bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the range, economic availability and volume of consumption of antiestrogens for the hormone therapy of ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer
Authors: Mishchenko O. Ya. , Greshko Iu. I. , Adonkina V. Yu. , Surikov O. O.
Published: February 2024

Aim. To study the range, economic availability and consumption volumes of antiestrogens for the hormone therapy of ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer.

Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis of the range, as well as the analysis of changes in average retail prices, economic availability and consumption volumes of hormone therapy for ER(+) HER2(−) breast cancer presented at the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in 2017-2022 were performed.

Results. At the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in 2017-2022, 3 INNs of anti-estrogens were presented during the entire period under study: tamoxifen (L02B A01), toremifene (L02B A02) and fulvestrant (L02B A03). The value of the solvency adequacy ratio (Ca.s.) of the population for each drug under research decreased at the end of the study period. For almost every trade name (TN) of the drugs studied during individual years, the Ca.s. indicator was slightly higher than in the previous period, but this was not systemic in nature and did not affect the general trend of decreasing Ca.s., which, in turn, indicated an increase in the affordability of all TN of antiestrogens studied for an average citizen of Ukraine. There is an overall clear trend towards a year-on-year decrease in the consumption of anti-estrogens mainly due to a decrease in the consumption of tamoxifen drugs, but there is a steady trend towards an increase in the consumption of fulvestrant.

Conclusions. At the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine within 2017-2022, anti-estrogens for the hormone therapy of ER(+) HER2(–) breast cancer were presented by 3 INNs: tamoxifen, toremifene and fulvestrant. It has been found that for almost all drugs studied there is a steady trend towards increasing economic availability due to an increase in average wages, despite an increase in average retail prices. A trend towards a decrease in the consumption of drugs from the group of anti-estrogens has been determined mainly due to a decrease in the consumption of tamoxifen drugs.
The study of current functional responsibilities of pharmaceutical workers and their acquisition of soft and hard skills adapted to modern conditions
Authors: Zarichkova M. V. , Mishina І. Yu.
Published: February 2024

Aim. To study trends and changes in the list of functional responsibilities of pharmaceutical workers (PW) and their acquisition of soft and hard skills adapted to modern conditions taking into account the professional opinion of PW.

Materials and methods. For our study, information on the state regulation of healthcare institutions (HCIs) in the conditions of military aggression and the current state of crisis, a review of scientific literature, and the results of personal research were used. Such scientific methods as analysis, comparison, comparison, questionnaires and direct observations were applied. The results were processed and verified using licensed Microsoft Office Excel software products.

Results. The study involved 212 respondents in such positions as the head of a pharmacy, pharmacist, assistant pharmacist, clinical pharmacist (CP). The research has shown that employers need to update job descriptions and balance them with job cards to better understand the employees’ responsibilities and achievements and analyze the employer’s key performance indicators (KPIs) that show how a particular employee or an entire department is moving toward the achievement of the goal set during the daily work.

Conclusions. A sociological study has been conducted among the employees of HCIs, such as pharmacies, pharmacy branches, hospitals, and treatment and prevention institutions. For each position, the most significant functional responsibilities and desired KRI have been determined. It has been found that for the further effective development of pharmaceutical support for the population it is necessary to update the job descriptions and balance them with job cards to better understand employees’ responsibilities and achievements and analyze the employer’s KPIs.
Russian and Chinese national personalities: based on the material of phraseological units and proverbs with the concept of "religion"
Authors: Sun Xuna
Published: February 2024

This article is devoted to the linguistic and cultural description of the national personality in Russian and Chinese. The subject of this study is the Russian and Chinese language personality. The object of this study represents national cultural similarities and differences; Russian and Chinese national personalities. The purpose of the study is to identify universal and national-specific linguistic and cultural features of Russian and Chinese national personalities based on phraseological units, proverbs of Russian and Chinese languages, which reflect the concept of "religion". The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that the lexico-semantic and linguocultural analysis of phraseological units, proverbs of religious subjects can be used in educational activities in courses of lexicology, linguoculturology, linguistic and cultural studies, sociolinguistics. The provisions and conclusions of the study can be applied in lexicographic practice in compiling dictionaries of phraseological units, as well as in the practice of teaching Russian as a foreign language, spreading Chinese culture in Russia. To solve the problem, the following research methods are used: the method of continuous sampling of material from dictionaries of the Russian and Chinese languages, the method of linguistic and cultural commentary and the comparative-contrastive method. Russian and Chinese national personalities are analyzed for the first time in the article, which has not previously been described in the aspect of comparative linguoculturology, the traditional national religious value of Russian and Chinese personalities is considered for the first time, their stereotypical ideas and character traits under the influence of religion are indicated. This is the scientific novelty of this study. The research shows that phraseological units and proverbs with the concept of religion recorded in Russian and Chinese lexicographic sources differ in quantity and content. The universal traditional religious values of the compared national personalities include faith in the existence of evil and good spirits, love of kindness and the idea of the goodness of human nature. Unlike the Russian people, the Chinese national personality is characterized by non-religion. For the Chinese personality, such religious values as longevity and immortality, great kindness, the desire for a simple life and love of nature, reward for good and evil, the concept of cause and effect, pious faith in the Buddha are of great importance; and for the Russian, a sense of guilt, thirst for suffering and the self-worth of the sacrifice itself, kindness, hard work, patience and faith.
Pelaksanaan Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat Seminar Pemasaran Melalui Sosial Media bagi Ibu-Ibu Desa Pajangan Lamongan
Authors: Indriartiningtias Retno
Published: February 2024

