Initial Level Research Articles

Ghrelin concentration before and after bariatric surgery

Introduction. Aim of the work is to study the concentration of ghrelin before and after bariatric gastric surgery in patients with morbid obesity. Materials and methods. A study of ghrelin levels was carried out in 25 patients with morbid obesity who underwent restrictive bariatric surgery (13 gastroplications and 12 “sleeve resections” of the stomach). Results and discussion. The initial level of ghrelin in the blood in patients with morbid obesity was lower compared to the levels determined with normal body weight. We did not observe the expected decrease in ghrelin levels during resection of the fundic ghrelin-producing part of the stomach. Conclusion. A clinical study shows that changes in gastric volume after restrictive bariatric interventions (sleeve resection or gastropplication) are accompanied by a slight increase in blood ghrelin levels; this increase is greater the higher the percentage of body weight loss after surgery. Deeper study of this area will help identify new strategies for treating morbid obesity in the future.

Design and mathematical modelling of Electric Vehicle

A model which is based on design will reduce the development cost of the system. There are different phases associated with complex models for systems like Electric Vehicles, these include Functional Specification definitions, Design specification, Test and authenticate and implementation. The case study done in this paper will be including only first two stages. The results will help to understand how the system designer can take decisions using simulation output. Simulation is a very complicated task which can represent simple design with precision and complex design with great accuracy that is almost near to the practical model. There is a compromise when making decisions with respect to precision and design complexity. It is always recommended to consider accurate models but when parameters are considered it is very difficult to determine parameters preferably in first stage of the model development and even the simulation of these accurate model is very slow. Hence a more detailed level of simulation model is needed. So, the system designer needs a complete overview of system power flow in the initial level of modelling. In the second level there is a need of designing more accurate model of different systems in which choosing an appropriate parameter for energy management system and power converters is needed. In this paper it can be clarified that a detailed design will validate the system’s behaviour with great accuracy and to conduct other adoptions as requires.

Acute phase proteins in patients with recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective. Study of initial levels of acute phase proteins in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with and without relapse as predictors of unfavorable disease progression. Materials and methods. 2 groups of patients were examined: the base group - 55 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with relapse and the control group - 55 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis without relapse. Acute phase protein content was studied in patients before and after the intensive phase of treatment. The content of complement factors C3 and C4, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, properdin, C-reactive protein, IL-6, VSH, leukocyte content was studied. Results. The obtained results reveal that acute phase proteins can be considered basic predictors of ineffective antituberculosis treatment: the high indices of leukocyte, C-reactive protein, IL-6, ESR, and haptoglobin.

Cytogenetic Analysis of the Crustacean Pontogammarus robustoides (Amphipoda, Gammaridae) at Increased Water Temperature under Conditions of Microcosm

Adaptive reactions of <i>Pontogammarus robustoides</i>, a representative of the family Gammaridae, were studied at the cellular level at the increase in water temperature to its critical values under conditions of a model ecosystem - a microcosm. A cytogenetic analysis of its embryo cells was carried out and the activity of nucleoli of somatic cells was investigated. It has been shown that normal development of <i>P. robustoides</i> embryo cells was observed within the temperature range from 25.0°C to 27.5°C. The increase in water temperature up to 30.0-30.5°C resulted in such structural and functional changes in its cells as the increase in chromosome aberrations and the increase in the number of micronuclei. At the prolonged exposure to the increased water temperature, these indices approached critical levels. The number of embryo cells with nuclear fragmentation increased, which is evidence of the development of the processes directed to apoptosis. The destruction of embryo cell structures was registered at 32.0°C. The total volume of nucleoli in the somatic cells increased, which can be indicative of the increased synthesis of proteins probably involved in the processes of adaptation. A decrease in water temperature to the initial level of 25.0°C favored recovery of the structural and functional indices of Gammaridae genome. However, a high contribution of cell division disorders was still observed, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of micronuclei.

초기 청소년 진로발달의 종단적 변화와 개인, 부모, 또래요인의 영향에 대한 잠재성장분석

This study aimed to identify individual differences in the longitudinal trajectory of early adolescent career development and to identify individual, parental, and peer relationship factors that significantly influence initial values and longitudinal changes. For this purpose, first 1st-5th year panel data from the Jeonnam Education Longitudinal Study, including 2062 students starting from the 4th grade of elementary school, were used. The results showed that the level of career development decreased over time, with significant individual differences in both the initial and growth rates. The initial level of career development was negatively and significantly related to growth rate, and early adolescents with higher initial levels showed a steeper decline. Second, among the individual factors, all variables except academic self-concept and self-management, and among the social factors, parental interaction, academic support, and peer relationships were significantly and statistically predictive of the initial level of
 career development. Among these, the body self-concept best explains the individual differences. Third, regarding career development growth, only social and academic self-concepts were significant predictors among the individual factors, and only parental interaction and academic support were significant among the social factors. Self-management was not significantly related to either the initial or rate of change in career development. The findings provide educational implications for changes in career development in early adolescence and suggestions for educational interventions for career development.

