Natural Ability Research Articles

Quantum chemical calculations of the penconazole molecule and a study showing that natural materials can be used to reduce the damage it may cause to the environment

In order to eliminate the possible damage that pesticides can cause to the natural environment and partially protect the ecological balance, scientists and environmentalists continue to work to reduce the environmental burden of pesticides. While natural materials that can be used in the removal of pesticides do not bring an additional burden in terms of environmental pollution, they can contribute to nature's ability to heal itself thanks to their suitable physical structures. In this study, the penconazole molecule, which is widely used as a fungicide in agriculture, was examined theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical part of the study, the molecular structure of the penconazole molecule was determined by DFT calculations. The calculations were carried out by using B3LYP/ 6-311G(d,p) basis set in the gas phase. Structural parameters, electronic properties, detailed %PED calculation, and vibration wave numbers of the optimized geometry were calculated. MEP map was used to show possible electrophilic and nucleophilic regions. For the experimental part of the study, FTIR, SEM and EDS analyzes of pure hazelnut, walnut, peanut, and cherry seed shells were recorded. Then, fungicide containing penconazole was applied to pure shells, and FTIR, SEM and EDS analyzes were repeated. As a result of this comparison, it was seen that the porous shells adsorbed the pesticide-containing penconazole. The study was supported by comparing theoretical calculations with experimental calculations. FTIR analysis of the fungicide liquid containing the penconazole molecule is in agreement with the theoretically calculated data. After the pure samples were treated with penconazole fungicide, the change in their physical appearance was determined by SEM analysis. EDS analysis revealed this physical change as elemental analysis. Thanks to this study, it has been shown that hazelnut, walnut, peanut, and cherry seed shells are a potentially cheap and environmentally friendly method of removing penconazole from nature.

The ‘it’ factor: expectations of ‘good’ early childhood teachers in Australia

ABSTRACT Preparing early childhood teachers for the workforce is a national priority for Australia due to shortages of qualified early childhood professionals and increases in children attending early childhood centres. A workforce strategy (2022–2031) has been developed to ensure a sustainable, high-quality workforce, but there is little information about what is recognised by the profession as ‘good’ teachers and teaching. Drawing on interpretivist theory, and data from focus groups and interviews, we identify what constitutes a ‘good’ early childhood teacher from the perspectives of experienced early childhood mentor teachers. Bourdieu’s concepts of habitus, field, and doxa are used to understand the dynamics of what is interpreted by mentor teachers as ‘good’ teachers in the profession and to consider implications for early childhood and teacher education in general. Findings show that specific skills and dispositions were repeatedly identified as essential to achieve ‘good’ teacher status, highlighting prior experience and natural ability.

Itaconate Production from Crude Substrates with U. maydis: Scale-up of an Industrially Relevant Bioprocess

BackgroundIndustrial by-products accrue in most agricultural or food-related production processes, but additional value chains have already been established for many of them. Crude glycerol has a 60% lower market value than commercial glucose, as large quantities are produced in the biodiesel industry, but its valorisation is still underutilized. Due to its high carbon content and the natural ability of many microorganisms to metabolise it, microbial upcycling is a suitable option for this waste product.ResultsIn this work, the use of crude glycerol for the production of the value-added compound itaconate is demonstrated using the smut fungus Ustilago maydis. Starting with a highly engineered strain, itaconate production from an industrial glycerol waste stream was quickly established on a small scale, and the resulting yields were already competitive with processes using commercial sugars. Adaptive laboratory evolution resulted in an evolved strain with a 72% increased growth rate on glycerol. In the subsequent development and optimisation of a fed-batch process on a 1.5-2 L scale, the use of molasses, a side stream of sugar beet processing, eliminated the need for other expensive media components such as nitrogen or vitamins for biomass growth. The optimised process was scaled up to 150 L, achieving an overall titre of 72 g L− 1, a yield of 0.34 g g− 1, and a productivity of 0.54 g L− 1 h− 1.ConclusionsPilot-scale itaconate production from the complementary waste streams molasses and glycerol has been successfully established. In addition to achieving competitive performance indicators, the proposed dual feedstock strategy offers lower process costs and carbon footprint for the production of bio-based itaconate.