This seminar is part of the thematic KKN activities carried out by the Trunojoyo University, Madura in Lamongan City, especially in Pajangan Village. Pajangan Village is one of the villages located in the city of Lamongan, East Java where the main livelihood of its citizens, especially the villagers' mothers, make songkok and make processed fruit. With the one-day seminar related to online marketing, especially through social media, it is hoped that it can become an alternative marketing method that has been using the getuk tular system (word of mouth), so that in the future it can contribute to increasing family income.
Antiplatelet resistance among a cohort of patients at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Okeahialam Basil Nwaneri , Akor Emmanuel , Shut Gabriel , Ifeacho Ogo , Dauda Bangalu , Sirisena Anil , Amusa Ganiyu Adeniyi
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are predisposed to atherothrombosis and ischemic phenomena. Antiplatelets mitigate this but not consistently, as these ischemic events still occur despite their administration. This is called antiplatelet resistance. We sought to see how much of this occurs in our patients since its rate is bound to differ from place to place. The burden of antiplatelet resistance has not been determined in our environment.

Material and Methods:

Patients at risk of ASCVD who were receiving antiplatelet treatments were invited to participate in this study. They were enrolled first into a two week wash out phase, after which baseline aggregometry and full blood count were done. They were then given either Aspirin or Clopidogrel for four weeks and had the same blood work-up repeated. The Aggregometer was used to determine the platelet aggregability at these different times. If the second set showed >10% reduction from baseline, such patients were adjudged sensitive. A reduction <10% of the first value defined resistance.

Results:

Twenty patients (15 F/5 M) were in Group 1 and received a low dose of Aspirin (75 mg), the age range of 42–76 years, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 60.75 (10.45). Twenty-six were in Group 2 (18 F/8 M) and received low dose clopidogrel (75 mg), with an age range of 23–87 years and a mean (SD) of 58.08 (14.18). Fifteen (75%) were sensitive in Group 1 (Aspirin) with 25% resistant. For Clopidogrel, 14 (53.85%) were sensitive and 12 (46.15%) resistant. In a few cases, the aggregability actually increased paradoxically on treatment.

Conclusion:

Antiplatelet resistance also occurs in our environment; it is worse for Clopidogrel than for Aspirin. These are people who, despite being on antiplatelets, would go on to develop these atherothrombotic ischemic phenomena. Efforts to identify the predictors of this phenomenon of resistance and work out effective counteractions should be encouraged.
Frequency of Rh and Kell antigens among blood donors: A retrospective analysis from a tertiary care center in Eastern India
Authors: Ranjan Shweta , Khan Md Atik , Kumar Rakesh , Das Bankim , Singh Neha , Nayan Nishith , Lahare Saurabh
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

The phenotyping of Rh and Kell antigens plays a major role in preventing alloimmunization and adverse events in multi-transfused patients. This study tries to highlight the frequency of Rh and Kell antigens among the blood donors who donated blood at a tertiary care center located in Eastern India.

Material and Methods:

The study was conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, from January 2021 to March 2023 on 10,032 whole blood donors of blood groups A, B, O, and AB by column agglutination technique using gel cards for blood grouping and phenotyping.

Results:

A total of 10,032 whole blood donors of groups A, B, O, and AB were included in the study. The frequency of “D” antigen was 95.77% (n = 9,608), “C” was 90.47% (n = 9,076), “c” was 50.47% (n = 5,063), “E” was 15.9% (n = 1,595), “e” was 99% (n = 9,932), and “K” was 2.67% (n = 268). “c” antigen frequency was 45.81–49.48% in RhD positive blood groups and 100% in all the RhD negative blood groups while “C” antigen frequency was 92.04–94.68% in RhD positive blood groups, and 4–24.13% in RhD negative blood groups.

