Basic Tools Research Articles

Optimizing bioprocessing efficiency with OptFed: Dynamic nonlinear modeling improves product-to-biomass yield

Biotechnological production of recombinant molecules relies heavily on fed-batch processes. However, as the cells' growth, substrate uptake, and production kinetics are often unclear, the fed-batches are frequently operated under sub-optimal conditions. Process design is based on simple feed profiles (e.g., constant or exponential), operator experience, and basic statistical tools (e.g., response surface methodology), which are unable to harvest the full potential of production.To address this challenge, we propose a general modeling framework, OptFed, which utilizes experimental data from non-optimal fed-batch processes to predict an optimal one. In detail, we assume that cell-specific rates depend on several state variables and their derivatives.Using measurements of bioreactor volume, biomass, and product, we fit the kinetic constants of ordinary differential equations. A regression model avoids overfitting by reducing the number of parameters. Thereafter, OptFed predicts optimal process conditions by solving an optimal control problem using orthogonal collocation and nonlinear programming.In a case study, we apply OptFed to a recombinant protein L fed-batch production process. We determine optimal controls for feed rate and reactor temperature to maximize the product-to-biomass yield and successfully validate our predictions experimentally. Notably, our framework outperforms RSM in both simulation and experiments, capturing an optimum previously missed. We improve the experimental product-to-biomass ratio by 19% and showcase OptFed's potential for enhancing process optimization in biotechnology.

Assistive Technology Integration for Students with Speech and Language Impairments: A Mixed Methods Study

This study examines a large urban public school (UPS) district in the Midwest USA that has faced bankruptcy, state takeover of public education, and financial scams. As a result, UPS's capacity to integrate assistive technologies (AT) has been limited and is declining. This study investigates the UPS teachers' technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) and how the UPS teachers integrate AT for students with speech and language impairments (SLI). This article details the UPS special education and general education teachers' TPACK across grade levels, content, and classroom settings. This article reports the UPS teachers' current integration of AT, instructional practices, implementation, and experiences integrating AT in the classroom for students with SLI. 94 UPS teachers participated in the online survey. The study found no significant differences in the UPS teachers' TPACK across classroom settings or grade levels. Results show no significant differences between the UPS teachers' TPACK in mathematics, social studies, science, or literacy content knowledge. The study revealed that UPS teachers utilize various AT tools, from basic tools like [calculators, audio/video recording devices, and voice amplifiers] to more advanced tools like [iPads, SmartBoards, and computers], for diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments. Results indicate that the UPS teachers utilize similar instructional methods across content and express mostly positive experiences integrating AT for SLI students.

Innovations as a driver for the development of the region’s investment attractiveness: incentive tools and methods

The article considers innovations that are the flagship of the development of investment potential of Russian regions and regional economic systems as the main element of investment attractiveness of the regions. The conducted research examines the basic tools and methods for the formation of an effective assessment system for innovative regional development as the level of the investment attractiveness of Russian subjects and Russian regional systems within the framework of Russian and foreign practice and experience. Definition and evaluation of such an indicator as the level of development of the digital environment of business communications, stimulating the effectiveness of innovative activities of business entities, have been identified as the main approaches (or methods) in studying this problem. The conducted research has a significant impact on the further study of directions for the development of a mechanism for effective assessment of the innovative potential and innovative development of the region, which serves as the basis for increasing the investment attractiveness of the Russian regions. The application and use of various assessments, diagnostics and their implementation in considering the innovative potential and innovative development of the region are to analyse the prospects for its formation. The obtained results of the research can be used in assessing these two phenomena to increase the investment attractiveness of the Russian regions.

Holistic mapping of flood vulnerability in slums areas of Yaounde city, Cameroon through household and institutional surveys

Urbanization in major cities has resulted in increasing urban slum expansion. This, together with increased climate-change-driven hazards, and deplorable slum characteristics has led to considerably higher flood impacts in slum settlements. As such, there is a need for specialized flood vulnerability assessment tools that integrate features specific to the urban slums. Studies have consecrated efforts to integrated and multidimensional flood vulnerability studies. However, assessments that include social, economic, structural, and institutional realities of the slum settlements are rare in developing countries. This study comprehensively assessed the flood vulnerability in urban slums. It offers a simplified perspective of vulnerability in urban slums, capturing data from slum inhabitants, local councils, experts, and local NGOs since they often have profound insights into essential service availability, access, and quality within the study area. Utilizing data encompassing 40 indicators (exposure, susceptibility, and resilience), we assess the physical/structural, social, and economic/psychological vulnerability indices for slum households and the institutional vulnerability of 41 entities. Despite significant challenges of poor infrastructure and lack of basic disaster management tools, slum residents have developed recognizable strategies to overcome flooding. Institutions carrying out intervention activities in the slums were largely incompetent and plagued with challenges ranging from lack of technical know-how to access to funds and coordination. Finally, a significant gap exists between state efforts and the impacts of these efforts on the residents of these slums. These findings complement household-level data and provide an expanded understanding of vulnerability patterns, thus informing policymakers about interventions.

