Fourth Generation Research Articles

Off-energy operation for the Extremely Brilliant Source at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility Extremely Brilliant Source (ESRF-EBS) is the first fourth generation 6 GeV storage ring (SR) light source making use of the hybrid multibend achromat lattice, reaching a natural horizontal emittance of 140 pm rad. Further, reducing the horizontal emittance would provide a more brilliant and a higher quality photon source for the EBS users. One way of achieving this is to operate the SR off-energy. The first approach reduces the electron beam energy by −1%, which gives a 121 pm rad natural horizontal emittance. To fulfill operation requirements, the full ring had to be rematched, including both the quadrupoles and the sextupoles in the linear optics correction. The off-energy settings are then tested in the SR in terms of lifetime, injection efficiency, and operability. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Pyramiding aphid resistance genes into the elite cowpea variety, Zaayura, using marker-assisted backcrossing

The cowpea aphid (Aphis cracivora) is a cosmopolitan insect pest that causes economic damage on cowpea. Although the pest persists at all the growth stages of the crop, in West Africa, aphids are the only major insect pests that farmers regularly control at the vegetative stage. Thus, deploying aphid-resistant crop varieties can reduce farmers' expenditure on insecticide. The availability of different biotypes of the pest and reports of resistance breakdown necessitates pyramiding of sources of aphid resistance to develop a more robust genotype for durable resistance. Two aphid-resistance genes, sourced from SARC-1-57-2 and IT97K-556-6, were introgressed through gene pyramiding technique into a farmers’ preferred cowpea variety, Zaayura, using marker-assisted backcrossing. A simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker, CP 171F/172R, and an allele-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker, 1_0912, were used for foreground selection of the SARC-1-57-2 and IT97K-556-6 aphid resistance genes, respectively. A stepwise backcross approach was used to introgress the major aphid resistance QTL (QAc-vu7.1) from IT97K-556-6 into Zaayura using the marker 1_0912 coupled with intermittent screening under artificial aphid infestation. After the fourth backcross generation, three heterozygous BC4F1 of Zaayura/TT97K-556-6 were intercrossed to Zaayura Pali to develop intercross F1 (ICF1). Three true ICF1 hybrids allowed to self to produce ICF2. Five (5) out of 48 ICF2 plants which were genotyped with the two foreground markers had the two aphid resistance genes fixed in the double homozygous dominant state. For background selection, out of 192 allele-specific markers screened, only 47 polymorphic markers were identified and used for the background analysis of the pyramided lines. The recurrent parent genome recovery ranged from 72 to 93.8 %. ICF2_Zaa/556/SARC-P6 had the highest recurrent parent genome and the least heterozygosity among the five improved lines. The five pyramided lines showed superior resistance under artificial aphid infestation as compared to the two donor parents with damage scores ranging from 2.0 to 2.3. On the field, however, there were no significant differences between the pyramided lines and their recurrent parent for all the agronomic traits measured except for grain yield. The pyramided lines do not only stand the chance of being released as new varieties but are also valuable genetic resources for other breeding programs that seek to improve cowpea for aphid resistance.

Are fourth generation e-cigarettes reducing disease in the population?

Are fourth generation e-cigarettes reducing disease in the population?

Emerging Strategies in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Cardiovascular Therapeutics.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to challenge global health, demanding innovative therapeutic solutions. This review delves into the transformative role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in advancing cardiovascular therapeutics. Beginning with a historical perspective, we trace the development of stem cell research related to cardiovascular diseases, highlighting foundational therapeutic approaches and the evolution of cell-based treatments. Recognizing the inherent challenges of MSC-based cardiovascular therapeutics, which range from understanding the pro-reparative activity of MSCs to tailoring patient-specific treatments, we emphasize the need to refine the pro-regenerative capacity of these cells. Crucially, our focus then shifts to the strategies of the fourth generation of cell-based therapies: leveraging the secretomic prowess of MSCs, particularly the role of extracellular vesicles; integrating biocompatible scaffolds and artificial sheets to amplify MSCs' potential; adopting three-dimensional ex vivo propagation tailored to specific tissue niches; harnessing the promise of genetic modifications for targeted tissue repair; and institutionalizing good manufacturing practice protocols to ensure therapeutic safety and efficacy. We conclude with reflections on these advancements, envisaging a future landscape redefined by MSCs in cardiovascular regeneration. This review offers both a consolidation of our current understanding and a view toward imminent therapeutic horizons.

