Soft Formation Research Articles

Development of Specialized PDC Drill Bits for the Interaction of Soft and Hard Strata in Igneous Rocks

In response to the technical challenges of low mechanical drilling speed and severe drill bit wear caused by the development of some igneous rocks in the Dongying and Shahejie formations of the Bozhong 34-9 oilfield, it is urgent to develop a specialized PDC drill bit suitable for the soft hard interaction formation of the BZ-34-9 oilfield. The PDC drill bit is required to have strong aggressiveness, as well as good impact resistance and abrasion resistance, in order to meet the drilling requirements of the soft hard interaction formation of the BZ34-9 oilfield. Through on-site use, the mechanical drilling speed has been significantly improved.

Rock Mass Classification of Chalk, a UK Perspective

AbstractInvestigating the geomechanical engineering behaviour of Chalk is challenging since it is a generally soft rock formation and presents in cases a different behaviour from other competent rocks. Additionally, Chalk is widespread throughout the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. Thus, an in-depth understanding of Chalk is paramount when considered in engineering projects. In this research work, the geomechanical behaviour of Northern Province Chalk is examined. This study mainly involves characterising two significant units of Northern Province Chalk, namely Flamborough and Burnham Chalk, through intensive fieldwork and laboratory testing. Multiple scanline surveys are conducted along the cliffs of Flamborough to characterise the jointed nature of the Chalk. The samples collected are assessed in the lab to determine the physical properties of the intact Chalk. Moreover, the Chalk mass properties are compared to those estimated from empirical classification systems. Finally, the limitations of applying rock mass classification systems to Chalk have also been highlighted.

Soft Ca2+-induced pea protein gels through mild heating: Controlling elasticity and fracturing behavior

With the rising demand for plant-based protein, understanding the formation of pea protein gels induced by calcium is important for manufacturing of food products with appealing textural properties. Moreover, the moderate temperature processing is becoming of greater and greater interest, based on conditions used for food fermentation. The objective of this study is to understand the structural and rheology behaviour of calcium-induced pea protein aggregates at moderate plateau temperatures i.e. in the range 30–45 °C with holding times from 0 to 60,000s. Based on the combination of confocal fluorescence microscopy (CLSM) imaging, rheology and IR spectroscopy, our results show that despite the relatively low temperature range, thermal agitation not only allows for partial protein particle dissolution, but also induces interactions leading to soft gel formation. Within a shorter holding time (0–600s) range, higher Gʹ/Gʹ0 (t) were observed at 40 °C and 45 °C, the end elastic modulus reaching for any parameters tested at least 1000 Pa. As the holding time was extended to 60,000s, the effect of temperature became less pronounced, i.e., all gels reached similar high values of Gʹ even for the low temperature of 30 °C, which is nearly 3–4 times higher than that formed at 600s holding time (at the temperature plateau). IR spectroscopy measurements showed that the protein secondary structure remained stable within the holding time ranging from 0s to 6,000s, while significant but moderate changes were monitored when extending the holding time to 60,000s, which correlated with a more progressive yielding observed in rheology, pointing to the formation of apparently more fragile physical gels. The combination of the techniques shows that the gel formation and strengthening mainly originated from rearrangements at the colloidal level leading to a denser network, while molecular rearrangements only intervened at the longest holding times (i.e, 60,000s).

PPM1D activity promotes cellular transformation by preventing senescence and cell death

Cell cycle checkpoints, oncogene-induced senescence and programmed cell death represent intrinsic barriers to tumorigenesis. Protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1 (PPM1D) is a negative regulator of the tumour suppressor p53 and has been implicated in termination of the DNA damage response. Here, we addressed the consequences of increased PPM1D activity resulting from the gain-of-function truncating mutations in exon 6 of the PPM1D. We show that while control cells permanently exit the cell cycle and reside in senescence in the presence of DNA damage caused by ionising radiation or replication stress induced by the active RAS oncogene, RPE1-hTERT and BJ-hTERT cells carrying the truncated PPM1D continue proliferation in the presence of DNA damage, form micronuclei and accumulate genomic rearrangements revealed by karyotyping. Further, we show that increased PPM1D activity promotes cell growth in the soft agar and formation of tumours in xenograft models. Finally, expression profiling of the transformed clones revealed dysregulation of several oncogenic and tumour suppressor pathways. Our data support the oncogenic potential of PPM1D in the context of exposure to ionising radiation and oncogene-induced replication stress.

