radiation versus the thickness of the absorber, which confuses students and cannot be explained by many laboratory assistants. Finally, we believe that a distribution function is an effective tool for examining the contribution of the build-up factor in the Geiger Muller calculation of the measured radiation intensity.
Profile of students' concept understanding in kinematics
Authors: Handhika Jeffry , Widiyaningrum Saristi , Denata Sukma Ayu Aprillia
Published: January 2024

This research aims to profile the understanding of physics concepts in kinematics material. Teachers need information on understanding physics concepts in designing their learning. The profile of understanding the concept of kinematics is revealed by administering a concept understanding test. The total number of tests for understanding the concept of kinematics is 30 items. The concept understanding profile is categorized into five indicators: (1) interpretation, (2) classifying, (3) inference, (4) comparing, and (5) explaining—the test applies to 49 students at SMA and MA in Madiun. Based on the profile description analysis results, it was obtained that students had a good percentage of the concept understanding indicator component (39.54%) and the smallest percentage of the interpretation indicator (17.60%). These results can be used as recommendations for facilitators and researchers in determining the learning model that will be applied and the concept of understanding the research topic that will be carried out.
International Class Program UIN Malang as an Effort in Actualizing International Reputable University
Authors: Nikmah Faridatun , Syari'ah Atiris , Nabilah Nafa
Published: January 2024

In response to globalization's challenges, educational institutions in Indonesia have begun to develop education oriented towards reforming quality, management, and curriculum with international standards. One of them is through the formation of an international class that is expected to be able to compete at the global level. To realize this, UIN Malang carries the vision of "The realization of an integrative higher education in combining science and Islam with an international reputation." Based on this vision, this study seeks to find out how to implement and form UIN Malang's support for the International Class Program at the Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty to internationalize the campus. This study uses a qualitative approach that emphasizes the interpretation of the data obtained. The problem in the field is the lack of cooperation between layers at the university. It has an impact on the speed of the internationalization process of the UIN Malang.

Program Kelas Internasional UIN Malang sebagai Upaya Mewujudkan Universitas Bereputasi Internasional. Menanggapi tantangan globalisasi, lembaga pendidikan di Indonesia mulai mengembangkan pendidikan yang berorientasi pada reformasi mutu, manajemen, dan kurikulum yang berstandar internasional. Salah satunya melalui pembentukan kelas internasional yang diharapkan mampu bersaing di tingkat global. Untuk mewujudkan hal tersebut, UIN Malang mengusung visi “Terwujudnya pendidikan tinggi yang integratif dalam memadukan ilmu pengetahuan dan Islam yang bereputasi internasional.” Berdasarkan visi tersebut, penelitian ini berupaya untuk mengetahui bagaimana implementasi dan bentuk dukungan UIN Malang terhada Program Kelas Internasional Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan untuk menginternasionalkan kampus. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif yang menekankan pada interpretasi data yang diperoleh. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah diketahui adanya permasalahan di lapangan yakni kurangnya kerjasama antar lapisan di universitas. Hal tersebut berdampak pada percepatan proses internasionalisasi UIN Malang.
Genetic Marker Detection of Natural-Focal Infectious Disease Pathogens in Samples of Ixodidae Ticks, Collected on the Territory of the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Naidenova E. V. , Zakharov K. S. , Kartashov M. Yu. , Agafonov D. A. , Senichkina A. M. , Katyshev A. D. , Diallo M. A. , Bah M. B. , Boumbaly S. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: January 2024

The circulation of a rather wide range of pathogens of natural-focal infectious diseases transmitted by ticks was detected in West Africa at different points of time: Borrelia, Rickettsia, Coxiella, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Bhanja, and bluetongue viruses, etc. Current epidemiological and epizootiological situation on natural-focal infectious diseases on the territory of the Republic of Guinea is not entirely clarified.

The aim of this work was to identify genetic markers (RNA/DNA) of natural-focal infectious disease agents in samples of Ixodidae ticks collected in the Republic of Guinea, and to determine the spectrum of pathogens circulating in various landscape-geographical zones of the country.