Production, Optimization, and Characterization of Bio-cellulose Produced from Komagataeibacter (Acetobacter aceti MTCC 3347) Usage of Food Sources as Media.

Bio-cellulose is a type of cellulose that is produced by some particular group of bacteria, for example, Komagataeibacter (previously known as Acetobacter), due to their natural ability to synthesize exopolysaccharide as a byproduct. Gluconacetobacter xylinus is mostly employed for the production of bio-cellulose throughout the world. Therefore, exploring other commonly available strains, such as Komagataeibacter aceti (Acetobacter aceti), is needed for cellulose production. Bio-cellulose is one of the most reliable biomaterials in the limelight because it is highly pure, crystalline, and biocompatible. Hence, it is necessary to enhance the industrial manufacture of bio-cellulose with low costs. Different media such as fruit waste, milk whey, coconut water, sugarcane juice, mannitol broth, and H&S (Hestrin and Schramm's) broth were utilized as a medium for culture growth. Other factors like temperature, pH, and time were also optimized to achieve the highest yield of bio-cellulose. Moreover, after the synthesis of bio-cellulose, its physicochemical and structural properties were evaluated. The results depicted that the highest yield of bio-cellulose (45.735 mg/mL) was found at 30 °C, pH 5, and on the 7th day of incubation. Though every culture media experimented with synthesized bio-cellulose, the maximum production (90.25 mg/mL) was reported in fruit waste media. The results also indicated that bio-cellulose has high water-holding capacity and moisture content. XRD results showed that bio-cellulose is highly crystalline in nature (54.825% crystallinity). SEM micrograph demonstrated that bio-cellulose exhibited rod-shaped, highly porous fibers. The FTIR results demonstrated characteristic and broad peaks for O-H at 3336.25 cm-1, which indicated stronger O-H bonding. The thermal tests, such as DSC and TGA, indicated that bio-cellulose is a thermally stable material that can withstand temperatures even beyond 500 °C.</p>.

Biotransformation of diclofenac by isolated super-degrader Pseudomonas sp. DCα4: Postulated pathways, and attenuated ecotoxicological effects

Significant concentrations of emerging xenobiotics, like diclofenac (DCF), possessing severe irreversible eco-toxicological threats, has been detected in aquatic systems worldwide, raising the concerns. This present investigation is intended to explore an efficient solution to support the existing wastewater treatment policies to handle DCF contamination by bacteria-mediated biotransformation. DCF-tolerant bacterial strains were isolated from pharmaceutical wastewater and selected based on their non-virulence nature and degradation ability. Among those, Pseudomonas sp. DCα4 was found to be the most dominant DCF degrader exhibiting 99.82% removal of DCF confirmed by HPLC after optimization of temperature at 30.02 °C, pH at 6.9, inoculum of 4.94%, and time 68.02 h. The degradation kinetics exhibited the process of DCF degradation followed a first-order kinetics with k of 0.108/h and specific degradation rate of 0.013/h. Moreover, the enzyme activity study indicated predominant hydrolase activity in the DCF treatment broth of DCα4, implying hydrolysis as the main force behind DCF biotransformation. HRMS analysis confirmed the presence of 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 1,3-dichloro,2-amino, 5-hydroxybenzene, and benzylacetic acid as major intermediates of DCF biodegradation indicating non-specific hydrolysis of DCF. Whole genome analysis of most related strains which were confirmed by near full 16S rRNA gene sequence homology study, predicted involvement of different N–C bond hydrolase producing genes like puud, atzF, astB, nit1, and nylB. The ecotoxicological study using Aliivibrio fischeri exhibited 47.51% bioluminescence inhibition by DCF-containing broth which was comparable to the same caused by 1 mg/mL of K2Cr2O7 whereas remediated broth exhibited only 0.51% inhibition implying reduction of the ecotoxic load caused by DCF contamination. Cost analysis revealed that possible integration of the process with existing ones would increase per litre expense by $0.45. These results indicated that the described process of DCF biodegradation using the super-degrader DCα4 would be an advancement of existing pharmaceutical wastewater treatment processes for DCF bioremediation.