Conclusion:

Since pre-transfusion phenotyping in multi-transfusion patients is not routinely practiced, transfusion of at least Rh and Kell phenotyped donor red cells can lead to a great decrease in the risk of alloimmunization and adverse events related to transfusion.
Usage of blood components in obstetric practice
Authors: Ghosh Kanjaksha , Mandal Prakas Kumar
Published: February 2024

Transfusion of blood and its components form an important component in obstetric care. Almost 5% of pregnant mothers require some sort of red cell and/or component transfusion as part of their obstetric management. Although red cell usage in large parts of developed countries are coming down, its usage in obstetric care is increasing. About 27% of maternal deaths in the world are due to hemorrhage. There are many causes where transfusion with different blood components is required in obstetric practice; to name a few are – accidental hemorrhage, placenta previa, hemoglobinopathies, pre-eclamptic toxemia, postpartum hemorrhage, amniotic fluid embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, malaria, etc. Certain complications and challenges of transfusion such as transfusion related acute lung injury, microangiopathy, Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, isoimmunization, and transfusion-associated cardiac overload occur with increased frequency in pregnant mothers. Transfusion requirement around peripartum period is uncertain and sometimes could be massive. Hence, both obstetrician and transfusion experts should remain prepared for this eventuality. Transfusion of blood products even though has never been safer than it is today; yet, this procedure carries with it many immunological, infectious, and other complications, hence, should be used judiciously and very cautiously. Several procedures such as apheresis and intraoperative cell salvage are being increasingly used nowadays for various facets of management and obstetric care. Present review condenses on the knowledge of usage of blood and blood products in obstetric care.
Application of geoinformation modeling and fractal analysis in the geoecological assessment of urban geosystems
Authors:   Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kochurov B. I. , Movchan M. A. ,   Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2024

The article tests modern methods of geo-ecological assessment of settlements, namely GIS modeling and fractal analysis. Recently, they have found wide application in quantifying both the infrastructural components of the urban environment – the street and road network, the density of buildings, the degree of transport accessibility, and the environment-forming ones, such as green zones. GIS modeling methods allow quantifying the distribution density of a certain component of the urban environment or calculating the degree of accessibility in the form of classification and visualizing the results on a spatiotemporal scale in a form convenient for perception. The paper evaluates the parameters of the density of the road network, the density of buildings and the degree of landscaping of the territory according to spectral indices – NDVI and NDBI. Fractal analysis evaluates the range of sustainability of the environment of settlements to factors of anthropogenic load and, thus, areas with varying degrees of severity of anthropogenic impact are identified by the indicator of fractal dimension. The methods of geoinformation modeling and fractal analysis complement each other in geoecological assessment and allow for a more objective assessment of the state of the urban area.
The effects of clear cutting on the biodiversity of middle taiga blueberry spruce forests in the North-East of European Russia
Authors:   Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Likhanova I. A. , Genrikh E. A. ,   Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Perminova E. M. ,   Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Zheleznova G. V. ,   Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kholopov Yu. V. ,   Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lapteva E. M. ,   Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2024

The article discusses the biodiversity dynamics of the components of secondary plant communities grown after winter clear cutting in the series of restoration of blueberry spruce forests in the bioclimatic conditions of the middle taiga subzone. For every succession stage (1(2)-year-old, 17(18)-year-old and 49(50)-year-old secondary communities and primary forest), about 20 descriptions (81 in total) were done. The authors separately describe the plant communities of forests swaths, skidding trails in cutting strip and main skid roads. On the basis of the obtained results, we determined species richness and biodiversity indices separately for tree, shrub, herb-dwarf shrubby, and moss layers. Industrial logging has been found to have an extremely negative impact on the species richness of forest species which absolutely disappear (especially stenobionts), decrease in abundance and constancy. In secondary communities on the territory of forest swaths and skidding trails, we fixed a decrease in biodiversity in the tree, shrub and moss layers and an increase in the herb-dwarf shrubby layer due to invasion of meadow, edge, and peatland species against a decrease in the abundance of species normally dominating in forest ecosystems. At heavily disturbed areas of the cutting area (main trails), secondary communities increase in both the total species richness and biodiversity at any layer except for the woody layer. The recorded increase in values happens due to formation of communities of very active species from different ecologic and cenotic groups. The floristic composition of the disturbed forest phytocenosis does not recover in fifty years after the anthropogenic impact.
Spatio-temporal changes of macrophytobenthos in coastal landscapes at Cape Kosa Severnaya (Sevastopol)
Authors:   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pankeeva T. V. , Mironova N. V. ,   A. O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2024