Materials and methods. To conduct research on the territory of all landscape-geographical zones of the Republic of Guinea, 4695 specimens of Ixodidae ticks of 11 species were collected. Taking into account the species appurtenance, gender, phase of development, as well as the site of collection, a panel of 1645 samples was compiled. Genetic markers of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and tick-borne encephalitis viruses, as well as Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia muris, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia of the tick-borne spotted fever (TBSF) group, and Francisella tularensis were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results and discussion. The following markers of natural-focal disease agents were found in the Ixodidae tick suspensions: DNA of Rickettsia of the TBSF group (25.6 % of all samples studied), DNA of C. burnetii (6.2 %), cDNA of B. burgdorferi s.l. (9.1 %), and RNA of the CCHF virus (2.5 %). The listed spectrum of pathogens has been registered in all landscape-geographical zones of Guinea. Genetic markers of tularemia, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and tick-borne encephalitis pathogens have not been identified in this study. The results obtained made it possible to clarify the probable spectrum of tick-borne diseases in the territory of the Republic of Guinea, determined the need for further study of the circulation of natural-focal infectious disease agents in West Africa and conducting regular epizootiological monitoring.
Variability of omp25 and omp2a Genes in Brucella Strains of Different Taxonomic Position
Authors: Osina N. A. , Boolgakova E. G. , Osin A. G. , Shvidenko I. G. , Shcherbakova S. A.
Published: January 2024

The aim of the study was to identify structural differences in the Brucella omp25 and omp2a genes, which make it possible to determine their taxonomic position.

Materials and methods. The objects of the study were the nucleotide sequences of the complete genomes of 48 Brucella strains presented in the GenBank NCBI database. To assess sequence homology, the BLAST algorithm and the MEGA 11 program were used.

Results and discussion. In 13 species of Brucella and Brucella spp. with unknown species appurtenance, HindIII, EcoRV and EcoRI, AluI restriction profiles of genome regions have been reproduced in silico, including, omp25 and omp2a genes, flanked by primers 25A-25B and 2AB-2AA, respectively. In the omp25 gene, 11 non-synonymous and 24 synonymous mutations have been detected; two deletions: ∆103–108 bp – in В. nosferati, ∆562–597 bp – in В. Ovis; and ACT insertion after 585 bp – in В. vulpis. The variability of the omp2a gene in the studied Brucella strains was significantly higher. 138 SNPs have been identified, of which 60 lead to amino acid substitutions, 2 – form stop codons, and an additional deletion ∆424–561 bp – in В. abortus 1, 2, 4 biovars. Single mutations in the omp2a and omp25 genes had both group specificity – for several species, and unique – for a specific species or biovar of the pathogen. Allelic profiles of the omp25 and omp2a genes have greater resolution than their restriction profiles studied. The identified changes in the structure of the omp25 and omp2a genes correlate with the circulation of individual Brucella species and biovars in the organism of certain carriers. These genes show the presence of deletions, insertions and single polymorphic nucleotides specific to species, groups of species and, in some cases, biovars of the pathogen.
Analysis and Forecast of the Spread of Particularly Dangerous Mycoses around the World
Authors: Lipnitsky A. V. , Polovets N. V. , Murugova A. A. , Toporkov A. V.
Published: January 2024

The literature review presents an analysis of publications over the past five years on the global distribution of particularly dangerous (endemic) mycoses: coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis. The causative agents of these mycoses are dimorphic micromycetes, which can cause a severe course of the disease, even death. These fungi exist in specific ecological niches, but in recent years there have been many reports of them occurring outside of regions of traditionally known endemicity. There are potential causes for these changes, such as global factors (climate change, migration) and extensive use of immunosuppressive drugs. Climate warming may provide favorable conditions for the growth of Coccidioides spp. in new areas, while prolonged dry spells and subsequent dust storms result in increased incidence of coccidioidomycosis in already established endemic areas. Currently, there is an assumption that not only the soil, but also rodents are the primary reservoir of Coccidioides in the external environment. Histoplasmosis is endemic in the countries of the Americas, but the extent of spread of the causative agents has not been fully defined. In Latin America, histoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in HIV-infected people, with a high mortality rate. Many epidemiological data on blastomycosis come from North America, with less information from Africa and Asia. Cases of endemic mycoses in immunocompetent travelers are usually diagnosed incorrectly, due to the absence of specific symptoms. There is also a risk of reactivation of infection in persons with acquired immunosuppression, even after a long period of time. Isolation of pathogens from environmental objects using conventional cultural methods is difficult, while the introduction of molecular-genetic studies will supplement the knowledge about the epidemiology of these mycoses.
Assessment of Cholera Bacteriophages Mixture Safety on an Experimental Animal Model
Authors: Tyurina A. V. , Gaevskaya N. E. , Sinel’nik E. A. , Ivanova I. A. , Filippenko A. V. , Omel’chenko N. D. , Trufanova A. A. , Pogozhova M. P. , Anoprienko A. O. , Pasyukova N. I.
Published: January 2024

