Fundamental Structural Components Research Articles

Polar Lipids Supplementation Enhances Basal Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in Primary Cortical Neuron.

Polar lipids, such as gangliosides and phospholipids, are fundamental structural components that play critical roles in the development and maturation of neurons in the brain. Recent evidence has demonstrated that dietary intakes of polar lipids in early life are associated with improved cognitive outcomes during infancy and adolescence. However, the specific mechanisms through which these lipids impact cognition remain unclear. This study examines the direct physiological impact of polar lipid supplementation, in the form of buttermilk powder, on primary cortical neuron growth and maturation. The changes are measured with postsynaptic current response recordings, immunohistochemical examination of functional synapse localization and numbers, and the biochemical quantification of receptors responsible for neuronal synaptic neurotransmission. Chronic exposure to polar lipids increases primary mouse cortical neuron basal excitatory synapse response strength attributed to enhanced dendritic complexity and an altered expression of the excitatory α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit 2 (GluR2). The present finding suggests that dietary polar lipids improve human cognition through an enhancement of neuronal maturation and/or function.

Twinstar is a chitin synthase interacting protein with an essential role in insect cuticle biosynthesis

Chitin is an abundant natural biopolymer that plays a crucial role in insect growth and development as a fundamental structural component of the exoskeleton. The membrane-integral β-glycosyltransferase, chitin synthase, has been identified as the central component in chitin biosynthesis. However, the precise roles of other proteins in facilitating chitin synthase in chitin biosynthesis remain unclear. In this study, we employed split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid (MYTH) and pull-down assays to demonstrate the physical interaction between Twinstar (Tsr), a small molecular protein in the actin-depolymerizing factor ADF/Cofilin protein family, and chitin synthase Krotzkopf verkehrt (Kkv) in Drosophila melanogaster in vitro. The RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated global knockdown of Tsr in D. melanogaster resulted in larval lethality. Furthermore, targeted suppression of Tsr in the tracheal and epidermal tissues also led to larval mortality, while knocking down Tsr in the wing tissues led to wrinkled wings. Additionally, silencing Tsr not only reduced the chitin content in the first longitudinal vein of the wings but also led to the absence of the chitin lamellar structure. To validate the functional conservation of Tsr in other insect orders, the two agricultural pests Ostrinia furnacalis and Tribolium castaneum, representing lepidoptera and coleoptera insects, respectively, were investigated. Knockdown experiments targeting the Drosophila Tsr orthologues OfTsr in O. furnacalis and TcTsr in T. castaneum produced abnormal larvae during molting or pupation in O. furnacalis and lethality in T. castaneum. Our findings not only improve our knowledge of the chitin biosynthesis machinery in insect cuticles but also provide new potential targets for the control of major agricultural pests.

Development of YOLOv8 and Segment Anything Model Algorithm-Based Hanok Object Detection Model for Sustainable Maintenance of Hanok Architecture

A Hanok refers to a traditional Korean architectural structure. Construction structures undergo gradual, rather than instantaneous, transformations due to material degradation and deterioration in joint durability. Moreover, the detection of a structural problem by a nonexpert has severe implications for the safety of the structure. In particular, the precise effects of natural disasters, including storms, earthquakes, heavy snowfall, and structural defects, on structures are hard to determine. Additionally, manuals are limited by their reliance on quantitative assessments, which can pose difficulties for nonspecialists when it comes to recording numerical data. To solve this problem, 3D scanners have been widely employed in evaluating Hanoks, particularly those assigned as cultural heritage by the government. While those assigned as cultural heritage assets are systematically managed by experts and through budgets, the management system for Hanoks inhabited by the public has been overlooked. To fill this gap, this study focused on digital devices that are accessible to nonexperts as replacements for professional 3D scanners. Specifically, data from photos of a Hanok taken with smartphones were extracted to generate objective numerical data. AI training data for Hanoks were used to train the YOLOv8 algorithm and Segment Anything Model (SAM). The leaning values of columns, which constitute a fundamental structural component of a Hanok, were calculated using photographs that precisely captured the columns. The direction and distance of the column’s movement were extracted for visualization. To ensure the reliability of these values, the Hanok under investigation was 3D-scanned. Comparing the numerical values revealed a negligible margin of error, which confirmed the reliability of the photographic data values. Five-tier safety states (good, observation, caution, danger, and very dangerous) were defined based on the column movement distance by analyzing the real measurement data of government-managed Hanoks and used to visualize the structural condition of Hanoks. Therefore, nonexperts can determine the structural safety of a Hanok using objective numerical data, even in situations where its progressive deformation is not readily apparent. Objective numerical analysis based on reliably collected data allows nonexperts to accurately diagnose structural safety, thus facilitating prompt and suitable actions. The results of this study can serve to enhance the stability and longevity of Hanok structures, thus facilitating sustainable maintenance and management.