Neovascularization as a Leading Mechanism of Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Carotid Plaque Destabilization: A Narrative Review.

Intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) is considered a leading mechanism causing carotid plaque destabilization. We provide an objective and comprehensive summary of the biology, imaging techniques, and treatment options related to carotid IPN. Plaque neovascularization has been reported to originate mainly from the adventitial vasa vasorum as a response to hypoxia. The leakage and rupture of neovessels lead to the formation of extravasations and foci of inflammation that destabilize the plaque. Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors are key regulators of neoangiogenesis. Neovascularization can be analyzed by advanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The basic tools for the ultrasound assessment of IPN are contrast-enhanced ultrasound, superb microvascular imaging, and ultrasound molecular imaging. A promising direction of research seems to be the identification of patients with advanced plaque neovascularization. A simple test assessing low-velocity flow in the IPN can detect patients at risk of stroke before they experience rupture of defective neovessels and intracerebral embolism. In addition to surgical treatment, the stabilization of carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be supported pharmacologically. Statins have the best-documented role in this respect. The ideal moment of intensified therapeutic intervention in patients with previously stable carotid plaque is its increased neovascularization. However, the time frame in which intracerebral embolization may occur is unknown, and therapeutic intervention may be too late. The formation of deficient neovessels can currently be non-invasively evaluated with ultrasound. Superb microvascular imaging may change the clinical approach for asymptomatic patients at risk of cerebral ischemia.

Development of marketing models for attracting and retaining consumers in digital branding

The object of study is digital branding. The process of attracting and keeping consumers in digital branding is considered. The phenomenon of digital branding and the basic tools of its impact on consumers are investigated. The global trends in the development of media consumption at the present stage are substantiated. Transformational changes in the process of consumption, as a consequence, have been proven to be transition to the area. It is determined that in order to attract and maintain online consumers, brands should respond quickly and establish effective feedback. Accordingly, the important role of digital branding is indicated. As a basis for the development of a marketing model of consumer involvement and keeping in digital branding it is proposed to use the AIDA model. The marketing model is indicated that allows to monitor the actions of consumers, as well as to control communication processes. The stages of the AIDA model in digital branding are highlighted – visiting the site, moving the goods to the basket, registration and payment of order. AIDA strategic tools in digital branding are identified. It is necessary to use the conversion coefficient to determine the efficiency of each stage of the model. It is proposed to supplement the classic Aida model with two elements of Satisfaction (S) and Loyalty (L) by receiving AIDASL. An advanced model of impact on consumers in digital branding has been developed. This model coordinates the stages of the AIDASL model with the main stages of the purchase decision process. The practical importance of the developed model of consumer involvement and maintenance in digital branding will increase the attention, interest, desire and level of purchase. This, in turn, will create the preconditions for increasing conversion at each stage of consumer contact with an online store, increasing their satisfaction and loyalty.

The Bauer–Ramanujan formula: historical analyses and perspectives

The formula 2 π = 1 − 5 ⋅ ( 1 2 ) 3 + 9 ⋅ ( 1 ⋅ 3 2 ⋅ 4 ) 3 − ⋯ was famously included as a discovery in Ramanujan's first letter to Hardy in 1913, and has been referred to as the Bauer–Ramanujan formula, in view of Bauer's 1859 proof of the above formula. There is a rich history associated with this formula and its many and dramatically different proofs, including a computer-based proof due to Zeilberger that may be seen as groundbreaking in the history of computer-assisted proofs. In addition to a complete survey we provide of all known proofs of the Bauer–Ramanujan formula, we introduce historical analyses based on these proofs, by arguing that the history of the Bauer–Ramanujan formula and our account of this history may be seen as being representative of much broader trends in the history of mathematics. In this regard, the earlier proofs tend to rely on one of the oldest and most basic tools in classical analysis, namely, interchanging the order of limiting operations. In contrast, the more modern proofs tend to rely on computer-related approaches toward summation problems, as in with Zeilberger-type and Gosper-type telescoping arguments.

