Specific Software Research Articles

Unraveling Renal Arteries Morphogenesis from Tridimensional Human Embryos Reconstruction

During human morphogenesis, the definitive kidneys derive from the metanephros during Carnegie Stage 14 to 23. The pronephros and the mesonephros develop previously and successively to finally lead to the formation of the urinary tract. Renal vascularization, first described in 1912 by Félix using a "ladder theory" model, is highly variable and current available morphogenesis descriptions do not explain all reported anatomical variations. The aim of this work was to study the morphogenesis of the human metanephros and its vascularization by three-dimensional reconstructions of human embryos. Histological sections of 23 human embryos from the Carnegie Collection and 5 human embryos from the French collection (Carnegie stages 14 to 23) were completely digitalized and reconstructed in three dimensions using specific softwares and then analyzed by descriptive method using manual annotation. In all studied embryos, the mesonephric arteries did not reach the metanephros irrespective to the position of the metanephros during its cranial ascent. Before the end of the cranial metanephros migration (15 embryos), at the level of the aorto-iliac bifurcation, a "primitive" vascularization was shown in 9 of them. The renal artery originated from the primitive iliac arteries for 8 embryos and from the inferior mesenteric artery in one embryo. Further, a capillary cluster emerging from the lateral wall of the aorta and extending toward the metanephros was found in 2 embryos (Carnegie stages 21 and 22). This may correspond to a phenomenon of neoangiogenesis responsible of the definitive renal artery. The present study reported the morphogenesis of human renal arteries between Carnegie stages 14 and 23 using an original method of tridimensional computerized reconstructions of historical human embryos. Some original findings, in contradiction with the original Felix's description, may explain the most frequently reported anatomical variations.

Effects of Breed on the Morphometric Parameters of Erythrocytes in Horses

Various factors have a distinct impact on the quantity and dimensions of red blood cells across diverse animal species. These factors encompass age, sex, elevation, time of year, and lineage. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of breed on the morphometric parameters of red blood cells in horses. To examine the impact of various horse breeds on the diameter, circumference, and surface area of red blood cells, blood samples were obtained from a total of 90 healthy horses. These horses belonged to three different breeds, including Arab Thoroughbred, English Thoroughbred, and Barbe. Each breed consisted of 30 individuals, with an equal distribution of males and females. The collected blood specimens were then divided into two separate batches for further analysis. The age range of all horses included in the study was between 5 and 12 years old. Smears were made and stained using the May-Grünwald Giemsa technique. The morphometric measurements were performed while using the OPTIKATM Vision Pro special software. The obtained results showed that there were no significant differences in the red blood cell diameters across different horse breeds. However, this factor appears to influence significantly both the circumference and surface area of erythrocytes. Specifically, the circumference and surface of Barbe red blood cells were highly smaller than both Arabian and English purebred horses. The present study demonstrated that the circumference and surface of red blood cells appear to be more indicative and representative in detecting variations in the erythrocyte morphometry between different horse breeds.

Pareto navigation for multicriteria building energy supply design

The design of a building’s energy supply is a difficult task, where uncertainty in the requirements has to be taken into account and different conflicting objectives have to be optimized. To date, there exist various studies that consider different objective functions, different concepts of dealing with uncertainty, and different approximation techniques to find efficient solutions. However, there is no approach that gives the decision maker a complete overview of all trade-off solutions with their immediate consequences for the design configuration. This paper addresses the question of how much money and carbon emissions can be saved by allowing a certain amount of undersupply in the heating and cooling of an office building. To explore the trade-offs between the three objectives of minimizing cost, carbon emissions and inconvenience, the Pareto front of the multicriteria linear program is approximated with a Sandwiching algorithm. Then, it is explored using Pareto navigation. This allows to see all (approximate) Pareto points and also to visually observe the behavior of the decision variables by navigating across the front by pulling sliders in a specific software. In a case study, the navigation is demonstrated and ways to overcome modeling limitations that arise from using a fully linear programming approach are shown.