HSP70—A key regulator in chondrocyte homeostasis under naturally coupled hydrostatic pressure-thermal stimuli

ObjectiveDuring physical activities, chondrocytes experience coupled stimulation of hydrostatic pressure (HP) and a transient increase in temperature (T), with the latter varying within a physiological range from 32.5 °C to 38.7 °C. Previous short-term in vitro studies have demonstrated that the combined HP-T stimuli more significantly enhance chondroinduction and chondroprotection of chondrocytes than isolated applications. Interestingly, this combined benefit is associated with a corresponding increase in HSP70 levels when HP and T are combined. The current study therefore explored the indispensable role of HSP70 in mediating the combined effects of HP-T stimuli on chondrocytes. DesignIn this mid-long-term study of in vitro engineered cartilage constructs, we assessed chondrocyte responses to HP-T stimuli using customized bioreactor in standard and HSP70-inhibited cultures. ResultsSurprisingly, under HSP70-inhibited conditions, the usually beneficial HP-T stimuli, especially its thermal component, exerted detrimental effects on chondrocyte homeostasis, showing a distinct and unfavorable shift in gene and protein expression patterns compared to non-HSP70-inhibited settings. Such effects were corroborated through mechanical testing and confirmed using a secondary cell source. A proteomic-based mechanistic analysis revealed a disruption in the balance between biosynthesis and fundamental cellular structural components in HSP70-inhibited conditions under HP-T stimuli. ConclusionsOur results highlight the critical role of sufficient HSP70 induction in mediating the beneficial effects of coupled HP-T stimulation on chondrocytes. These findings help pave the way for new therapeutic approaches to enhance physiotherapy outcomes and potentially shed light on the elusive mechanisms underlying the onset of cartilage degeneration, a long-standing enigma in orthopedics.

Role of UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid in the regulation of MurA activity revealed by molecular dynamics simulations.

The peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway plays a vital role in bacterial cells, and facilitates peptidoglycan layer formation, a fundamental structural component of the bacterial cell wall. The enzymes in this pathway are candidates for antibiotic development, as most do not have mammalian homologues. The UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UNAG) enolpyruvyl transferase enzyme (MurA) in the peptidoglycan pathway cytoplasmic step is responsible for the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-UNAG catalytic reaction, forming UNAG enolpyruvate and inorganic phosphate. Reportedly, UDP-N-acetylmuramic acid (UNAM) binds tightly to MurA forming a dormant UNAM-PEP-MurA complex and acting as a MurA feedback inhibitor. MurA inhibitors are complex, owing to competitive binding interactions with PEP, UNAM, and UNAG at the MurA active site. We used computational methods to explore UNAM and UNAG binding. UNAM showed stronger hydrogen-bond interactions with the Arg120 and Arg91 residues, which help to stabilize the closed conformation of MurA, than UNAG. Binding free energy calculations using end-point computational methods showed that UNAM has a higher binding affinity than UNAG, when PEP is attached to Cys115. The unbinding process, simulated using τ-random acceleration molecular dynamics, showed that UNAM has a longer relative residence time than UNAG, which is related to several complex dissociation pathways, each with multiple intermediate metastable states. This prevents the loop from opening and exposing the Arg120 residue to accommodate UNAG and potential new ligands. Moreover, we demonstrate the importance of Cys115-linked PEP in closed-state loop stabilization. We provide a basis for evaluating novel UNAM analogues as potential MurA inhibitors. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: MurA is a critical enzyme involved in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and is involved in antibiotic resistance development. UNAM can remain in the target protein's active site for an extended time compared to its natural substrate, UNAG. The prolonged interaction of this highly stable complex known as the 'dormant complex' comprises UNAM-PEP-MurA and offers insights into antibiotic development, providing potential options against drug-resistant bacteria and advancing our understanding of microbial biology.