The spread of Vibrio cholerae strains with multiple antibiotic resistance necessitates the search for alternatives to antibiotics. Cholera bacteriophages can become such means.

The aim of the work was to study the safety of a mixture of cholera bacteriophages using an experimental animal model.

Materials and methods. We used a composition based on cholera phages Rostov-M3, Rostov-13, FB1. The toxicity of the drug, cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects in experimental animals were assessed.

Results and discussion. It has been shown that a single administration of the maximum defined dose of the mixture of phages does not cause negative effects on the body of laboratory animals. Comparison with the control group has not revealed statistically significant differences in the histological picture in the organs of the experimental animals after long-term administration of the drug. Also, after a single and repeated seven-day administration, these phages do not cause apoptosis and necrosis of immune competent cells in experimental animals. The results of the studies indicate the safety of the 3-component phage composition and can be used for the further development of new biological products based on cholera bacteriophages in the future.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Schemes for Using Recombinant Vector Vaccines against Ebola Fever, Based on Vaccinia Virus, MVA Strain
Authors: Stovba L. F. , Chukhralya O. V. , Pavel’ev D. I. , Chernikova N. K. , Borisevich S. V.
Published: January 2024

The aim of this review was to investigate the use of the vaccines based on vaccinia virus, MVA stain, and adenovirus vectors for the prevention of Ebola virus disease. The recombinant MVA strains expressing antigen determinants of Filoviridae family representatives were assessed as possible candidates for vaccine preparations. Application of this virus as a vaccine vector is conditioned by the absence of herd immunity to smallpox and its safety for healthy adult volunteers, children, adolescents, individuals suffering from tuberculosis, persons aged 56–80 years, people with diagnosed atopic dermatitis, AIDS. Furthermore, immunization with the vaccine on the basis of vaccinia virus, MVA strain, does not cause complications associated with cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical trials on immunogenicity and protective efficiency were carried out on immune-competent and immune-compromised mice; guinea pigs adapted to Ebola virus; rhesus macaques and cynomolgus monkeys. Presented are the results of experiments on the creation of vaccines expressing either only viral glycoprotein or viral glycoprotein and structural protein Vp40. Given that Ebola fever and other filovirus infection outbreaks are hard to predict, multivalent vaccines that would be able to provide protection against all filovirus species were designed. Clinical trials on simultaneous use of the vaccines based on recombinant adenovirus vectors and MVA strain showed more pronounced safety of vaccines on the basis of recombinant MVA strain. Studies of humoral and T-cell immune responses have revealed that this vector is more suitable for booster vaccination in case of heterologous prime/booster immunization scheme. Vaccination regimens for forming strong durable immune responses have been analyzed. Epidemiological modeling provided evidence that preventive immunization leading to long-term immunity in healthy population in areas of high epidemic risk will be of greater benefit in terms of controlling future outbreaks compared to ring immunization that was effective during smallpox eradication campaign. Increased immunity level, induced by prime/booster vaccination, persisting for a long period of time, will have an advantage over accelerated ring immunization; when the duration of protection is more significant than the speed it is formed at.
Modern Diagnostic Technologies in the Study of the Field Material Collected from the Natural Plague Foci of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2023
Authors: Berdiev S. K. , Eroshenko G. A. , Balykova A. N. , Usenbaev N. T. , Kebekbaeva N. T. , Dzhaparova A. K. , Mukanmetesen uulu Zh. , Zhumashov D. , Razhapbaeva A. Sh. , Yuldasheva A. M. , Oglodin E. G. , Katyshev A. D. , Kuznetsov A. A. , Fadeeva A. V. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: January 2024

The aim of the work was to analyze the results of investigating the field material obtained from natural plague foci of the Kyrgyz Republic (KR) in 2023, using modern diagnostic technologies.

