Crowdsourcing Fungal Biodiversity : Revision of Inaturalist Observations in Northwestern Siberia

The paper presents the first analysis of crowdsourcing data of all observations of fungi (including lichens) and myxomycetes in Northwestern Siberia uploaded to iNaturalist.org to date (24.02.2022). The Introduction presents an analysis of fungal diversity crowdsourcing globally, in Russia, and in the region of interest. Materials and methods describe the protocol of uploading data to iNaturalist.org, the structure of the crowdsourcing community. initiative to revise the accumulated data. procedures of data analysis, and compilation of a dataset of revised crowdsourced data. The Results present the analysis of accumulated data by several parameters: temporal, geographical and taxonomical scope, observation and identification efforts, identifiability of various taxa, species novelty and Red Data Book categories and the protection status of registered observations. The Discussion provides data on usability of crowdsourcing data for biodiversity research and conservation of fungi, including pros and contras. The Electronic Supplements to the paper include an annotated checklist of observations of protected species with information on Red Data Book categories and the protection status, and an annotated checklist of regional records of new taxa. The paper is supplemented with a dataset of about 15 000 revised and annotated records available through Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The tradition of crowdsourcing is rooted in mycological societies around the world, including Russia. In Northwestern Siberia, a regional mycological club was established in 2018, encouraging its members to contribute observations of fungi on iNaturalist.org. A total of about 15 000 observations of fungi and myxomycetes were uploaded so far, by about 200 observers, from three administrative regions (Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous Okrug, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and Tyumen Region). The geographical coverage of crowdsourcing observations remains low. However. the observation activity has increased in the last four years. The goal of this study consisted of a collaborative effort of professional mycologists invited to help with the identification of these observations and analysis of the accumulated data. As a result, all observations were reviewed by at least one expert. About half of all the observations have been identified reliably to the species level and received Research Grade status. Of those, 90 species (195 records) represented records of taxa new to their respective regions: 876 records of 53 species of protected species provide important data for conservation programmes. The other half of the observations consists of records still under-identified for various reasons: poor quality photographs, complex taxa (impossible to identify without microscopic or molecular study). or lack of experts in a particular taxonomic group. The Discussion section summarises the pros and cons of the use of crowdsourcing for the study and conservation of regional fungal diversity, and summarises the dispute on this subject among mycologists. Further research initiatives involving crowdsourcing data must focus on an increase in the quality of observations and strive to introduce the habit of collecting voucher specimens among the community of amateurs. The timely feedback from experts is also important to provide quality and the increase of personal involvement.Peer reviewe

Избегая ошибок: эффективные методы преодоления проблем при изучении иностранного языка

В данной статье рассматривается «ошибка» как неотъемлемая часть обучения иностранному языку. Целью данного исследования является определение ошибок, которые допускаются студентами во время изучения иностранного языка, и выявление способов коррекции этих ошибок. Для достижения поставленных целей были изучены различные источники и проведён опрос среди студентов, который также был проанализирован.This article considers “an error” as an essential part of learning a foreign language. The purpose of this study is to identify the errors that students make while learning a foreign language, and to identify ways to correct these errors. To achieve these goals, various sources were studied, and a survey was conducted among students, which was also analysed

Updating the Open Innovation Concept Based on Ecosystem Approach: Regional Aspects

The intensification of innovation processes in Russia is a challenging task that requires a continuous search for solutions to make possible the many required changes in economics. We consider the major factors needed to advance an innovative activity at all levels in the national economy to have a freely exchanged flow of innovative ideas between all actors involved. As practice shows, the currently existing models in the country to deal with open innovations are mostly based on a cluster development approach, which is still limited. The authors propose synergizing the cluster approach with an ecosystem innovation model, which should ensure an effective collaboration and an accelerated rate for the diffusion of innovations between various actors while involving various regions. The purpose of the study was to develop a conceptual model for implementing open proposals from participants in the innovation economy. The research methodology is based on numerous works in the field of open innovation theory, cluster and ecosystem approaches. The study utilizes empirical and dialectical methods of scientific knowledge. The methodological toolkit covers information processing with historical analysis, a literature review using the Russian Citation Index and Scopus databases, analysis and diagnostics of innovative activity in domestic regions, the comparison method, modeling and correlation analysis. We concluded that the interaction of participants in the Russian regions through implementing the cluster model is not sufficiently effective and requires the development of new methodological approaches. Therefore, we propose combining the cluster approach with the ecosystem innovation model, which should ensure an effective cooperation and accelerate the rate of innovation dissemination among various subjects involving several regions. To determine the approach’s efficiency, the proposed concept should be tested in one or more regions