Distinct leaflet-annular remodeling pattern in severe atrial functional mitral regurgitation: a three-dimensional echocardiography study

BackgroundAtrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is best described with normal left ventricular size and function, structurally normal mitral leaflets and dilated left atrium. Unlike the ventricular functional phenotype, changes in the annular geometry more than the tethering forces are the main culprit for mitral regurgitation. The aim of this study is to illuminate the leaflet-annular remodeling in patients with mitral regurgitation and atrial fibrillation (AF) using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TOE).ResultsConsecutive fifty patients with AFMR underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 3D TOE: 25 patients with AF and non-mild MR and 25 patients with AF and mild MR were studied. A special mitral valve analysis software was used to accurately assess the three unique pillars for MR: annular size, leaflets’ geometry and tenting parameters.Compared to the mild MR group, non-mild MR group had long-standing AF of more than 1 year and larger left atrial volumes (51.83 ± 12.07 ml/m2 vs 33.68 ± 10.97 ml/m2, p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted in respect of tenting height, area and volume (13.06 ± 2.57 mm vs 11.43 ± 2.89 mm, p = 0.064, 3.58 ± 1.26 cm2 vs 2.80 ± 0.95 cm2, 0.081 and 6.70 ± 2.96 cm3 vs 5.04 ± 2.32 cm3, p = 0.081). Conversely, the non-mild MR group had larger annular area and perimeter (16.20 ± 3.90 cm2 vs 13.51 ± 3.85 cm2, p = 0.023 and 14.73 ± 1.72 cm vs 13.46 ± 1.79 cm, p = 0.033). Similarly, the non-mild MR group had larger anterior and posterior leaflets’ areas (10.18 ± 4.02 cm2 vs 8.71 ± 3.08 cm2, p = 0.04 and 8.96 ± 2.60 cm2 vs 7.30 ± 2.17 cm2, p = 0.029). Correspondingly, more disproportionate leaflet-annular remodeling, as assessed by the ratio of total leaflets’ area to the annular area, was noted in the non-mild MR as opposed to the mild MR group (1.22 ± 0.04 vs 1.26 ± 0.04, p = 0.008).ConclusionsRecently, AFMR has been recognized as a remarkable entity of secondary MR with unique mechanisms. Annular dilatation with disproportionate leaflet remodeling can validate the central regurgitation. However, the call for more parameters is being emphasized to characterize the suitable candidates for percutaneous interventions.Graphical abstract

Evaluation of the Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Skin Compatibility through In Silico and In Vivo Assessments of a Newly Developed Eye Serum.

The term "risk assessment" is often substituted with "safety assessment", to demonstrate the safe properties of cosmetic ingredients and formulations. With respect to the actual legislative framework, the proper use of in silico evaluation could offer a representative non-animal substitute for the toxicity evaluation of cosmetic ingredients. The in silico assessment needs to be integrated with other lines of proof (in vitro and/or in vivo data) in the form of a complex methodology in order to demonstrate the safety evaluation of cosmetic ingredients/products. The present study aimed to develop and characterize a new cosmetic formulation, designed for the skin care of the periorbital area. Quality control comprising stability, physicochemical, and microbiological evaluation was performed. Another objective of this study was to present a screening model for the safety evaluation of the cosmetic formulation by identifying individual ingredients, and to confirm the skin compatibility based on in vivo evaluation. The results demonstrated the in silico and in vivo safety profile of the cosmetic ingredients used in the present formulation. In silico evaluation, using a novel, specific software applicable for the risk evaluation of ingredients and formulations, showed that the incorporated ingredients were non-mutagenic and non-sensitizing, and considering the margin of safety (MoS), the cosmetic raw materials could be considered safe. Skin compatibility was confirmed by the patch test performed under dermatological control, evidencing the "non-irritating" potential of the developed cosmetic formulation.

