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This article is devoted to research on the fire resistance of metal pipelines (penetration rates) under pressure from circulating water or steam operated in energy installations. The need for research is due to the lack of a method for testing the fire resistance of intersections of building structures with standardized fire resistance limits. The article presents both the methodology elaborated for testing metal penetration rates for fire resistance and full-scale tests of these penetration rates (dimensions 630 × 45 mm and 65 × 8 mm) in a wall of aerated concrete blocks with a thicknesses of 1200 and 800 mm.

The paper analyzes the historical circumstances of the 1920s, under which in three regions of the Russian-Belarusian borderland – Pskov, Smolensk and Bryansk governorates – it was necessary to reach the objectives of ‘Belarusization’: the size of the Belarusian population, the state of the school network in the NEP era and staffing for the solution of the “Belarusian question.” Belarusization is regarded as an integral part of the new Soviet national policy based on the resolutions of the 10th and 12th Congresses of the RCP. The purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the basic conditions for carrying out Belarusization in Russian regions with compact residence of the Belarusian population. First, this concerns the size of the Belarusian population in these governorates at the beginning and during the process of Belarusization, and detection of the dynamics and reasons for its significant reduction, starting from the end of the 19th century. Secondly, special attention must be paid to the problems in the school education system during the NEP era (financial, material, personnel), the solution of which was of much higher priority for local authorities in comparison with the objectives of Belarusization. The results of the study show that the policy of Belarusization in the Russian border regions failed to receive the due support either from local authorities overloaded with many other urgent tasks, or from the residents of the above mentioned governorates, including Belarusians. The practice of “self-Russification” became a kind of hidden form of protest among the Belarusian part of the population of the Russian border regions. Conclusions: The policy of Belarusization in the Russian-Belarusian border regions was not carried out in full even in the “minor format” proposed by Moscow, largely due to its artificiality and implementation without taking into account the opinions of the majority of Russian Belarusians themselves. The study is intended for specialists in national and regional politics, and in Russian and Belarusian history.

The article highlights relevance of a socially oriented bank in the financial sector of the country’s economy, the specifics of its strategy and banking services. The relevance of the study lies in the need to examine complex issues of access to financial services. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the author’s position on the relevance of the strategy of a socially oriented bank. The research methodology used in the work includes: a historical method, a systematic method, a method of scientific abstraction and theoretical knowledge, not excluding logical approaches and mathematical calculations. In the course of the research, a scientific hypothesis is put forward about the impossibility of the existence of a socially oriented bank without banking services that differ in criteria from the general market. The conclusions drawn help us to actively discuss the need to increase the level of accessibility of financial services to the population of the country and to raise issues of competition in the banking sector. They broaden the discussion on commercial bank interest rates and their role in stabilising the country’s economy. The author’s position, in the conclusions, reflects the relationship of the bank’s customer, as a part of society and a commercial bank, with its services as a platform for the availability of financial services. The author concludes that there is virtually no competition between the leading banks and that the total cost of the loan varies in the range of 20-40%. Considering the bank’s customers as a part of society, the author raises social issues of financial stability of the country’s citizens through the prism of accessibility of financial services. And the financial stability of the company and the attractiveness of internal financing are important, relevant and complex issues in modern Russia.The scientific novelty of the article lies in the fact that it explains the relationship between society and the state through financial institutions and the services they provide, reflecting the bank’s social policy as an integral part of its strategy.

Introduction. The article highlights the problem of accessibility of education (primary, secondary, higher) and income inequality in Central African countries. The purpose of the study is to present and analyze international static data that show the difficult situation with access to education in the following countries: Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon. The data obtained are necessary for the development of practical solutions for effective assistance to the population of countries in obtaining affordable education by different social strata of the population. Materials and Methods. Official documents and scientific sources were analyzed and synthesized. The search for relevant data was conducted using various databases, including UNdata, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science Core Collection, Education Source, E-Journals, ERIC, Google, Google Scholar, Springer, etc. mainly for the last 5 years. Special attention in the analysis was paid to the search of official information with the data of international organizations UNESCO and the World Bank. Results. In Central African countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Congo and Gabon), the income gap between the richest and poorest is very wide. In Cameroon and Gabon, the income gap between rich and poor is not as wide as in Chad, Congo and Central African Republic, so primary education levels in these two countries remain higher than in other countries. It was found that in Central Africa there was a sharp decrease in the number of students in higher education institutions between 2010 and 2014. One of the reasons (a distinctive feature) of the low coverage of higher education in Central Africa has been identified – the lack of material support for a larger number of the population and, as a result, minimal accessibility of higher education for the younger generation. The study proves that at this economic stage of development, Cameroon and Gabon are leaders in the field of education in Central African countries. Discussion and Conclusion. Affordable education is necessary to reduce poverty and improve economic growth, but the high cost of education combined with limited access to it leaves many children uneducated. The findings from the study of education access in Central African countries raise the issue of education for the majority of the population, with a view to developing possible ways to economically and politically revise the leadership's approach to better assist the countriesʼ populations. The article will be useful for specialists in the field of education in different countries, as well as for sociologists, culturologists, economists, and politicians.