«Фабрика патентов» как фактор развития инновационной активности в обществе

Despite the growing external challenges, the Russian economy has a great potential for its development. Restrictions on economic cooperation (“sanctions”) introduced by a number of countries create many barriers to functioning of Russian entities, especially those with interests in foreign markets. However, there are also positive effects associated with the need to quickly adapt the business in the domestic market and activate the existing innovative potential to accelerate a pace of development and fill the vacated business niches. Innovative entrepreneurship is becoming more widespread in the development of the quadruple helix model with emerging a new actor in the form of “society”. The target of this study is to develop the author’s model of the “patent factory” as a new reference point for diffusing innovations and disclosing the existing potential in society. The subject of the study is the organizational and economic relations that arise in the process of strengthening the ability of society to generate innovations. The results of the study are based on the implementation of empirical and dialectical methods of scientific knowledge and other scientific methods. The methodological toolkit covers such information processing methods as a literature review using the RSCI and Scopus research databases, analysis of the dynamics of statistical indicators, as well as a method for comparing patent applications and granted patents for inventions in 2017–2021 periods among individuals and legal entities. The authors propose a model for interaction between “young” and “serial”” inventors to form and develop the innovative potential of society which will contribute to the welfare and a sustainable development of all participants in the innovative model. As a result, we should expect a more active influx of progressive innovative ideas and developments implemented in this model which would ensure advancing the level of innovative activity in society and contribute to the socio-economic development of the countryНесмотря на возрастающие внешние вызовы, российская экономика имеет большой потенциал для своего развития. Вводимые рядом стран ограничения на экономическое сотрудничество («санкции») создают множество барьеров для функционирования российских субъектов, особенно имеющих интересы на внешних рынках. Тем не менее имеются и положительные эффекты, связанные с необходимостью быстрой адаптации бизнеса на внутреннем рынке и активизации имеющегося инновационного потенциала для ускорения темпов развития и заполнения освободившихся бизнес-ниш. Все большее распространение получает инновационное предпринимательство в развитии модели четверной спирали с появлением нового актора в виде «общества». Цель настоящего исследования состоит в разработке авторской модели «фабрики патентов» как новой реперной точки для диффузии инноваций и раскрытия имеющегося потенциала в обществе. Предметом исследования выступают организационно-экономические отношения, возникающие в процессе усиления способности общества генерировать инновации. Результаты исследования базируются на реализации эмпирических и диалектических методов научного познания и других научных методах. Методический инструментарий охватывает такие методы обработки информации, как обзор литературы с использованием исследовательских баз данных РИНЦ и Scopus, анализ динамики статистических показателей, а также метод сравнения заявок на патенты и выданных патентов на изобретения за 2017–2021 гг. среди физических и юридических лиц. Авторами предложена модель взаимодействия между «молодыми» и «серийными» изобретателями с целью формирования и развития инновационного потенциала общества, что будет способствовать повышению благосостояния и устойчивого развития всех участников в инновационной модели. В результате следует ожидать более быстрого притока прогрессивных инновационных идей и разработок, реализуемых в данной модели, что обеспечит повышение уровня инновационной активности общества и будет способствовать социально- экономическому развитию стран

In Vitro and In Silico Investigation of Water-Soluble Fullerenol C60(OH)24:Bioactivity and Biocompatibility

Light fullerenes, C60 and C70, have significant potential in biomedical applications due to their ability to absorb reactive oxygen species, inhibit the development of tumors, inactivate viruses and bacteria, and as the basis for developing systems for targeted drug delivery. However, the hydrophobicity of individual fullerenes complicates their practical use; therefore, creating water-soluble derivatives of fullerenes is increasingly important. Currently, the most studied soluble adducts of fullerenes are polyhydroxy fullerenes or fullerenols. Unfortunately, investigations of fullerenol biocompatibility are fragmental. They often lack reproducibility both in the synthesis of the compounds and their biological action. We here investigate the biocompatibility of a well-defined fullerenol C60(OH)24 obtained using methods that minimize the content of impurities and quantitatively characterize the product’s composition. We carry out comprehensive biochemical and biophysical investigations of C60(OH)24 that include photodynamic properties, cyto- and genotoxicity, hemocompatibility (spontaneous and photo-induced hemolysis, platelet aggregation), and the thermodynamic characteristics of C60(OH)24 binding to human serum albumin and DNA. The performed studies show good biocompatibility of fullerenol C60(OH)24, which makes it a promising object for potential use in biomedicine

Development of novel antimicrobials with engineered endolysin LysECD7-SMAP to combat Gram-negative bacterial infections