The Lessons of Propaganda: The Role of the Film Kalushi in (Re)Writing the Legacy of Solomon Mahlangu

ABSTRACT This article focuses on one particularly striking example of the opportunities and dangers of using propaganda to narrate the armed struggle against apartheid: the feature film Kalushi, which dramatically depicts the life and death of the young Umkhonto we Sizwe soldier Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu. If Thabo Rametsi, acting as the protagonist, insists that Kalushi ought to be understood as a piece of propaganda, we should take him at his word. It is enough that he says so. Therefore, the question is simply: is the film effective? I have chosen to utilise short (anonymised) quotations from a dozen student essays as a ‘source’ for analysing the film. Written in fulfilment of the requirements for an introductory course on African History, these student essays are useful precisely because they are not written by experts. That is, when responding to Kalushi, the students are reacting to its storytelling, soundtrack, costumes, and so on – all of the basic tools for presenting propaganda through cinema. Analysing these essays in conjunction with scholarly books and articles on Mahlangu, this article engages Rametsi’s notions of positive propaganda as a provocation, raising a series of legitimate questions.

Legal Security of Parties in the Aspect of Dispute Settlement in the World Trade Organization

One of the basic elements of world order is properly functioning legal systems of individual states. The Sars-Covid pandemic and armed conflicts around the world, including those involving Europe, have strained the certainty of legal transactions in the countries of the UN system and the need to seek new supranational solutions, especially in the field of international trade. The pillar of security is therefore becoming instruments of international law, with the World Trade Organization in mind. A special tool of this organization are the dispute settlement mechanisms to which member states must adhere. In the conducted research, the thesis was put forward that one of the guarantors of the security of legal transactions is the resolution of disputes using the basic legal tools of this organization. It was proved that disputes between states themselves become solvable if they are transferred to the WTO.

‘Mapping’ China’s Art Industry: Understanding Contemporary China Through Qiu Zhijie’s Maps as a Medium of Cultural Relations

Deeply ingrained in the fabric of Chinese society, calligraphy originated as an ancient art form and is known as the chief of all traditional arts in China. In the current artistic context of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), calligraphy has merged with contemporary art forms to reflect the dynamic changes and realities of the country. Addressing gaps in academic literature focusing on China’s soft power and cultural diplomacy, this paper focuses on cultural relations to develop a people-centered pathway that flows “organically” and enables the understanding of current-day China. Inspired by Anne Marie-Slaughter’s conceptualization of a “web” of networks, this paper employs a case study analysis of specific contemporary artworks by Chinese contemporary artist Qiu Zhijie. Indeed, this paper finds that Qiu’s maps reflect nuances of contemporary Chinese society, showcasing the intricate relationship between calligraphy, contemporary Chinese art forms, and Chinese culture and society. Further, due to the unique combination of Chinese characters and English text, woven together through cartography and Chinese calligraphy, Qiu’s maps provide international audiences with basic tools for understanding cross-cultural nuances and contemporary realities. In the context of international relations, Qiu’s maps may act as a medium for improving the international community’s understanding of current-day China.

Forecasting terrorist threats as an element of the anti-terrorist system

The article is devoted to the problem of forecasting terrorist threats and its role in the state’s anti-terrorist system. The aim of the article is to present the methodology of forecasting terrorist threats at three levels: strategic, operational and tactical. The text presents basic methods, techniques and tools used in threats forecasting. The main thesis of the article is the statement that a properly prepared forecast allows to determine with a high degree of probability the possibility of a terrorist threat, however, in such a case we are always dealing with the assessment of such a possibility, and not with cognitive certainty. System analysis was used as the basic research method.

Prognozowanie zagrożeń terrorystycznych jako element systemu antyterrorystycznego

The article is devoted to the problem of forecasting terrorist threats and its role in the state’s anti-terrorist system. The aim of the article is to present the methodology of forecasting terrorist threats at three levels: strategic, operational and tactical. The text presents basic methods, techniques and tools used in threats forecasting. The main thesis of the article is the statement that a properly prepared forecast allows to determine with a high degree of probability the possibility of a terrorist threat, however, in such a case we are always dealing with the assessment of such a possibility, and not with cognitive certainty. System analysis was used as the basic research method.