An approach is proposed to determine the concentrations of active components in a thermodynamic type inhibitor based on its infrared spectrum. The relevance of the proposed method is due to its expressiveness and high degree of selectivity in comparison with traditional approaches for determining the quantitative composition of solutions of organic compounds. It is proposed to use the method of infrared spectrometry with Fourier transform. The method allows you to determine the concentrations of substances in solutions. However, the determination of concentrations of substances in mixtures containing more than three components is complicated, especially in solutions of organic compounds due to the presence of overlapping oscillation regions of characteristic groups. To solve the problem of determining the concentration of substances in multicomponent solutions, the regression method of projection onto latent structures was used, which belongs to chemometric analysis methods and has become widespread as a method of quantitative forecasting. The sample for the construction of calibration dependencies within the framework of the method used included the spectra of solutions obtained in the mode of disturbed total internal reflection. Models have been constructed to determine the concentrations of substances in a four-component aqueous alcohol solution. Substances to be determined: water, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol. The effectiveness of the constructed mo dels with a training sample, including spectra of samples with minimal preprocessing — correction of the baseline, has been confirmed. The optimal set of training samples has been determined to obtain a result with the minimum possible error, provided that the component content of the samples in the training sample does not exceed n – 1, where n is the determined amount of substances. Training the model on a sample consisting of spectra of two- and three-component solutions provides prediction of the concentration of substances with an error of up to 10 %. The proposed method will allow rapid analysis of the composition of thermodynamic inhibitors of hydrate formation. The results of the work can be used in oilfield chemistry to assess the inhibitory ability of hydrate formation inhibitors used to prevent the formation of gas hydrates during the extraction, preparation or transportation of hydrocarbons.

The relative and absolute importance of a number of traits, in particular, agrophysiological, morpho-functional, at the level of individual organs and parts of an integral plant, and/or sowing for the development of features of biological traits, and other agroecologically significant components of the crop production process, has been discussed in research papers for a long time. The purpose of the study was to search for agroecologically significant signs of growth of the upper leaf blades (ULB), which can empirically and potentially determine the development of the grain dry mass (GDM) of winter wheat under “model” conditions of biological agrotechnical influences designated as biological fertiliser systems. Methods used in the research: methodological approaches of field experiments, gravimetric, convective drying, and stochastic methods. The development of GDM was largely driven by potentially scalable integral growth traits of ULB – leaf area duration, biomass duration (LADULB, BMDULB, respectfully) or their combinations with potentially non-scalable features of the average growth rate ULB – net assimilation rate, relative growth rate (NARULB, RGRULB, respectively). It is also highly probable that LADULB may play a central role in the development of RGRULB or BMDULB (but not NARULB). The coordination of RGRULB with NARULB was not excluded, although it was overly complicated. The construction of such and similar studies in the line of an exhaustive explanation of consistent systemic and mechanistic predeterminations of the production process with signs of ULB growth under various agrotechnical and biological influences will improve discursive and mathematical simulation constructs that can characterise and integrate the differential effects of plant components on photosynthesis of leaf cover, crown, and ultimately on the processes of development of components of the final biological and economic yield of winter wheat

