Structural-functional Model Research Articles

Contribution of T. P. Zinchenko to the Development of Cognitive and Applied Psychology (On the Occasion of Her 85th Birthday)

This article is a scientific-biographical essay dedicated to the analysis of the activities, human, and personal qualities of the renowned Soviet psychologist, cognitive scientist, representative of the Leningrad/Saint Petersburg school of psychology, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor Tatyana Petrovna Zinchenko. The article highlights her extraordinary personal and human qualities and her pronounced pedagogical talent. It demonstrates her pioneering and foundational role in the creation and development of the theoretical-methodological and experimental basis of the Leningrad school of cognitive psychology, research on memory, perception, recognition, human information encoding, studies of perceptual interference processes, cognitive styles, and applied aspects of engineering psychology and cognitive ergonomics. Research on this range of issues began and was conducted in the 1960s–1980s in the “Reception and Processing of Information” laboratory of the Faculty of Psychology at Leningrad State University. Under T.P. Zinchenko’s leadership, methods of tachistoscopic research were developed and widely used in educational and scientific-practical work, showing high effectiveness in the study of perception, attention, and memory processes. Tatyana Petrovna developed a structural-functional model of recognition, investigating its structure and connections with basic mental processes. Together with A.A. Frumkin in the mid-1990s, the first automated system of psychological support for activities was created and implemented in practice, including a battery of psychodiagnostics methods for professional selection based on computer technologies.

Physical properties and thermal stability of zirconium platinum nitride thin films

Ternary transition metal nitrides (TMNs) promise to significantly expand the material design space by opening new functionality and enhancing existing properties. However, most systems have only been investigated computationally, and limited understanding of their stabilizing mechanisms restricts translation to experimental synthesis. To better elucidate key factors in designing ternary TMNs, we experimentally fabricate and analyze the physical properties of the ternary Zr–Pt–N system. Structural analysis and density functional theory modeling demonstrate that Pt substitutes nitrogen on the nonmetallic sublattice, which destabilizes the rock salt structure and forms a complex cubic phase. We also show insolubility of Pt in the Zr–Pt–N at 45 at. % with the formation of a secondary Pt-rich phase. The measured reduced plasma frequency, decrease in resistivity, and decrease in hardness reflect a dominance of metallic behavior in bonding. Additionally, we observe the exsolution of Pt nano precipitates from the Zr–Pt–N films upon annealing as well as degradation in the nitridic film's thermal stability. Even at low concentrations (1%), Pt facilitates a solid reaction with the Si substrate that is otherwise inaccessible in ZrN films.

Evaluating the role of sex-related structure-function differences on airway aerosol transport and deposition.

Several experimental studies have found that females have higher particle deposition in the airways than males. This has implications for the delivery of aerosolized therapeutics and for understanding sex differences in respiratory system response to environmental exposures. This study evaluates several factors that potentially contribute to sex differences in particle deposition, using scale-specific structure-function models of one-dimensional (1-D) ventilation distribution, particle transport, and deposition. The impact of gravity, inhalation flow rate, and dead space are evaluated in 12 structure-based models (7 females; 5 males). Females were found to have significantly higher total, bronchial, and alveolar deposition than males across a particle size range from 0.01 to 10 μm. Results suggest that higher deposition fraction in females is due to higher alveolar deposition for smaller particle sizes and higher bronchial deposition for larger particles. Females had higher alveolar deposition in the lower lobes and slightly lower particle concentration in the left upper lobe. Males were found to be more sensitive to changes due to gravity, showing greater reduction in bronchial deposition fraction. Males were also more sensitive to change in inhalation flow rate and to scaling of dead space due to the larger male baseline airway size. Predictions of sex differences in particle deposition-that are consistent with the literature-suggest that sex-based characteristics of lung and airway size interacting with particle size gives rise to differences in regional deposition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sex differences in airway tract particle deposition are analyzed using computational models that account for scale-specific structure and function. We show that sex-related differences in lung and airway size can explain experimental observations of increased deposition fraction in females, with females tending toward enhanced fine particle deposition in the alveolar airways and enhanced bronchial deposition for larger particles.