Materials and methods. 1435 biological samples from the Tien Shan, Alai and Talas high-mountain foci of the Kyrgyz Republic were studied using conventional methods of laboratory diagnosis of plague: microbiological, immunological, biological; as well as modern molecular-genetic methods. Testing of the obtained samples for the presence of plague pathogen DNA was carried out using RT-PCR; and the presence of antibodies to the plague microbe was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Molecular identification of Yersinia pestis strains according to their appurtenance to subspecies, biovars, and phylogenetic lineages was performed by RT-PCR using the method of identifying single-nucleotide substitutions based on the analysis of melting curves of products.

Results and discussion. An approach to the molecular identification of Y. pestis strains from plague foci of the KR has been developed and validated through identifying singlenucleotide substitutions using the analysis of product melting curves (HMR-analysis) with a set of designed primers. It has been established that Y. pestis strains isolated in the Sarydzhaz autonomous focus of the Tien Shan high-mountain focus belong to the biovar antiqua of the main subspecies, phylogenetic branch 0.ANT5. The phylogenetic relation of Y. pestis strains isolated in 2023 was studied based on genome-wide SNP analysis. Areas of epizootic activity in Eastern Alai have been identified. The data obtained indicate the sustained activation of plague foci in the KR. Areas of the territory of the KR that are promising for paleogenomic research are also discussed.
Chukotka as a Portal for the Rabies Introduction into Kamchatka (Systematic Review)
Authors: Botvinkin A. D. , Zarva I. D. , Chupin S. A. , Mel’nikov A. V. , Mel’tsov I. V.
Published: January 2024

The aim of this review was to assess the peculiarities of distribution and epidemiological risk of rabies in the extreme northeast of Asia. The systematic review was prepared through synthesizing publications on rabies over 1860–2022 (n=22) and previously unpublished data for 2009–2023. From the late 19th century until the 1980s, rabies epizootics were consistently observed in Chukotka and Kamchatka. A correlation was found between the time of occurrence of rabies in those territories with a lag period of 1–2 years (r=0.349; p=0.054). In 2009–2023, 24 animal rabies cases were confirmed in Chukotka; rabies has not been registered in Kamchatka since 1981. Until 1982, 5 confirmed human rabies cases were described in Chukotka, as well as 4 lethal cases presumably due to rabies (Chukotka – 3, Kamchatka – 1). The similarity of the spatial distribution of epizootics in different periods of time was established. Rabies was detected mainly in the area of the permanent polar fox (Vulpes lagopus) habitation, in the coastal tundra from the mouth of the Kolyma River to the Anadyr Gulf. Outside this territory (the valleys of the Anadyr and Penzhina Rivers, the Kamchatka Peninsula), rabies was reported in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). At present, the importance of the polar fox in the spread of rabies in Chukotka has decreased, while the significance of the red fox has increased substantially. Due to vaccination, rabies among dogs is recorded sporadically. Rabies virus isolates from Chukotka belong to the Arctic genetic lineage (Arctic-3 group), which has a circumpolar distribution. The possibility of independent circulation of the rabies virus in the Kamchatka Peninsula is doubtful because of the limited size of the red fox population. Based on the mapping, possible directions for the introduction of rabies to Kamchatka from Chukotka have been identified. Barrier oral rabies vaccination of foxes is recommended during the years of high abundance of red and polar foxes in Chukotka.
Modern Features of Pathogenic Leptospira Isolation and Identification in Siberia and the Far East
Authors: Breneva N. V. , Kiseleva E. Yu. , Sharakshanov M. B. , Borisov S. A. , Budaeva S. E. , Balakhonov S. V.
Published: January 2024

Recently, pathogenic Leptospira culture isolation is an extremely rare phenomenon in Russia.

The aim of our work was to synthesize the lessons learned at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute from Leptospira culture isolation and identification since 2011.

Materials and methods. Material from eight individuals with suspected leptospirosis and from 942 small mammals (SM) was examined using PCR and microscopic agglutination test (MAT), from humans and 260 SM, applying bacteriological method. Bacteriological temperature test, MAT, PCR, MLST and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry with the original Leptospira protein profiles base were used to identify cultures. Six complete genomes were generated at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Rospotrebnadzor.