The JWST-PRIMAL archival survey. A JWST/NIRSpec reference sample for the physical properties and Lyman-alpha absorption and emission of ~ 600 galaxies at z = 5:0 - 13:4

One of the surprising early findings with has been the discovery of a strong ``roll-over'' or a softening of the absorption edge of in a large number of galaxies at \(z 6\), in addition to systematic offsets from photometric redshift estimates and fundamental galaxy scaling relations. This has been interpreted as strong cumulative damped absorption (DLA) wings from high column densities of neutral atomic hydrogen ( signifying major gas accretion events in the formation of these galaxies. To explore this new phenomenon systematically, we assembled the PRImordial gas Mass AssembLy (PRIMAL) legacy survey of 584 galaxies at $z=5.0-13.4$, designed to study the physical properties and gas in and around galaxies during the reionization epoch. We characterized this benchmark sample in full and spectroscopically derived the galaxy redshifts, metallicities, star formation rates, and ultraviolet (UV) slopes. We defined a new diagnostic, the damping parameter to measure and quantify the net effect of emission strength, the fraction in the intergalactic medium, or the local column density for each source. The survey is based on the spectroscopic DAWN Archive (DJA-Spec). We describe DJA-Spec in this paper, detailing the reduction methods, the post-processing steps, and basic analysis tools. All the software, reduced spectra, and spectroscopically derived quantities and catalogs are made publicly available in dedicated repositories. We find that the fraction of galaxies showing strong integrated DLAs with $N_ HI $ only increases slightly from $ 60<!PCT!>$ at $z 6$ up to $ 65-90<!PCT!>$ at $z>8$. Similarly, the prevalence and prominence of emission is found to increase with decreasing redshift, in qualitative agreement with previous observational results. Strong emitters (LAEs) are predominantly found to be associated with low-metallicity and UV faint galaxies. By contrast, strong DLAs are observed in galaxies with a variety of intrinsic physical properties, but predominantly at high redshifts and low metallicities. Our results indicate that strong DLAs likely reflect a particular early assembly phase of reionization-era galaxies, at which point they are largely dominated by pristine gas accretion. At $z=8-10$, this gas gradually cools and forms into stars that ionize their local surroundings, forming large ionized bubbles and producing strong observed emission at $z<8$.

Влияние автоматизации цифровых процессов в медиа на формирование потребительского поведения молодежи

Digitalization and automation of media affect the consumer behavior of young journalists and bloggers. The research revealed the corresponding strategic vectors of social constructs in young people’s consumer behavior. It relied on the social construction of reality developed by P. Berger and T. Luckmann, as well as on the reality of mass media by N. Luhmann. The main methods of empirical research included: 1) literature reviews and secondary analysis of research on digital marketing and its impact on consumer behavior; 2) observation and analysis of the behavior of university students and young professionals in online environment. The consumer behavior demonstrated such trends as social mobility; life changes, innovation, and experimentation; rapid suggestibility and gullibility. Young people proved to be active users of modern media; they were attracted mostly to entertainment content, i.e., videos, music, podcasts, games, etc., as well as to educational platforms. The authors described and classified the basic tools employed by content creators in the context of media automation. The study revealed an increase in major threats and risks associated with the fundamental lack of public control in the digital environment, where the final content is shaped by automated processes and artificial intelligence.

Seeing the light: key inventions that illuminate our world

Abstract In the vast expanse of the electromagnetic spectrum the role of light has been paramount in shaping human civilisation as its applications extend beyond mere illumination. This paper delves into the profound influence of light-based technologies on society, culture and various scientific fields by exploring the understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and highlighting seminal inventions developed from our understanding of it. Historically the visible spectrum served as humanity’s primary interface with light, giving rise to basic tools like the magnifying glass and the prism. However, the 19th and 20th centuries heralded groundbreaking revelations about the broader spectrum—discovering rays invisible to the naked eye from gamma rays to radio waves. This understanding stimulated technological revolutions, profoundly altering our daily lives and global infrastructures. Prominent inventions such as the radio, televison, X-ray machines, optical fibres and lasers, each harnessing distinct parts of the spectrum, have propelled advancements in communication, medicine, materials and information technology. Additionally light technologies have been pivotal in critical breakthroughs in quantum mechanics, relativity and astrophysics, deepening our understanding of the Universe. Light-based technologies rooted in our evolving comprehension of the electromagnetic spectrum have indelibly impacted our world. From fundamentally altering industries to reshaping daily rituals the influence of light is a testament to humanity’s enduring quest for progress and understanding.

The Role of the Pareto Principle in Quality Management within Industry 4.0: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Quality is a fundamental aspect of the management of almost every area of a company, directly influencing the efficiency of its processes. The increased importance of quality, as well as advances in industrialisation methods and computerisation, has stimulated the development of a new generation of technologies, leading to the fourth industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0. In addition to new technologies, the Pareto principle plays an important role in quality management, enabling the identification of the key factors that influence quality, emphasising that 20% of causes are responsible for 80% of quality problems. Its importance has been highlighted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), which recognises the Pareto principle as one of the seven basic tools used in the area of process improvement. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of the Pareto principle on quality management on the basis of a bibliometric analysis carried out to characterise the evolutionary aspects of the development of key terms specific to the area under consideration. The analysis focuses on a sample of 8002 items, and the data collected come from the extensive Scopus database of scientific articles, covering the years 1990-2024. VOSviewer software was used as a tool. On the basis of the empirical data, the exponential growth of the number of publications was confirmed in terms of the relationship between the Pareto principle and quality management. On the basis of the resulting visualisation maps, five areas (clusters) were identified and characterised in terms of keyword coincidence, and their evolutionary natures were described. This publication can serve as a basis for further considerations in the impact layer of the Pareto principle in terms of quality management.