Corrosion kinetics of T91 steel under low oxygen conditions (10−7 wt% O) in lead-bismuth eutectic at 500 °C

Among the advanced reactor designs of the fourth generation, the Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) stands out as one of six distinct types. The corrosion caused by the liquid Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) on structural materials is recognized as a significant obstacle hindering the development of LFR. The corrosion kinetics of T91 steel in static LBE with 10−7 wt% oxygen at 500 ºC is analyzed in this study. The formed oxide scale consists of an outer (Fe, Cr)3O4 layer with a Fe-Cr spinel structure and an inner internal oxidation zone (IOZ). The thickness evolution of the oxide layers follows a parabolic rule, with rate constants determined for different layers. The dissolution rate of metals into the LBE decreases over time, indicating diminishing the concentration gradient of Fe across the oxide layer-LBE interface. The observed deviations from expected norms may be attributed to dynamic flow conditions and non-isothermal loop experiments, which accelerate Fe diffusion into LBE.

Effectiveness of cephalosporins in hydrolysis and inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms.

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli contribute to global health challenges by forming biofilms, a key virulence element implicated in the pathogenesis of several infections. The study examined the efficacy of various generations of cephalosporins against biofilms developed by pathogenic S. aureus and E. coli. The development of biofilms by both bacteria was assessed using petri-plate and microplate methods. Biofilm hydrolysis and inhibition were tested using first to fourth generations of cephalosporins, and the effects were analyzed by crystal violet staining and phase contrast microscopy. Both bacterial strains exhibited well-developed biofilms in petri-plate and microplate assays. Cefradine (first generation) showed 76.78% hydrolysis of S. aureus biofilm, while significant hydrolysis (59.86%) of E. coli biofilm was observed by cefipime (fourth generation). Similarly, cefuroxime, cefadroxil, cefepime, and cefradine caused 78.8%, 71.63%, 70.63%, and 70.51% inhibition of the S. aureus biofilms, respectively. In the case of E. coli, maximum biofilm inhibition (66.47%) was again shown by cefepime. All generations of cephalosporins were more effective against S. aureus than E. coli, which was confirmed by phase contrast microscopy. Cephalosporins exhibit dual capabilities of hydrolyzing and inhibiting S. aureus and E. coli biofilms. First-generation cephalosporins exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against S. aureus, while the third and fourth generations significantly inhibited E. coli biofilms. This study highlights the importance of tailored antibiotic strategies based on the biofilm characteristics of specific bacterial strains.

Comparison between DNS and RANS approaches for liquid metal flows around a square rod bundle

The thermal-hydraulic characteristics of liquid metal flows around rod bundles are of great interest for the research and design of fourth generation nuclear reactors. Currently, a large research effort is aimed at the development of accurate numerical models for low Prandtl number fluid flows, since the data available in the literature are quite scarce. Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) is undoubtedly the most accurate approach, but its large requirements of computational resources and time make it less practical than other simplified methods such as the Reynolds-Average Navier Stokes (RANS) approach. The present paper provides a comparison between numerical results of a flow of liquid Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) at Pr=0.031 around four vertical cylindrical rods arranged in a square lattice, obtained by DNS and RANS. Several turbulence models are considered, including the standard k−ε, k−ω SST, and two Reynolds stress models, namely the ones by Launder, Reece and Rodi (LRR), and Speziale, Sarkar and Gatski (SSG). The accuracy of these models is assessed by comparing the mean Nusselt number, the pressure drop, and local field distributions with those obtained by DNS.