Effects of Different Altitudes on Castanopsis hystrix, the Top Community-Building Species in Southern Subtropical China: Rhizospheric Soil Chemical Properties and Soil Microbiota

Castanopsis hystrix, a dominant canopy species in the subtropical forests of south China, is renowned for its high natural regeneration ability. Therefore, this paper took C. hystrix as the subject of study. Examining the variations in microbial diversity and community composition within the soil rhizosphere of C. hystrix across different elevation gradients, we explored how this community-forming species impacts soil microbial diversity and community structure and how soil microorganisms respond to changes in soil physicochemical properties due to altitude gradients. The results show: (1) soil samples from five altitudes established 1078 fungal OTU and 5595 bacterial OTUs. (2) Basidiomycota and ascomycota are dominant fungal groups in the soil, with Acidobacteria being the predominant bacteria for C. hystrix. (3) As altitude increases, fungal communities’ richness and diversity index peaks at 849 m; for bacterial communities, the richness index peaks at 387 m and the diversity index at 670 m. (4) Total phosphorus (TP), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), hydrolyzed nitrogen (HN), total nitrogen (TN), and organic matter (SOM) are significant environmental factors affecting fungal community structure. At the same time, available potassium (AK) significantly influences the composition of bacterial communities. The study underscores the intricate relationship between altitude, soil properties, and microbial diversity, offering insights into how C. hystrix contributes to ecosystem resilience. Recommendations include enhancing phosphorus supplementation and controlling nitrogen deposition to maintain forest ecological integrity, additionally, the supply of potassium in the soil should also be a key consideration. Further research is necessary to understand the broader implications for biodiversity conservation and adaptive management strategies in the face of climate change.

A sunflower-pith-based robust and efficient evaporator with enclosed cellular structure and ultralow vaporization enthalpy for round-the-clock steam generation

Solar interfacial evaporation (SIE) is a promising method to generate freshwater from unconventional water resources. Using hydrogel materials to activate water molecules has been demonstrated as a facile way to achieve high SIE performance. However, as for hydrogel and hydrogel-analogous evaporators, there is a trade-off between SIE performance and mechanical property due to their high water content and porous structure. Herein, we demonstrate a low-cost and robust sunflower-pith-based hydrogel-like evaporator by simple dip-coating and soaking process. The rigid cellular framework and water encapsulated inside endow this evaporator with excellent compressive strength, which achieves 400.3 ± 64.1 KPa at compressive strain of 80 %. In the meantime, natural ultralow water vaporization enthalpy and ability to capture thermal energy from surroundings enable this evaporator to achieve an outstanding water evaporation rate of 3.39 kg·m−2·h−1 with an energy efficiency of 100.2 % under 1 sun. Moreover, this evaporator exhibits a potential for round-the-clock operation since its evaporation rate can reach 1.14 kg·m−2·h−1 in dark. After introducing artificial open channels, this evaporator shows remarkable stability and durability even for 20 wt% brine. This work provides a sustainable choice for efficient desalination and freshwater production, and offers a guideline for the bionic design of SIE materials.

The influence of thermal treatment on the structural properties and gamma rays shielding of bentonite clay ceramic

Bentonite clay has renowned in the gamma rays shielding field, as it is a natural, low-cost, obtainable, plentiful material and outstanding shielding ability. Bentonite clay was thermally activated at 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C to acquire ceramic features with the desired porosity. Heat treatment of bentonite clay leads to mass loss due to dehydration and dihydroxylation process. The elemental composition of the different sintered bentonite ceramic samples was identified by X-ray fluorescence. The structure of bentonite ceramic samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction, particle size determination, and density measurements, moreover, a scanning electron microscope clarifies the surface morphology of the samples. Shielding measurements were investigated for different sintered bentonite ceramic samples against gamma rays using a sodium iodide detector and narrow beam transmission technique, in addition to two point sources Cs-137 and Co-60 which emits 662 keV, 1173 keV, and 1332 keV. It has been found that the ceramic samples sintered at 1100 °C have the best shielding parameters (linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer, tenth value layer, and mean free path). Experimental values of the mass attenuation coefficient of the sintered sample at 1100 °C were compared with theoretical values estimated from both XCOM and Physics-X programs and found that there is a little difference between them that doesn't exceed 10%. At last, the radiation protection efficiency of all samples was calculated and concluded that the same sintered sample at 1100 °C is the optimum sample in all investigated properties.