Assessment of the Impact of Socio-Cultural Risks of Soft Skills Formation in Different Educational Environments for SDG’S

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to summarise and update the impact of socio-cultural risks on the formation of Soft Skills in students in the educational environment for sustainable development goals. Theoretical Framework. The article provides an overview of the main trends in assessing the impact of socio-cultural risks on the formation of various soft skills of students. The authors analyse the main risks associated with the development of the socio-cultural environment. Results and Discussion. The main factor in counteracting risks is the development of universal soft skills that can significantly increase the effectiveness of future professionals in the modern world. This article aims to identify the impact of socio-cultural risks on the development of soft skills in students in the context of the educational environment. Research Implications. The identification of this influence is the main novelty of the study, as it highlights not only the skills themselves, but also the way in which the educational environment can contribute to their formation. The authors emphasise the need to assess the potential of the educational environment to develop sustainable skills needed to overcome modern challenges. Originality/Value. Thus, this article expands the understanding of the impact of socio-cultural risks on the formation of soft skills in students, and emphasises the importance of developing these skills to overcome the challenges of our time, making it an important contribution to the field of soft skills research in pedagogical practice.

Critical evaluation of borehole ovalization analysis against hydrofracturing profiles in argillaceous formations

This paper introduces and evaluates the effectiveness of borehole ovalization analysis, a methodology designed to predict the natural stress field by examining deformations in vertical boreholes. The reliability of this approach has undergone rigorous testing across multiple boreholes within soft argillaceous formations, revealing several key observations. First, the results obtained demonstrate a notable correlation with hydrofracturing measurements, enhancing the overall credibility of the methodology. Second, the ratio of horizontal to vertical stress (σH/σh) is found to be contingent on the selected value of the breakout angle (θ), introducing a nuanced variable into the predictive framework. This insight emphasizes the importance of considering breakout angle variability in stress field predictions. Finally, the cohesion of the rock mass emerges as a pivotal factor that significantly influences the estimation of the horizontal stress magnitude (σH). This finding underscores the necessity of accounting for rock mass cohesion when applying borehole ovalization analysis for stress field predictions. Additionally, this paper conducts a meticulous comparative analysis by contrasting its results with findings from three hydrofracturing profiles conducted in distinct boreholes. Through this comparative approach, a more comprehensive understanding of the methodology's strengths and limitations is unveiled, contributing to the ongoing discourse on accurate stress field predictions in subsurface geomechanics.

Metformin overcomes chemoresistance by regulating stemness via KLF4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Chemoresistance is a common event after chemotherapy, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Accumulated evidence suggests that the cancer stemness significantly contributes to therapy resistance. An unresolved question remains regarding how to effectively overcome OSCC chemoresistance by targeting stemness. This study aims to investigate the antitumor effect of metformin and clarify the potential molecular mechanisms. Cellular models resistant to chemotherapy were established, and their viability and sphere-forming ability were assessed using CCK-8 and soft agar formation assays, respectively. RNA-seq and Western blotting analyses were employed to delve into the molecular pathways. Furthermore, to corroborate the inhibitory effects of metformin and cisplatin at an animal level, a subcutaneous tumor transplantation model was instituted. Metformin as a monotherapy exhibited inhibition of stemness traits via Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). Metformin and cisplatin can synergically inhibit cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis. Animal experiments confirmed the inhibitory effect of cisplatin and metformin on tumor in mice. Our study proposes a potential therapeutic approach of combining chemotherapy with metformin to overcome chemoresistance in OSCC.