Study of Consumer Behaviour Towards Reliance Jio

The main objective of this project is to study the awareness of Reliance Jio amongst the customers compared to other telecom service providers. The satisfaction of customers is very important and with various products and services offered by the company its customers seem to be meaningless if it‟s not beneficiary to the customer from their end, so the second objective of this research is to study the customer satisfaction level of customers towards Reliance Jio and its services. To achieve success in long run a company needs a thorough study of its SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats). So the third objective of this research is to find the market potential and market penetration of Reliance Jio products and services. Reliance JioInfocomm Limited (Commonly called RJIL) is an Indian Internet access (commonly called „Broadband‟) and telecommunications company headquartered in Mumbai India‟s largest private sector company, is the first telecom operator to hold pan India Unified License. Reliance Jio is setting up a pan India telecom infrastructure to provide fourth generation LTE TDD high speed wireless internet and mobile communication services which was then launched in June 2015. Reliance Jio was founded in 2010 by MukeshAmbani. Reliance Jio offers mobile telephony and wireless broadband. Parent company of Reliance Jio is Reliance Industries and its subsidiary is LYF. To study the objectives discussed two types of sources were used to collect the data: - Primary and Secondary data. Primary data is also called as „First-hand data‟ or „Raw data‟. The primary data primarily means the unfiltered raw data collected by the researcher in the research process. In this project for the primary data a sample of 40 people were surveyed.

Оценка риска совершения преступлений лицами, освобожденными из мест лишения свободы

Introduction. While studying recidivism prediction, criminal risk assessment is considered in many countries a mandatory procedure. The paper presents the most widely known and frequently applied risk assessment tools. Special attention is paid to predicted risk assessment tools for individuals released in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Taking into account the emerging tradition of using these risk assessment tools for practical purposes and the opportunities for conducting relevant research, much attention is paid to reviewing the tools used abroad. The purpose of the study is to provide the theoretical grounds for recidivism risk assessment tools, as well as the analysis of foreign experience in application and verification of this tool. Research methods. The research uses general scientific methods: (analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization, analogy), special methods: comparative (when studying tools for assessing the risk of recidivism), formal legal (for the study of normative legal acts). Results. The research demonstrates a wide range of approaches and patterns in the area of criminal behavior risk assessment. Criminal behavior risk assessment tools were classified, and they can be summarised in a historical perspective into four generations according to chronology. The first and least reliable approach is to assess the risk of recidivism based on the clinical opinion of professionals. At this stage the measurement was characterised by its subjectivity. The second generation was based on actuarial valuation using reliable statistical predictors and significance levels for recidivism. The third generation tended to combine risk factors based on the theory of static risk assessment. The fourth generation of tools is based on the understanding that risk should be assessed as a continuous and dynamic process related to both the risk itself and the needs and resources of the individual. This approach considers that offenders’ supervision in post-penitentiary probation is an effective means of successful risk assessment based on their individual psychological characteristics and resources.

A Survey of Cutting-edge Multimodal Sentiment Analysis

The rapid growth of the internet has reached the fourth generation, i.e., web 4.0, which supports Sentiment Analysis (SA) in many applications such as social media, marketing, risk management, healthcare, businesses, websites, data mining, e-learning, psychology, and many more. Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool for governments, businesses, and researchers to analyse users’ emotions and mental states in order to generate opinions and reviews about products, services, and daily activities. In the past years, several SA techniques based on Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and other soft computing approaches were proposed. However, growing data size, subjectivity, and diversity pose a significant challenge to enhancing the efficiency of existing techniques and incorporating current development trends, such as Multimodal Sentiment Analysis (MSA) and fusion techniques. With the aim of assisting the enthusiastic researcher to navigating the current trend, this article presents a comprehensive study of various literature to handle different aspects of SA, including current trends and techniques across multiple domains. In order to clarify the future prospects of MSA, this article also highlights open issues and research directions that lead to a number of unresolved challenges.

Effect of Refractance Window™ and oven drying on physicochemical and sensory properties of peach (Prunus persica L.) surplus.