GO/CaCO3/SiO2 nanocomposite incorporated Carrageenan/Chitosan injectable hydrogel for enhanced hemostasis

Every year, millions of civilian casualties are caused by excessive bleeding, often known as hemorrhage. Even if the initial bleeding is effectively controlled, wound sequelae such as infection remains a substantial cause for persistent morbidity. Numerous blood clotting materials have been found, tried, and used to stop the bleeding. Topical dressings such gauzes, as well as organic and bioinspired materials are used to stop bleeding. None of these substances, however, can accurately duplicate the intricate and dynamic characteristics of blood clotting and the body's natural ability for wound healing. In this research work we have synthesized GO/CaCO3/SiO2 nanocomposite and incorporated them in a polymeric hydrogel for blood clotting application. The nanocomposite is characterized with XRD, FTIR and TEM. The injectable hydrogel is characterized with FTIR and SEM. Colony count and growth curve analysis are done for the nanocomposite. The injectable hydrogel consisting of the GO/CaCO3/SiO2 nanocomposite enhances the blood clotting property. This hydrogels with graphene oxide nanocomposite will be an ideal choice for addressing the clear need for better blood clotting material.

Redefining Cognitive Domains in the Era of ChatGPT: A Comprehensive Analysis of Artificial Intelligence's Influence and Future Implications.

Despite its extensive utilization, research on Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT)'s potential negative impact on specific cognitive processes is scarce. This article explores the widespread use of ChatGPT in educational, corporate, and various other sectors, focusing on its interaction with distinct cognitive domains such as attention, executive function, language, memory, visuospatial abilities, and social cognition. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, identifying 256 articles, with 29 peer-reviewed articles analyzed after screening for relevance. The review emphasizes the extraordinary capabilities of the human brain, which often go unrecognized, and argues for the importance of maintaining and enhancing natural cognitive abilities using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT as an aid rather than a replacement. The findings highlight the advanced reasoning capabilities of ChatGPT, blending intuitive and deliberate cognitive processes. Building a socio-cognitive architecture for collective human-machine intelligence has significant potential. While ChatGPT offers impressive capabilities, over-reliance on it for cognitive tasks can lead to the erosion of essential skills. It is crucial to find a balance between leveraging artificial intelligence's advantages and preserving our natural cognitive abilities, ensuring continuous practice and engagement in traditional cognitive exercises.

Bioinspired self-healing nickel coating.

We present a study of self-healing mechanisms including their kinetics and thermodynamics in nickel coatings. The bioinspired self-healing coating is designed to enhance the durability of structural metal components exposed to harsh conditions. Microcapsules, reminiscent of natural healing reservoirs, were synthesized via in situ polymerization in an oil-in-water emulsion to encapsulate linseed oil, a healing agent, within poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) shells. Nickel coatings incorporating PUF shell microcapsules were electrodeposited on mild steel substrates to assess their effectiveness in self-healing, mimicking nature's ability to provide on-demand healing. Comprehensive characterization of the microcapsules and coating was performed using techniques including Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The self-healing performance of the coating was evaluated using SEM and EDS after scratches simulating damage were made on the surfaces of the samples. Corrosion resistance and self-healing ability were evaluated through an immersion test, and additional corrosion resistance tests such as Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and Linear Polarization (LP) were conducted. The results indicate that the nickel coating containing PUF shell microcapsules confers corrosion resistance to the substrate and, upon damage to that coating, induces a self-healing response analogous to natural systems, highlighting the potential of bioinspired designs in advanced material solutions.

Introducing the Task as a Challenge Does Not Mitigate the Negative Effect of Gender Stereotype Threat on Motor Skill Learning in Adolescents