Structural and functional model of formation of STEM-competencies of students of professional higher education institutions in mathematics teaching

Abstract This study focuses on the vocational preparation of learners in professional pre-higher educational establishments. The primary objective is to provide a theoretical foundation for, construct, and empirically evaluate the efficacy of a structural-functional paradigm for cultivating STEM proficiencies among students in these institutions through mathematics instruction. The pedagogical experiment corroborated the research postulate that attaining advanced STEM competencies in mathematics among professional pre-higher education students can be facilitated through a learning model that incorporates specific pedagogical conditions: motivating and stimulating students to engage in educational, cognitive and research activities in mathematics through engagement in cooperation and the use of individual and group coaching; implementation of STEM projects in mathematics teaching; usage of ICT to ensure visibility and research orientation of mathematics teaching. The experimental outcomes and accompanying educational resources have enabled a comprehensive analysis of the challenges associated with implementing STEM methodologies in mathematics instruction. This article aims to elucidate the key attributes of the devised structural-functional model and evaluate its implementation efficacy, with particular emphasis on the application of the authors’ developed pedagogical support materials.

Olena Kasyanova1, Olga Kvasnyk2, Igor Bodnia3, Iryna Rudnyeva4, Olena Bespartochna5, Tamara Poyasok6 1Doctor of Pedago

This study elucidates the theoretical underpinnings and underscores the imperative of enhancing master's training programs for higher education teachers within the educational digitalization landscape on the public health education example. The research elucidates that at the core of this evolution lies the technological concept, necessitating the development of a meticulously grounded model for the purposeful and well-organized training of higher education faculty within a digitally transformed educational framework. This model delineates a meticulously outlined structure, content framework, a judicious selection of methodologies and techniques, and a methodical integration of technological advancements to ensure the realization of desired educational outcomes. The structural-functional model encompasses integral components such as the methodological-objective facet (incorporating societal demands, educational objectives, conceptual approaches to professional development, and digitalization elements), the constructive-procedural dimension (comprising educational directions, organizational forms in the digital paradigm), the profession-specific aspect (encompassing content, technologies, methods, pedagogical tools), and the analytical-effective domain (defining criteria, process metrics, diagnostic tools), in conjunction with organizational-pedagogical parameters. Emphasis is placed on nurturing a tailored educational milieu and fostering educational innovations to augment the efficacy of training enhancements with a specific lens toward public health implications. The article substantiates the criteria and metrics for bolstering master's training initiatives for higher education instructors, underlining the distinct facets of national educational digitalization and the unique dynamics among higher education stakeholders. The contemporary relevance of revamping master's programs for teachers is underscored through exploring diverse digital learning formats employing information technologies, digital resources, and cloud-based tools. Initiatives aimed at reshaping the master's educational landscape to align with the digital era will entail validating the proposed model's efficacy through experimental validation across domestic and international educational realms.

Upgrading Master's Training for Higher Education Instructors in the Digital Era: Public Health Education as an Example

This study elucidates the theoretical underpinnings and underscores the imperative of enhancing master's training programs for higher education teachers within the educational digitalization landscape on the public health education example. The research elucidates that at the core of this evolution lies the technological concept, necessitating the development of a meticulously grounded model for the purposeful and well-organized training of higher education faculty within a digitally transformed educational framework. This model delineates a meticulously outlined structure, content framework, a judicious selection of methodologies and techniques, and a methodical integration of technological advancements to ensure the realization of desired educational outcomes. The structural-functional model encompasses integral components such as the methodological-objective facet (incorporating societal demands, educational objectives, conceptual approaches to professional development, and digitalization elements), the constructive-procedural dimension (comprising educational directions, organizational forms in the digital paradigm), the profession-specific aspect (encompassing content, technologies, methods, pedagogical tools), and the analytical-effective domain (defining criteria, process metrics, diagnostic tools), in conjunction with organizational-pedagogical parameters. Emphasis is placed on nurturing a tailored educational milieu and fostering educational innovations to augment the efficacy of training enhancements with a specific lens toward public health implications. The article substantiates the criteria and metrics for bolstering master's training initiatives for higher education instructors, underlining the distinct facets of national educational digitalization and the unique dynamics among higher education stakeholders. The contemporary relevance of revamping master's programs for teachers is underscored through exploring diverse digital learning formats employing information technologies, digital resources, and cloud-based tools. Initiatives aimed at reshaping the master's educational landscape to align with the digital era will entail validating the proposed model's efficacy through experimental validation across domestic and international educational realms.

