Soft Formation Research Articles

Peptide Self-Assembly into Amyloid Fibrils at Hard and Soft Interfaces-From Corona Formation to Membrane Activity.

Peptides and proteins are exposed to a variety of interfaces in a physiological environment, such as cell membranes, protein nanoparticles (NPs), or viruses. These interfaces have a significant impact on the interaction, self-assembly, and aggregation mechanisms of biomolecular systems. Peptide self-assembly, particularly amyloid fibril formation, is associated with a wide range of functions; however, there is a link with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. This review highlights how interfaces affect peptide structure and the kinetics of aggregation leading to fibril formation. In nature, many surfaces are nanostructures, such as liposomes, viruses, or synthetic NPs. Once exposed to a biological medium, nanostructures are coated with a corona, which then determines their activity. Both accelerating and inhibiting effects on peptide self-assembly have been observed. When amyloid peptides adsorb to a surface, they typically concentrate locally, which promotes aggregation into insoluble fibrils. Starting from a combined experimental and theoretical approach, models that allow for a better understanding of peptide self-assembly near hard and soft matter interfaces are introduced and reviewed. Research results from recent years are presented and relationships between biological interfaces, such as membranes and viruses, and amyloid fibril formation are proposed.

Prediction of the settlement associated with construction on soft clay improved using rigid inclusions considering the installation effect

One of the most common methods in soil improvement of soft soils is using rigid inclusions (RI) that enhance the stiffness of the soil surrounding and beneath the inclusions. This paper aims to develop simple and user-friendly charts to estimate the settlement improvement factor (N) that correlates the settlement values without soil improvement to the settlement values after improvement, considering the installation effect of the rigid inclusions in soft clay formations. The cavity expansion method is used to model the installation process of the rigid inclusions. A parametric study is carried out using numerical modelling to predict the variation in the improvement factor with the variation of the treated soil stiffness and geometry of the RI system. The analyses are performed using a verified numerical model for a case study of a zone loading test performed at New Mansoura city in Egypt, employing the finite element software (PLAXIS 3D). The cavity expansion approach is first utilized for an axisymmetric model by imposing a prescribed displacement equivalent to the inclusion radius to simulate the construction effect of the rigid inclusion. From the axisymmetric model, the enhancement in the deformation modulus and the over consolidation ratio of the soft clay, resulting from the construction of the rigid inclusions, are determined. In the second stage of the analysis, the improved soil parameters are then implemented in the 3D finite element model, in which the external stresses due to superstructure are applied over the improved soil. The settlement associated with loading both the improved and unimproved soils is then compared for each studied condition in the parametric study to determine the improvement factor (N). The performed analyses clearly showed the high effect of the rigid inclusions in reducing the settlement associated with the construction on the improved soft clay. The achieved improvement factor varies between 2.88 to 58.10, with an average value of about 12.00. Based on the conducted parametric study, design charts are developed to provide a simple tool for predicting the settlement values associated with construction on improved soft clay formations with rigid inclusions under different conditions.

Conductivity Enhancement of Fractured Carbonates through High-Temperature Diammonium Hydrogen Phosphate Consolidation: A Preliminary Study