Abstract Background Among the non-traditional antibacterial agents in development, only a few targets critical Gram-negative bacteria such as carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii or cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Endolysins and their genetically modified versions meet the World Health Organization criteria for innovation, have a novel mode of antibacterial action, no known bacterial cross-resistance, and are being intensively studied for application against Gram-negative pathogens. Methods The study presents a multidisciplinary approach, including genetic engineering of LysECD7-SMAP and production of recombinant endolysin, its analysis by crystal structure solution following molecular dynamics simulations and evaluation of antibacterial properties. Two types of antimicrobial dosage forms were formulated, resulting in lyophilized powder for injection and hydroxyethylcellulose gel for topical administration. Their efficacy was estimated in the treatment of sepsis, and pneumonia models in BALB/c mice, diabetes-associated wound infection in the leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice and infected burn wounds in rats. Results In this work, we investigate the application strategies of the engineered endolysin LysECD7-SMAP and its dosage forms evaluated in preclinical studies. The catalytic domain of the enzyme shares the conserved structure of endopeptidases containing a putative antimicrobial peptide at the C-terminus of polypeptide chain. The activity of endolysins has been demonstrated against a range of pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Achromobacter spp, Burkholderia cepacia complex and Haemophylus influenzae, including those with multidrug resistance. The efficacy of candidate dosage forms has been confirmed in in vivo studies. Some aspects of the interaction of LysECD7-SMAP with cell wall molecular targets are also discussed. Conclusions Our studies demonstrate the potential of LysECD7-SMAP therapeutics for the systemic or topical treatment of infectious diseases caused by susceptible Gram-negative bacterial species and are critical to proceed LysECD7-SMAP-based antimicrobials trials to advanced stages

Reconstruction of interactions in the ProtoDUNE-SP detector with Pandora

International audienceThe Pandora Software Development Kit and algorithm libraries provide pattern-recognition logic essential to the reconstruction of particle interactions in liquid argon time projection chamber detectors. Pandora is the primary event reconstruction software used at ProtoDUNE-SP, a prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment far detector. ProtoDUNE-SP, located at CERN, is exposed to a charged-particle test beam. This paper gives an overview of the Pandora reconstruction algorithms and how they have been tailored for use at ProtoDUNE-SP. In complex events with numerous cosmic-ray and beam background particles, the simulated reconstruction and identification efficiency for triggered test-beam particles is above 80% for the majority of particle type and beam momentum combinations. Specifically, simulated 1 GeV/$c$ charged pions and protons are correctly reconstructed and identified with efficiencies of 86.1$\pm0.6$% and 84.1$\pm0.6$%, respectively. The efficiencies measured for test-beam data are shown to be within 5% of those predicted by the simulation

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Near Detector Conceptual Design Report

International audienceThe Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is an international, world-class experiment aimed at exploring fundamental questions about the universe that are at the forefront of astrophysics and particle physics research. DUNE will study questions pertaining to the preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early universe, the dynamics of supernovae, the subtleties of neutrino interaction physics, and a number of beyond the Standard Model topics accessible in a powerful neutrino beam. A critical component of the DUNE physics program involves the study of changes in a powerful beam of neutrinos, i.e., neutrino oscillations, as the neutrinos propagate a long distance. The experiment consists of a near detector, sited close to the source of the beam, and a far detector, sited along the beam at a large distance. This document, the DUNE Near Detector Conceptual Design Report (CDR), describes the design of the DUNE near detector and the science program that drives the design and technology choices. The goals and requirements underlying the design, along with projected performance are given. It serves as a starting point for a more detailed design that will be described in future documents

DUNE Offline Computing Conceptual Design Report

This document describes Offline Software and Computing for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) experiment, in particular, the conceptual design of the offline computing needed to accomplish its physics goals. Our emphasis in this document is the development of the computing infrastructure needed to acquire, catalog, reconstruct, simulate and analyze the data from the DUNE experiment and its prototypes. In this effort, we concentrate on developing the tools and systems thatfacilitate the development and deployment of advanced algorithms. Rather than prescribing particular algorithms, our goal is to provide resources that are flexible and accessible enough to support creative software solutions as HEP computing evolves and to provide computing that achieves the physics goals of the DUNE experiment

Reconstruction of interactions in the ProtoDUNE-SP detector with Pandora

International audienceThe Pandora Software Development Kit and algorithm libraries provide pattern-recognition logic essential to the reconstruction of particle interactions in liquid argon time projection chamber detectors. Pandora is the primary event reconstruction software used at ProtoDUNE-SP, a prototype for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment far detector. ProtoDUNE-SP, located at CERN, is exposed to a charged-particle test beam. This paper gives an overview of the Pandora reconstruction algorithms and how they have been tailored for use at ProtoDUNE-SP. In complex events with numerous cosmic-ray and beam background particles, the simulated reconstruction and identification efficiency for triggered test-beam particles is above 80% for the majority of particle type and beam momentum combinations. Specifically, simulated 1 GeV/$c$ charged pions and protons are correctly reconstructed and identified with efficiencies of 86.1$\pm0.6$% and 84.1$\pm0.6$%, respectively. The efficiencies measured for test-beam data are shown to be within 5% of those predicted by the simulation