Results and discussion. Leptospira have not been isolated from humans against the background of taking antibiotics, despite the positive PCR and MAT results. Four cultures of Leptospira borgpetersenii of the Javanica serogroup and three L. kirschneri (Grippotyphosa) have been isolated from SM. The results of identification using MLST scheme No. 1 and MALDI-TOF MS are identical. MLST in silico has shown the uniformity of two Grippotyphosa serogroup strains from Primorie and Khabarovsk with a sequence-type (ST) profile 110:100:94. ST146 is determined in four Javanica serogroup strains according to scheme No. 1, and unique single nucleotide polymorphisms are detected according to schemes No. 2–3. Thus, in Siberia and the Far East, between 2012 and 2016, seven pathogenic Leptospira cultures were isolated from carriers in natural foci; carrier infection rate being12.0–48.9 %. Javanica serogroup strains differ in the MLST profile characteristics and adapt to nutrient media for a longer time than Grippotyphosa serogroup strains.
Serological Monitoring of Pandemic Influenza Virus Markers in the Russian Federation in 2021–2023
Authors: Ilyicheva T. N. , Moiseeva A. A. , Ivanova K. I. , Azaev M. Sh. , Marchenko V. Yu.
Published: January 2024

State Scientific Center of Virology and Biotechnology “Vector” has been monitoring highly pathogenic influenza since 2005.

The aim of this work was to track the markers of highly pathogenic influenza in the blood sera of people who had a contact with infected and/or deceased birds, as well as of residents from regions where emergence of new variants of influenza A virus is most likely to occur.

Materials and methods. Sera were studied using hemagglutination inhibition test (HI test). HI-positive sera were subjected to virus neutralization reaction.

Results and discussion. In 2021, 2076 blood serum samples from 19 regions of Russia were collected. Only 7 samples demonstrated significant titers in HI test with A/H5N8 viruses. In 2022, 1620 blood serum samples from 23 regions were obtained; 25 of them were positive for influenza А/H5N8 and А/H5N1 viruses. In 2023 (January-August), 3335 serum samples from 31 regions of the Russian Federation were collected. 28 samples were positive for influenza А/H5N8 and А/H5N1 viruses. Furthermore, we monitored blood sera for low-pathogenic A/H9N2 virus. The number of positive samples in 2021 was lower than 1 % (13 out of 2076); in 2022, it reached 5 % (81 out of 1620); in 2023, the share was lower than 1 % (31 out of 3335). The data obtained suggest indirectly that currently there is no stable circulation of zoonotic influenza A/H5N8 and A/H5N1 viruses in Russia. Influenza viruses A/H9N2 have widely spread in many countries of the world and actively participate in evolution of highly pathogenic influenza A/H5Nx viruses. The Russian Federation demonstrates a gradual increase in the number of blood serum samples with antibodies to A/H9N2 virus.
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus Isolated at Two Communal Kitchens Located in Hanoi City, Vietnam
Authors: Le Thi Lan Anh , Ta Thi Loan , Dinh Thu Minh , Vu Thi Thuong , Pham Thi Ha Giang , Bui Thi Thanh Nga , Pham Viet Hung , Nguyen Ngoc Tan , Trieu Phi Long , Le Thi Van Anh , Hoang Dang Hieu
Published: January 2024

The aim of our study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Materials and methods. 660 samples were collected at two communal kitchens in Hanoi, Vietnam between 2021 and 2022. They included foodstuffs, environmental (food processing tools) and biological ones (swabs from the hands of personnel). The VITEK® 2 Compact system in combination with DNA sequencing was used to identify bacterial species. The antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) was performed according to Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Susceptibility protocol following Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method (M100-Ed32).