SummaryIn well stimulation operations, the ability to sustain long-term conductivity of hydraulic/acid fractures defines an efficient and effective hydrocarbon production operation. However, it is challenging to keep the fracture conductive in the soft and weak carbonate formations due to many challenges. For example, the plastic deformation of rocks causes proppant embedment or asperities failure, resulting in fracture conductivity reduction. Consolidating chemicals, particularly diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP), have shown to be effective in rock consolidation and could reduce the decline in fracture conductivity if applied to carbonate formations. The previous research tested DAP at ambient conditions, whereas this work involves studying the hardening properties of DAP at reservoir conditions. The solutions with two initial concentrations (1 and 0.8 M) were tested at 77°F (ambient), 122°F, and 176°F. Furthermore, a post-treatment analysis was conducted to compare the performance of the chemical under different conditions. The analysis included understanding the changes in carbonate rocks’ (limestone and chalk) hardness (impulse hammer test and indentation test), porosity (helium porosimeter), permeability (steady-state and unsteady state nitrogen injection), and mineralogy [X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)]. Results demonstrated that both rock lithologies reacted efficiently with the DAP solution, presented in terms of the noticeable improvements in their hardness. The elevated temperatures positively affected rock hardness, leading to a more than 100% increase in hardness for most samples. After obtaining successful results from experiments at various temperatures, the pilot American Petroleum Institute (API) conductivity experiments were conducted, testing the conductivity sustenance through the rock hardening concept. Preliminary API conductivity experiments have demonstrated that treated rock samples with DAP provided higher conductivity values than the untreated samples at high stresses. The results shown in this study provide a good foundation for further studies on the implementation of DAP in actual acid/hydraulic fracturing field operations.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Ganglion Cyst of the Knee

Ganglion cysts are benign soft tissue formations arising from the joint capsule or tendon sheath containing mucinous fluid. Most common locations are on the dorsum of the wrist, palm, and the dorsolateral aspect of the foot. Ganglion cysts within the knee joint are unusual findings and may produce clinical manifestations which mimic internal derangement of the knee. We present here a case of 85-year-old female came with complaints of swelling near the right knee. On examination the swelling was seen in medial aspect of right knee about 7x8cm. Fine Needle Aspiration was done and 2ml of gelatinous material obtained. Cytomorphological features are suggestive of Ganglionic cyst of Right Knee, which was then correlated and confirmed by MRI. Ganglion cyst of the knee usually present in locations atypical for popliteal cysts. It is important to derive the cystic nature of the lesion and its association with intra-articular diseases, for which FNAC plays an important role.

Dystrophic Calcified Mass Found in the Semimembranosus Muscle in a Cadaver: A Case Report

Most of the soft tissue calcified mass formations are sporadic incidences that occur in an idiopathic form. Ectopic calcification changes were seen in various soft tissues beyond the skeleton. They are often asymptomatic masses located in the superficial or deeper aspect of the body, but may not be related to the bone directly. Increased levels of serum calcium, phosphate, or Vitamin D hypervitaminosis may be associated with the calcification process, causing mass accretion in the tissues like bones of limbs, and cranium, or showing some dental abnormalities. During the routine dissection of the hamstring compartment of the left lower limb in a male cadaver aged around 70 years in the Department of Anatomy, we noticed nodular fragments and lengthy slender pieces, which were hard in consistency and bony in its appearance found within the semimembranosus muscle. The histopathology of these masses was revealed as “Dystrophic Calcified Masses”. A holistic description of calcification changes in the soft tissues will be considered in the article. Keywords: calcification, dystrophy, hypervitaminosis

Формирование soft skills посредством применения дидактических игр с цифровыми компонентами на ступени общего образования

Digitalization has changed the methods of developing new skills and abilities in schoolchildren. New approaches have to be designed to plan training sessions and implant the basic ideas about professional competence. Modern supra-professional skills also require novel methods. This research featured digital didactic games as a means of developing supra-professional competencies. The authors reviewed available publications on professional and supra-professional competencies and their development methods. They described the semantic structure of the soft skills formation model through the use of digital didactic games. Didactic games are effective in developing soft skills and have a great digital potential, e.g., certain parts of a didactic game can be digitally personalized. The article describes didactic games, their requirements, and specific soft skills that are considered mandatory as part of supra-professional skills. The research relied on the principles of consistency and the holistic approach to academic processes, as well as on the connection between logic, history, theory, and practice. The article can help educators to develop new didactic games for various disciplines.

