Management of biobanking for medical genetics research

Biobanking is one of the most important elements of the modern infrastructure for biomedical research. Organization of a biobank on the basis of the N. P. Bochkov Medical Genetics Research Center provides a centralized infrastructure for preparing biomaterial for research. Biobank has the format of a research equipment sharing center and works with two types of unique biomaterials from patients with genetic diseases: blood/blood components and vital cells of various tissue origin. The storage facility of the Biobank is equipped with low-temperature (-80° C) and cryostorage (-196° C) systems. Identification and search of samples is carried out using a bar-coding system and is implemented through the information interface of the biobank, which is integrated into the general database of patients at the Medical Genetics Research Center. Information on biomaterial samples is presented in periodically updated catalogs on the page of equipment sharing center “Biobank”. Biobank collection is available to internal and external users.

The method of measuring motion capture in wheelchairs during actual use – description of the method and model of measuring signal processing

The aim of the article is to verify the method of measuring motion capture in wheelchair during conditions of actual use and to formally describe how the measurement points are processed. The developed method and the measurement data processing process extract a set of parameters from the study that describe the kinematics of the human body while propelling a wheelchair. The method includes an algorithm to process data from video recorded with a sports camera to the coordinates of the marker position. For the selected marker positions, a data processing algorithm was proposed to determine universal parameters used in the assessment of the kinematics of the human body in terms of wheelchair use. The method has been verified with actual tests that analyzed the kinematics of the human body while propelling a wheelchair under various operating conditions. The proposed method of measuring motion capture involves inexpensive research equipment, offers the possibility of use in real conditions.

RECIPES FOR MODIFIED DRY MIXTURES

В настоящей работе приводятся основные аспекты формирования специальных свойств материалов, а также компоненты, входящие в состав строительных сухих смесей. Приведенный анализ компонентов сухих строительных смесей подтвердил, что разработка рецептур сухих смесей - это энергоемкий и длительный процесс, требующий наличия современной лаборатории, оснащенной высококлассным оборудованием для проведения исследований. Результаты исследований подтверждают, что местный минерально-природный ресурс позволяет проводить необходимые мероприятия по разработке рецептур ССС. This work presents the main aspects of the formation of special properties of materials, as well as the components that make up the construction dry mixes. The above analysis of the components of dry building mixtures confirmed that the development of formulations for dry mixtures is an energy-intensive and time-consuming process that requires a modern laboratory equipped with high-quality research equipment. The research results confirm that the local mineral and natural resource allows to carry out the necessary measures for the development of CCC formulations.

Generative Adversarial Neural Networks and Deep Learning: Successful Cases and Advanced Approaches

Cross-domain artificial intelligence (AI) frameworks are the keys to amplify progress in science. Cutting edge deep learning methods offer novel opportunities for retrieving, optimizing, and improving different data types. AI techniques provide new ways for enhancing and polishing existing models that are used in applied sciences. New breakthroughs in generative adversarial neural networks (GANNs/GANs) and deep learning allow to drastically increase the quality of diverse graphic samples obtained with research equipment. All these innovative approaches can be compounded into a unified academic and technological pipeline that can radically elevate and accelerate scientific research and development. The authors analyze a number of successful cases of GAN and deep learning applications in applied scientific fields (including observational astronomy, health care, materials science, deep fakes, bioinformatics, and typography) and discuss advanced approaches for increasing GAN and DL efficiency in terms of performance calibration using modified data samples, algorithmic enhancements, and various hybrid methods of optimization.

Assessing the impact of hydropower constructions on functioning of Dniester and Prut rivers ecosystems within the Hydroeconex project

The article reflects on the main issues, research methodologies and achievements of the project HydroEcoNex, a transboundary project carried out by a consortium of research institutes, NGO and a university – Institute of Zoology, International association of river keepers “Eco-Tiras” (Republic of Moldova), ”Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati (Romania), as well as Ukrainian Scientific Center of Ecology of the Sea and Hydrometeorological Center for Black and Azov Seas. Among the main obtained results are the development of a common methodology with various set of indicators for assessing hydropower impact and climate change, assessment of lost ecosystem services, sharing of generated knowledge to students and researchers, endowment of the research laboratories with advanced research equipment.

Development of decontamination and detergents for the nuclear industry

At the enterprises of the radiochemical industry in the world, the task is to clean the technological and research equipment, overalls, and personnel from contamination with radioactive products. This task is especially relevant in case of emergencies, for example, such as an accident at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan. A review of the deactivation methods currently used is reviewed. It has been shown that the most typical pollutants are mixtures of radionuclides 137Cs, 144Ce, 144Pr, 90Sr, and 239Pu. All these elements are prone to the formation of chelate complexes. Therefore, complexing substances should be an essential component of deactivation solutions that form stable, water-soluble complex compounds with these radionuclides. When creating the recipe, we chose those complexing agents with the most persistent complex compounds with the expected pollutants. For research and testing in real conditions, we have prepared three types of technical detergents of various compositions with the code name MDS for decontaminating various surfaces, equipment, and workwear. The composition of these preparations consists mainly of an optimized mixture of surfactants, complexing agents, corrosion inhibitors, and processing aids. The studies were conducted to evaluate the possibility of using these funds for deactivation of premises, equipment, washing clothes in the Federal Unitary Enterprise "Mayak" and at its branch NIKIET in town Zarechny at Beloyarskyaya Nuclear Power Station in Russia. The effectiveness of deactivation was judged by the amount of residual contamination of the surface of the samples. The deactivating ability of MDS preparations for stainless, carbon steel, and plastic contaminated with β- and α-emitting nuclides was tested. The possibility of using MDS detergents for the deactivation of platinum ampoules stored as radioactive waste was assessed. The possibility of using MDS detergents for the deactivation of fabric materials, including underwear and work clothes, was also evaluated. The tests showed the high efficiency of the developed detergent MDS compared to the existing and currently used deactivation agents.

ONLINE LEARNING QUESTIONNAIRES BASED ON RENEWABLE ENERGY RESEARCH EQUIPMENT

This paper resumes the main ideas to develop different sets of questionnaires based on renewable energy research equipment to improve online learning in engineering education. These educational activities, on the one hand, promote the connection between technological and education environments and, on the other hand, improve the motivation for studying theoretical and practical issues. The implementation of the proposed teaching and learning tasks will contribute to integrate students with different motivation and attitudes since the use of the close physical equipment for questionnaires development has an evident educational benefit when using it as a study model. The evolution of technological environments to educational units involves a functional Disassembly/Analyze/Assembly conversion to different modules adapted to specific subjects, the link with the theoretical knowledge, and finally, the questionnaire construction. The combination proposed offers the following positive results in master or grade studies: the effectiveness of competences training is improved, the students experimental work progresses significantly and the students’ motivation for better theory comprehension is more intensively developed. The use of these kind of questionnaires as educational tools is not new and their advantages are well known: the quick feedback results and the systematic data collection to support the educational proposal effectiveness, among others. Nevertheless, this tool has become a necessity with the massive use of online education. In summary, promoting the evolution of engineering education to online techniques and the use of renewable energy research equipment to promote the students’ vision on social necessities are two examples of educational goals stated in this paper.