Using a landscape approach, the paper presents for the first time the results of a comparative analysis of spatiotemporal changes in the macrophytobenthos, performed at Cape Kosa Severnaya for the period from 1964 to 2020 with landscape maps compiled by the authors. In addition, it describes the distribution of the bottom natural complexes (BNC) with key Black Sea phytocoenoses (Ericaria crinita, Gongolaria barbata и Phyllophora crispa). It was found that during this period a dramatic increase in the biomass of the phytocoenosiswas recorded in the BNC block-boulder bench with dominance of E. crinita, while the proportion of its edificator remained high. The maximum contribution of epiphytic sinusia to biomass of algocoenosis over the entire study period was recorded in 2006. For the BNC upper shoreface slope consisting of coarse-grained deposits with dominance of E. crinita и G. barbata, an increase in phytocoenosis biomass was recorded only at the upper boundary during the study period. For the BNC of gently dipping accumulation plain consisting gravel-psammitic sediments with inclusion of shell fragments and dominance ofPhyllophora crispa, a catastrophic decline in the productivity of the phytocenosis and its edificator is typical. The total biomass of macrophytes decreased by more than an order of magnitude during the study period. It was found that over a span of 50 years, the plant components of bottom natural complexes at Cape Kosa Severnaya underwent significant restructuring and degradation due to natural factors and anthropogenic activity in the coastal zone. The high degree of preservation of indigenous phytocenoses, the presence of red book species (P. crispa and Stilophora tenella) allow us to recommend the site at the Cape Kosa Severnaya as a promising reserve.
Formaldehyde air pollution and risk assessment of carcinogenic effects
Authors:   Voronezh State University, Sedykh V. A. , Kurolap S. A. ,   Voronezh State University, Belyaeva L. N. ,   Lipetsk State Pedagogical University named after P. P. Semenov-Tyan-Shansky, Mazurov G. I. ,   The Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory, Kozlov A. T. ,   Military Educational and Scientific Center of the Air Force “N. E. Zhukovsky and Y. A. Gagarin Air Force Academy”, Zakusilov V. P. ,   Military Educational and Scientific Center of the Air Force “N. E. Zhukovsky and Y. A. Gagarin Air Force Academy”
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the issues of air pollution with formaldehyde and the impact of this pollutant on the health of the population of the city of Lipetsk. The study revealed patterns of increase in the concentration of formaldehyde in the warm season (May–September). In the daily dynamics of concentrations, peak values occur during daytime and evening hours, which is associated with the cumulative effect of pollution and traffic congestion in the evening rush hour. The minimum values are recorded in the cold season and in the morning hours. The morning “rush hour” does not affect the concentrations as the sampling takes place earlier. It has been established that meteorological conditions influence the concentration of formaldehyde. An increase in air temperature correlates with an increase in the concentration of formaldehyde, especially in the daytime and evening hours, which is explained by increased solar insolation and warming of the atmospheric air. An increase in wind strength and air humidity, on the contrary, reduces the content of pollutants in the air. An assessment of the impact of formaldehyde on the health of the population, associated with the presence of a carcinogen in the atmosphere, showed that the city of Lipetsk is characterized by the maximum acceptable risk. The individual carcinogenic risk for the Traktorny District and areas near busy highways (the Ring of the Pipe Plant intersection) is 6 · 10-5. This level of risk is assessed as the maximum acceptable. In these areas, the presence of formaldehyde in the air can provoke 5–6 additional cases of oncological diseases per year. Such values require monitoring and implementation of measures to reduce the negative impact.
Galvanic sludge is a source of secondary material resources in the production of filler pigments for paints and varnishes
Authors:   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Olshanskaya L. N. , Lazareva E. N. ,   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Tatarintseva E. A. ,   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov,   Togliatti State University, Aref’eva O. A. ,   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Yakovleva E. V. ,   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, Simonova Z. A. ,   Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov
Published: February 2024

Galvanic production occupies one of the first places according to the degree of negative impact on the environment due to the content of heavy metal ions which have toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Finding an effective method of recycling and utilization of galvanic sludge will solve the problem of the steady growth of the cost of metals and minimize the negative impact on the environment, which is an important environmental task of great scientific and practical significance. This paper presents the results of studies on the extraction of iron oxide(III) Fe2O3 from ironcontaining galvanic sludge to use it as a filler pigment in the manufacture of paint (red iron oxide). At the initial stage, the original galvanic sludge was dissolved in distilled water to a creamy consistency, and then, sulfuric acid was gradually added until the pH value gradually decreased (pH 6.0–1.5), metal sulfates were obtained. Iron hydroxide(III) Fe(OH)3 was precipitated from filtered sulfate solutions with 40% NaOH alkali solution at pH 1.5–4.1. After preliminary drying at a temperature of ≈ 150 оС, heat treatment was carried out at 600±2 оС for 5–6 h, obtaining iron oxide(III) Fe2O3, which met the requirements of GOST 10503-71 “Oil paints, ready to use. Technical Conditions in terms of particle size, oil capacity, particle density and pH of aqueous extracts. The iron minium paint made on its basis also met the requirements of this GOST on parameters: viscosity, hiding power, drying time, etc. A schematic diagram is proposed for obtaining a filler pigment used for the production of paints and varnishes. The scheme uses a set and layout of equipment widely used in industry (conveyor, batchers, screw feeders, acid and alkali treatment baths, centrifuge, drying and roasting oven).
The influence of the composition of peat mixtures on the biochemical parameters of Melissa officinalis plants
Authors:   Vyatka State University, Fokina A. I. , Skugoreva S. G. ,   Institute of Biology of the Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kislitsyna E. A. ,   Vyatka State University
Published: February 2024