Педагогические условия формирования гибких компетенций младших школьников на основе метода обучения в сотрудничестве

The aim of the study is to identify and experimentally test the pedagogical conditions for soft skills formation among younger schoolchildren based on the cooperative learning method. The paper presents the substantiation for these conditions and discusses the results of assessing the effectiveness of their implementation. Scientific novelty of the study lies in selecting and structuring the content of the extracurricular activities programme for soft skills formation among younger schoolchildren in the conditions of cooperative learning taking into account constructive foreign experience. The cooperative learning method was chosen as the central method of forming soft skills in younger schoolchildren, its use contributed to improving the effectiveness of the indicators of the process under consideration. As a result of analysing the data obtained, it has been proved that the proposed extracurricular activities programme for soft skills formation among younger schoolchildren based on the cooperative learning method helped to develop their creative and critical thinking, skills of effective interaction with others, as well as the abilities to solve situational tasks that determine the life success of primary school graduates.

Identification of long noncoding RNA NEAT1 as a key gene involved in the extramedullary disease of multiple myeloma by bioinformatics analysis

ABSTRACTObjectiveLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis and play a key role in cancer progression. To determine whether lncRNAs are involved in extramedullary disease of multiple myeloma (EMD), we analyzed the expression profile of lncRNAs in EMD.MethodsThree pairs of EMD patients and their intramedullary MM cells were screened by microarray first. We extracted data from gene chips and made an identification of lncRNAs and mRNAs with significant differences between EMD group and non EMD group. WGCNA confirmed the EMD related gene module and drew a heat map to further determine the key gene lncRNA-NEAT1. In the meantime, bone marrow and extramedullary samples (hydrothorax and ascites) were collected from 2 MM patients and subjected to single-cell RNA-seq. Single cell Transcriptome analysis was conducted to verify the gene expression difference of malignant plasma cells derived from intramedullary and extramedullary. Then we verified high expression level of lncRNA-NEAT1 in EMD patients by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and analyzed the correlation between expression patterns and survival and molecular genetics analysis of the LncRNA (NEAT1) involved in MM patients. At last, cell experiments were conducted to observe the effects of down-regulation of NEAT1on the proliferation, cell cycle and PTEN pathway related proteins of multiple myeloma cell lines U266 and RPMI8226.ResultsWe identified one of the EMD related key gene is lncRNA-NEAT1. Compared with patients without extramedullary lesions, intramedullary MM cells in EMD patients expressed NEAT1 highly. The outcome of parallel single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed NEAT1 level of plasma cells came from pleural effusion /ascites increased significantly compared with myeloma-stricken bone marrow. By survival and molecular genetic analysis, NEAT1 gene expression was not associated with OS and PFS in MM patients. However, the expression of NEAT1 is related to adverse therapeutic reactions and the progression of MM. We found that the expressions of NEAT1 were negatively associated with albumin levels and were positively associated with gain of chromosome 1q, IGH-CCND1, IGH@-FGFR3/WHSC1,and IGH-MAF gene fusion, respectively. At the level of cell experiment, CCK-8, soft agar clone formation experiment and CFSE staining showed that down regulating NEAT1 could inhibit the proliferation of U266 and RPMI8226 cells; Cell cycle detection showed that down-regulation of NEAT1 would interfere with the cell cycle process, and RPMI 8226 cells were blocked in G1 phase. Western blot analysis showed that when the expression of NEAT1 was down regulated in U266 and RPMI 8226 cells, the expression of PTEN and p-PTEN (phosphorylated phosphatase and tensin homologue) was up-regulated, and the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K (human phosphorylated inositol 3 kinase), Akt, p-Akt (phosphorylated protein kinase B).Discuccion and conclusionThis study provides novel insights into the lncRNA-NEAT1 and reveals that NEAT1 maybe a potential lncRNA biomarkers in EMD.