Finite element solution of coupled multiphysics reaction-diffusion equations for fracture healing in hard biological tissues

This study proposes a computational framework to investigate the multi-stage process of fracture healing in hard tissues, e.g., long bone, based on the mathematical Bailon-Plaza and Van der Meulen formulation. The goal is to explore the influence of critical biological factors by employing the finite element method for more realistic configurations. The model integrates a set of variables, including cell densities, growth factors, and extracellular matrix contents, managed by a coupled system of partial differential equations. A weak finite element formulation is introduced to enhance the numerical robustness for coarser mesh grids, complex geometries, and more accurate boundary conditions. This formulation is less sensitive to mesh quality and converges smoothly with mesh refinement, exhibiting superior numerical stability compared to previously available strong-form solutions. The model accurately reproduces various stages of healing, including soft cartilage callus formation, endochondral and intramembranous ossification, and hard bony callus development for various sizes of fracture gap. Model predictions align with the existing research and are logically coherent with the available experimental data. The developed multiphysics simulation clarifies the coordination of cellular dynamics, extracellular matrix alterations, and signaling growth factors during fracture healing.

CO<sub>2</sub> hypogene speleogenesis in an endogenic travertine system, Mesa del Oro, New Mexico, USA

The Mesa del Oro travertine, deposited by upwelling CO2-rich spring waters, is a large and thick mantle of calcite overlying soft Triassic Chinle Formation mudstones in western central New Mexico, USA. The travertine contains a system of small caves known as the Pronoun Cave Complex. Whut Cave is the largest known cave in the complex. While the travertine hydrologic system is no longer active, there is ample evidence that Whut Cave was formed by hypogene speleogenesis. The Whut Cave entrance is a small roughly circular shaft that descends ~four meters and intersects a linear fissure-controlled passage. Mn-oxide was once mined below the entrance, leaving a five-meter-deep pit that represents the path of upwelling waters that were likely charged with CO2 and supersaturated with CaCO3 once reaching the surface. The roomiest part of the cave is immediately adjacent to the entrance, defining where most of the upwelling of groundwater and gases took place. Gypsum and other sulfates were only noted microscopically. A sample of travertine at the surface near the entrance yielded a uranium-series age beyond the limit of the method and a δ234U age of 735 ± 109 ka BP (before present). A piece of breccia vein in the mine dump associated with the Mn-oxide ore, and a rill of a drape-like crust on the cave wall, both interpreted to be products of hypogene speleogenesis and representing the oldest speleogenetic material, yielded δ234U ages of 848 ± 110 and 723 ± 109 ka BP. Altogether, materials interpreted to be speleogenetic yielded ages of ~900 – 300 ka BP. Although the cave is dry and hydrologically inactive today, cave development by CO2 hypogene speleogenesis was coeval with endogenic travertine deposition and nearby volcanism. Our interpretation suggests that all these events are linked.

Flexible, Wearable Wireless-Charging Power System Incorporating Piezo-Ultrasonic Arrays and MXene-Based Solid-State Supercapacitors.

With the continuous development of wearable electronics, higher requirements are put forward for flexible, detachable, stable output, and long service life power modules. Given the limited capacity of energy storage devices, the integration of energy capture and storage is a viable approach. Here, we present a flexible, wearable, wireless-charging power system that integrates a piezoelectric ultrasonic array harvester (PUAH) with MXene-based solid-state supercapacitors (MSSSs) in a soft wristband format for sustainable applications. The MSSS as the energy storage module is developed by using Ti3C2Tx nanosheet-loaded inserted finger-like carbon cloth skeletons as electrodes and poly(vinyl alcohol)/H3PO4 gel as electrolytes, with high energy density (58.74 Wh kg-1) and long cycle life (99.37%, 10,000 cycles). A two-dimensional stretchable piezoelectric array as a wireless-charging module hybridizes high-performance 1-3 composite units with serpentine electrodes, which allows wireless power via ultrasonic waves, with a maximum power density of 1.56 W cm-2 and an output voltage of 20.75 V. The overall PUAH-MSSS wireless energy supply system is 2 mm thick and offers excellent energy conversion/storage performance, cyclic stability, and mechanical flexibility. The results of this project will lay the foundation for the development of next-generation wearable electronics.