Relevance. The priority direction in vegetable growing is the scientifically justified use of types and doses of micronutrients that can increase the yield of watermelon fruits and improve their quality. Due to the large number of different types of fertilizers currently appearing on the market, it is necessary to choose the right ones and study them in optimal doses for growing high-quality melon products.Material and methodology. Objects of research: watermelon varieties Meteor, Zemlyanin, Kholodok and preparations: iron chelate, zinc chelate, vegetable Aquarin. Options using these fertilizers for double foliar treatment of plants during the growing season have been studied. The research was carried out during 2019-2021 at the Bykovskaya melon breeding experimental station.Results. During the study, a positive effect of the tested drugs on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of products was established. As a result of foliar treatments of plants in all variants, the yield exceeded the control variant (without treatments). A comparative analysis of biochemical data showed that the dry matter content was at a fairly high level. As a result of the use of zinc chelate in the Meteor and Kholodok cv., the dry matter content increased by 0.4%. A similar increase in the indicator was obtained when using the drug Aquarin vegetable on the Zemlyanin and Kholodok cv. The content of total sugar in the Meteor and Kholodok cv. was higher than the control (without treatments), and in the Zemlyanin cv. it was at the control level. The fructose content in the tested variants of all varieties exceeded the control. As a result of the use of water-soluble fertilizers for plant treatment, the content of ascorbic acid increased in the variants with treatment in the Meteor cv. – by 1-1.5 mg%, in the Zemlyanin cv. – by 0.8-1.1 mg%, in the Kholodok cv. – by 0 .1-0.7 mg% compared to control (without treatments). Nitrate levels in watermelon fruits of different ripening periods did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (60 mg/kg).

Purpose: to analyze literary sources and determine the features of the cotton cultivation technological process. Discussion. The technology for cotton cultivation is determined by the biological properties of this crop and its requirements for the soil, as well as the specifics and originality of crop rotations. Based on an analysis of research by scientists involved in cotton growing, the best predecessors – legumes and leguminous crops – were stated, the positive effect of mineral fertilizers on cotton productivity was determined, the technology of soil cultivation and its impact on cotton productivity and water consumption was examined. The necessity of using early ripening cotton cultivars for the southern regions of Russia due to the biological properties of which a sufficient amount of effective temperatures is required, is substantiated. An analysis of existing methods of seed delinting (denudation, cleaning from fiber) is given to improve flowability, maintain an accurate seeding rate, etc. Sowing methods and optimal seeding rates for different types of cotton are considered. Providing plants with moisture is of decisive importance among other components of cultivation technology. In this regard, the existing methods of cotton irrigation are analyzed. One of the important techniques that ensures a higher yield is to mint plants to redistribute nutrients to the already formed fruit. The specificity of harvesting which is carried out in several stages as the boxes open – in the pre-frost and post-frost periods is noted. Conclusions. There is a possibility of cultivating cotton in the south of Russia by introducing the properly selected varieties with the development of agricultural technology for cultivating this crop for local agroclimatic conditions, including the creation of a set of measures to meet the crop’s needs for nutrition, moisture and provide plant protection from diseases, pests and weed control.

The article explores the phenomenon of ancient Greek theater, portraying it as a unique space where an entire cityscape unfolded before the eyes of thousands of spectators. Despite its mesmerizing effect, there's ongoing debate about its educational impact. In the first part of the article, sources are analyzed in which ancient authors argue for or against the notion that the theater, for which Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides composed, and which was occasionally attended by Socrates, could serve as a kind of school for adults and adolescents. Plato's dialogues, featuring Socrates as the central figure, dissect the differences between philosopher, playwright, and sophist wisdom, suggesting that the theater may not have been primarily aimed at enlightening the masses, but rather at showcasing persuasive rhetoric. Aristotle and Aristophanes stress the importance of playwrights acting as guides for citizens, albeit acknowledging that not all possess the wisdom to effectively mentor citizens in civic engagement and personal growth. In the second part, the article analyzes select tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, seen as valuable sources for instructing citizens. These playwrights' works are depicted as poignant reflections of the challenges faced by inhabitants of various cities, with heroes striving to offer guidance to themselves or others. Based on Aristotle's classification of tragic forms, it suggests that protagonists in these tragedies undergo transformative experiences, whether through reversal, discovery, calamity and spectacle. This also opened up wide opportunities for spectators to project what was happening on stage onto themselves and their city, taking guidance from the playwrights and becoming a special kind of disciples.