Risk assessment of several hazards along railway network using AHP incorporated into GIS

Located in northeastern Algeria, the region of Constantinois is undoubtedly among the regions most affected by various risks related to rail networks. These phenomena are one of the major development issues and a major and permanent threat to the population and existing facilities. The risks associated with rail field transport are associated with several parameters such as soft geological formations, steep slopes, hydrographic network, seismic frame and mainly problems linked to human accident, suicide and stones thrown. In this context, the objective of this paper is the identification of risk-prone areas in the rail network linking Constantine to Skikda (Algeria). This in order to highlight the relations that exist between several parameters: geological conditions, local topography, flow hydrographic network, vegetation...etc., and hazard treat on railway network such as settlement or landslide risk anthropic risk (risk of stone thrown and suicide accident). The methodology used is based on a GIS approach to identify areas susceptible, it is based on the interpretation of satellite map, topographic, geological and other data. The GIS project developed will allow to superimpose and analyze the effect of several factors on railway network integrity, these factors and their respective weights are then calibrated with statistical tool by adopting the method "Analytical Hierarchy Process" AHP. The resulting susceptibility maps distinguishes several degrees of susceptibility of areas that may be affected by collapse or accident problems of rail platforms. The comparison with the inventory map of several accidents that have already been recorded by railways services shows that the results obtained from the spatial modeling are very satisfactory.

Perceived Effects of Climate Change on Poultry Egg Production in Rivers State Nigeria

The study assessed the effects of climate change on poultry egg production in Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 120 poultry egg farmers were randomly selected through questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis. Result of the socio-economic characteristics revealed that majorities (60.8%) of the poultry farmers were males, 80.8% were married, and 61.6% had tertiary education. Also from findings, the majority (67.5%) of the poultry farmers were aware that high temperature, increase in rainfall (86.7%), erratic rainfall pattern (71.7%), decrease in relative humidity (55.8%) and flooding of poultry farms (71.7%) has harmful effects on poultry egg production. More so, the perceived effects of climate on egg production include high rate of diseases and parasites incidence, soft egg shell formation, low quantity and quality of egg production, high costs of poultry production activities, reduction in feed and water intake, and increase in poultry bird mortality. Results also revealed that television, radio, social media and fellow poultry farmers were their main sources of information on climate change. The result of Chi-square also revealed that education attainment and marital status of poultry farmers were significant at 5% used in controlling the effects of climate change, because married farmers have family labour capacity to build adaptive strategies. It is therefore commended that poultry farmers should be adequately informed on the best operating systems to minimize the harmful effect of climate change on poultry egg production as well as ensure optimum level of poultry egg production.

МЕТОДИ НАВЧАННЯ ПЕРСОНАЛУ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА: ВЕКТОРИ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЇ

The article considers methods of personnel training in the context of diffusion of information and communication technologies, strengthening of trends of their use in the practice of development of employees' competences to ensure their professional growth, increase of human capital contribution to achievement of the enterprises' goals and their competitiveness in the market. The article focuses on educational technologies (EdTech), their understanding and significance; on identifying the benefits and possible caveats for practical use. The most common EdTech tools are presented, namely, graphic software, authoring system, course software, simulation software, and video tutorial software. A number of modern methods of personnel training are highlighted: electronic (online) training; social learning, microlearning, immersive technologies, gamification. It proves the necessity of flexible adapted integration of digital technologies into the enterprise training system. This paper presents an example of the digital transformation of staff training, taking into account a combination of factors of a particular enterprise, in particular, market requirements, employee and employer requests. Possible areas of application of EdTech for the development of certain competencies of employees are presented: to strengthen communication skills – video training using Mobile Learning technology, webinars, social learning using digital technologies; to improve technical skills – microlearning, blended learning, gamification; to develop the ability to solve problems creatively and think in design terms – brainstorming with augmented reality (AR) combinations; training in working groups using digital technologies, modular soft skills training format. It is determined that when making managerial decisions on the introduction of new methods, it is expedient to take into account the results of feedback from employees of the enterprise. The emphasis is placed on the integration of digital tools into the practice of using traditional methods of personnel training with the development of specific implementation mechanisms.