Currently, approximately 34% of fruit is lost and wasted in emerging economies due to inefficient post-harvest processes, technological shortcomings, lesser valorization of surpluses, and byproducts. Peach (Prunus persica L.) is a fruit with a good yearly growth rate but higher postharvest losses in Colombia. One way to take advantage of this type of product is through the application of drying processes that increase its shelf life and its inclusion in the food chain. Refractance Window Drying (RWD) is a fourth generation drying technique implemented by the food industry in the last few decades and has been applied to several dehydrated food products. This study compared the effects of different drying methods on the physical and sensory properties of peaches surplus. Treatments consisted of (i) peaches were sliced (1, 2, and 3 mm thickness) and dried using RWD at 86°C, (ii) peach pulp mixed with maltodextrin (MD) (0.12-0.33 kg of MD/kg of sample) and RWD (RWD-MD), and (iii) conventional oven drying (OD) at 60°C (3 mm thick) dried for 24 h. The study found that the drying method significantly (p < 0.05) affected the texture, color, and general taste of peaches. The results showed that processing treatments combined with different drying conditions affected the physical properties of the peach. RWD in slices reduced water content to 0.05 kg H2O/kg in 40 min, showing fewer effects on color attributes. A surface response analysis on RWD showed good correlations for water activity (R2 = 0.8652-0.9894) and moisture content (R2 = 0.7048-0.9826). A higher diffusion coefficient (1.63 × 10-6 m2 s-1) was observed for RWD in slices with 3 × 10-3 m of thickness; however, for RWD-MD, differences in diffusion coefficients were present for the lowest MD addition (0.12 kg/kg), vitamin C was not detected on the dried slices, and higher concentration of β-carotene (175.88 μg/100 g) was found on the thinner slices. Principal component analysis showed that RWD in the slices was the most suitable drying process, followed by OD. Sensory analysis showed good acceptability for RWD slices after 30 days of storage.

The fourth generation of human rights: European standards and national experience

The generational classification of human rights is a vital and necessary instrument for examining the development of legal paradigms. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the evolution of notions and theories within the domain of human rights, while also pinpointing key differences among different stages of this evolution. Giving particular generations rights enables us to monitor how society adopts and acknowledges novel facets of legal consciousness and assurances. The authors utilize various scientific methods, including analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction, as well as historical and legal, formal legal, comparative legal methods to examine the fourth generation of human rights. The article aims to investigate the nature of these rights, pinpoint the particular rights of this age, and examine European norms pertaining to these rights. The paper also attempts to evaluate the chances for these rights’ legislative realization in Ukraine, both now and in the future. The article’s conclusions and suggestions are intended to serve as a theoretical and methodological foundation for legislation that will enhance the political and legal framework of the Ukrainian State. This is particularly true for programs aimed at addressing the deficiencies in the area of somatic human rights protection and ensuring at the national level.

Performance Evaluation and Analysis of Urban-Suburban 5G Cellular Networks

5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for the new generation of cellular networks. Combining 5G and millimeter waves (mmWave) gives tremendous capacity and even lower latency, allowing you to fully enjoy the 5G experience. 5G is the successor to the fourth generation (4G) which provides high-speed networks to support traffic capacity, higher throughput, and network efficiency as well as supporting massive applications, especially internet-of-things (IoT) and machine-to-machine areas. Therefore, performance evaluation and analysis of such systems is a critical research task that needs to be conducted by researchers. In this paper, a new model structure of an urban-suburban environment in a 5G network formed of seven cells with a central urban cell (Hot spot) surrounded by six suburban cells is introduced. With the proposed model, the end-user can have continuous connectivity under different propagation environments. Based on the suggested model, the related capacity bounds are derived and the performance of 5G network is studied via a simulation considering different parameters that affect the performance such as the non-orthogonality factor, the load concentration in both urban and suburban areas, the height of the mobile, the height of the base station, the radius, and the distance between base stations. Blocking probability and bandwidth utilization are the main two performance measures that are studied, however, the effect of the above parameters on the system capacity is also introduced. The provided numerical results that are based on a network-level call admission control algorithm reveal the fact that the investigated parameters have a major influence on the network performance. Therefore, the outcome of this research can be a very useful tool to be considered by mobile operators in the network planning of 5G.