Results and discussion. In total, 53 pathogenic bacterial strains have been detected, including 11 STEC, 24 Salmonella enterica, 9 Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, and 8 S. aureus. AST of STEC has showed the highest resistance rates to tetracycline and chloramphenicol (90.9 %); trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole (81.8 %); ampicillin, gentamycin and piperacillin (63.6 %). The STEC isolates were susceptible to carbapenem group. Among the Salmonella strains, 50 % demonstrated resistance to ampicillin, followed by tetracycline and piperacillin (45.8 %). Additionally, 25 % were resistant to ticarcillin+clavulanic acid, 20.8 % – to trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole, and 16.7 % – to chloramphenicol. All Salmonella strains exhibited susceptibility to gentamicin, cefoxitin, imipenem, meropenem, and ceftazidime. AST of Shigella strains revealed the highest resistance rate for tetracycline (30 %), followed by cefazolin and ceftazidime (20 %). However, all Shigella strains were susceptible to cefoxitin, carbapenem groups, and chloramphenicol. Among the S. aureus strains, 50 % exhibited resistance to erythromycin, azithromycin, clindamycin, penicillin, telithromycin, and gentamicin, followed by ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and chloramphenicol (25 %). All S. aureus strains were still susceptible to trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole, daptomycin, linezolid, doxycycline, minocycline, and vancomycin. Our findings reflect the current situation on antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria strains circulating at the study sites during food processing. They are an evidence of potential risk of food poisoning. There is a need to undertake the proper containment measures on the part of authorities or policy makers.
Advanced optimisation in pilot-scale trial and emergency pre-treatment design to produce safe drinking water
Authors: Mohiuddin ASM , Wang Yue Cong , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu
Published: January 2024

Following severe drought in 2018-19, bushfires in late 2019, and three successive extreme rain events between 2020 and 2022, the water quality in Warragamba Dam, the largest water source in Sydney, has significantly deteriorated. This resulted in a turbidity of >110 NTU and a true colour of >100 CU420, representing a significant increase of suspended particles and natural organic matter respectively in raw water, after heavy rainfall in July 2022. Through advanced testing and optimisation at the pilot-scale contact filtration plant and designing an emergency pre-treatment strategy, Sydney Water was able to produce safe drinking water (turbidity <0.20 NTU) from full-scale Water Filtration Plants (WFPs) that have contact filtration technology, to avoid potential severe impacts on 85% of Sydney’s water supply and ensure drinking water met Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, while water quality remained outside the design envelope of the plants. The novel optimisation in a pilot-scale contact filtration plant for increased suspended particles (turbidity) and natural organic matter (true colour) in raw water caused by extreme events is discussed in this paper. The increase of true colour and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) represents a significant increase of natural organic matter (NOM) in the raw water due to extreme events. The characterisation of DOC of raw water and its impact on the contact filtration water treatment process is also discussed in this paper.
Phase-transition-cycle-induced recrystallization of FAPbI3 film in an open environment toward excellent photodetectors with high reproducibility
Authors: Wang Meng , Cao Fengren , Meng Linxing , Wang Min , Li Liang
Published: January 2024

Perovskite is an attractive building block for future optoelectronic applications. However, the strict fabrication conditions of perovskite devices impede the transformation of lab techniques into commercial applications. Here, a facile annealing-free posttreatment is proposed to reconstruct the perovskite film to obtain high-performance photodetectors with an optimized production rate. With posttreatment by methylamine thiocyanate, the prefabricated formamidinium-lead triiodide (FAPbI3) film will undergo a recrystallization process consisting of a repeating phase-transition-cycle between the black and yellow phases of FAPbI3, which improves the crystal quality and eliminates defects. As a result, some casually prepared or even decomposed perovskite films can be reconstructed, and the dispersion degree of the device performance based on the posttreatment method decreases by approximately 21% compared to the traditional antisolvent method. This facile and annealing-free posttreatment will be an attractive method for the future industrial production of perovskite devices.
Signal Processing and Machine Learning Techniques Based Hybrid Approaches for Decent Fault Classification of Induction Motor
Authors: PANIGRAHY PARTH , CHATTOPADHYAY PARAMITA
Published: January 2024