ПОТЕНЦІАЛ НАВЧАЛЬНОЇ ДИСЦИПЛІНИ «ІСТОРІЯ АВІАЦІЇ» У ФОРМУВАННІ «SOFT SKILLS» ЗДОБУВАЧІВ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ

The article is on the issue of the formation of universal soft skills of higher education students in aviation specialties in the process of teaching the academic discipline ″History of aviation″ at the Flight Academy of NAU. It is emphasized that soft skills are not only key predictors of professional development, but also ensure the formation of an active, creative position in relation to one's activities and one's own life. The article pays special attention to the substantiation to the possibilities of interactive teaching methods used in classes – ″case study″ and ″debates″ – in the context of the process of developing flexible skills of students related to social, intellectual, volitional and leadership competencies. The purpose of the article is to clarify the notion ″soft skills″, to analyze the component composition of universal skills of a modern aviation specialist, as well as to study methods and technologies of teaching ″History of aviation″ for the purpose of soft skills formation of students of higher education. It is essential to single out three areas as for the formation of ″soft skills″: cognitive, active and personal. The following technologies ensure the highest effectiveness of the educational process: problem and exploring technologies (partial exploring training, problem and research training, training based on ″brainstorming″ and others); modelling training technologies, or edutainment (situation playing, story playing, simulation, etc.); communicative and dialogic technologies (problem discussion, intergroup dialogue, discussion with playing modelling and some others). The training process at aviation higher school has to be targeted simultaneously at professional competences formation and transfer of fundamental knowledge in aviation field, as well as development of soft skills that will permit future graduate to ensure the functioning of the main production processes; to manage the situation optimally, to build team interaction, to have flexible approach in decision-making. History disciplines have great educational potential, promoting the development of personal qualities of students, make substantial contribution to improving quality of professional education and can be considered not only as academic discipline, but also as a means of obtaining valuable information regarding intellectual development and professional growth, improving students' mental skills. In our opinion, academic discipline ″History of aviation″ is an effective means of soft skills students' development. It was concluded that the introduction of interactive technologies will contribute to the intensification of the educational process, the formation of skills and habits that ensure the success of students' self-realization. Key words: ″soft skills″, students of higher education of aviation specialties, academic discipline ″History of aviation″, interactive teaching methods, innovative educational technology, case-study, ″debate″ technology.

Модель формування наскрізних умінь молодших школярів на уроках інтегрованого курсу «Я досліджую світ»

The article is devoted to the issue of soft skills formation in primary school students. Cross-cutting skills of primary school students are considered as a multifaceted ability aimed at the student’s socialization. It includes psychological, cognitive, intellectual and communicative interaction for the purpose of managing one’s own educational and professional activities; awareness and appreciation of the interdependence of people and systems in the global world. An author’s model of forming the researched quality of primary school students in the lessons of integrated course «I Explore the World» has been developed and theoretically substantiated. The model consists of three interconnected blocks: methodological-objective, content-activity, and assessment-result. For the blocks of this model theoretical justification has been provided, their content has been disclosed. The purpose, approaches, principles, content, organizational forms, technologies, methods, and resources that ensure the functioning of the presented model have been identified. Components, criteria, and levels of forming soft skills of primary school students in the lessons of integrated course «I Explore the World» have been identified. Emphasis has been placed on the fact that the model of forming soft skills of primary school students in the lessons of integrated course «I Explore the World» is holistic, as all its elements are interconnected.

Effect of Morus alba extract sanggenon C on growth and proliferation of glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma is the most common primary cranial malignancy, and chemotherapy remains an important tool for its treatment. Sanggenon C(San C), a class of natural flavonoids extracted from Morus plants, is a potential antitumor herbal monomer. In this study, the effect of San C on the growth and proliferation of glioblastoma cells was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay and 5-bromodeoxyuridinc(BrdU) labeling assay. The effect of San C on the tumor cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry, and the effect of San C on clone formation and self-renewal ability of tumor cells was examined by soft agar assay. Western blot and bioinformatics analysis were used to investigate the mechanism of the antitumor activity of San C. In the presence of San C, the MTT assay showed that San C significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of tumor cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. BrdU labeling assay showed that San C significantly attenuated the DNA replication activity in the nucleus of tumor cells. Flow cytometry confirmed that San C blocked the cell cycle of tumor cells in G_0/G_1 phase. The soft agar clone formation assay revealed that San C significantly attenuated the clone formation and self-renewal ability of tumor cells. The gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA) implied that San C inhibited the tumor cell division cycle by affecting the myelocytomatosis viral oncogene(MYC) signaling pathway. Western blot assay revealed that San C inhibited the expression of cyclin through the regulation of the MYC signaling pathway by lysine demethylase 4B(KDM4B), which ultimately inhibited the growth and proliferation of glioblastoma cells and self-renewal. In conclusion, San C exhibits the potential antitumor activity by targeting the KDM4B-MYC axis to inhibit glioblastoma cell growth, proliferation, and self-renewal.