Remediation of Petroleum-Contaminated Gas Station Soil Using High-Pressure Soil Washing Technology

Objectives : In this study, high-pressure soil washing was performed on in-situ gas station soils for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated gas station sites.Methods : On-site gas station soils (GSS) collected from four different locations were subjected to high-pressure soil washing to analyze the amount of fine soil removal and TPH concentration after washing according to the cut-off size (0.075, 0.105 mm). In addition, the four GSS were evaluated for the relationship between the organic matter content of each soil and TPH removal efficiency. Furthermore, to evaluate the disintegration force of high-pressure soil washing technology to disperse soil aggregates, the particle size distribution of the soil before and after washing was evaluated and XRD analysis was performed.Results and Discussion : As the cut-off size increased (0.075 mm → 0.105 mm), the removal rate of fine soil in the GSS increased, and the TPH concentration tended to decrease. With respect to the TPH Soil Contamination Warning Standard for Region 2 (800 mg/kg), only the GSS 3 was in compliance with the standard (630 mg/kg). There were no significant differences in fine soil removal rates among the soils, which was expected since all the soils tested represented the same sandy loam. Washing efficiencies by soil were relatively low for soils with relatively high organic matter content. The particle size distribution showed the largest particle reduction was in the 2-0.850 mm range after remediation, while soil particles increased in the 0.105-0.075 mm and <0.075 mm range. In addition, XRD analysis showed an increase in the peak intensity of Quartz and the removal of clay mineral after washing, confirming the effective breakdown of soil aggregates and removal of fine soil by cavitation.Conclusion : If an optimal cut-off size is established, considering the soil texture and economics of the contaminated site after identifying the initial organic content level in the soil prior to washing, it is anticipated that high-pressure soil washing technology will be effectively applied for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated gas station sites.

Identifikasi dan Remediasi Miskonsepsi dengan Pendekatan Perubahan Konseptual pada Materi Kesetimbangan Kimia

Identifying misconceptions in chemistry learning is important to improve the quality of learning. The use of appropriate learning approaches is needed to correct students' misconceptions. This research aims to identify and remediate students' misconceptions about chemical equilibrium material by using a conceptual change approach. The method used was a quantitative-pre-experimental method with a one-group-pretest-posttest-design. The sampling technique was purposive sampling with number of samples was 63 student of eleventh grade. The instrument used was a four-tier diagnostic test based on CRI. Data was obtained by giving the tests to students twice, before and after the remediation of misconceptions using a conceptual change approach. Based on the results of identifying the initial level of students understanding, it was found that the category of understanding the concept about 41%, misconceptions about 41%, and did not understand the concept about 18%. Misconceptions with high criteria were identified in the equilibrium constant sub-material of about 65%. The remediation of misconceptions was carried out by using a conceptual change approach to chemical equilibrium material. The changes in students' understanding level are based on the average N-gain value, namely students' concept understanding of 0.77 in the high category, misconceptions of -0.79 in the decreasing category and not understanding the concept of -0.72 in the decreasing category. The reduction of high criteria misconceptions in the equilibrium constant sub-material with an N-gain value of -0.78 in the decreasing category. It was concluded that remediation using the conceptual change approach could reduce students' misconceptions.

Screening of anti-inflammatory activity of 4.5-dihydroisoxazol-5-carboxamide (PAR-2 inhibitors) based on formaldehyde oedema model among white lab rats


 Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RА) is an immune-inflammatory disease intrinsic to up to 1.0% of the world’s population. Standard drugs for RA therapy are basic medications, glucocorticoids and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which often only ease or hinder the course of disease, not curing the patient completely. Also, on the average 20-50 % of patients are unresponsive to treatment, allergic to the prescribed drugs or find them ineffective. That is why medications with a different mechanism of action are being widely researched, some of them being antagonists of proteinase-activated receptors (PAR-2).
 
 
 Materials and Methods: The inflammatory process was reproduced by injecting a 2% solution of neutral formalin in a volume of 0.1 mL under the aponeurosis of the posterior left foot. A total of 84 white rats were used in the experiment. Diclofenac sodium was administered as a reference drug.
 