Structure and Content of Forensic Characteristics of High-Tech Crimes

The paper identifies the main classifying characteristics of the forensic group of high-tech crimes. The problems of developing a forensic characterization of crimes included in this group are considered. The most important structural elements of the forensic characteristics under consideration are described. The determining role of the high-tech method of committing crimes has been established and its features have been analyzed. Debating points related to the object and subject of high-tech criminal encroachment are noted. With regard to the subject of the crime, the author concludes that such is a group, while the accomplices of the crime have personal characteristics that prevent the construction of a single typical portrait. The specificity of the crime situation is considered, because the main cause-and-effect relationships are formed in cyberspace. Important features of the trace pattern, manifested in the formation of electronic digital traces, are noted. It is shown that the means of committing high-tech crimes are special software, hardware and software-hardware, the peculiarity of which is their novelty. The role of counteraction to the investigation of high-tech criminal acts on the part of criminals and persons associated with them is revealed. For the first time in criminological theory, the glocalization factor is noted, and the relevance of this element of criminological characteristics for the study of high-tech crimes is shown. The cause-and-effect and correlation relationships between the elements of the forensic characteristics are analyzed.

ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКИЕ СРЕДСТВА ДЛЯ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ТЕХНИКИ

The issues of assessing the improvement of the efficiency of agricultural domestic machinery according to the criteria of adaptability to maintenance and diagnostics and the development of measures to improve it are relevant, as they have a significant impact on reliability and total cost of ownership and resource savings during operation. The costs of maintenance and repair and losses from equipment downtime depend on the level of equipment adaptability to maintenance and diagnostics. (Research purpose) The research purpose is substantiating the development of additional information and diagnostic tools to improve the efficiency of agricultural machinery. (Materials and methods) Conducted an analysis and description of the developed tools for diagnosing agricultural machinery. We have studied similar control and diagnostic equipment manufactured by third-party manufacturers for agricultural machinery. We examined the distinctive features of our own developments and reflected the need to diagnose specific parameters. The possibilities of analyzing the received information using artificial intelligence algorithms were described. (Results and discussion) Were designed in special engineering software and the first prototypes of these technical means were assembled. Conducted 3D modeling of these devices. We performed tests that proved the possibility of developing such digital diagnostic devices for agricultural machinery, justified their effectiveness based on the data obtained. Proposed modernization of a number of systems. (Conclusions) Analyzed the results of the work of information and diagnostic devices. We collected materials on modern methods of diagnosing equipment. We have determined the further development of the direction of work for better diagnostics of components and assemblies of agricultural machinery. One of the proposed directions is the work on the adaptation of artificial intelligence algorithms for the diagnosis of agricultural machinery.

Особливості діагностики та лікування жінок з синдромом полікістозних яєчників в умовах підвищеного рівня експонування нікелем

Abstract. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to endocrinopathies that women of reproductive age could have. These disorders can be caused by both endogenous (endocrine disorders, chronic infections, stress, etc.) and exogenous factors (environmental, smoking, etc.). Aim. Determination of serum nickel values in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and investigation of the mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of nickel on the reproductive system. Explore potential sources of nickel exposure and develop recommendations for the prevention and treatment of PCOS caused by increased levels of nickel exposure. Materials and Methods. The research was conducted on the bases of State Institution “O.M. Lukianova Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine” 52 women who were diagnosed with PCOS were selected for the study. The control group consisted of 38 women of reproductive age without reproductive system pathology. Determination of serum nickel values in women with PCOS was performed using a Bruker MS 820 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Australia) using special ICP-MS Expert software. The study of indicators of environmental pollution with nickel was carried out by processing data published in open sources of information. Results. Women with PCOS showed elevated serum nickel values (median ‒ 0.036 mg/l, 95-percentile ‒ 0.194 mg/l), which significantly exceeded the control group (median ‒ 0.001 mg/l, 95-percentile ‒ 0.097 mg/l, p=0.0012). The study of exposure possible sources showed that elevated levels of nickel were found in drinking water from surface water sources. Contamination of surface waters and soils used in agriculture was also detected. The authors propose a set of measures for the prevention and treatment of complications caused by nickel exposure. Conclusions. Nickel exposure occurs mainly by alimentary and inhalation. When exposed to nickel, there is a violation of the function of the endocrine system, activation of inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. In women with PCOS with an increased level of nickel exposure, it is necessary to carry out a set of measures aimed at reducing the level of exposure, accelerating nickel excretion and treating complications that have occurred. Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome, nickel, exposure, principles of prevention and treatment.