Closure of oroantral fistula using platelet rich fibrin with endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy

BackgroundOroantral fistula (OAF) involves pathological, epithelialized, and unnatural communication between the maxillary sinus and oral cavity. Recently, functional endoscopic sinus surgery has provided minimally invasive treatment options with fewer postoperative complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the one-stage endoscopic middle meatal antrostomy (EMMA) technique with the application of a platelet-rich fibrin membrane (PRF) for OAF closure and maxillary sinusitis relief.Patients and methodsPatients who suffered from OAF with odontogenic sinusitis were included in this study. Complete excision of the epithelial tract and any necrotic tissue was performed with proper curettage. Then, EMMA was performed with simultaneous closure of the OAF by the application of PRF membranes that were fixed by sutures and covered with an acrylic splint. Patients were clinically evaluated for OAF closure, pain level, and symptom relief. Additionally, the size of the bone defect was measured with the aid of computed tomography (CT) preoperatively and after 24 weeks postoperatively.ResultsThis study included nine eligible patients with a mean age of 38 years. The data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Soft tissue healing and bone formation occurred in all patients who achieved maxillary sinusitis relief without any complications. Additionally, pain was significantly lower on the 7th postoperative day than on the 1st postoperative day, according to the statistical analysis of the results (p < .001).ConclusionsOne-stage EMMA with the application of PRF membranes and acrylic splint represents a reliable alternative technique for OAF closure and maxillary sinusitis relief that is associated with a lower incidence of complications and minimal postoperative pain.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on 28/02/2024, at clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT06281873).

Soft No More: Gas Shielding Protects Soft Binaries from Disruption in Gas-rich Environments

Binaries in dense environments are traditionally classified as soft or hard based on their binding energy relative to the kinetic energy of surrounding stars. Heggie’s law suggests that stellar encounters tend to soften soft binaries and harden hard binaries, altering their separations. However, interactions with gas in such environments can significantly modify this behavior. This study investigates the impact of gas on binary softening and its consequences. We find that gas interactions can actually harden binaries, extending the soft–hard boundary to larger separations. This introduces a “shielding radius” within which binaries are likely to harden due to gas interactions, surpassing the traditional soft–hard limit. Consequently, a notable portion of binaries initially classified as “soft” may become “hard” when both gas and stars are considered. We propose a two-stage formation process for hard binaries: initial soft binary formation, either dynamically or through gas-assisted capture, followed by gas-induced hardening before eventual disruption. In environments with low gas density but high gas content, the shielding radius could exceed the typical hard–soft limit by 1 order of magnitude, leading to a significant fraction of originally soft binaries effectively becoming hard. Conversely, in high-gas-density environments, gas-induced hardening may dominate, potentially rendering the entire binary population hard. Gas hardening emerges as a crucial factor in shaping binary populations in gas-rich settings, such as clusters, star-forming regions, and possibly active galactic nucleus disks. This highlights the complex interplay between gas dynamics and stellar interactions in binary evolution within dense environments.