 
 Results and Discussion: An experiment on researching the impact of 5 samples of derivatives of 4.5-dihydroisoxazol-5-carboxamide on formalin oedema development among rats showed that the compound R001, compared with other substances studied, differs in the late onset of the therapeutic effect when ingested; the restoration of the foot volume to the initial level occurs only after the introduction of R005, R004 and R002. R005 to a greater extent than other compounds prevents the development of edema and has greater therapeutic efficacy than diclofenac sodium both with intragastric administration and subcutaneous injection.
 
 
 Conclusion: All five compounds in question showed anti-inflammatory activity, with the spectrum not so unequivocal both in qualitative and quantitative values.

종단 문항반응이론 기반 성장모형의 적용을 통한 중학생의 진로성숙도 변화 분석

With an emphasis on career education, career maturity has emerged as an important variable that, prompts analyses of its growth and changes. Previous studies examining career maturity longitudinally used raw scores as variables, which inevitably included errors. However, the application of the longitudinal item response theory allows for error-free growth modeling. In this study, longitudinal measurement invariance was confirmed by applying item response theory, and the feasibility of simultaneous analyses of items and information functions was demonstrated. In addition, to understand the changes in students' career maturity, a multi-group analysis by gender was conducted along with a linear growth model based on the longitudinal item response theory, which is a longitudinal extension of the item response theory. The results indicated that the items on the career maturity scale were generally acceptable. However, there was a lack of information to measure high levels of career maturity among first-year middle students. Career maturity in middle school exhibited a linear declining trend. In the multi-group analysis, female students showed lower initial levels than male students, but the decline was less pronounced. An interpretation and discussion of the research results, along with the limitations and suggestions for future research, are provided.

Visual outcomes and prognostic factors of early pars plana vitrectomy for open globe injury.

To identify the clinical features and outcomes of early vitrectomy in patients with open globe injury (OGI) and the prognostic factors for visual outcome. This retrospective observational case series included 390 eyes in 389 patients diagnosed with OGI receiving vitrectomy within four days after injury. Preoperative parameters included the injury types, wound locations, consequent tissue damages, initial visual acuity (VA), and ocular trauma score. Postoperative outcome measures included surgical procedures, retinal (re)attachment, complications, and final VA. The logistic analysis evaluated the prognostic factors for visual outcome. Intraocular foreign bodies (59.2%) and penetrating injuries (28.7%) were the most common injury types. Among the 165 eyes with retinal detachment (RD), 121 (73.3%) had retinal reattachment during early primary vitrectomy, and 32 (19.4%) were repaired during a second or subsequent surgery. Thirteen eyes (3.3%) were enucleated. The final VA improved from the initial level in 207 eyes (55.2%), remained unchanged in 123 (32.8%), and decreased in 45 (12.0%). Multivariable regression revealed that the injury zone, initial VA, RD, and endophthalmitis were associated with poor visual outcomes (P < 0.05). Higher zone injury, low initial VA, RD, and endophthalmitis are predictors of poor visual outcome in eyes undergoing early vitrectomy for OGI.

Digitalising oil and gas production: issues, challenges and threats

The article analyzes the technical and regulatory restrictions that complicate the production of hydrocarbons at the final stage of operation, as well as the directions of resource and innovative development of the fuel and energy complex in the context of sanctions and restrictions in the development of national priorities. The features of regulatory regulation of legislation and indicators of digital transformation for previously developed fields and the preservation of hydrocarbon markets, the development of national economies in the long term, taking into account the widespread use of intelligent technologies and digital platforms, are considered. Taking into account the advantages of technology, it is strongly recommended to implement a project of digitalization of oil and gas wells using fiber-optic technologies. This will allow the creation of intelligent wells and deposits, which, with limited financial resources, will ensure an increase in recoverable reserves of gas and oil production by at least 10% during operation, will reduce the downtime of wells by about 50% from the initial level and will reduce operating costs by 10-25%. Keywords: automation; mining; modeling; regulation; transformation; innovation; intelligent technology; digital economy; digital platform.

In silico (Eco)toxicology and molecular docking of halogenated and oxygenated rotenoid derivatives

The rotenoids are compounds widely disseminated in the agro-industrial and chemical-pharmacological sectors due to their structural constitution and versatility in biological activities, however, these present toxic activity for fish. Thus, the objective of this study is an in silico (eco)toxicological investigation of synthetic halogenated and oxygenated rotenoids with the use of aquatic bioindicators and molecular docking aiming to understand the biochemical behavior and environmental dynamics of these compounds. Therefore, it is inferred that the synthetic rotenoids denoted toxicological response at the chronic level made possible through physicochemical data and correlations between environmental dynamics, notwithstanding, the molecular coupling data corroborated with ecotoxicological assay enabling the rotenoids present bio-concentrative tendencies along the trophic chain causing deleterious effects in more developed organisms. Thus, the study is at an initial level, which enables new approaches in vitro and in vivo models for improvement and development of this study.