Strategies for developing hard skills in higher education students through innovative pedagogical technologies in realistic professional environments

Introduction: the global emphasis on developing hard skills, essential for professional competence in digital optimization, has led to a focus on practical skills like foreign language proficiency, programming, and data analysis. These skills, acquired through education or experience, are crucial across various professions, especially in the digital era, where innovative pedagogical methods are key.Objectives: this study aims to analyze the impact of innovative pedagogical technologies on developing hard skills, particularly foreign language competence, in higher education students, simulating real-world professional environments.Methods: the study employs a range of general scientific methods, including analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, formalization, and generalization. These methods help identify and describe the development of hard skills and digital competence, focusing on innovative pedagogical strategies.Results: the findings highlight a structural-functional model for professional training in the digital labor market, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration, professional training alignment with market needs, and the use of innovative technologies. Key skills identified include financial management, software development, and foreign language proficiency, essential for making informed managerial decisions in a globalized world.Conclusions: the integration of innovative pedagogical methods, such as incidental learning and argumentation, enhances the development of hard skills, particularly English language competence. The study underscores the importance of creating learning environments that closely mirror professional conditions, thereby improving the quality of education and preparing students for the demands of the modern labor market. Future research should focus on refining digital tools and methodologies to further enhance language skills and overall hard skill development

Структурно-функциональная модель подготовки будущих педагогов к воспитанию основ социально-экологической ответственности у детей дошкольного возраста

The article examines the problem of preparing future teachers to instill the fundamentals of social and environmental responsibility in preschool children. The research aims to theoretically justify and develop a structural-functional model of teacher training for instilling the fundamentals of social and environmental responsibility in preschool children. The article defines the concept of “education of social and environmental responsibility in preschool children”, describes the structural and functional model of preparing future teachers for instilling the fundamentals of social and environmental responsibility in preschool children, and its component composition. The model integrates fundamental theoretical aspects with practical orientation and systematicity as key components of professional education for specialists in the designated field. It is assumed that students acquire not only theoretical knowledge in pedagogy and methods of teaching and nurturing preschoolers but also have opportunities to apply them both in solving cases and during pedagogical practice. Conclusions are drawn from the study's findings on this issue.

Retinal Ganglion Cell Content Underlying Standard Automated Perimetry Size I to V Visual Sensitivities in the Non-Human Primate Experimental Glaucoma Model.

To determine the relationship between visual sensitivities from white-on-white Goldmann size I to V stimuli and the underlying retinal ganglion cell (RGC) content in the non-human primate (NHP) experimental glaucoma model. Normative data were collected from 13 NHPs. Unilateral experimental glaucoma was induced in seven animals with the least variable fields who were monitored using optical coherence tomography and 30-2 full-threshold standard automated perimetry (SAP). At varying endpoints, animals were euthanized followed by perfusion fixation, and 1-mm retinal punches were obtained from 34 corresponding SAP locations. RGCs were immunolabeled with an antibody against an RNA-binding protein (RBPMS) marker and imaged using confocal microscopy. RGC counts from each location were then related to visual sensitivities for each stimulus size, after accounting for ocular magnification. At the endpoint, the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness for experimental glaucoma eyes ranged from 47 to 113µm. RGC density in control eyes was greatest for the 4.24° sample (18,024 ± 6869 cells/mm2) and decreased with eccentricity. Visual sensitivity at each tested location followed that predicted by spatial summation, with the critical area increasing with eccentricity (slope = 0.0036, R2 = 0.44). The relationship between RGC counts and visual sensitivity was described using a two-line fit, where the intercept of the first segment and hinge points were dependent on eccentricity. In NHPs, SAP visual thresholds are related to the underlying RGCs. The resulting spatial summation based structure-function model can be used to estimate RGC content from any standard white-on-white stimulus size.

PREPARATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS FOR TRAINING PHYSICS IN INSTITUTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PRE-HIGHER EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

The article highlights relevant aspects of training future teachers of physics in institutions of professional pre-higher education, vocational education and modelling of practice-oriented tasks. The authors justified the importance of modernizing the content of relevant programmes of the "Physics" discipline, considering the profession of students at professional colleges and lyceums. It is noted that studying physics contributes to the formation of subject competencies of students, the ability to analyse, systematize, generalize information, overcome difficulties of adaptation to professional activity. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, the target, content, operational-activity, diagnostic-resultative blocks of the structural-functional model of training future teachers for teaching physics in institutions of professional pre-higher education and vocational education were selected. The target block is based on the socio-economic demand of society for qualified specialists. The content block contains pedagogical, psychological, methodical, and technological knowledge. Gnostic (research), design, organizational, and communication skills are highlighted in the structure of the operational-activity block. The diagnostic-resultative block will help the physics teacher to make corrections in the process of professional training of college students and vocational-technical lyceums. The importance of practice-oriented tasks in the process of learning physics for students of professional higher education and professional and technical education is indicated. Differences between practice-oriented tasks and other physical tasks are determined. The structure (name of the task, individually meaningful cognitive question, information, task involving work with information) and the algorithm of preparation for creating tasks of practical content in physics are presented. The methodology of teaching simulation of practice-oriented tasks in the process of studying the educational component "Methodology of teaching physics in a specialized school" is illustrated.

Модель формування готовності майбутніх учителів музичного мистецтва до роботи в умовах змішаного навчання

The article justifies the necessity of the implementation of the formation model of future music teachers’ readiness as a factor of educational process optimization at a modern higher educational institution in the conditions of spreading of information technologies use. The article analyzes the contents of the following model blocks: purpose, methodological, contents, process and diagnostic-resultive. It is stated that the purpose component of the model includes the aim and tasks of the research. The characteristic is given to the methodological block which contains methodological approaches and basic principles of the process of future music teachers’ readiness formation in blended learning conditions. Much attention is drawn to prior for modern conditions methodological approaches: system, integrative, personally-oriented, activity and subject-environmental. The consideration of the peculiarities of structure–functional model of future music teachers’ readiness formation for work in blended learning conditions which reflect the combination of principles of traditional and blended learning let us concentrate on the following conceptually important principles: the principle of students’ activity and independence, the principle of cooperative activity, the principle of reliance on students’ life experience, individual approach principle, the principle of the actualization of studies’ results, reflective principle, the principle of personally mediate interaction, the principle of education systematicity and integrity, the principle of various kinds of communication combination. The contents block consists of motive, cognitive, personal and activity components of future music teachers’ readiness for work in blended learning conditions. The components of the processual model block described in the article are the following: special course “The Theory and Practice of Blended Learning organization” created and implemented by the author, the use of different forms and methods of teaching, both traditional and innovative at the course “The Theory of Music Interpretation”. The article highlights the contents of diagnostic-resultive block that includes the criteria base of the research which allows determining the degree of formation of future music teachers’ readiness for work in blended learning conditions and those changes that occurred as a result of purposeful work.

СТРУКТУРНО-ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНА МОДЕЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕМОЦІЙНИХ НАВИЧОК МОЛОДШИХ ШКОЛЯРІВ

The article presents an overview of the features of the formation of social-emotional skills of younger schoolchildren and specifies the essence of the concept of "social-emotional skills of younger schoolchildren". It is emphasized that the formation of social-emotional skills is one of the key factors of a child's full-fledged development, his adaptation to the social environment, and preservation of mental health. Children of primary school age are developing such skills as emotion regulation and effective communication with others. The author of the article emphasizes the importance of implementing social-emotional education programs in educational institutions as an effective way of forming social-emotional skills of children of primary school age. This approach improves their psychosocial adaptation and contributes to the strengthening of mental health, the formation of readiness for school and social interaction. Key words: socio-emotional skills of younger schoolchildren; stages of formation of social-emotional competence of younger schoolchildren, social skills, emotional skills, structural-functional model.