Methods, Area Ratio and Plants of Biowall to Induce Atmospheric Comfort: A Review

Biowall is one of the several innovative strategies people use to build a comfortable interior atmosphere with living plants. This research attempts to trace the gaps in the previous analysis as a 'state of the art' with a literature review method by focusing on the biowall method, area ratio and types of plants. Biowall performance is mainly related to the influence of thermal, visual, audial, and respiratory comfort. It is an essential topic used to induce atmospheric interiors, such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, sound insulation and absorption, CO2, HCHO, VOC, and particulate levels. The results showed that the empirical methods used were actual scale-up and down experiments, laboratories in test chambers, simulation with specific software, and case research on in-situ biowall. The comparison between the biowall and room size varied significantly due to the absence of a legal basis and reasons. Ferns and succulents were the most widely used species to induce atmospheric comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research on biowall physical comfort based on multisensory simultaneously and determine its standard dimension and digital integration. Subsequent researchers must further discuss home-scale biowall acceleration and utilization of food-medicinal plants.

Association of enzymatic and optimized ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction of flavonoid glycosides from dried Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn) berries

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of associating an optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) protocol with enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) in aqueous media, using the dried berries of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) as plant material. A specialized software was used for the determination of potential optimal extraction parameters, leading to the development of four optimized extracts with different characteristics (UAE ± EAE). For these extracts, buffered or non-buffered solutions have been used, with the aim to determine the influence of adjustable pH on extractability. As enzymatic solution, a pectinase, cellulase, and hemicellulase mix (2:1:1) has been applied, acting as pre-treatment for the optimized protocol. The highest extractive yields have been identified for non-buffered extracts, and the E-UAE combination obtained extracts with the highest overall in vitro antioxidant activity. The HPLC-MSn analysis demonstrated a rich composition in different types of isorhamnetin-O-glycosides, as well as some quercetin-O-glycosides, showing a high recovery of specific flavonol-type polyphenolic species. Moreover, we have tentatively identified two flavanols (i.e., catechin and epigallocatechin) and one flavone derivative (i.e., luteolin).

The performance analysis of the reinforced concrete frame structure under actual fire conditions based on the multi-scale model

In order to analyze the force behaviour of reinforced concrete frames under actual fire conditions, the gas temperature around the members was accurately calculated using FDS fire dynamics software to simulate a typical fire scenario. Subsequently, both the fire-affected and non-fire-affected frames were modeled using ABAQUS finite element analysis software with a multi-scale modelling approach. The method employs solid elements to simulate the framework under fire influence and beam elements to simulate the framework under non-fire conditions, achieving a higher precision in reflecting post-fire structural deformations and stress conditions while also considering computational efficiency. The calculation of fire resistance is focused on a single-layer reinforced concrete frame structure, enabling an analysis of beam and column component deformations as well as changes in internal forces under typical fire scenarios. This methodology provides engineering professionals with an effective tool for analyzing overall structural fire resistance in concrete frames. Through comprehensive utilization of these specialized software programs, more accurate evaluations can be made regarding a frame's performance during fires, thereby offering important technical support and references for engineering practice.

Exploring pre-service English teachers’ digital competence in creating interactive instructional materials

The Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu) is critical in 21st-century education, which helps educators teach digital literacy to students. However, published empirical evidence regarding pre-service English teachers’ competence in creating interactive instructional materials with specific software applications remains scarce. This paper is grounded on the implementation of digital instructional courses at an Indonesian state university, aiming at developing pre-service EFL teachers’ digital competencies in designing interactive instructional materials using PowerPoint, Audacity, CapCut, Inknoe ClassPoint, Filmora, the Internet, and Canva (hereafter PACIFIC). The paper describes the pre-service English teachers’ self-reported abilities and challenges they encountered in designing the PACIFIC-based interactive teaching materials after completing these courses. Guided by the DigCompEdu framework, the primary data from six focus group interviews with a total number of 30 participants were analyzed by using thematic analysis. The study indicates that pre-service EFL teachers reported an adequate level of competencies in designing digital interactive instructional materials in four aspects of the DigCompEdu framework. They also reported several challenges encountered while creating the teaching materials, which mostly related to resources, such as internet connectivity and subscription access to the PACIFIC software. These findings highlight the critical need for better resource allocation and support to improve pre-service EFL teachers’ digital literacy and performance in designing digital teaching materials.

Technological interventions in functional capacity evaluations: An insight into current applications

BACKGROUND: Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a crucial component within return-to-work decision making. However, clinician-based physical FCE interpretation may introduce variability and biases. The rise of technological applications such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, could ensure consistent and precise results. OBJECTIVE: This review investigates the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in physical FCEs specific for return-to-work assessments. METHODS: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across five databases, extracting study specifics, populations, and technological tools employed, through dual independent reviews. RESULTS: Nine studies were identified that used ICT in FCEs. These technologies included electromyography, heart rate monitors, cameras, motion detectors, and specific software. Notably, although some devices are commercially available, these technologies were at a technology readiness level of 5–6 within the field of FCE. A prevailing trend was the combined use of diverse technologies rather than a single, unified solution. Moreover, the primary emphasis was on the application of technology within study protocols, rather than a direct evaluation of the technology usability and feasibility. CONCLUSION: The literature underscores limited ICT integration in FCEs. The current landscape of FCEs, marked by a high dependence on clinician observations, presents challenges regarding consistency and cost-effectiveness. There is an evident need for a standardized technological approach that introduces objective metrics to streamline the FCE process and potentially enhance its outcomes.

‘How I edit my Instagram images’: investigating skilled vision in the work of YouTube’s lifestyle-content creators

Woman social media content creators’ visual expertise is ill understood and arguably overlooked. Through the example of lifestyle-creators, this article explores the ways they plan, produce, and look at imagery on Instagram and YouTube, and shows that creators have specific ways to learn, communicate, and take part into social practices that are key in formulating their skilled vision and visual professionality. The study is part of a larger nethnographic project in which lifestyle-YouTube channels and related social media platforms have been studied for three years. In this article, online observation of 13 creators and content analysis of instructional ‘how I edit’ – videos show, that creators have trained sense of vision that involves everyday work practices common both for amateur and professional photography practitioners. The findings suggest that creators’ skilled vision is produced through four processes: (1) sharing expertise; (2) the use of specific technology and software; (3) routine; (4) creativity. Finally, it is argued that investigating creators’ skilled vision adds to our understanding of the mechanisms that have excluded a great deal of ‘feminine’ creativity from our historical and present accounts. I situate lifestyle creators within a longer tradition of women engaging with photography, photographic technologies, and product advice, and offer ways for understanding digitally networked ‘influencing’ and visual practices on social media today.

Post-processing of quantitative 4D-CT for initial evaluation of scapholunate Instability: Assessment of simplified approaches to data analysis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of simplified post-processing approaches for quantitative wrist 4D-CT in the assessment of scapholunate instability (SLI). MethodsA prospective monocentric case-control study included 60 patients with suspected post-traumatic scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears and persistent pain. Of these, 40 patients exhibited SLL tears, subdivided into two groups of 20 each: one group with completely torn ligaments and the other with partially torn ligaments. The remaining 20 patients, whose SLLs were intact, served as controls. 4D-CT and CT arthrography were performed, and post-processed by two readers using three approaches: the standard method with full data assessment and dedicated software, partial data assessment with post-processing software (bone locking), and partial data assessment without post-processing software (no bone locking). The scapholunate gap (SLG) parameter was measured in millimeters to evaluate scapholunate diastasis during radioulnar deviation (RUD). The scapholunate ligament status on CT arthrography was considered the gold standard. ResultsThe SLG-derived parameters (range, mean, and maximal values) were significantly increased in patients with both intact and torn scapholunate ligaments across all post-processing approaches (P values ranging from 0.001 to 0.004). SLG range was the best parameter for diagnosing SLL tears, with ROC AUC values ranging from 0.7 to 0.88 across the three post-processing methods. The interobserver reproducibility was better with the alternative approaches (ICC values 0.93–0.96) compared to the standard approach (ICC values 0.65–0.72). Additionally, post-processing time was shorter with the alternative approaches, especially when specific software was not used (reduced from 10 to three minutes). ConclusionSimpler approaches to wrist 4D-CT data analysis yielded acceptable diagnostic performances and improved interobserver reproducibility compared to the standard approach.