Gender stereotype threat is a sociocultural variable that has received significant attention over the past two decades. We explored whether presenting a task as a practical and challenging activity would reduce the negative impact of implicit activation of gender stereotype threat on motor learning in adolescent girls. Forty-five adolescent girls (Mage ± SD: 13.24 ± 1.06) participated in the study and were asked to throw a tennis ball toward a circular target using their nondominant hand. They were asked to perform five throws as an initial assessment and then were randomly assigned to three groups: IS/CH (i.e., implicit stereotype threat activation and framing the task as a challenge), IS/TH (i.e., implicit stereotype threat activation and framing the task as a threat), and the control (with no instructions). In the IS/CH and IS/TH groups, the participants performed the acquisition phase (five blocks of 10 trials) in the presence of a male evaluator. We used verbal instructions to frame the task as a practical and challenging activity (i.e., learning this task might be a big help in physical education classes in school because it improves throwing skills, and it will help improve control over the nondominant arm which is important in daily activities) and/or threat (i.e., show how good you are on this type of task, and based on your scores, we will be able to measure your natural ability at throwing tasks) before the acquisition phase. One day after the acquisition phase, participants were asked to participate in the retention (10 throws) and transfer tests (10 throws from a distance of 6.5 m). Our findings demonstrated that participants in the control group were able to achieve more effective learning compared with participants in the IS/TH and IS/CH groups. Possible reasons for these results were discussed.

ПРОБЛЕМИ ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ ТА РОЗВИТКУ КАДРОВОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ В СИСТЕМІ HR-МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА У ВОЄННИЙ ЧАС

A vision of staff potential as an important resource of the enterprise, which provides it with competitive advantages, was formed; as an element of the management system, the basis of organizational development and modernization of the organizational structure of the business entity; as links that integrate and mediate the course of all business processes of a business entity; as a means of obtaining the desired result of financial and economic activity by the company. The staff potential of the enterprise is identified as a characteristic of its personnel, as a promising resource, as a strategic competitive advantage, as an intangible asset. A list of the components of the enterprise's staff potential, which determine its qualitative characteristics and ability to satisfy its goals and share values at the current time and in the future, is proposed, which includes: level of knowledge, education; personal and professional skills; talents, natural abilities; personal and professional experience; leadership and initiative; motivation and self-management; adaptability and stress resistance; loyalty and understanding of company values; communication. Four main problems of preserving and developing staff potential in the HR-management system of the enterprise during wartime were identified: the problem of forming staff potential of the appropriate quality and quantity, the problem of motivating and stimulating personnel to professional and personal development, the problem of preserving intellectual capital in the absence of material resources and increase in the risks of war and the problem of ensuring the safety of personnel during the performance of official duties in the conditions currently prevailing in Ukraine. It is proposed to partially solve the outlined problems through personnel management and the use of HR-management tools, in particular by managing the parameters of the employee's psychophysiological properties, taking into account socio-demographic indicators in the process of developing staff potential, and starting by enterprises their own programs of professional development and individual career planning.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ПРИНЦИПА СВОБОДЫ В ОБРАЗОВАНИИ

Freedom is an important social and individual value extrapolated to various spheres of human activity. The article considers peculiarities of the implementation of the principle of freedom in education in the historical aspect and in the context of possibilities of the modern school with the help of methods of theoretical and historical analysis and subject pedagogical interpretation. In terms of the principle of freedom realization, there are two main approaches. In the first case, by maximizing the boundaries in the space of choices and actions of a growing individual, it creates conditions for the development of his or her natural abilities. In the second case, freedom is understood not as a given, but as a goal to which a person should be led from childhood, demarcating the outer freedom limits on the way, and reckoning with individual and age specifics and pedagogical expediency. The freedom of the teacher and the freedom of the school as a social institution are considered in the context of the child’s freedom. In addition, the article emphasizes questions concerning internal school management, teacher’s position, content of education, educational and upbringing activities.

Harnessing microbes for self-healing concrete – A review

This review explores the burgeoning field of microbially enhanced construction materials, with a special focus on self-healing concrete, through the lens of microbial biotechnology. Central to this discourse is the innovative use of bacteria, particularly Bacillus species, to address the pervasive issue of microcracks in concrete, a fundamental material in the construction industry. Traditional remedies, such as chemical admixtures and fiber reinforcements, offer partial solutions; however, self-healing concrete represents a paradigm shift, harnessing the natural calcite-precipitating ability of bacteria to autonomously repair cracks, thereby augmenting structural durability and longevity. Delving into the mechanics, the bacteria, embedded within the concrete matrix, remain dormant until crack formation triggers their metabolic pathways, leading to calcite production that effectively seals the fissures. This bio-mediated repair mechanism not only enhances the structural integrity of concrete but also aligns with sustainable construction practices by minimizing maintenance requirements and material wastage. The review extends beyond self-healing phenomena, encompassing broader applications of microbial technology in construction, including bio-concrete, bio-cement, and soil stabilization methods. These applications underscore the versatility of microbes in enhancing material properties such as compressive strength, tensile resilience, and water impermeability. Empirical evidence underscores the necessity of optimizing bacterial dosages and curing conditions to maximize the self-healing efficiency. Future research trajectories should aim to elucidate the complex interactions between microbial agents and concrete matrices, assess long-term performance, and evaluate the environmental and economic sustainability of microbial interventions in construction. The integration of microbial technology in construction materials heralds a new epoch of innovation, offering robust, sustainable, and resilient solutions to enduring challenges in the industry.