In the course of a model experiment, the influence of the composition of peat mixtures from sand, lowland peat and soddy-podzolic sandy loamy soil on the content of polyphenols, photosynthetic pigments, the amount of antioxidants and malondialdehyde in the leaves of lemon balm medicinal variety “Limonnyy aromat’’ was studied. It has been established that the most optimal compositions of peat mixtures for growing plants of lemon balm are compositions with the following ratios of components: 1st mixture – soil 1 part + sand 2 parts + peat 2 parts; 2nd mixture – soil 1 part + sand 3 parts + peat 1 part. When growing plants on these mixtures, there is a greater accumulation of biologically active substances (phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidants), a decrease in the content of the oxidative stress marker – malondialdehyde compared to soil and peat, as well as to a variant with a high content of peat (soil 1 part + sand 1 part + peat 3 parts). The addition of fertilizer “SOLAR UNIVERSAL – 18:18:18 + 3MgO + ME” to 1st peat mixture has proven itself well, especially at a dose of 1 mL per 50 g of substrate (fertilizer concentration 2 g/L). With the introduction of such a dose of fertilizer into peat mixture, the maximum values of the content of photosynthetic pigments and antioxidants in lemon balm leaves were noted. The above variants of peat mixtures can be recommended for use as soils for growing lemon balm both at home and on an industrial scale.
Monitoring of persistent organic pollutants in commercial fish in the Russian Arctic
Authors:   Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named after M. V. Lomonosov, Varakina Yu. I. , Aksenov A. S. ,   Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named after M. V. Lomonosov, Lakhmanov D. E. ,   Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named after M. V. Lomonosov, Sorokina T. Yu. ,   Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named after M. V. Lomonosov, Popova L. F. ,   Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named after M. V. Lomonosov
Published: February 2024

The manuscript discusses the results of the analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in commercial fish species (atlantic salmon Salmo salar, rainbow smelt Osmerus dentex Steindachner et Kner, herring Clupea sp., arctic char Salvelinus alpinus) living in the waters of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) and used in the diet nutrition of the inhabitants of the Russian Arctic. This study lays the foundation for monitoring of POPs, taking into accounts the possible risks and norms of daily consumption of traditional foods that affect human health in the Arctic. The authors determined the temporal trends in the content of POPs in Arctic fish species, as well as analyzed and compared published data on the content of POPs in traditional food. In the studied fish samples, p,p’-DDE, PCB 153 and hexachlorobenzene dominated among POPs, which corresponds to the trends in the accumulation of organic pollutants in Arctic hydrobionts. The total content of POPs in atlantic salmon, herring, arctic char and rainbow smelt was 15,01; 7,89; 2,38; 2,02 ng/g wet weight, respectively, which is tens to hundreds times lower than the established standard values. For all fish species, in the amount of at least 7 samples, the DDE/DDT ratio was high, which indicates early DDT contamination of fish habitats. Atlantic salmon and herring are the most contaminated fish species in the entire list of studied compounds. A decrease of POPs concentration in the studied fish species was noted in comparison with earlier studies conducted in similar areas. Despite the large amount of fish in the diet of peoples from the NAO, no significant risks have been identified. However, it was found that the level of PCBs in concentrations below the MPC carries a potential risk of cancer, especially with long-term consumption of atlantic salmon more than 45 g/day by the local population in one of the settlements of the NAO.
Zoobentos of the Severnaya Dvina River
Authors:   Northern Branch of “VNIRO”, Studenova M. A. , Studenov I. I. ,   Northern Branch of “VNIRO”, Chupov D. V. ,   Northern Branch of “VNIRO”
Published: February 2024

The Northern Branch of All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (FSBNU VNIRO) began comprehensive research on zoobenthos in the mainstream of the Severnaya Dvina River in 1995. Systematic studies of zoobenthos at the Severnaya Dvina River for the first time made it possible to obtain the most complete information about the taxonomic composition of the invertebrates, the number and frequency of taxons across different sections of the mainstream, the number and biomass of each taxon. As part of the zoobenthos for the entire study period (1995–2019), 20 taxons belonging to 6 types and 8 invertebrates classes were discovered. The average number of invertebrates taxons found in samples for the entire study period was 9 in the upper and middle parts of the mainstream of the Severnaya Dvina River, 8 in the lower parts, varying in significant ranges from 2 to 15 in different years. Every year at all stations in the samples there were oligochaetes and larvae of chironomids (or lake flies), which dominated in frequency. The lowest frequency of occurrence (5.3% each) was found in the upper part of the mainstream of the Severnaya Dvina river for the larvaes of stoneflies and springtail, in the middle parts – 5.6% for gastropods, leeches, water bugs, beetle larvaes and turbellarians. In the lower part of the mainstream of the Severnaya Dvina water spiders, water bugs and beetle larvae were rarely found in samples (5.3% each). The number of invertebrates in the mainstream of the Severnaya Dvina River varied within very wide limits, averaging 3052 units/m2 for the entire observation period. The average biomass of invertebrates in the mainstream of the Severnaya Dvina rive amounted to 2.35 g/m2. The biomass base was also formed by oligochaetes and larvaes of chironomids. Obviously, interannual changes in the number and biomass of zoobenthos and changes in these parameters along the length of the river are more associated with the hydrological features of each year of observations in the Severnaya Dvina River and its largest tributaries than with the influence of human activity. Clarification of the relationship of hydrological parameters, and above all – the water content of the river year to year requires additional research.
The state of larch forests and prospects for growing Siberian larch in the subzone of coniferous-deciduous forests
Authors:   Vyatka State University, Savinykh N. P. , Teterin A. A. ,   Vyatka State University
Published: February 2024