Functional Implications of the Prosomeric Brain Model.

Brain models present a viewpoint on the fundamental structural components of the brain and their mutual organization, generally relative to a particular concept of the brain axis. A model may be based on adult brain structure or on developmental morphogenetic aspects. Brain models usually have functional implications, depending on which functional properties derive from the postulated organization. This essay examines the present scenario about brain models, emphasizing the contrast between columnar or other longitudinal models and transverse subdivisional neuromeric models. In each case, the main functional implications and apparent problems are explored and commented. Particular attention is given to the modern molecularly based 'prosomeric model', which postulates a set of 20 transverse prosomeres as the developmental units that serve to construct all the cerebral parts and the particular typology of many different neuronal populations within the forebrain and the hindbrain, plus a number of additional spinal cord units. These metameric developmental units (serially repeated, but with unique molecular profiles) confer to this model remarkable functional properties based mainly on its multiplicity and modularity. Many important brain functions can be decomposed into subfunctions attended to by combined sets of neuronal elements derived from different neuromeres. Each neuromere may participate in multiple functions. Most aspects related to creation of precise order in neural connections (axonal navigation and synaptogenesis) and function is due to the influence of neuromeric anteroposterior and dorsoventral positional information. Research on neuromeric functionality aspects is increasing significantly in recent times.

Phospholipid Membranes as Chemically and Functionally Tunable Materials.

The sheet-like lipid bilayer is the fundamental structural component of all cell membranes. Its building blocks are phospholipids and cholesterol. Their amphiphilic structure spontaneously leads to the formation of a bilayer in aqueous environment. Lipids are not just structural elements. Individual lipid species, the lipid membrane structure, and lipid dynamics influence and regulate membrane protein function. An exciting field is emerging where the membrane-associated material properties of different bilayer systems are used in designing innovative solutions for widespread applications across various fields, such as the food industry, cosmetics, nano- and biomedicine, drug storage and delivery, biotechnology, nano- and biosensors, and computing. Here, the authors summarize what is known about how lipids determine the properties and functions of biological membranes and how this has been or can be translated into innovative applications. Based on recent progress in the understanding of membrane structure, dynamics, and physical properties, a perspective is provided on how membrane-controlled regulation of protein functions can extend current applications and even offer new applications.

Study of the Human Physiological Aspect of all Component of Medo Dhatu

According to Ayurveda, human physiology is dependent on the balance of Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Dhatus are regarded to be one of the body's most fundamental functioning and structural components. According to Ayurveda, human physiology consists of seven primary Dhatus. Medo Dhatu ranks fourth among the seven Dhatus. Lipids are discussed in terms of Sneha Dravya in Ayurveda, which includes Meda, Vasa, Majja, and so on. Sneha is the essence of our bodies. Acharya Sushruta states that the human body is made up of Snehasara, the most Vishuddhatara form of Sneha, and that Prana is dependent on it. Meda is mostly found in Udara, although it is also known as Sarakta Meda in Anu (little) Asthi and Majja in Sthoola (big) Asthi. Mamsa contains a pure form of Meda known as Vasa. Although these three are the most visible Sneha sites, Meda Dhatu is given special attention because of their relevance in lipid metabolism and participation in the development of numerous metabolic illnesses such as Medoroga and Prameha. The present review article focused on all physiological component of Medodhatu and its role in maintaining the physiology.

Bacterial templated carbonate mineralization: insights from concave-type crystals induced by Curvibacter lanceolatus strain HJ-1.