Work on an orchestral work as a means of conducting training of an instrumental student

The article is devoted to the actual problem of orchestral-conducting training of instrumental students at the university. The author summarizes the scientific-methodical and own practical experience of the conductor's work on orchestral works of various genres and artistic epochs. The specifics of professional training of students-instrumentalists at the university and the importance of the disciplines of the orchestral-conducting cycle are characterized. The principles of their teaching (gradual and sequence, systematic and accessible, pedagogical expediency and artistic value, collegiality and interest in the results of joint musical-creative activity) are defined. The peculiarities of working with educational orchestras consisting of students with different levels of pre-university instrumental-performing training are revealed. The basic types of a student's work on an orchestral work in the class in orchestral-conducting disciplines: work with a score, analysis of the work by ear, manual technique, creative communication with an orchestral group using special terminology, etc. The work on an orchestral work is defined as a complex process that integrates the student's creative potential and natural musical abilities, his instrumental and musical-theoretical knowledge, musical-performance and emotional spheres, individual and collective. Attention is focused on the role of the teacher of orchestral conducting in the formation of professional skills of the student in the process of working on an orchestral work. Conductor's analysis of symphonic and operatic works studied by instrumental students. The peculiarities of students' educational activity in the class of orchestral conducting in the conditions of distance learning are revealed. The results of the study are summarized and conclusions are formulated: practical study of an orchestral work in a conducting class contributes to the formation of analytical-ear skills, conducting-performing skills, creative imagination, stage culture and professional experience in an instrumental student.

Bio-leather: Sustainable clothing fabrics made from simple media ingredients and slime mold Physarum polycephalum

The textile industry contributes significantly to global warming and pollution, especially the leather industry, which uses livestock and toxic tanning processes that have a great environmental impact. Currently, efforts are being made to mitigate the negative impacts of the textile industry by using alternative non-toxic chemicals or by recycling fabric. More recent efforts explore utilization of non-conventional biomaterials and organisms, such as mushroom mycelia, algae or genetically-engineered microorganisms. In this study, we implemented slime mold Physarum polycephalum perfused through leather-like fabrics made from air-dried simple nutritious media in order to develop environmentally friendly, easy-to-manufacture and sustainable fabrics. Plasmodium was validated for its viability and propagation under non-sterile conditions and in contaminated environments on different media compositions made from agar, peach gum, gelatin, carrageenan or glycerol. We determined optimal media components to be agar, gelatin and glycerol which supported plasmodium growth and yielded sturdy and flexible fabric sheets after air-drying. Ultimately, plasmodium-perfused fabric sheets were sewed into apparel and footwear. This study demonstrates the use of simple media as a clothing fabric perfused with plasmodium, which produces intricate colors and patterns on the fabric. Plasmodium has the ability to enhance fabric properties due to its natural problem-solving abilities, such as biosensing, fabric self-repair, and distant fabric communication.