Stability Grade Evaluation of Slope with Soft Rock Formation in Open-Pit Mine Based on Modified Cloud Model

In recent years, the frequent occurrence of slope failures has brought the issue of slope problems to the forefront of widespread public concern, which significantly impedes progress toward the secure and sustainable development of open-pit mines. And, high and steep slopes of weak rock strata, being a more complex type of slope, pose a greater potential for danger. In order to ensure the reliability of the safety evaluation results of the high and steep open-pit slope containing soft rocks, an evaluation index system with quantized grade intervals was created based on the thought of an analytic hierarchy process, and the MATLAB R2021a was used to calculate the numerical characteristic values of the cloud model. Then, a standard stability cloud model based on cloud theory was established. With the opening pit mine as an example, its slope stability practice cloud image was generated and the similarity between this image and the grades of the cloud model was calculated through the ECM algorithm to effectively identify the stability and verify the scientificity and validity of the model. The results show that the similarity between the practice cloud image and the standard stability cloud image for the total evaluation of the stability of an open-pit mine is 0.021, 0.279, 0.594, and 0.106, respectively. The slope stability is at grade C, which is basically consistent with the numerical simulation and the analysis results of the traditional limit equilibrium method, verifying that the model is scientific and effective to a certain extent. The method provides substantial guidance to ensure production safety in this specific open-pit mine. It provides ideas and means for other similar complex slope stability analysis and prevention. Meanwhile, it promotes the safe and sustainable development of open-pit mines.

Investigating the Creep Damage and Permeability Evolution Mechanism of Phyllite Considering Non-Darcy’s Flow

This study investigates the intricate interplay of hydraulic coupling, creep damage, and permeability evolution mechanisms in phyllite, focusing on their relevance to tunnel engineering design and long-term stability in soft rock formations. To achieve this, conventional triaxial tests were conducted on saturated phyllite specimens under creep-seepage acoustic emission conditions. The results were systematically analyzed to unveil the inherent characteristics of creep deformation, seepage rate evolution, and damage progression in phyllite when subjected to stress–seepage coupling. Furthermore, a permeability model for representative volume element (RVE) was developed based on meso-mechanics principles, considering the distinctive attributes of low-permeability non-Darcy’s flow in rock. Consequently, a novel relationship between effective damage and permeability was established. We determined that seepage pressure induces three key effects on the creep damage mechanism of phyllite samples: (1) It adds to the existing stress through the superposition of osmotic pressure and axial load, (2) it induces tensile expansion stress because of pore water pressure, and (3) it softens the fracture surfaces to some extent. More importantly, this study validates the relationship between effective damage and permeability through the fitting of creep and damage parameters, which were obtained from the test results, and it reveals a square relationship between subsequent damage and permeability under stress conditions. The findings of this study provide a robust theoretical foundation for comprehending the evolution of damage and permeability characteristics during the creep process of rock under seepage conditions. We obtained essential insights and quantitative analyses for comprehending the damage mechanisms in rock creep under hydraulic coupling, which has significant implications for tunnel engineering and long-term rock stability assessments in soft rock environments.

Alternated activation with relaxation of periosteum stimulates bone modeling and remodeling

Gradual elevation of the periosteum from the original bone surface, based on the principle of distraction osteogenesis, induces endogenous hard and soft tissue formation. This study aimed to assess the impact of alternating protocols of activation with relaxation (periosteal pumping) on bone modeling and remodeling. One hundred and sixty-two adult male Wistar rats were used in this study. Four test groups with different pumping protocols were created based on the relaxation applied. Two control groups underwent an activation period without relaxation or only a single activation. One group was sham-operated. Periosteal pumping without period of activation induced gene expression in bone and bone remodeling, and following activation period enhanced bone modeling. Four test groups and control group with activation period equaled the values of bone modeling at the end-consolidation period, showing significant downregulation of Sost in the bone and periosteum compared to that in the sham group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). When all test groups were pooled together, plate elevation from the bony surface increased bone remodeling on day 45 of the observation period (p = 0.003). Furthermore, bone modeling was significantly affected by plate elevation on days 17 and 45 (p = 0.047 and p = 0.005, respectively) and by pumping protocol on day 31 (p = 0.042). Periosteal pumping was beneficial for increasing bone repair when the periosteum remained in contact with the underlaying bony surface during the manipulation period. Following periosteal elevation, periosteal pumping accelerated bone formation from the bony surface by the modeling process.