The elucidation of carbonate crystal growth mechanisms contributes to a deeper comprehension of microbial-induced carbonate precipitation processes. In this research, the Curvibacter lanceolatus HJ-1 strain, well-known for its proficiency in inducing carbonate mineralization, was employed to trigger the formation of concave-type carbonate minerals. The study meticulously tracked the temporal alterations in the culture solution and conducted comprehensive analyses of the precipitated minerals' mineralogy and morphology using advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam, and transmission electron microscopy. The findings unequivocally demonstrate that concave-type carbonate minerals are meticulously templated by bacterial biofilms and employ calcified bacteria as their fundamental structural components. The precise morphological evolution pathway can be delineated as follows: initiation with the formation of bacterial biofilms, followed by the aggregation of calcified bacterial clusters, ultimately leading to the emergence of concave-type minerals characterized by disc-shaped, sunflower-shaped, and spherical morphologies.

Nanomaterials Function in Additive Manufacturing

Nanomaterials are substances that have at least one dimension that falls within the three-dimensional nanoscale range or fundamental structural components made of substances that fall inside this range. Micro-nano 3D printing technology can realize the processing of 3D micro-nano structures with nanometer precision and has broad application prospects in many fields. Metals and polymers can be easily connected through bonding reactions to obtain metal-metal or covalent bonds in 3D printing. These potent chemical bonds make 3D-printed structures stable, and 3D printing of metals and plastics is developing rapidly. The review focuses on the latest developments in unique composite nanomaterials for different field applications, comprising nanomaterials and 3D printing technology. A summary of the mechanisms, functional characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and applications of various nanomaterials used in scientific 3D printing includes metal-based nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks, upconversion nanoparticles, and lipid-based nanoparticles. Finally, this study presents an overview and highlights the issues that need to be resolved for nanomaterials to continue to be developed for the advantages of 3D printing.

Tetris Genioplasty: A New Paradigm for Chin Asymmetries Correction

The chin plays a crucial role as a fundamental structural component that contributes to the overall aesthetics and harmony of the face. Recognizing its central position, medical science has seen the evolution of numerous surgical techniques over the years, all aimed at correcting the range of structural irregularities that can affect the chin. In this contribution, the authors introduce an innovative osteotomy technique, aimed at cases of chin asymmetry in which the skeletal median diverges from the dental median. This technique, called “Tetris genioplasty”, involves performing the classic rectangular osteotomy, but includes an additional vertical osteotomy in order to obtain two distinct segments. Finally, these segments are translocated and repositioned to obtain a realignment between the skeletal median and the dental median. The results were entirely satisfactory for the patients, aligning perfectly with the expected appearance after the operation. Furthermore, no complications were reported, proving the success and safety of the procedure. The Tetris genioplasty aligns itself with this progressive trend by offering a minimally invasive method that nevertheless is able to achieve excellent results with a high impact on the patient’s quality of life, presenting a promising path in the pursuit of optimal aesthetic results with minimized patient morbidity and greater overall safety.

Study of Damping of Bare and Encased Steel I-Beams Using the Thermoelastic Model

Steel I-beams are a fundamental structural component in civil construction. They are one of the main load-bearing components in a building that must withstand both the structure and any incoming external perturbations, such as seismic events. To avoid damage to the structure, the building must be designed to dissipate the maximum amount of energy possible. One way energy can be dissipated is through internal or structural damping, of which thermoelasticity is one of the causes, especially in low-frequency harmonic excitations. The main goal of this study is to analyze the amount of damping in an I-beam generated by thermoelasticity and when encased in a Portland cement concrete layer, using a Finite Element model. It was found that, due to the geometry of the I-Beam, the damping coefficient as a function of frequency has two local maxima, as opposed to the traditional single maximum in rectangular beams. Encasing an I-beam in a concrete layer decreases the overall damping. While the extra coating protects the beam, the reduction in damping leads to a lower energy dissipation rate and higher vibration amplitudes.