Chemokine CXCL8 and its receptors as markers of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: The chemokine CXCL8 and its receptor are involved in the activation and transport of inflammatory mediators and regulate the proliferation and renewal of cancer stem cells in colon cancer. It is believed that CXC signaling may be associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. AIM: To study the possibilities of using CXCL8-CXCR1/2 pathway indicators as markers in colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Isolation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from histological sections of tumors obtained intraoperatively from 59 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer was carried out using magnetic particles, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction in real time was performed. Calculation of the normalized expression of the CXCL8 and CXCR1 genes relative to the referee gene was done using special software. Statistical data processing was performed using Statistica 3.0, BioStat v. 7.1 programs. Comparisons of characteristics were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Cox and Kaplan–Meier criteria were used to analyze overall and disease-free survival. RESULTS: The expression of CXCL8 in intestinal adenocarcinoma cells with low differentiation [Me (Q1–Q3) — 8.770 (1.127–1.114)] was significantly higher than in the groups of moderately and well differentiated tumors (p=0.004 and p=0.012, respectively); and in tumor tissue refractory to chemotherapy, it was significantly higher [4.374 (2.052–7.045)] compared to resistant [2.200 (1.388–5.037); p=0.008] and sensitive [1.624 (0.739–2.586); p=0.042]. The level of CXCR1 messenger RNA in tumor tissue was increased in the presence of BRAF mutation [3.645 (0.801–1.090); p=0.009] and low tumor differentiation [6.965 (3.938–12.225); p=0.002], as well as in tumor tissue refractory to FOLFOX/XELOX chemotherapy [46.224 (27.580–83.570); p=0.0009]. CONCLUSION: Expression of components of the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 signaling pathway in tumor tissue may be a marker of sensitivity to FOLFOX/XELOX chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.

Mechanisms for identifying and regulating opportunistic behavior of personnel in a company

Aim. To summarize the main mechanisms of regulating and limiting opportunistic behavior in the company.Objectives. To study the tools to prevent opportunistic behavior presented in the studies of consulting companies; to establish which methods of identifying opportunism are more effective; to describe the main mechanisms aimed at reducing the risk of opportunistic behavior in the company.Methods. The author applied methods of generalization of theoretical and practical base of mechanisms aimed at regulating opportunistic behavior, as well as processing and generalization of analytical materials of consulting companies and professional associations.Results. In order to reduce the risk of opportunistic behavior in the company, it is necessary to build an effective recruitment process. Companies need a third-party or internal security service that will reduce the percentage of risk of hiring employees who are detrimental to the company. Companies should also develop preventive measures to combat opportunistic behavior of employees (rules of business conduct enshrined in an official company document, with which the employee should be familiarized). In order to detect opportunism expressed in the so-called shirking, you can install special software on the work computer and use pass systems to track the time of arrival and departure of the employee. In addition, it is necessary to competently build the process of introducing mechanisms to regulate the manifestation of opportunistic behavior in order to avoid organizational conflicts and resistance on the part of the workforce. Creation of an effective system of personnel motivation will draw the attention of personnel to the achievement of the company's goals, because, having achieved them, they will achieve the reward for the work done. This will reduce the risk of opportunistic behavior, and the formation of the personnel reserve of the organization will allow the management to reduce the level of opportunism expressed in the form of misinforming the employer, hiding the true objectives of staying in a new workplace.Conclusions. In practice, there are many mechanisms for regulating and limiting opportunistic behavior of personnel. According to surveys of consulting companies, the first place is occupied by the policy of counteraction to corporate fraud, the second place is shared by the hotline and monitoring of suspicious activity, in which employees are involved by anonymous reporting of information. Then comes training for employees and company management, and data analytics. Tip-offs are used to detect 42 % of corporate fraud, with employees reporting illegal activities in 55 % of cases. Some companies conduct internal investigations, but almost 50 % of them do not respond to opportunism, including fraud.