For the sustainable development of society, timely and high-quality reproduction of forests is necessary with the preservation of ecosystem functions at the expense of economically valuable species, such as Larix sibirica Led. The aim of the work is to study the composition and structure of artificially created larch forests in the subzone of broadleafconiferous forests of the Kirov Region to find out the possibility, expediency and features of them for the conservation and maintenance of biodiversity, as well as timber resources. Communities were characterized from these positions by traditional silvicultural, geobotanical, ecological, and cenotic characteristics. The state of the stand was evaluated in comparison with normal stands according to M.M. Orlov. It was found that: 1) Larch stands mainly correspond to the values of normal stands of this age and are distinguished by a greater stock of wood than forests of the main forest-forming species of the region. 2) There is a tendency of natural transformation of larch forests into forests with greater participation of spruce: large undergrowth of Picea abies L., Abies sibirica Ledeb., Betula pendula L.; presence of boreal species in underbrush: Sorbus aucuparia L., Rubus idaeus L.; prevalence of boreal ecological and cenotic group (EEC) among herbs; moss cover of taiga species. 3) The main reason for community change is high density of stands. 4) Presence of non-moral ECG species, including Convallaria majalis L., which is protected in Kirov region. Increase of resource, supporting and preserving functions of forest ecosystems in the sub-zone of broadleaf-coniferous forests of Kirov region is possible and expedient by using L. sibirica in forest reproduction. To prevent transformation of larch forests into forests with spruce it is necessary to maintain illumination, for which purpose it is expediente carry out a full complex of forest maintenance cuts, especially thinning and pass logging.
Finding of the thermophilic fungus Laetiporus sulphureus on the territory of Kirov
Authors:   Federal Agricultural Research Center of North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky, Popyvanov D. V. , Shirokikh A. A. ,   Federal Agricultural Research Center of North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky, Zlobina Yu. A. ,   Federal Agricultural Research Center of North-East named N. V. Rudnitsky,   Vyatka State University,   LLC “Scientific Research Innovation Center Mycoline”
Published: February 2024

The first discovery of edible medicinal mushroom sulfur-yellow tinder on the territory of Kirov was registered. The local climate is characterized by the predominance of continental air of temperate latitudes and the weather is unstable in terms of temperatures and precipitation throughout the year. The region is characterized by a long moderately cold and snowy winter, a prolonged spring, early autumn and a moderately warm short summer. The average air temperature in the city of Kirov in winter is -9.2 оС, in summer it is +16.4 оС. The annual precipitation is 582 mm, of which 60–70% falls on the warm season. A pure culture of sulfur-yellow tinder was isolated using a fragment of the fruit body extracted from the inner part of the basidiocarp. The growth rate of isolate Laetiporus sulphureus NV on wort agar was 10.6 mm/day, on PGA – 7.8 mm/day. Species identification of the fungus was confirmed by molecular genetic method, the results were deposited in GenBank: ON130354.1. Phylogenetic analysis of species of the genus Laetiporus was carried out. The antibiotic activity of the isolate was studied. It was found that the fungus inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria i>Arthrobacter humicola 30H, Pedobacter agri 85Td and gram-negative species Pseudomonas cepacia 5809, Erwinia rhapontici DAG1-1. As a result of the liquid-phase ultivation of the L. sulphureus NV isolate on various liquid nutrient media using a magnetic stirrer, it was found that the greatest accumulation of biomass on 20 days of cultivation is observed on a liquid medium based on a decoction of barley husk with the addition of 2% glucose. The accumulation of dry mycelium biomass up to 1.64 g/L was revealed.
Monovalent Ion - Graphene Oxide Interactions are Controlled by Carboxylic Acid Groups: Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Carr Amanda J. , Kumal Raju R. , Uysal Ahmet
Published: February 2024