Analysis of Soil Differences in Subway Vibration Transmission Paths

Current challenges in collecting and analyzing subway vibration data include the absence of standardized data collection methods, limitations in data analysis techniques, and an unclear understanding of the effects of geological conditions on vibrations. This study investigated vertical vibrations of tunnel walls and the ground above tunnels under different geological conditions of soft soil and rock strata at horizontal distances of 0, 15 m, and 30 m from the tunnel center line during train passages. The collected data underwent Fourier transformation and 1/3 octave processing to extract spectral characteristics and analyze transmission losses across different frequency bands. Our findings revealed two vibration peaks in the transmission process for both soft soil and rock formation geology. Specifically, high-frequency vibrations in soft soil experienced greater attenuation when transmitted from the tunnel wall to the ground at 0 m, while low-frequency vibrations in rock formations showed greater attenuation. We also observed a vibration amplification phenomenon at 15 m under soft soil geology conditions. Although low-frequency vibrations below 12.5 Hz showed slight attenuation within a 30 m test distance under both geological conditions, vibrations above 40 Hz experienced significant attenuation. These results offer valuable insights for reducing vibrations in subway superstructures and planning subway lines under diverse geological conditions. Furthermore, this study serves not only as a basis for mitigating vibrations in metro spans and designing metro lines in various geological contexts but also establishes a scientific foundation for future research.

Elucidating the Benefit of Perforated vs Non-Perforated Membranes in Guided Bone Regeneration: An in Vivo Histologic Evaluation and Histomorphometric Analysis.

Non-perforated Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes are effectively utilized in guided bone regeneration (GBR) but may hinder cell migration due to limited interaction with the periosteum. This study compared bone regeneration using occlusive or perforated membranes combined with acellular collagen sponge (ACS) and recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in a canine mandibular model. Male beagle dogs (n&#61;3) received two mandibular defects each to compare ACS/rhBMP-2 with experimental (perforated group) and control (non-perforated group) membranes (n&#61;3 defects/group). Tissue healing was assessed histomorphologically, histomorphometrically and through volumetric reconstruction using microcomputed tomography. The perforated group showed increased bone formation and reduced soft tissue formation compared to the non-perforated group. For the primary outcome, histomorphometric analysis revealed significantly greater total regenerated bone in the perforated group (67.08 ± 6.86%) relative to the nonperforated group (25.18 ± 22.44%) (p &#61; 0.036). Perforated membranes had less soft tissue infiltration (32.91 ± 6.86%) compared to non-perforated membranes (74.82 ± 22.44%) (p &#61; 0.036). The increased permeability of membranes in the perforated group potentially enabled periosteal precursor cells greater accessibility to rhBMP-2. The availability may have accelerated their differentiation into mature bone-forming cells, contributing to the stimulation of new bone production, relative to the non-perforated group.

Soft skills development in the process of teaching “Tourism” students a foreign language

Importance. Soft skills formation as a part of teaching a foreign language to students of the educational direction “Tourism” contributes to communication skills, empathy, creativity and flexibility of thinking, which are necessary in their future professional activities. The purpose of this study is: 1) analysis of the goals of teaching a foreign language and their correlation with the process of developing hard and soft skills; 2) conducting an empirical study to test the possibility of developing soft skills when teaching a foreign language; 3) identification of significant issues related to the interpretation and use of various cultural codes in communication activities. Attention is focused on the fact that behavioral stereotypes can be variably interpreted depending on which linguistic and cultural communities the communicants belong to. It is emphasized that familiarity with the cultural codes of the studied language and trainings on the development of soft skills can significantly improve the decoding and communicative abilities of students in the process of working with the material for creating advertising texts of tourist destinations and excursion programmes.Materials and Methods. The experiment is carried out at Derzhavin Tambov State University with the aim of compiling on its basis fragments of research based on the relevance of the topic, a review of scientific literature (definitions and experimental data published in this field of knowledge), selection of bibliography and results’ analysis of its experimental verification. The experiment is based on the use of foreign languages teaching methods. The criteria for selecting educational material are texts related to the popularization and advertising of tourist destinations and step-by-step training is aimed at developing soft skills within the framework of game-based educational activities.Results and Discussion. Step-by-step training has shown its success in solving a number of assigned tasks. Students become more flexible in the communication process, showing the correct reactions in accordance with the situation and the target audience, the skills of formulating and implementing communication goals are developed (in such aspects as informational, informative, normative), choosing and using established constructs within the framework of the relevant situation, analysis and synthesis of the results of the dialogue.Conclusion. Based on the results of the experiment, the conclusion is made about the significant didactic potential for soft skills formation within teaching a foreign language. The cognitive and affective aspects of student training have been identified, contributing to the soft skills development. Specific stages of work are proposed, combining various forms of presenting information, professional competence and maintaining successful dialogue with different linguistic and cultural groups in a foreign language.