OPEN SOURCE DEVELOPER SUPPORT TOOL

Abstract : This research paper explores the development and implementation of an open-source developer support tool aimed at providing financial and motivational support to open-source developers. By creating a platform where users can post questions with optional bounties, this project seeks to address the longstanding issue of uncompensated efforts within the open-source community, which has been a significant barrier to the sustainability and growth of many open-source projects. The platform leverages cutting-edge technologies such as Next.js, PostgreSQL, and Stripe to create a seamless and secure environment for both users and developers. Next.js is utilized for building the front-end and back-end of the application, providing server-side rendering and static site generation for improved performance and user experience. PostgreSQL serves as the robust and scalable database management system, ensuring data integrity and efficient query handling. Stripe is integrated for secure authentication and payment processing, enabling financial transactions between users and developers. The motivation behind this project stems from the recognition that open-source software is a critical component of modern technology infrastructure, yet the contributors often lack adequate financial and motivational support. This research delves deeply into the problem definition, outlining the specific challenges faced by open-source developers, including financial instability, lack of recognition, and limited feedback. The objectives of the project are clearly defined, aiming to create a sustainable support system that fosters community engagement and rewards contributors for their valuable work. This paper also details the software and hardware specifications required for the development and deployment of the platform, ensuring that the solution is both practical and scalable. Project planning is a crucial element of this research, with a comprehensive roadmap that includes requirement analysis, design, development, testing, and deployment phases. Each phase is meticulously planned to address potential challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the support tool. Finally, the future scope of the project is discussed, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the open-source community. This includes potential enhancements such as advanced spam detection, enhanced user feedback mechanisms, and the integration of additional features to further support and motivate open-source contributors. By addressing these critical aspects, this research underscores the significance of supporting open-source contributors and highlights the potential of the proposed platform to make a meaningful impact on the sustainability and growth of open-source projects. IndexTerms – Open Source, Developer Support, Bounty System, Next.js, PostgreSQL, Stripe, Community Engagement.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ДЕЙСТВИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫХ ОРГАНОВ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ВНЕДРЕНИЯ СПЕЦИАЛИЗИРОВАННОГО ПРОГРАММНОГО ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ДЛЯ АВТОМАТИЗИРОВАННОГО ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЯ НА ПРИМЕРЕ РОССИИ, КИТАЯ, США

The article provides a comparative analysis of the actions of government agencies of three countries – Russia, China and the United States, in the process of implement-ing specialized software for computer-aided design. The article discusses the main stag-es of the implementation of such software, as well as assesses the actions of govern-ment agencies in each of the countries. The purpose of the study is to identify best prac-tices and identify factors influencing the suc-cess of the implementation of this software.

Airport noise assessment and mitigation: A simple and flexible methodology

Airport noise assessment and mitigation have been recognized as major challenges in the current civil aviation context. This paper aims to provide a general, simple, and flexible methodology to approximate airport noise-influenced zones and quantify the social cost of noise pollution. The proposed methodology performs this assessment without the need for specific software, monitoring stations, and sophisticated data. Airport noise-influenced zones are estimated by relying on publicly available aircraft certification data, while the social cost of such estimation is computed by taking into account the distribution of residential units located within zones affected by noise. We present an application of this method to a group of Italian and Spanish airports, as well as possible beneficial policy interventions in terms of minimization of noise impact on the population living in the airport neighborhoods. In addition, possible mitigation policies are presented in the form of noise surcharges applied to different aircraft categories.