Graphene oxide (GO) is a two dimensional, mechanically strong, and chemically tunable material for separations. Elucidating GO-ion-water interactions at the molecular scale is highly important for predictive understanding of separation systems. However, direct observations of the nanometer region by the GO surfaces under operando conditions is not trivial. Therefore, thin films of GO at the air/water interface can be used as model systems. With this approach, we study the effects of alkali metal ions on water organization near graphene oxide films at the air/water interface using vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. We also use an arachidic acid Langmuir monolayer as a benchmark for a pure carboxylic acid surface. Theoretical modeling of the concentration-dependent sum frequency signal from graphene oxide and arachidic acid surfaces reveals that the adsorption of monovalent ions is mainly controlled by the carboxylic acid groups on graphene oxide. An in-depth analysis of sum frequency spectra reveals at least three distinct water populations with different hydrogen bonding strengths. The origin of each population can be identified from the concentration dependent variations of their SFG signal. Interestingly, interfacial water structure seemed mostly insensitive to the character of the alkali cation, in contrast to similar studies conducted at the silica/water interface. However, we observed an ion-specific effect with lithium, whose strong hydration prevented direct interactions with the graphene oxide film.
Density functional theory for van der Waals complexes: Size matters
Authors: Gray Montgomery , Herbert John
Published: February 2024

Over the past 25 years there has been remarkable progress towards accurate description of nonbonded interactions within the context of density functional theory (DFT). Various methods have been devised to capture London dispersion, which is the most exacting contribution to noncovalent interactions; these strategies include both new functionals as well as ad hoc dispersion corrections to existing functionals. At present, it is possible to compute interaction energies for small van der Waals complexes (containing ~20 atoms) to an accuracy of ~0.5 kcal/mol, using a range of dispersion-inclusive DFT methods that are reviewed here. Systematic tests reveal remarkable consistency across different methods, at least for small noncovalent dimers. At the same time, the magnitude of the ad hoc dispersion corrections are systematically smaller than benchmark dispersion energies because some dispersion resides within the semilocal exchange-correlation functional, in a manner that is difficult to disentangle. Despite impressive results for small systems, the best contemporary DFT methods afford larger errors in systems with >~ 100 atoms, approaching 3-5 kcal/mol as compared to ab initio benchmarks for total interaction energies, although the benchmarks themselves have larger uncertainties in systems of this size. Errors for larger systems vary widely from one DFT method to the next, with no discernible systematic trend. Nanoscale van der Waals complexes thus represent the new frontier in development of DFT for noncovalent interactions.
π-System Bistability Determines the Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Helicene para-Phenylenes
Authors: Malinčík Juraj , M. Cruz Carlos , G. Campaña Araceli , Šolomek Tomáš
Published: February 2024

We resolve the origin of the anomalous circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) observed in helicene para-phenylenes (HPPs), a new class of chiral macrocyclic nanocarbons reported recently. We show by synthesis of HPPs that embed [5]helicene unit that the presence of two emission bands in the CPL, each with the opposite handedness, relates to the topological bistability of their π-electron system. This bistability allows the HPPs to adopt Möbius and Hückel conformations that differ in the orientability of their π-system. We demonstrate that the bistability can be controlled by molecular strain and it can be effectively used to turn off one of the emissions. Our work is thus the first to report that the topological bistability of π-electron system can dramatically impact the chiroptical properties in single-stranded Möbius molecular nanocarbons. In addition, we demonstrate that the parity of the number of π-electrons in the delocalization paths in the doubly-oxidized HPPs with [5]helicenes permits induction of global ring currents, i.e., these compounds may display global (anti)aromaticity.
Predicting the price of molecules using their predicted synthetic pathways
Authors: Abderrahmane Massina , Tajmouati Hamza , Barros Ribeiro da Silva Vinicius , Perron Quentin
Published: February 2024

Currently, numerous metrics allow chemists and computational chemists to refine and filter libraries of virtual molecules in order to prioritize their synthesis. Some of the most commonly used metrics and models are QSAR models, docking scores, diverse druggability metrics, and synthetic feasibility scores to name only a few. Among the known metrics, a function which estimates the price of a novel virtual molecule and which takes into account the availability and price of starting materials has never been considered before. Being able to make such a prediction could improve and accelerate the decision-making process related to the cost-of-goods. Taking advantage of recent advances in the field of Computer Aided Synthetic Planning (CASP), we decided to investigate if the predicted retrosynthetic pathways of a given molecule and the prices of its associated starting materials could be good features to predict the price of that compound. In this work, we present a deep learning model, RetroPriceNet, that predicts the price of molecules using their predicted synthetic pathways. On a holdout test set, the model achieves better performance than the state-of-the-art model. The developed approach takes into account the synthetic feasibility of molecules and the availability and prices of the starting materials.
High-resolution Raman imaging of >300 cells from human patients affected by nine different leukemia subtypes: a global clustering approach
Authors: Vanna Renzo , Masella Andrea , Bazzarelli Manuela , Ronchi Paola , Lenferink Aufried T. M. , Tresoldi Cristina , Morasso Carlo , Bedoni Marzia , Cerullo Giulio , Polli Dario , Ciceri Fabio , De Poli Giulia , Bregonzio Matteo , Otto Cees
Published: February 2024