ФОРМУВАННЯ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ АГРАРНОГО СЕКТОРУ В УМОВАХ ЄВРОІНТЕГРАЦІЇ

Objective of the Article: The article aims to thoroughly examine and refine the conceptual framework surrounding the competitiveness of agricultural businesses, establishing a vital link between competitive strength and economic resilience. Extended Description of the Work: This comprehensive analysis embarks on an explorative journey to scrutinize the intrinsic characteristics of competitiveness in the context of agricultural enterprises. It underscores the significance of competitiveness as a critical determinant of an enterprise's success and delves into the economic category of competitiveness management. Through detailed examination, the paper presents the fundamental structural components required for managing competitiveness effectively. A particular focus is given to economic security, recognizing it as the cornerstone for the stable and efficient operation of enterprises in the market. The study meticulously discusses how the multifaceted competitive environment encompasses a range of elements, each contributing to the overall competitive posture of agricultural enterprises. It addresses the unique challenges faced by the agricultural sector, such as the seasonality of production, reliance on natural resources, and sensitivity to natural and climatic changes, emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach to competitiveness management that can safeguard against these risks. Expanded Conclusions of the Work: Conclusively, the research underlines the criticality of developing a dynamic management system for competitiveness, which can not only foster favorable conditions for growth and development within the agricultural sector but also ensure compliance with safety standards. Such a system equips enterprises to withstand and counteract the disruptive influences from both the internal dynamics and external market pressures, securing a place in the highly volatile agricultural market.

Crustacean shell waste derived chitin and chitin nanomaterials for application in agriculture, food, and health – A review

Chitin, a widely available natural polymer, is the fundamental structural component of crustacean shells. The crustacean processing industry produces a lot of shell waste each year (in millions), most of which is discarded and poses serious environmental problems. This waste can be effectively utilized to produce chitin and chitin nanomaterials with superior physicochemical and biological properties, making it applicable in various industries. In this context, this review outlined the chitin extraction methods from crustacean shell waste. The recent advancements in chitin nanomaterial isolation in the form of chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) and chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) from purified chitin are discussed. Furthermore, the current practical applications of chitin and chitin nanomaterials in agriculture, biomedicine, and the food industry are reviewed to better understand the polymer's applicability for future research and development.

A REVIEW ON PALITYA AND DHATRYADI RASAYANA

Hair is a valuable anatomical structure of the body, having cosmetological and sociological importance in drafting the beauty and personality of an individual. Greying of hair represents the sign of ageing known as Palitya in Ayurveda. But when hair starts greying before the usual age of onset, known as premature greying of hair. Premature hair greying is called Akalaja Palitya, which occurs due to various factors resulting in the vitiation of Pitta dosha. Due to mankind’s hectic, sedentary and busy schedule, the current scenario is witnessing several challenges, and premature greying of hair is one among them. Premature hair greying has multifactorial aetiology, including oxidative stress, nutritional deficiency, smoking, and dysfunctional thyroid hormones, but the exact aetiology is still unknown. Acharyas have mentioned various rasayana for preventing and treating premature hair greying, i.e., Akalaja Palitya. Rasayana therapy aims primarily to promote the strength and vitality of the body. It also helps maintain the integrity of sapta dhatus (fundamental structural component) by improving digestive power resulting in the sound production of successive dhatus and their malas. Dhatryadi rasayana is a polyherbal formulation consisting of three ingredients, i.e., Dhatri (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba Hassk.) and Tila (Sesamum indicum Linn.). All three plants have the keshya property. Emblica officinalis Gaertn. and Sesamum indicum Linn. both act as a 5α-reductase inhibitor. Eclipta alba Hassk. stimulates the proliferation of follicular keratinocytes by downregulating the TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1) expression. Furthermore, all ingredients of Dhatryadi rasayana have antioxidant properties and contribute to essential nutritional supplements required for proper hair development and growth.

Acmeological technology of forecasting individual professional-oriented trajectories of students’ personality development

