Changes in the electronic structure and properties of graphene induced by molecular charge-transfer

Interaction with electron donor and acceptor molecules such as aniline and nitrobenzene brings about marked changes in the Raman spectrum and the electronic structure of graphene, prepared by the exfoliation of graphitic oxide.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure

Immunostimulatory Effects of a Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Cell Wall Feed Supplement on Rohu (Labeo rohita), an Indian Major Carp

The immunostimulatory role of an orally administered yeast cell wall preparation from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NutrifermTM) was assessed in the Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita). Fish were fed a diet containing the preparation for 15 days and then returned to the con- trol diet for 20 days. Non-specific immunity was assessed at the end of the experimental feed- ing period (day 0) and on days 10 and 20. In vitro oxidative radical production, phagocytosis of leukocytes, nitrite production, and proliferation of lymphocytes were determined. All four para- meters remained stable in control fish but, in fish fed the supplemented diet, reached a peak on day 10 and remained higher than in the control until day 20, indicating that ingestion of the diet containing the yeast cell wall preparation for 15 days had significant immunostimulatory effects

TB transmission is associated with prolonged stay in a low socio-economic, high burdened TB and HIV community in Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract Background While several studies have assessed the associations between biological factors and tuberculosis (TB) transmission, our understanding of the associations between TB transmission and social and economic factors remains incomplete. We aimed to explore associations between community TB transmission and socio-economic factors within a high TB-HIV burdened setting. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional molecular epidemiology study among adult patients attending a routine TB clinic. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from TB registers and clinical folders; social and economic data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires; Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were genotyped and classified as clustered/non-clustered using IS6110-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Composite “social” and “economic” scores were generated from social and economic data. Data were analyzed using StataCorp version 15.0 software. Stratified, bivariable analyses were performed using chi-squared. Wilcoxon signed rank tests; univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to explore associations in the social, economic, traditional and composite TB risk factors with TB transmission. Results Of the 505 patient Mtb  strains, 348(69%) cases were classified as clustered and 157(31%) were non-clustered. Clustered cases were more likely to have lived longer in the study community, (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% Confidence interval [C.I]:1.02–1.09, p = 0.006); in the same house (OR = 1.04, C.I: 0.99–1.08, p = 0.06); and had increased household crowding conditions (i.e fewer rooms used for sleeping, OR = 0.45, C.I:0.21–0.95, p = 0.04). Although a higher proportion of clustered cases had a low economic score, no statistically significant association was found between clustering and either the economic score (p = 0.13) or social score (p = 0.26). Conclusions We report a novel association between Mtb transmission and prolonged stay within a high burdened community. Transmission was also associated with fewer rooms for sleeping in a household. Increased social interaction and prolonged residence in a high burdened community are important factors linked to Mtb transmission, possibly due to increased probability of higher effective contact rates. The possible importance of degrees of poverty within low socio-economic setting warrants further study

Staff training in terms of digital economy development: the experience of Polotsk State University (Republic of Belarus)

The article examines the features of the educational process in conditions of digital transformation of economy, as well as key competencies and skills that required in the digital economy. The main trends in the sphere of education are described. The experience of the Polotsk State University countries in the field of digital transformation of education is presented

Nutrient Changes in the Mississippi River and System Responses on the Adjacent Continental Shelf

The Mississippi River system ranks among the world\u27s top 10 rivers in freshwater and sediment inputs to the coastal ocean. The river contributes 90% of the freshwater loading to the Gulf of Mexico, and terminates amidst one of the United States\u27 most productive fisheries regions and the location of the largest zone of hypoxia, in the western Atlantic Ocean. Significant increases in riverine nutrient concentrations and loadings of nitrate and phosphorus and decreases in silicate have occurred this century, and have accelerated since 1950. Consequently, major alterations have occurred in the probable nutrient limitation and overall stoichiometric nutrient balance in the adjacent continental shelf system. Changes in the nutrient balances and reduction in riverine silica loading to, the continental shelf appear to have led to phytoplankton species shifts offshore and to an increase in primary production. The phytoplankton community response, as indicated by long-term changes in biological uptake of silicate and accumulation of biologically bound silica in sediments, has shown how the system has responded to changes in riverine nutrient loadings. Indeed, the accumulation of biologically bound silica in sediments beneath the Mississippi River plume increased during the past two decades, presumably in response to, increased nitrogen loading. The duration, size, and severity of hypoxia has probably increased as a consequence of the increased primary production. Management alternatives directed at water pollution issues within the Mississippi River watershed may have unintended and contrasting impacts on the coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico

Peculiarities of using G Suite for Education services in the educational process of Polotsk State University

The article begins by defining e-learning as the use of technology for teaching and learning. There is a significant interest in identifying the advantages, disadvantages and challenges of using information technologies in the studying process for full-time studying, where e-learning is a component of the educational process, rather than a substitute for it.The article then turns to a practical case study of e-learning in Polotsk State University. The indicators and features of use of the G Suite for Education platform services in the educational process of Polotsk State University are analyzed

Perfect Fluid Quantum Anisotropic Universe: Merits and Challenges

The present paper deals with quantization of perfect fluid anisotropic cosmological models. Bianchi type V and IX models are discussed following Schutz's method of expressing fluid velocities in terms of six potentials. The wave functions are found for several examples of equations of state. In one case a complete wave packet could be formed analytically. The initial singularity of a zero proper volume can be avoided in this case, but it is plagued by the usual problem of non-unitarity of anisotropic quantum cosmological models. It is seen that a particular operator ordering alleviates this problem.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures; Accepted for publication in Gen Relativ Gravi

The use of new pedagogical practices and modern technologies to increase the competence level of I and II stage students of the specialty “ Physical Training” of Polotsk State University

The changes taking place in the higher education system in the Republic of Belarus require the search for new pedagogical teaching technologies, the updating of tools, methods and methodological techniques. At Polotsk State University, innovative pedagogical practices and technologies, information and communication technologies and distance learning technologies are widely used in the training of specialists in physical education. When choosing and implementing new pedagogical practices, technologies, forms and methods of teaching, constant requests for the formation of future specialists ' competencies are taken into account. The use of innovative teaching methods increases the quality of students ' knowledge, interest in studying the course and future professional activity

Polotsk State University in the Educational Space of Polotsk Region

The article considers the role of university education in the regional space. It is proved that the regional university is faced with the task of working out a qualitatively new educational policy, as well as the fact that the mutual influence of the university and the region is one of the leading factors of regional development. The university provides an influx of young people into the region from other areas, leading to an increase in the number of young specialists who are actively involved in new areas of the economy. Polotsk State University is a major educational, scientific and cultural centre of the northern region of the Republic of Belarus. It has a direct impact on the improvement of the quality of life in Polotsk region, providing a wide and diverse range of professional, educational, cultural and leisure services to its population, especially young people, and organizing various types of vocational training and retraining of employees in accordance with the demand of the region for a particular profession and specialty. In addition, the university concentrates the bulk of scientific research of fundamental importance for the sustainable socio-economic and cultural development of the region