СТРУКТУРНО-ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНА МОДЕЛЬ ФОРМУВАННЯ ПРОФЕСІЙНО-ЦІННІСНИХ ОРІЄНТАЦІЙ МАЙБУТНІХ АГРОТЕХНІКІВ У КОЛЕДЖІ ЗАСОБАМИ КУРАТОРСЬКОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

Relevance. Current events in Ukraine and associated socio-economic and psychological transformations stimulate members of society to take responsibility for their own destiny, thereby gradually affirming a fundamentally new system of value orientations in people's consciousness. This underscores the importance of integrating future specialists' professional values with the values of a free democratic society; thus, the process of educational seekers' value self-determination should be viewed as a process of defining and forming a value-oriented system necessary for successful further professional activity in the "human – human", "human – world" system. Objective: To substantiate the structural-functional model of curatorial educational activity as a significant factor in the formation of professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians. Methods: Study and analysis of philosophical, general scientific, methodological, psychological-pedagogical literature, and legal documentation; educational-planning documentation to assess the problem's current state; synthesis of obtained information to determine research directions (refinement of hypothesis, conceptual framework); comparison – for contrasting researchers' approaches to solving the problem of forming professional-value orientations; synthesis – for substantiating the conceptual-categorical apparatus, defining the content of future agritechnicians' professional-value orientations, substantiating the role of the curator in their formation and development; modeling – to create a model of curatorial educational activity. Results and discussion: The source base of the study was examined, its conceptual-categorical apparatus was specified; a theoretical analysis of the educational activity of the curator as a pedagogical problem was conducted; the structural-functional model of curatorial educational activity was substantiated, and the main tasks of the curator's work were formulated. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that forming professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians is a complex process that combines both future specialists' personal perceptions of their profession's values and considerations of the socio-cultural context of their professional training and adaptation; it was determined that forming professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians is a methodologically substantiated educational process, aimed at the professional-personal establishment of educational seekers and mastering by future agritechnicians of the norms and values of their future profession, recognizing themselves as subjects of this profession, and fostering a stable positive attitude towards future professional activity; it was clarified that the curator's influence on student groups is significant in forming professional-value orientations; the main tasks of the curator were formulated (preparing educational seekers to recognize the motivational-value system of the specialist; motivating educational seekers to align their motives and values with professional requirements; teaching future specialists to align personal traits and qualities with the characteristics and requirements of the profession; consulting educational seekers on professional development); the structural-functional model of curatorial educational activity was substantiated, presented in several blocks (normative-target, methodological, organizational-procedural, structural-criterial) and aimed at facilitating the formation of professional-value orientations in future agritechnicians; prospective directions for further research were identified (preparing curators to address problems of educating future specialists and developing a system for evaluating the results of their educational activity).

STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL MODEL OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE FORMATION OF FUTURE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF HMEI