Introduction. In the conditions of deep transformations of modern society and labour market, the problem of revising qualification requirements for the content and level of training of professional personnel is being actualised. The main task of university education is to modernise curricula in order to form an independent subject of the educational process. The formation of such a specialist is possible through the use of individual scenarios for the educational and professional development of the student’s personality, both in basic and additional, including distance education throughout his/herprofessional biography. Only, in this case, the graduate will be ready to meet with the social and professional innovations of the future. Aim. The aim of the study is to theoretically substantiate, develop and test the acmeological technology of forecasting the individual professional-oriented trajectory of student personality development in the educational process of the university. Methodology and research methods. At the theoretical level, the article substantiates the concept of “individual professional-oriented trajectory of personality development”, develops the authors’ acmeological technology for predicting individual scenarios of educational and professional development of a student’s personality. The following tools and methods were applied: analysis, comparison, generalisation, authors’ interpretation of psychological and pedagogical literary sources in the field of individualisation and personalisation of education, construction of individual trajectories of educational and professional development of the student’s personality, and technological approach in education. The method of structural and functional modelling of acmeological technology was applied. The essence of the abovementioned method is to identify and describe the fundamental structural components and stages of technology that ensure the achievement of the desired result, identify the relationships between them and establish their functional characteristics. The experimental work included the initial diagnosis of a total sample of 180 first-year students of the Faculty of Psychology. The initial diagnosis was conducted before the implementation of the elective programme. As diagnostic tools for studying individual educational and professional trajectories, the following were used: the authors’ questionnaire “Individual Trajectories of Educational and ProfessionalDevelopment of Students” by E. F. Zeer, L. N. Stepanova; “Modified Questionnaire for the Diagnosis of Self-Actualisation of Personality” by A. V. Lazukin in the adaptation of N. F. Kalin; methodology “Investigation the Motivation of Studying at a University” by T. I. Ilyina; methodology “Meaning-Life Orientations” by D. A. Leontiev. To diagnose soft skills of students, a set of techniques was employed: “Coping Behaviour in Stressful Situations CISS” by S. Norman in adaptation by T. L. Kryukova; the test “Ability to Predict” by L. A. Regush; the methodology “Research of the Attitude of Personality to Innovation” by N. M. Lebedeva, A. N. Tatarenko; test “My Information Culture” by N. I. Gendin; self-test “Readiness for Self-Development” by V. V. Pavlov, T. A. Ratanova, N. F. Flakhta. Statistical data processing was carried out using the standardised IBM SPSS Statistics 17.0 software package. Results and scientific novelty. The concept of “individual professional-oriented trajectory of student’s personality development” is clarified; its structural components are highlighted: value-motivational cognitive, operational-activity and reflexive. The logical-evolutionary, system-dynamic, project-based and personal approaches of individual scenarios forecasting of educational and professional development of students developed by E. F. Zeer are presented. The following principles of forecasting the academic and professional development of the individual are substantiated: the principle of personal co-development, education and professional development; the principle of interaction of individual, personal and professional development; the principle of socio-professional mobility; the principle of alternative and multivariate forecasting of the professional future. The intrapersonal and environmental predictors of forecasting the individual educational and professional trajectory of student development during the period of professional training are determined, among which special importance is given to the educational environment of the university and its characteristics such as intensity, psychological comfort, democracy and openness. The acmeological technology of individual scenarios forecasting of educational and professional development of students has been scientifically substantiated, developed and tested. The results of testing confirm its effectiveness and the possibility of use in secondary and higher educational institutions. At the same time, the presented technology can be considered as a tool for improving students’ soft skills: innovative potential of the individual, willingness to solve problems and self-development, meaningfulness of life, development of a personal goal-setting system and time management. The obtained results expand the ideas existing in psychological science about the ways of individualisation of educational and professional personality development. Practical significance. The research results can be used in educational institutions of higher and secondary vocational education by psychologists, tutors, teachers who provide psychological and pedagogical support to students. Forecasting individual scenarios of educational and professional development promotes conscious entry into the profession and awareness of the personal meanings of the education received, which is of particular value as a prevention of negative scenarios of professional development of the individual in the future.