Designing Strong Polarity and High Configurational Entropy Flexible Units toward Excellent Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Materials

AbstractPolar materials play a crucial role in numerous essential fields; however, efficiently synthesizing them remains a significant challenge. In this study, a viable approach is proposed to enhance the probability of discovering polar materials by developing new functional basic units (FBUs) with strong polarity and high configurational entropy. To validate this approach, a site‐modification strategy is applied to the high configurational entropy flexible (C3H2O4)2− FBU, resulting in the development of four new polar‐enhancing FBUs: (C3(CH3)2O4)2−, (C3F2O4)2−, (C3H(OH)O4)2−, and (C3HFO4)2−. Moreover, 11 new compounds through temperature‐driven conformational changes in FBUs are successfully synthesized. Among these, the proportion of polar structures reaches an impressive 54%. Remarkably, all of these novel polar compounds exhibit outstanding nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. The [Li2C3(CH3)2O4]2·3H2O demonstrates the rare coexistence of a moderate birefringence (0.071@514 nm), short UV cutoff edge (210 nm), and the strongest second harmonic generation (SHG) effect (6.5 × KDP) among ionic‐organic fourth harmonic generation crystals. Preliminary laser experiments have also proven its potential practical value as a fourth harmonic generation crystal. This research not only discovers a variety of exceptional UV NLO crystals but also provides a feasible method to increase the likelihood of finding polar materials.

Four Generations of Volcano Plots for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Beyond Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer Steps?

ConspectusDue to its importance for electrolyzers or metal-air batteries for energy conversion or storage, there is huge interest in the development of high-performance materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Theoretical investigations have aided the search for active material motifs through the construction of volcano plots for the kinetically sluggish OER, which involves the transfer of four proton-electron pairs to form a single oxygen molecule. The theory-driven volcano approach has gained unprecedented popularity in the catalysis and energy communities, largely due to its simplicity, as adsorption free energies can be used to approximate the electrocatalytic activity by heuristic descriptors.In the last two decades, the binding-energy-based volcano method has witnessed a renaissance with special concepts being developed to incorporate missing factors into the analysis. To this end, this Account summarizes and discusses the different generations of volcano plots for the example of the OER. While first-generation methods relied on the assessment of the thermodynamic information for the OER reaction intermediates by means of scaling relations, the second and third generations developed strategies to include overpotential and kinetic effects into the analysis of activity trends. Finally, the fourth generation of volcano approaches allowed the incorporation of various mechanistic pathways into the volcano methodology, thus paving the path toward data- and mechanistic-driven volcano plots in electrocatalysis.Although the concept of volcano plots has been significantly expanded in recent years, further research activities are discussed by challenging one of the main paradigms of the volcano concept. To date, the evaluation of activity trends relies on the assumption of proton-coupled electron transfer steps (CPET), even though there is experimental evidence of sequential proton-electron transfer (SPET) steps. While the computational assessment of SPET for solid-state electrodes is ambitious, it is strongly suggested to comprehend their importance in energy conversion and storage processes, including the OER. This can be achieved by knowledge transfer from homogeneous to heterogeneous electrocatalysis and by focusing on the material class of single-atom catalysts in which the active center is well defined. The derived concept of how to analyze the importance of SPET for mechanistic pathways in the OER over solid-state electrodes could further shape our understanding of the proton-electron transfer steps at electrified solid/liquid interfaces, which is crucial for further progress toward sustainable energy and climate neutrality.

University 4.0: Contours of Post-Industrial Manifestations In The Optics Of The Triple Helix Model