Effects of tannin acid impregnated pretreatment on dimensional stability and chemical composition of heat-treated Chinese fir

Abstract Thermal treatment is an effective method for improving the dimensional stability of wood; however, it typically requires high temperatures. To achieve low-temperature heat treatment, this study employed wood samples impregnated with 10 % tannin acid (TA) and examined their changes in dimensional stability and chemical components after heat treatment at various initial moisture content levels. The results revealed that the TA-10 %-HT group exhibited enhanced dimensional stability. Specifically, both the tangential and radial moisture swelling decreased by 21.7 % and 11.8 %, respectively. FTIR and XRD analysis indicated that the presence of tannin acid catalytically facilitated the degradation of hemicellulose. Moreover, an increase in moisture content resulted in the ionization of TA, amplifying acidity and further affecting cellulose degradation. TGA demonstrated that TA impacted the thermal stability of heat-treated materials by lowering the initial decomposition temperature of wood components and increasing the residual weight of wood. Overall, pretreatment with TA impregnation and moisture content significantly improved the dimensional stability of Chinese fir wood and altered its chemical composition. This approach holds considerable potential for enhancing wood properties through a low-energy consumption method during the heat treatment process, expanding the practical application of wood.

Interaction of Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy with simulated body fluid; a preliminary biocompatibility investigation

The current study aims to investigate the interaction of Ti-6Al-7Nb with simulated body fluid (SBF) in order to apply a preliminary biocompatibility investigation of this novel biomedical alloy, promising for orthopedic applications. Results of the static immersion tests conducted in SBF at body temperature demonstrated that Ca-P rich structures form on the Ti-6Al-7Nb alloy surfaces and the oxide layer formation-dissolution cycle reaches a stable state during immersion. Ion release levels were mostly below critical values except for the initial Al ion release level, which indicated the need for the presence of a stable protective layer on the alloy surface. The second set of static immersion experiments conducted in densified SBF demonstrated that, such a protective layer can rapidly form by biomimetic coating if followed by a preliminary surface treatment. Overall, Ti-6Al-7Nb alloys layers exhibit promising biocompatibility for orthopedic applications, especially with the presence of a stable protective layer.

Language training courses as a form of interaction between the university and business

Today, universities are quite actively establishing various forms of interaction with business, including in the field of establishing language training courses within the framework of education transfer. Here the author presents a unique experience of business interaction in the person of the Moscow Law firm and the Center for Innovative Educational and Language Strategies of the Department of English and Professional Communication of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. This research aims to study the experience of designing and implementing online language training courses «English for lawyers» for lawyers practicing international law. As it is an on-going project, the author presents the first results of the study (May – June 2023). The development of educational tracks of the course determined the reference to the ideas of personality oriented and CLIL approaches. When verifying the content of education, the author relied on the initial language proficiency level of the students and on the author’s experience in teaching Legal English, in addition, on author’s developments, materials from authentic textbooks, legal websites and newspapers, court archives available on court websites, etc. The task set by the client – the development of communication skills in the field of Legal English – largely determined the choice of teaching methods. Here the author provides parts of classes based on: case method, business and role-playing games, elements of an inverted class, etc. The obtained primary results not only testify to the effectiveness of the work done in the course of interaction between the university and business, but also allow us to foresee promising directions in the given direction, for instance: the opening of new and promising areas of training of bachelor and master students that meet the latest trends in labour market development, etc.

Формирование метапредметных образовательных результатов обучающихся – магистральная линия программ начального образования

The requirements of the federal state educational standard for meta-subject results of mastering primary education programs are discussed. The genesis of the content of the concept of universal educational actions of schoolchildren is investigated. It is proved that the formation of universal educational activities is a priority direction (main line) and specificity of the initial level of general education as a prerequisite for the success of all subsequent education. The results of monitoring the work of teachers on the formation of meta-subject educational results of junior schoolchildren are discussed. A new discipline of pedagogical education “Methodology for the formation of meta-subject educational results of students in primary school” is presented.

Associations among early life adversity, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms in adolescent females and males: a longitudinal investigation.