Learning of better feature representation instinctively by Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) has inspired to address the unsolved issues in the stator current based multi-class fault diagnosis of induction motor drives. Current envelope of stator current acquired using the Hilbert transform is proven to be the effective pre-processing method to handle the complex data pattern of motor current and reveal the masked defect information. The self-synthesized quality features through deep convolution layers outperforms and reaches an unmatched accuracy level compared to the counterpart-feature engineering scheme. The method of feature engineering is also developed with DHT-DWT based feature extraction process with novel idea of suitable mother wavelet selection scheme. The most notable achievement of this research work is to address the unique advantages of hybridization of signal processing technique and CNN model where the enrichment in feature quality is acquired due to unveiling the buried fault information close to dominating supply frequency. The proposed method is reliable in analyzing multi-class motor fault detection having a good generalization approach. The compact design of hybrid CNN-envelope approach dealt with very low resolution stator current sampled at 1.28 kHz, has reduced the computation intricacies to a great extent and projected it as the right aspirant for real-time applications.
A random-bound Chebyshev method for uncertainty propagation of nonlinear dynamics under imprecise probabilities
Authors: Zhang Licong , Li Chunna , Su Hua , Wang Xiaowei , Yang Sizhi , Gong Chunlin
Published: January 2024

The distribution-free P-box is an effective quantification model for uncertainties with only imprecise probabilistic information. However, its application to nonlinear dynamical systems is limited due to a lack of efficient uncertainty propagation (UP) methods. To end this, this work develops a random-bound Chebyshev (RBC) UP method based on the framework of the interval Monte Carlo (IMC) method. First, the Chebyshev method is applied to solve the interval analysis in the IMC simulations. Here, the bounds of intervals can be regarded as random variables whose cumulative density functions (CDFs) are the CDF bounds of the P-box. Since the CDF bounds of distribution-free P-boxes are always arbitrary and non-parameterized, the data-driven polynomial chaos expansion (DD-PCE), which only requires the information of statistical moments, is introduced to solve the problem of random bounds. Then a sparse-regression strategy is utilized to deal with the ‘curse of dimensionality’ of the DD-PCE for high-dimensional problems. As a result, the RBC method efficiently achieves a non-intrusive UP of nonlinear dynamics with distribution-free P-boxes. The method is also effective for hybrid UP problems with random, interval, and P-box variables. Then the RBC method is validated based on test cases, including a duffing oscillator, a vehicle ride, and an engineering application of launch-vehicle trajectory. The results verify the ability of the method to deal with complex black-box problems. In comparison with the reference solutions based on the IMC simulations, with relative errors of less than 1%, the proposed method requires less than 0.0004% sample size and 0.015% calculation time.
Estimation of Nutrient Loads and Trophic Status of Lake Tana, the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Hailu Sheferaw
Published: January 2024

Lakes and water reservoirs encircled by a catchment with a clear influence of anthropogenic pressure are generally characterized by low water quality and high trophic status. In this study, 20 samples from major inflow rivers into Lake Tana were taken to estimate the phosphate and nitrate loading using a Vollendier Model for the four seasons. 67 samples were taken from three different portions of the Lake, and physicochemical water quality parameters in these samples were measured by the standard procedure in APHA, 2005 to estimate the trophic status using the Carlson trophic state model for the dry and wet seasons. The result showed that 0.369 to 106, 1.882 to 2.91, 1.564 to 2.51, and 0.67 to 2.16 kg of nitrate from Megech and Ribb watershed and 0.321 (Megech) to 0.370 (Gumara), 0.578 (Megech) to 0.728 (Gilgel Abbay), 0.418 (Megech) to 0.476 (Ribb) and 0.339(Megech) to 0.378 kg of phosphate from Ribb is discharged in second into the Lake in season 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Ribb River which lies in the most extended flood plain of the Fogera Werda has a relatively high concentration of nitrate and phosphate; as a result, it discharges a higher amount of these nutrients in kg per second than the other tributary rivers in all seasons into the lake. Moreover, the rivers carried more nutrients in the wet season than in the dry season. As a result, the river mouth portions are more prone to nutrient enrichment than the central and Bahir Dar Gulf portions of the lake. Due to these, these parts of the lake have relatively average low Secchi Depth Transparency (0.54,0.36,0.50& 0.47m; 0.61,0.42&0.58m) and high average total phosphorus concentration (1.26,1.43,1.21& 1.23 mg/l; 0.80, 1.09,0.67 & 0.69mg/l) in the wet and dry season respectively. So, 50% of the river mouth portions have an STI value of 38 < TSI < 49 which falls in a mesotrophic status index compared to the central and Bahir Dar Gulf portions with an STI value < 38 which falls in an oligotrophic status index especially in the wet compared to the dry season. Preventive measures have to be practiced in the Lake Tana basin to reduce nutrient loading and improve the trophic status of the lake.