Selected aspects of designing timber structures and their connections considering durability

The paper presents the analysis of basic design tools in the form of standards and literature, that enable the design of timber structures taking durability into account. On this basis, the most important threats were identified and a set of basic design principles was introduced. Then, the identification of risk factors and methods of preventing them were presented, that was based on examples from the designed timber structure of the research and development center

Challenges of Leadership in the Implementation of the National Children’s Policy of Ethiopia at Bahir Dar City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs Department

The purpose of this research was to identify the major challenges of Leadership in the implementation of the national children’s policy of Ethiopia, at Bahir Dar City Administration Women, Children and Social Affairs Department. To identify the major challenges of leadership in the implementation of the policy, constructivist research paradigm, qualitative research approach and phenomenological research design were employed. Interviews and focus group discussions were the basic tools of data collection. Purposive sampling technique and thematic data analysis are employed. The challenges of leadership in the implementation of the national children’s policy in the study area are multi-faceted. But according to the findings of this study, they are grouped into four themes. These are: economic challenges, socio-cultural challenges, lack of awareness and political and legal problems. To overcome the challenges of leadership in the implementation of the policy, the following recommendations were given. These were: providing education and health facilities for children, providing school feeding for children, creating awareness about the rights of children for all stakeholders, increasing the economic level of families, building recreational centers for children, allocating enough financial and human resources for children affairs, increasing children role and participation in decision making processes affecting them, giving due attention for the rights of children by the government and providing effective justice system for children.

Using scalable vector graphics in medieval Latin palaeography: new approaches, new conversations

Abstract The use of scalable vector graphics (SVG) in the study of pre-modern handwriting (palaeography) to date has been extremely limited, especially amongst scholars of the medieval Latin West and its manuscript culture(s). Informed by the author’s experience of using vector graphics for over a decade in researching and teaching medieval Latin palaeography in UK and EU Higher Education, this short article offers a starting point for further conversation. Following a general introduction and a concise survey of current practice, it discusses some basic SVG editing tools and exemplifies the utility of their application in three key areas of palaeographic study (tracing, analysis, and visualization) before highlighting, by way of conclusion, potential avenues of future development with the aim of enabling and encouraging colleagues to make greater use of SVG in their research and teaching.

Strengthening Fungal Infection Diagnosis and Treatment: An In-depth Analysis of Capabilities in Honduras.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to limited diagnostic and treatment resources, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Despite their significant global burden, IFIs are underrecognized and underdiagnosed in LMICs. This study evaluates the diagnostic and therapeutic capacities for managing IFI in Honduras, a country with unique health care challenges. From March to December 2023, a comprehensive survey was conducted across multiple health care centers in Honduras. The survey, reviewed for content and clarity by local medical institutions, targeted medical microbiologists and clinicians to assess various aspects of fungal disease diagnosis and treatment. Data included the availability and use of diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies, identifying gaps and limitations in current practices. The survey revealed that Candida spp (97.4%) and Aspergillus spp (35.9%) were the most concerning pathogens. Although microscopy and culture methods were available in most institutions, their application in suspected IFI cases was inconsistent, and antifungal susceptibility testing was rarely performed. Advanced diagnostic techniques, such as antigen detection, were available in only a few institutions, while antibody detection and polymerase chain reaction testing were entirely absent. All hospitals had access to at least 1 triazole antifungal, typically fluconazole, but there was a notable scarcity of more potent antifungals, including amphotericin B formulations and echinocandins. The limited use of available diagnostic tools and the restricted availability of essential antifungals were identified as major barriers to effective IFI management. This study highlights significant gaps in the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for managing IFI in Honduras. The underutilization of basic diagnostic tools, the inaccessibility of advanced testing methods, and the limited availability of essential antifungal medications underscore the urgent need for capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and policy reforms. Addressing these deficiencies is critical for enhancing the management of IFI in Honduras, with broader implications for similar LMIC settings. These findings can inform targeted interventions and resource allocation to improve outcomes for patients with IFI.