Exposure to adversity early in life (ELA) has been associated with elevated risk for depression during adolescence, particularly for females; the mechanisms underlying this association, however, are poorly understood. One potential mechanism linking ELA and sex differences in depressive symptoms is sleep disturbances, which increase during adolescence and are more common in females. Here, we examined whether sleep disturbances mediate the association between ELA and increases in depressive symptoms during adolescence and whether this mediation differs by sex. 224 (N = 132 females) youth were recruited at age 9-13 years and assessed every 2 years across three timepoints. At the first timepoint, we conducted extensive interviews about stressful events participants experienced; participants provided subjective severity ratings of events and we objectively scored the severity of each event. Self-reported sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms were assessed at all timepoints. We conducted linear mixed models to estimate both initial levels and changes in sleep disturbances and depressive symptoms, and moderated mediation analyses to test whether initial levels and/or changes in sleep disturbances mediated the association of ELA (objective and subjective) with increases in depressive symptoms across adolescence and whether the mediations differed by sex. While higher initial levels and increases in sleep problems were uniquely associated with increases in depressive symptoms for males and females, they were related to ELA differently by sex. For females, greater ELA (both objectively and subjectively rated) was associated with higher initial levels of sleep problems, which in turn were associated with increases in depressive symptoms from early to late adolescence. In contrast, for males, ELA exposure was not associated with either initial levels of, or increases in, sleep problems. These findings highlight the role of sleep disturbances during the transition to adolescence in mediating sex differences in the effects of ELA on depressive symptoms.

Navigating the resource curse: Unraveling the role of governance in regional development in China

This paper examines the counterproductive effects of natural resources on subnational economic development, known as the “Dutch disease”, and explores its implications. Using descriptive and empirical analysis, we investigate this phenomenon using panel data from 24 Chinese provinces from 2004 to 2021. Our research distinguishes between two types of entities: “grabbers” and “producers”. The former refers to resource wastage, while the latter represents modern, technologically advanced entities that utilize resources efficiently. To study the impact of the Dutch disease on China's regional economy, we modify certain variables accordingly. We also test the nonlinearity in the behavior of grabbers and producer regions. The initial output level reveals convergence of the tested model. However, the findings reveal a significant negative relationship between natural resource endowment and per capita gross regional income at the provincial level. However, when considering governance indicators, it is observed that the natural resource curse diminishes in the presence of a higher institutional quality index. The resource curse is such a strong element in resource-abundant regions that it can undermine the impact of other economic factors, such as investment and trade openness. These results suggest that stronger institutional elements can transform the resource curse phenomenon into a blessing, thereby enhancing regional productivity. The results also imply that the possible technology growth can help reduce the resource curse.

Tracking depressive and anxious symptoms during the first year of COVID‐19: The search for moderators

AbstractA growing body of research suggests that the COVID‐19 pandemic did not cause the severe and extensive mental health crisis predicted by some experts. However, this does not mean that everyone was resilient. The purpose of this study was to try to identify subgroups of people that may have experienced more severe and negative trajectories of symptoms during this time. To this end, we examined a host of individual difference factors (e.g., age, gender, race, country, parental status, medical conditions, lost wages, perceived support, initial symptom levels, and cognitive vulnerability) using a 1‐year longitudinal design with 8 time points and participants (n = 233) from over 20 countries. We were unable to identify a single moderator associated with a robust and increasingly negative trajectory of depressive and anxious symptoms throughout the COVID interval. These results underscore the need for better theories of mental illness, stronger research designs that do not rely on simple cross‐sectional between‐group comparisons, and more caution when predicting mental health crises.

Simulation and analysis of hydraulic transition process based on mechanical hydraulics.

With the scarcity of water resources in various regions, the pressure on water supply projects is also increasing, which has led to a sharp increase in the water hammer effect in water supply pump projects. In response to this issue, the study proposes to apply a unidirectional pressure regulating tower based on mechanical hydraulic technology to water hammer protection in water supply pumps. In addition, the study also optimizes the calculation method of water hammer and designs one simulation software, which is used to simulate and analyze the proposed water hammer protection measures. The study first determines through simulation software that the optimal initial water level of the unidirectional pressure regulating tower is 2m and the optimal diameter of the make-up water pipe is 600 mm. Afterwards, simulation analysis is conducted on different water hammer protection measures, and it is found that the maximum pressure of the water hammer under the proposed protection measures is the lowest, at 14.8m, which was lower than the comparison measures. In addition, according to expert ratings, the average protective effect rating of protective measure 1 by relevant technical personnel is 9.4 points, which is better than the comparative measure. The above results indicate that through the simulation analysis of hydraulic transition process based on mechanical hydraulics, it can be found that the water hammer protection measures proposed in the study have good protective functions and can effectively reduce the water hammer effect in water supply engineering.