Deadwood density, C stocks and their controlling factors in a beech-silver fir mixed virgin European forest

Deadwood is a fundamental structural and functional component of forests, with a crucial role in supporting forest biodiversity, nutrient and carbon cycling. Precise deadwood density estimates and its relation to environmental factors are necessary to evaluate the biomass and carbon stocked in this component. In this study, we estimated dry deadwood density for two different tree species, silver fir (Abies alba) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and for three snags and five logs decomposition classes in a virgin mixed beech-fir forest in the Southern Carpathians. The goal was to assess how deadwood density is influenced by different abiotic (moisture, elevation, slope, aspect) and wood-related factors (rottenness, position along the piece, contact with the soil).For snags, the mean dry density showed a reduced variability within decomposition classes (484–326 kg.m−3 for beech and 374–319 kg.m−3 for fir), compared to the logs (486–139 kg.m−3 for beech and 359–161 kg.m−3 for fir). While the mass moisture varied slowly in the first three decay classes (around 60–80 %), it increased sharply in the last two decay classes of logs (>140 % in the fourth class and > 350 % in the last one). The rottenness increased with the decay class in a similar way for both species. The contact of logs with the soil influenced positively the moisture, but the position of the sampling within the piece did not play any significant role in the variability of density. Based on density estimates per decay classes we estimated that the carbon (C) stored in deadwood varied greatly among the 21 plots from 0.36 to 41.16 MgC ha−1, with a mean value of 15.96 ± 2.36 (±SE) MgC ha−1.Our study suggests that volume-based calculations might yield biased quantitative estimates of C stored in deadwood unless a local estimate of dead wood density corrected per species and decomposition class is applied. Moreover, the use of an averaged value of dry density instead of value for each decay class may result in an overestimation of 22% on the estimation of C stock. Thus, our study emphasises the importance of considering decay class-specific values in future inventories of C stocks in other forests and for other species. Furthermore, it could serve as a methodological basis for more specific research designed to uncover the potential influence of different forest management practices on dry deadwood density.

Design optimization for production semi-submersible pontoons based on genetic algorithms and finite element analysis

A production semisubmersible hull consists of continuous panels of structural steel reinforced by stiffeners and supporting members. The plate panels between stiffeners and frames are the most fundamental structural components of the hull, which are subjected to out-of-plane actions due to direct action of seawater head, waves, or cargo pressure, as well as in-plane actions caused by structural responses at the system level. The main objective of this research is to develop a methodology that automatically optimizes the structural design of critical stiffened panels accounting for the dimensions of both the panels and the stiffeners, as well as both the out-of-plane and the in-plane loads. The numerical simulations obtained from the analysis by the finite element method are compared with the proposed methodology and the results match.

A review of the latest developments in the production and applications of Ag-nanowires as transparent electrodes

Transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) are treated as a fundamental structural component of thin-film-based optoelectronics, energy storage and wearable sensing devices. High aspect ratio silver nanowires (AgNWs) exhibit outstanding photoelectric performance and are considered a material of the future and potential replacement material for indium tin oxide (ITO). This review sums up the latest developments in the fabrication techniques of AgNWs with controlled morphology and applications as transparent conducting films (TCFs). Solution-based processes are identified as the best methods for synthesizing uniform AgNWs with the desired aspect ratio due to a facile and low-temperature operated economical process. Furthermore, the factors affecting the stability of AgNW-based flexible TCEs are discussed in detail. At the end of the review, the promising applications of AgNWs and their future scope are discussed.

SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL READINESS OF HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL FOR VOLUNTEERING

The article highlights the key socio-psychological factors of formation of healthcare personnel readiness for volunteering. The following features are emphasized on among the basic attributes of volunteering: altruistic, creative, innovative nature of activity implemented in conditions of uncertainty, volatility, various subjective and objective contradictions; diverse activities at various levels of management hierarchy; the explicit prognostic nature of the tasks to be performed; the defining role of the communicative function and the ability to work as part of a team; permanent psychological tension related to considerable responsibility for the decisions made. In this article the readiness is considered from the competence approach perspective. The personal competencies i.e., motivational (individual pursuit of self-actualization, focus on self-realization, the desire to meet the demands of society, orientation to success); intellectual (cognitive and metacognitive); communicative (general speech competence, dialogic competence, interactive competence, narrative competence); personal (self-determination, autonomy, responsibility, independence, managerial qualities, etc.) are the fundamental structural and substantive components of the socio-psychological readiness of healthcare personnel for volunteering. A diagnostic procedure was developed and the socio-psychological readiness for volunteering of healthcare personnel and healthcare system managers, who have certain experience of participating in the volunteer movement, was empirically investigated.