Relevance. Universities, as institutional organizations, are subject to the greatest reform in the transforming matrix of goals, values and norms of building the Future. In this regard, the problem of conceptualizing the ultra-new model of the University of the fourth generation (4.0) is the most relevant for science and social sciences.The purpose of this study is to consider and analyze the conceptual foundations reflected in the scientific manifestations of the formation of the fourth generation University model (4.0) as a subject of the “triple helix".Objectives. To analyze the concepts, ideologems and other units of the theoretical basis of the University 4.0 model presented in the scientific media space; to reflect the emerging concept of University 4.0 in the optics of the “triple helix” model, implemented in the context of the formation of a post-industrial society.Methodology. The study was carried out on the basis of synergetic principles of complexity theory, general provisions of system theory and interinstitutional and transinstitutional communication using system-structural and convergent network methods.Results. Today, new ontological continuums of social multi-subject practices are objectively “unfolding” based on the ethics of subjective integration and synergy of individual and collective, as well as machine and hybrid intelligences. Flexible models of collective management of the future should be synthesized on such university cognitive platforms 4.0, where even transinstitutional forms of relations, such as the “triple helix”, begin to be perceived as tools, rather than platforms for the implementation of new ideas and solutions that overcome historical and cultural predestination. The platform of the “cognitive turn of postindustriality” is the Universities of the fourth generation.Conclusions. The platform of the "cognitive turn of postindustriality" in the future is the Universities of the fourth generation. Then, in university activities, existing traditional subject (for example, institutional) ontologies act only as a tool for generating on their basis “packages” of understanding posteconomics in the spirit of “meta-subject forms of thinking”, such as collective, including hybrid human-machine intelligence. New ethics (bio-, techno-, etc.) are also being institutionalized and progressing.

Expanding SPG18 clinical spectrum: autosomal dominant mutation causes complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia in a large family

BackgroundSPG18 is caused by mutations in the endoplasmic reticulum lipid raft associated 2 (ERLIN2) gene. Autosomal recessive (AR) mutations are usually associated with complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), while autosomal dominant (AD) mutations use to cause pure SPG18.AimTo define the variegate clinical spectrum of the SPG18 and to evaluate a dominant negative effect of erlin2 (encoded by ERLIN2) on oligomerization as causing differences between AR and AD phenotypes.MethodsIn a four-generation pedigree with an AD pattern, a spastic paraplegia multigene panel test was performed. Oligomerization of erlin2 was analyzed with velocity gradient assay in fibroblasts of the proband and healthy subjects.ResultsDespite the common p.V168M mutation identified in ERLIN2, a phenoconversion to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was observed in the second generation, pure HSP in the third generation, and a complicated form with psychomotor delay and epilepsy in the fourth generation. Erlin2 oligomerization was found to be normal.DiscussionWe report the first AD SPG18 family with a complicated phenotype, and we ruled out a dominant negative effect of V168M on erlin2 oligomerization. Therefore, our data do not support the hypothesis of a relationship between the mode of inheritance and the phenotype, but confirm the multifaceted nature of SPG18 on both genetic and clinical point of view. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of conducting an in-depth clinical evaluation to unmask all the possible manifestations associated to an only apparently pure SPG18 phenotype. We confirm the genotype–phenotype correlation between V168M and ALS emphasizing the value of close follow-up.

Global transmission of extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance in Escherichia coli driven by epidemic plasmids

Extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) are third and fourth generation cephalosporin antimicrobials used in humans and animals to treat infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Resistance to ESCs (ESC-R) in Enterobacterales is predominantly due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (AmpCs). The dynamics of ESBLs and AmpCs are changing across countries and host species, the result of global transmission of ESC-R genes. Plasmids are known to play a key role in this dissemination, but the relative importance of different types of plasmids is not fully understood. In this study, Escherichia coli with the major ESC-R genes blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-14 (ESBLs) and blaCMY-2 (AmpC), were selected from diverse host species and other sources across Canada, France and Germany, collected between 2003 and 2017. To examine in detail the vehicles of transmission of the ESC-R genes, long- and short-read sequences were generated to obtain complete contiguous chromosome and plasmid sequences (n=192 ESC-R E.coli). The types, gene composition and genetic relatedness of these plasmids were investigated, along with association with isolate year, source and geographical origin, and put in context with publicly available plasmid sequences. We identified five epidemic resistance plasmid subtypes with distinct genetic properties that are associated with the global dissemination of ESC-R genes across multiple E.coli lineages and host species. The IncI1 pST3 blaCTX-M-1 plasmid subtype was found in more diverse sources than the other main plasmid subtypes, whereas IncI1 pST12 blaCMY-2 was more frequent in Canadian and German human and chicken isolates. Clonal expansion also contributed to the dissemination of the IncI1 pST12 blaCMY-2 plasmid in ST131 and ST117 E.coli harbouring this plasmid. The IncI1 pST2 blaCMY-2 subtype was predominant in isolates from humans in France, while the IncF F31:A4:B1 blaCTX-M-15 and F2:A-:B- blaCTX-M-14 plasmid subtypes were frequent in human and cattle isolates across multiple countries. Beyond their epidemic nature with respect to ESC-R genes, in our collection almost all IncI1 pST3 blaCTX-M-1 and IncF F31:A4:B1 blaCTX-M-15 epidemic plasmids also carried multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes conferring resistance to other antimicrobial classes. Finally, we found genetic signatures in the regions surrounding specific ESC-R genes, identifying the predominant mechanisms of ESC-R gene movement, and using publicly available databases, we identified these epidemic plasmids from widespread bacterial species, host species, countries and continents. We provide evidence that epidemic resistance plasmid subtypes contribute to the global dissemination of ESC-R genes, and in addition, some of these epidemic plasmids confer resistance to multiple other antimicrobial classes. The success of these plasmids suggests that they may have a fitness advantage over other plasmid types and subtypes. Identification and understanding of the vehicles of AMR transmission are crucial to develop and target strategies and interventions to reduce the spread of AMR. This project was supported by the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR), through the Medical Research Council (MRC, MR/R000948/1), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CFC-150770), and the Genomics Research and Development Initiative (Government of Canada), the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) grant no. 01KI1709, the French Agency for food environmental and occupational health & safety (Anses), and the French National Reference Center (CNR) for antimicrobial resistance. Support was also provided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through the BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme Microbes in the Food ChainBB/R012504/1 and its constituent project BBS/E/F/000PR10348 (Theme 1, Epidemiology and Evolution of Pathogens in the Food Chain).

Features of the systematic approach of the organization of universities for the construction of the fourth generation: the Kazakhstan case

The purpose of the research to study the peculiarities of the organization of universities of the «University 4.0» model for Kazakhstani universities, based on a systematic approach.Methodology – in this work, the descriptive method, the induction method, the method of comparison and study of international experience are used.Originality / value of the research – the authors identified the development vectors influencing the organization of universities of the "University 4.0" model and conducted a comparative analysis to determine their development. The paper describes the innovative activities of some foreign universities, which can be used to determine the point of growth of the functionality of Kazakhstani universities during the transition to a new model of the fourth generation. The authors proposed to apply a systematic approach to the formation of the "University 4.0" model, which will bring a multiplicative effect to the innovative development of the regions.Findings the results of the study show that the system–forming factors of the development of higher education confirm the feasibility of the proposed plans and the gradual transition of university management to a new stage of development.

Optimization of TiN/TiOxNy Laminated Electrode Films for High-Performance Gene Sequencing Chip

With continuous advancement of the fourth generation nanopore gene sequencing technology, the requirements for performance of the electrode films in gene sequencing chips are increasing. This study utilized the high vacuum reactive magnetron sputtering method to examine the impact of working pressure on the electrical, electrochemical, crystal structure, chemical composition, and surface morphology of TiOxNy thin films in detail. The findings revealed that the TiN thin film deposited at 0.4 Pa exhibited the lowest resistivity of 391.9 μΩ·cm. Additionally, the TiOxNy thin film deposited at 1.6 Pa demonstrated the highest volumetric specific capacitance of 35.37 mF·cm−2·μm−1 at 5 mV·s−1. Utilizing the optimal parameters, TiOxNy laminated electrode thin films were in situ grown. Through measurements and analysis, it was found that the TiOxNy electrode thin film effectively achieves a 29.35% improvement in specific capacitance compared to the single layer TiOxNy electrode thin film. The integration of a TiN current collector with low resistivity effectively reduced the internal resistance of the electrode system and decreased the response time to 0.038 s. The features of low impedance and high specific capacitance of TiOxNy laminated thin films offer promising prospects for the preparation of gene sequencing chip with high throughput.