Leukemia comprises a diverse group of bone marrow tumors marked by immature cell proliferation. Current diagnosis involves identifying leukemia subtypes through visual assessment of blood and bone marrow smears, a subjective and time-consuming method. Our study introduces a novel approach for the characterization of different leukemia subtypes using a global clustering approach of Raman hyperspectral maps of cells. We analyzed bone marrow samples from 19 patients with nine distinct subtypes, conducting high-resolution Raman imaging on 319 cells, generating over 1.3 million spectra in total. A nine-step automated pre-processing pipeline and global clustering identified relevant cellular components, enabling the creation of high-quality pseudostained images at the single cell level. This approach provides a semi-quantitative analysis of cellular component distribution, and multivariate analysis of clustering results reveals the potential of Raman imaging in leukemia research, highlighting both advantages and challenges associated with global clustering.
Isolate restrained domination in graphs
Authors: S. Palaniammal  , B. Kalins
Published: February 2024

A dominating set \(D\) of a graph \(G\) is said to be a restrained dominating set (RDS) of \(G\) if every vertex of \(V-D\) has a neighbor in \(V-D\).  A RDS is said to be an isolate restrained dominating set(IRDS) if \(\) has at least one isolated vertex.

The minimum cardinality of a minimal IRDS of $G$ is called the isolate restrained domination number(IRDN), denoted by \(\gamma_{r,0}(G)\). This paper contains basic properties of IRDS and gives the IRDN for the families of graphs such as paths, cycles, complete \(k\)-partite graphs and some other graphs.
Sustainable Development Goals and the Debate of Demolition Versus Conservation of Built Heritage in a Developing Economy
Authors: Menon Arun
Published: February 2024

Conservation of listed heritage buildings and infrastructure in a city or a town is typically mandated by byelaws and regulations in several states in India unless such properties are protected by central or state archaeology departments as national or state monuments under the AMASR Act (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act). Although grading and listing may exist in some towns and cities, many heritage buildings and infrastructure are still not protected through necessary legislation. Whatever the legal status, under the growing pressures of infrastructure development and renewal in a developing economy such as ours, the debate between conservation and demolition is at an important crossroads. Application of guidelines developed in the western world (e.g., ICOMOS principles) may be debatable without due consideration of context, constraints, and aspirations in large developing economies.

What do the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 have to say about conserving and revitalizing existing infrastructure, with or without cultural (or heritage) value? What is the basis for such an approach? And what are the criteria to verify whether it is logical to conserve or to demolish and redesign and rebuild. How should we consider the tangible and intangible elements of built heritage? The current paper attempts to examine this pertinent problem, often faced by primary stakeholders, conservation professionals (architects and engineers) and lawmakers, from the key perspective of structural safety and structural rehabilitation or retrofit. In an era, when sustainability, ecological and environmental awareness and cost-effectiveness together are emerging as determinants of development, how do they impact conservation of built heritage?
Upgrade & Retrofit of Existing Infrastructure & How it Contributes to Sustainability to Extend the Service Life of Structures
Authors: Mackenzie David
Published: February 2024

We live in a world of ultimately limited resources and as engineers we are responsible for the most efficient use of those resources. The needs of the societies we serve change and our infrastructure is under constant pressure to adapt to new requirements. Many of these demands are about capacity and drive a desire to replace existing structures with bigger and seemingly better designs. And whereas it's always nice to start with a clean sheet when preparing a design it is an obligation upon us engineers to make the most effective use of what is already there. Only in this way can we start to tackle the sustainability challenge brought upon us by the climate emergency. There are many ways that existing infrastructure can be used and repurposed so that the changing demands can be met.

The keynote paper will address the way in which existing bridge infrastructure has been adapted and expanded to meet the requirements of greater structural capacity.
Code of practice for sustainable structures
Authors: Gervásio Helena
Published: February 2024

The construction sector being responsible for about 42% of the final energy consumption and about 35% of global greenhouse gas emissions, plays a central role in the global effort for decarbonization and mitigation of climate change. However, despite worldwide policies and investments to make the building sector more efficient, no clear structural changes have yet occurred to reduce energy demand or cut carbon emissions.

Sustainability is a mindset that should be embraced by all professionals in the construction sector, to drive positive changes towards a more sustainable and decarbonized future. In this regard, a code for the sustainability of buildings is crucial to set target values for carbon emissions and other environmental problems, and to provide clear guidelines on how to comply with such values, across the life cycle of buildings. In this paper, a performance-based approach for sustainability assessment of structures is presented, based on the limit state approach that is familiar to most structural engineers. The harmonization of structural and sustainable design fosters a mindset that considers environmental impacts alongside safety and functionality, allowing structural engineers to become key players in the larger quest for a sustainable built environment.