Cost estimation algorithm and decision-making model for curriculum modification in educational organization

The decision about curriculum modification usually takes place at the knowledge level, mainly with consideration of individual academic staff competences and qualifications. However, traditional approaches to cost estimation of curriculum modification are focused on material resources only. In this paper we present a cost estimation method and decision model for curriculum modification in educational organizations. The proposed method works at the knowledge level and employs competence sets as knowledge representation models in educational organizations. Authors used the theory of hierarchical, multilevel systems in order to define the model of the decision-making process of curriculum modification and its dimension. Basing on this and also using a fuzzy competence model the cost estimation algorithm in the form of a group competences expansion algorithm is proposed. The algorithm focuses on the cost of staff competence expansion caused by the knowledge development process.     

Developments in synthesis,characterization, and self-assembly of polycarbodiimide systems

Described herein is a comprehensive survey on the most recent advancements in polycarbodiimide synthetic methodologies, structure determination, property design, and self-assembly. In particular, the ¹⁵N-isotopic enrichment of polycarbodiimides is detailed along with the use of ¹⁵N NMR to identify the regioregularity and mechanism of chiroptical switching in polycarbodiimides. Furthermore, the new Ni(II) mediated “living” polymerization is explained along with its utilization in the incorporation of polycarbodiimides into block copolymers, graft copolymers, and star polymers. Finally, we review the recent discoveries focusing on the highly tunable self-assembly behaviors of polycarbodiimide homopolymers and copolymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 2915–2934     

Bäcklund transformations between four Lax-integrable 3D equations

Recently a classification of contactly-nonequivalent three-dimensional linearly degenerate equations of the second order was presented by E.V. Ferapontov and J. Moss. The equations are Lax-integrable. In our paper we prove that all these equations are connected with each other by appropriate Bäcklund transformations.     

A new equation and exact solutions describing focal fields in media with modular nonlinearity

Nonlinear Dynamics - Brand-new equations which can be regarded as modifications of Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov or Ostrovsky–Vakhnenko equations are suggested. These equations...     

Ionic liquid matrices for MALDI mass spectrometry of lignin

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry - The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the study of lignin is still extremely limited due to its low...     

Base-free aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid over Pt/C catalysts synthesized by pulse alternating current technique

The Pt/C catalysts with various Pt content (5-30 wt%) synthesized via electrochemical pulse alternating current technique have been evaluated for the base-free aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid. The higher Pt content in the catalyst (30 wt%) provides the product yield up to 65% upon performing the process in concentrated (～0.1 M) aqueous solutions of the substrate.     

New 5-arylamino-4-(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)pyrimidines as promising antibacterial agents

A facile synthetic approach to 5-arylamino-4-(5-nitrofuran- 2-yl)pyrimidines by the Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling with various anilines has been developed. All synthesized compounds demonstrated a significant level of in vitro antibacterial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Streptococcus pyogene and Staphylococcus aureus, including their drug-resistant strains, which is much higher than that of the commercial drug Spectinomycin.