Лечение сочетанного огнестрельного ранения с дефектом плечевой кости и лучевого нерва (клиническое наблюдение)

Treatment of patients with gunshot bone and soft tissue defects of the extremities requires non-standard approaches and the participation of doctors of various specialties. The application of additive and microsurgical technologies allows one-stage restoration of bone defects and functionally important soft tissue formations. Objective: To demonstrate the possibilities of modern reconstructive-plastic surgery in combination with additive 3D-technology in the treatment of patients with severe gunshot wounds of the extremities. Clinical case: a patient with a combined wound of the chest and upper limb with a primary defect of the humerus and radial nerve. Treatment was based on damage control surgery (DCS) and damage control orthopedic (DCO) tactics. X-ray, computed tomography, and angiography were used for diagnostics and preoperative planning. Based on the CT data, a 3D model of the autograft, resection templates, and a metal structure for osteosynthesis were made. After stabilization of the general condition of the wounded man and elimination of the risk of infectious complications, a one-stage replacement of the radial nerve defect at the level of the middle third of the shoulder with a gastrocnemius nerve autograft was performed; the upper and middle third humeral bone defect was replaced with a free blood-supplied fibula autograft with osteosynthesis using an individual 3D plate with bacteriostatic hydroxyapatite spraying in combination with zinc. А positive anatomical and functional outcome was achieved in the treatment of a patient with a gunshot defect of the humerus and radial nerve. An individual complex approach combined with innovative technologies makes it possible to achieve good anatomical and functional results in the treatment of patients with primary combined limb gunshot defects.

<i>In Vitro</i> Evaluation of Two Tissue Substitutes for Gingival Augmentation

Three-dimensional collagen matrices of porcine origin are being used as substitutes for soft tissue grafts in periodontal plastic surgery in search of aesthetic and natural results. This in vitro study aimed to compare Fibro-Gide® (GeistlichBiomaterials) and Mucoderm® (BotissBiomaterials) matrices during the initial phase of soft tissue formation. For this purpose, samples of 5 × 5 mm were obtained, and then human fibroblasts were plated on them. After 24, 48 and 72 h, cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, and the secretion of type I collagen, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was analyzed by ELISA immunoassay. The control group (C) consisted of cells plated on polystyrene without the matrices. The morphology of the surfaces was also examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as was the average roughness (Ra) of the samples by a profilometer. Topographic analysis revealed that roughness was significantly higher on Mucoderm® than on Fibro-Gide® (p 0.05). The synthesis of type I collagen, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were significantly higher from cells plated on Fibro-Gide® than on Mucoderm®, in all time points (p ® than on Mucoderm® (p ® induced an increase in type I collagen, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

The role of soft skills formation among foreign language teachers

n the 21st century, in the era of globalization, modern teachers, in order to successfully implement their professional activities, need additional skills, so-called «soft skills», without, which even the best professional, nowadays cannot achieve a good result. In accordance with the purpose and objectives of this research, there was investigated and determined the level of soft skills among foreign language teachers of the Akmola region. In order to determine the soft skills, which are related to the teachers’ professional competence, there was conducted a questionnaire survey in “Google form” consisting of 16 questions. The total number of respondents was 363 teachers from different districts of the Akmola region. As part of the research, the survey participants were asked to answer questions about the “soft skills” definition and concept. The results of our study revealed an insufficient level of soft skills among 74% of the respondents, which suggests the analysis and adjustment of educational programs for the training of foreign language teachers.