Проблеми реформування освіти в Україні під час війни

The scientific article critically analyzes the course and intermediate results of the reform of secondary education according to the concept of “New Ukrainian School”. There is an active search for the reasons why the reform of secondary education does not fulfill the goals and objectives of ensuring high-quality educational achievements in subjects of learning at all educational levels. It is substantiated that one of the important reasons for the low educational results of current education is the attempt to reform secondary education separately from professional and higher education. In addition, the founders of the “New Ukrainian School” concept tried to mechanically transfer the experience of the functioning of the educational systems of developed countries (Finland, Poland, Germany) to the unprepared Ukrainian soil. Another reason for the low educational results demonstrated by secondary school students is the effort of the compilers of educational programs and textbooks to come up with a universal textbook that would satisfy all students. However, children have different natural aptitudes and abilities for learning certain subjects, so it is necessary to find ways to implement a differentiated approach not only in the cognitive component but also in techniques, methods, and forms of learning, as well as in educational technologies. It is necessary to improve external independent assessment, as it does not provide for objective educational results, and therefore does not motivate school students to systemic and systematic learning. A negative role is played by the Internet, which provides solutions to problems, as well as tutoring. With its help, students and their parents get the idea that it is not necessary to make great efforts in daily studies at school, it is enough to work with a tutor during the last year of study, and all problems with external examinations will be solved. In connection with the war, many problems also arose in higher education institutions: how to encourage students to attend classes during distance learning and to engage in active mental activity during lectures or seminars (practical) classes; how to motivate students to systematically study and do homework after classes (4–5 hours) every day; what control units can be used to achieve an objective assessment of the students’ mastering of educational material, etc. Keywords: education, New Ukrainian school, higher school, reformation, teacher.

Malting barley in the Northern Urals

The article presents the results of studying the yield and grain quality of malting barley varieties grown on different backgrounds of fertilizers. Barley grain is a valuable raw material for the cereal, brewing, and feed processing industries. In the Northern Trans-Urals, barley is the most important forage and food crop. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of increasing norms of mineral fertilizers on the yield and grain quality of malting barley varieties in the conditions of the northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region. Studies were conducted in 2022 and 2023 with the varieties Acha, Despina, KVS Hobbs, Beatrice. The experiment options included: 1) control without fertilizers; 2) N30P30K30; 3) N60P60K60. The soil cover of the experimental field is leached chernozem, heavy loamy in granulometric composition. The chemical composition of the soil is characterized by an average humus content in the arable layer, an average supply of phosphorus, potassium, low nitrogen and a slightly acidic reaction of the soil solution. The conditions of the 2022 growing season were characterized by high air temperature and sufficient precipitation. Meteorological indicators in 2023 were characterized by excessively high air temperatures and uneven precipitation, which negatively affected the yield of barley varieties. In the conditions of 2022, the varieties showed responsiveness to fertilizers. The greatest increase in yield was obtained against an increased background (N60P60K60): in the Acha variety – 1.48 t/ha; in the Despina variety – 2.71 t /ha, in the KVS Hobbs variety – 2.12 t/ha, in the Beatrice variety - 1.60 t/ha. In 2023, reliable increases from the action of fertilizers were obtained in two varieties – Acha (+0.57 t/ha) and Beatrice (+0.67 t/ha) against an increased background of fertilizers. Barley varieties were characterized by high indicators of grain nature and germination ability. The protein content corresponded to the standards for brewing in the Despina and KVS Hobbs varieties in the version without fertilizers and in the N30P30K30 variant, in the Beatrice variety – in all variants, in the Acha variety – only in the version without fertilizers.

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells: a review on current status and future directions for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Although multiple myeloma is an incurable disease, the past decade has witnessed significant improvement in patient outcomes. This was brought about by the development of T-cell redirection therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, which can leverage the natural ability of the immune system to fight myeloma cells. The approval of the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR T, idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel), and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) has resulted in a paradigm shift in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Overall response rates ranging from 73 to 97% are currently achievable. However, the limitations of KarMMa-1 and CARTITUDE-1 studies spurred the generation of real-world data to provide some insights into the effectiveness of ide-cel and cilta-cel among patients who were excluded from clinical trials, particularly those who received prior BCMA-targeted or other T-cell redirection therapies. Despite their unprecedented clinical efficacy in heavily pretreated patients, responses to CAR T remain non-durable. Although the underlying mechanisms of resistance to these agents haven't been fully elucidated, studies have suggested that resistance patterns could be multifaceted, implicating T-cell exhaustion and tumor intrinsic mechanisms such as BCMA target loss, upregulation of gamma-secretase, and others. Herein, we provide a succinct overview of the development of CAR T-cells, manufacturing process, and associated toxicities/complications. In this review, we also recapitulate the existing literature pertaining MM CAR-T as well as emerging data from some of the ongoing clinical trials designed to mitigate the shortcomings of these agents, and improve the clinical efficacy of CAR T, especially in the relapsed/refractory setting.