CREATIVE THINKING AS AN ELEMENT OF SOFT􀍳SKILLS OF SPECIALISTS IN THE SOCIO􀍳CULTURAL AND ART FIELDS

In the article, the author considers the problem of the formation of soft skills of specialists in the socio-cultural and artistic fields. Modern requirements for higher education, changes in information technologies and the increase in the availability of information, together with changes in social life, which require the presence of a wide range of knowledge and competences in modern specialists, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions, require modern institutions of higher education of education, ensuring a high-quality educational process, with its focus on the combination of traditions and innovations in education and the formation of a high-quality specialist for the modern labor market. For professional implementation, development and success in personal and social life, a modern specialist in the socio-cultural and artistic fields must be able to quickly adapt to changing conditions, make balanced and informed decisions in conditions of uncertainty and lack of information, establish effective interpersonal communications with colleagues, management,, representatives of authorities, the scientific community, the public, resolve conflict situations, show empathy, organize one’s own life, professional activity and development in the existing conditions, leadership qualities and the ability to take responsibility, etc. The author proves that today precisely such qualities and skills, which are united by the concept of soft skills, along with other equal conditions (in particular, the same level of professionalism, professional qualification) determine the success of a specialist in the labor market, and an individual in life. The question of the formation of soft skills during the acquisition of higher education by students has become relevant in the last few decades. However, considering the experience and trends in the development of higher education in our country in the last few years, the importance of these issues is constantly increasing. High-quality training of students of art and pedagogical education in modern conditions must necessarily involve the formation of soft skills in them through the use in the educational process of a wide range of innovative pedagogical technologies, modern interactive teaching methods and the involvement of students in various social, public, communication activities based on understanding of the essence, meaning and methods of soft skills formation by all representatives of the educational process. Keywords: socio-cultural activity, artistic and pedagogical education, competence, soft-skills, education seekers

A Rare Presentation - Case Report on Tubercular Cold Abscess

Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous infection that is quite common and a threat to many developing countries. However, extrapulmonary cases involving tubercular skin and soft tissue abscess formation are rare, accounting for 1 or 2% of cases of Mycobacterium TB infections with skin and soft tissue involvement. The typical extrapulmonary tuberculosis symptoms and indications are nonspecific, making diagnosis difficult and time-consuming. We present a case of right arm tubercular cold abscess in a child related to mycobacterium tuberculosis, which was diagnosed by Ziehl- Neelson stain FNAC (Fine needle Aspiration cytology) and Mantoux test (18mm) induration. Due to its rare manifestation, it often gets misdiagnosed or overlooked. A proper diagnosis will ensure a proper treatment plan. Our case further depicts the collaborative effort of healthcare professionals. The patient came back complaining about the increased swelling in his right arm.&#x0D; Keywords: Tubercular Cold Abscess, Ziehl- Neelson, Fine needle Aspiration cytology, Mantoux test, Mycobacterium Tuberculosis