On the Formation of “Soft Skills” as the Equivalent of Professional Competencies: A Forecast of Educational Trends

The authors of the article study the soft skills formation in the framework of professional competencies. The aim of the article is to formulate the soft skills characteristic, its components, as well as to analyze methods and techniques of soft skills training and development prospects in the conditions of the world’s globalization, technical progress, economic and political changes. For this purpose, one used the following methods: the analysis of existing scientific publications on the topic of “soft skills” in the educational space and their correlation with professional competences. The comparative method was used in the analysis of soft skills formation of Ukrainian education and European practices. In the analysis of soft skills individual components, the inductive method was used. The results of the study have led to the understanding of soft skills prospect as a fundamental requirement in the modern labor market. The soft skills are universal needs of today’s education.

DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE BACHELORS IN THE PROJECT LEARNING PROCESS

The article proposes and substantiates a method of development of soft skills in Computer Science bachelors using project-based learning technologies, as successful employment of graduates in the IT industry market depends on the level of such skills. Developed communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to plan work on a project are important requirements for university graduates’ successful employment in the IT industry. The formation and development of soft skills enables the students not only to meet the requirements of the labor market, but also to more successfully develop professional skills (hard skills). The authors propose indicators of soft skill formation by 5 categories: personal effectiveness, communicative, managerial, strategic and information management skills. The methodology of soft skill development for future specialists in information technologies is based on three stages, each of which involves the implementation of different types of projects: collective, term paper and interdisciplinary. The components of soft skills that are formed during each of the stages are determined. The research substantiates the integration of two learning technologies for the implementation of the proposed methodology – blended and project-based learning, which involve the use of digital technologies. During the experimental research, students independently assessed the level of their soft skill formation according to the defined indicators in line with the proposed categories on a 10-point scale. The results of the conducted experimental study proved the improvement of the level of soft skill formation in Computer Science Bachelors in the process of project training. The statistical analysis of the results of the experiment proved the significance of the proposed method and made it possible to confirm its effectiveness.

Microstructure-based engineering of soft biological materials

Aortic disease (AoD) is a leading cause of mortality in developed countries. Two of the most common forms of AoD are aneurysm (widening) and dissection (tear in inner wall). Aneurysm and dissection often associate with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) instead of the normal tricuspid aortic valve, and BAV aneurysms of ascending thoracic aorta have the tendency to bulge asymmetrically towards the greater curvature of aorta. Multiphoton microscopy can help us image collagen and elastin fibres, which are considered as main load-bearing constituents of the aortic wall, in order to investigate potential role of fibre microstructure in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection. Regional differences in fibre microstructure may be driven by distinct mechanisms of vascular remodelling, and, combined with mechanical tests, could improve our understanding of the biomechanical mechanisms of aortic aneurysm and dissection potential. Should we wish to investigate the effect of microstructure in soft tissue formation and organ development, we would have to consider a rapidly growing process. In that process, the cells are the main load-bearing components, which cooperate to produce tissue-level forces that shape tissue formation. Our understanding of this phenomenon, called mechanotransduction, has advanced significantly over the past years, to the point where it is now clear that nearly every biological process is modulated by how these forces are decoded intracellularly. It is therefore important to create our own fluorescently-labeled matrix that could integrate into the tissue and enable tracking of these forces in-vivo. A new 3D optical nanomechanical biosensor (NMBS) based on fluorescent fibronectin fibres was developed based on integrated photolithography and micro-contact printing technology. NMBS was successfully validated under uniaxial tensile test of biologically relevant materials for microscopic vs. macroscopic mechanical strains. In the future, biomimetic 3D scaffolds could be fabricated by assembly of 2D fibre constructs based on the NMBS technology, in order to analyse the effect of selected set of load-bearing microstructural components on both mechanical and functional response of soft biological materials.