The article updates the problem of the formation of professional competence of future military intelligence officers in the information and educational environment of a higher military educational institution, substantiates the theoretical foundations of professional training of future officers. The need to protect the territorial integrity of our state was analyzed, which determined the importance of the challenges posed to the transformation of military education into the professional training of Ukrainian officers. It is noted that one of the directions of the development of an effective system of military education, with the aim of gaining full membership of Ukraine in NATO, is the modernization of the officer training system, strengthening the integrity of the professional training of military specialists. It has been observed that military-professional education in accordance with the principles of the military doctrine of the state, target instructions of military policy and science, state educational standards, within which the professional training of future military intelligence officers is carried out, is based on the educational-professional program, the modern model of training competent specialists taking into account the methods preparation of NATO member countries. It has been found that the social order of society to ensure the interests of national security and defense of the state for the training of military specialists in higher military educational institutions, in accordance with modern requirements, determines the important problem of forming the professional competence of future military intelligence officers and the development of a structural and functional model of such a process in conditions of the informational and educational environment. It was found that modeling allows to analyze the real content, establish goals, highlight the main components of the structure, essential features, relationships, graphically display the functional specificity and determine the formation of professional competence of future military intelligence officers. A structural-functional model for the formation of professional competence of future military intelligence officers in the information and educational environment of higher military educational institutions has been developed, which contains blocks: conceptual-target (social order, goal, task, conceptual and methodological approaches, principles, functions), procedural- technological (informational and educational environment at higher military educational institutions, organizational and pedagogical conditions, stages, components, methods, forms, means, technologies, educational disciplines), effective (criteria, level indicators, result).

The full spectrum of SLC22 OCT1 mutations illuminates the bridge between drug transporter biophysics and pharmacogenomics

Mutations in transporters can impact an individual's response to drugs and cause many diseases. Few variants in transporters have been evaluated for their functional impact. Here, we combine saturation mutagenesis and multi-phenotypic screening to dissect the impact of 11,213 missense single-amino-acid deletions, and synonymous variants across the 554 residues of OCT1, a key liver xenobiotic transporter. By quantifying in parallel expression and substrate uptake, we find that most variants exert their primary effect on protein abundance, a phenotype not commonly measured alongside function. Using our mutagenesis results combined with structure prediction and molecular dynamic simulations, we develop accurate structure-function models of the entire transport cycle, providing biophysical characterization of all known and possible human OCT1 polymorphisms. This work provides a complete functional map of OCT1 variants along with a framework for integrating functional genomics, biophysical modeling, and human genetics to predict variant effects on disease and drug efficacy.

The future in the structure of the subjective image of a student professional life

Introduction. Modern concepts of education are based on the principles of anticipation, determination of the present by the future (advanced education, Life Long Learning). The same pattern applies to the personality of both the subject of life in general and professional life in particular. Aim. Based on the theoretical and methodological analysis, identification and empirical research of the psychological characteristics of the future, the present research aims to consider the future as a personal construct in the structure of the subjective image of professional life. Methodology and research methods. The key methodological approaches are the subjective approach and the theoretical and methodological foundations for using the synergetic approach to study the psyche, mental phenomena and processes. The study employs survey methods; the methods of mathematical and statistical data processing: comparative analysis and factor analysis were carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics v.20 program. Results. Based on theoretical ideas about time modes, time perspective, psychological characteristics of organisation and perception of time, as well as the results of an analysis of the works of foreign and Russian authors, a structural-functional model of the subjective image of professional life is proposed, including four blocks: a block of retrospection, a block of regulation of actual activity, a prognostic block, and a transspective block. Scientific novelty. The use of a subjective and synergetic approach to modelling the image of the professional future is justified. A structural-functional model of the image of the professional future is proposed, including invariants that represent a formal and meaningful representation of the temporal modes of the past, present and future and a mechanism for comparing the current state with the desired (“needed future”). Practical significance. The presented structural-functional model of the subjective image of professional life can serve as the basis for the development of a subject-oriented approach to professional guidance and support of professional development at the stage of choosing a profession and professional training with practical means of constructing a professional future.

Effect of Surface Roughness on Aerodynamic Loads of Bluff Body in Vicinity of Smoothed Moving Wall

This paper contributes to a new Lagrangian vortex method for the statistical control of turbulence in two-dimensional flow configurations around a rough circular cylinder in ground effect when considering higher subcritical Reynolds numbers, namely 3 × 104 ≤ Re ≤ 2 × 105. A smoothed moving wall (active control technique) is used to include the blockage effect in association with the variation in cylinder surface roughness (passive control technique), characterizing a hybrid approach. In contrast with the previous approaches of our research group, the rough cylinder surface is here geometrically constructed, and a new momentum source term is introduced and calculated for the investigated problem. The methodology is structured by coupling the random Discrete Vortex Method, the Lagrangian Dynamic Roughness Model, and the Large Eddy Simulation with turbulence closure using the truncated Second-Order Velocity Structure Function model. This methodological option has the advantage of dispensing with the use of both a refined near-wall mesh and wall functions. The disadvantage of costly processing is readily solved with Open Multi-Processing. The results reveal that intermediate and high roughness values are most efficient for Reynolds numbers on the orders of 105 and 104, respectively. In employing a moving wall, the transition from the large-gap to the intermediate-gap regime is satisfactorily characterized. For the conditions studied with the hybrid technique, it was concluded that the effect of roughness is preponderant and acts to anticipate the characteristics of a lower gap-to-diameter ratio regime, especially with regard to intermittency.

Protein structure-function continuum model: Emerging nexuses between specificity, evolution, and structure.

The rationale for replacing the old binary of structure-function with the trinity of structure, disorder, and function has gained considerable ground in recent years. A continuum model based on the expanded form of the existing paradigm can now subsume importance of both conformational flexibility and intrinsic disorder in protein function. The disorder is actually critical for understanding the protein-protein interactions in many regulatory processes, formation of membrane-less organelles, and our revised notions of specificity as amply illustrated by moonlighting proteins. While its importance in formation of amyloids and function of prions is often discussed, the roles of intrinsic disorder in infectious diseases and protein function under extreme conditions are also becoming clear. This review is an attempt to discuss how our current understanding of protein function, specificity, and evolution fit better with the continuum model. This integration of structure and disorder under a single model may bring greater clarity in our continuing quest for understanding proteins and molecular mechanisms of their functionality.

Stochastic modelling of development and biomass allocation: Computation applied to architecture of young mahogany trees (Khaya senegalensis Desr. A. Juss), a native African savannah emblematic agroforestry species

The architectural plasticity forms observed in trees is a result of meristem functioning, which generates new organs and branches, and adjusts growth processes in response to heterogeneous climatic adaptations that affect biomass allocation. Analyzing this plasticity should enable the selection of adapted individuals for optimizing successful cropping systems. Mahogany tree (Khaya senegalensis) is a rhythmically growing indigenous agroforestry tree that is heavily exploited for its multiple uses. Understanding its growth characteristics, as well as the complexity of its structure (randomness, rhythmicity, etc. of Mahogany tree), could facilitate its conservation and sustainable management. This study aims to model the architecture and physiology of young mahogany trees based on field data using an organ-level structural–functional model called 'GreenLab', which is founded on source-sink relationships. Ninety trees aged 6, 12, and 24 months were measured in the field. Development was calculated using a dual-scale automaton based on the Monte Carlo process, while biomass production and its distribution to different plant organs (source and sink) were calibrated using Pressler's law using Markov chains. Meristematic activity laws, combined with organ sinks (D: Demand), photosynthesis (Q: Supply), and organic series (Q/D: Trophic pressure), were employed to simulate individual architecture. The results demonstrate that the model realistically and flexibly describes topological development and replicates biomass production and allocation processes for rhythmically growing trees. This model will enable the identification of mahogany ideotypes suited for enhancing agroforestry cropping systems based on this species and several other threatened species. These findings introduce and thus lay the groundwork for a computational plant model tailored to the needs of agroforestry from a novel perspective, offering new avenues for agronomic and forestry applications in West Africa and Côte d'Ivoire.

STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL MODEL OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE FORMATION OF FUTURE BACHELORS IN COMPUTER ENGINEERING IN VOCATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The research objective. The purpose of this article is to develop a structural and functional model of the formation of professional competence of future bachelors in computer engineering in institutions of vocational higher education. The statement of main materials. The structural-functional model of the formation of professional competence of future bachelors in computer engineering in professional higher education institutions was developed within the framework of the conducted research. It consists of a set of four interrelated blocks that ensure its functioning: conceptual, content-technological, competence, diagnostic. We will describe each of the components of the model in more detail.