The Socratic narration in Plato's Protagoras begins with the appearance of a young man. Early in the morning, a boy who had just learned that the sophist from Abdera is in town and who is yearning to meet him, goes to Socrates to request his accompanying. It is for this young man, and thanks to him, that Socrates, after a careful examination, decides to attend the gathering at Callias' house to converse with Protagoras. According to the narrative, the boy is the true catalyst for Socrates' attention and dedication to the sophist and, consequently, the real promoter and instigator of the dialogue. This paper mainly aims at shedding some light on the ethos and psychology of this young man named Hippocrates. Far from the picture often presented of him, merely of an innocent and helpless young man exposed at the dangers of the sophists’ teachings, this work stresses the boldness and excitement of a passionate and impulsive fellow whose irrationality is a potential threat not only for himself, but especially for those surrounding. In addition to the analysis of his ethos and psychology, the paper opens discussing to what extent and in what sense Hippocrates may be considered an associate of Socrates, and ends up speculating, relying on the Protagoras, about the possible causes that brought to the corruption of the souls of youth’s as such.

Background. Physiological and biochemical research on winter stress resistance of apple-tree cultivars of different ecogeographic origin under global warming is important for identifying the most adaptable genotypes for use in breeding practice. Such resistance is associated with the content of carbohydrates and anthocyanins, and the activity of peroxidase.Materials and methods. Two winter apple-tree cultivars developed at the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center of Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine making (NCFSCHVW) and 3 foreign winter cultivars were studied using conventional physiological and biochemical methods.Results and discussion. The apple-tree cultivars ‘Orfey’ and ‘Prikubanskoye’ bred at the NCFSCHVW, when compared with foreign cvs. ‘Enterprise’, ‘Florina’ and ‘Ligol’, demonstrated higher contents of total water (by 2.5 %), starch (by 9.5 mg/g) and water-soluble sugars (by 19.3 mg/g) in shoots during the winter period. In the process of wintering, the anthocyanin content increased 2.9–4.3 times in the domestic cultivars, and 2.4–2.8 times in foreign ones. No regularities were found between the level of total peroxidase activity and winter hardiness of the studied apple cultivars.Conclusion. Cvs. ‘Orfey’ and ‘Prikubanskoye’ showed increased adaptability to the winter conditions in the unstable climate of Southern Russia, and can be recommended for cultivation in Krasnodar Territory and use in breeding practice.

A study of combustion characteristics in a swirling jet was carried out from the perspective of the theory of turbulent combustion. Particular attention is paid to the reverse-flow area formed from the vane swirler. Based on the known composition of the mixture, the parameters of the speed of propagation of the flame front, completeness of combustion, temperature and emission of nitrogen oxides are successively determined. The created analytical technique was tested in the combustion range of inhomogeneous and homogeneous mixtures. Calculations showed the dependence of emission on the mixing parameters.

Effective regulatory and legal framework in this field has several positive advantages for the transportation participants. A significant place in the article is given to ensuring the principle of “common carrier” for access of a wide range of consumers to the container carriers service. In connection with the transformation both of supply chains and logistics flows under conditions of new foreign economic factors along with the emergence of new shipping lines on the Russian container market the relevance of this topic will continue to increase.Aim. To consider the aspects of normative and legal regulation of liner container shipping in the USA, EU, PRC and the Russian Federation.Tasks. To analyze the strategies of shipping lines on the Russian and global markets, to identify key regulatory legal acts of foreign countries in the sphere of liner container shipping, to identify the features of the Russian legislation in this sphere and the ways of its development.Methods. Regulatory legal acts of the USA, EU, PRC and the Russian Federation were collected, which play an extremely important role in the development of international container transportation and increasing the competitiveness of foreign economic activity.Results. The research of relevant legal frameworks and instruments of state regulation of sea container lines activity to ensure non-discriminatory access of consumers of transportation services, public availability of information about liner container services, high quality of transportation services for foreign economic relations was carried out.Conclusions. In modern foreign economic conditions, alliances and various forms of carrier cooperation are the subject of state regulation of liner container shipping in order to protect competition on the market. The legislation of the USA and the Russian Federation establishes compulsory publication of shipping line tariffs, while according to the provisions of the PRC legislation shipping lines provide their tariffs to the freight exchange, which is authorized by the competent state body. In addition, international experience shows that sea lines “Common carriers” are subject to a number of other requirements. In the Russian Federation, sea container transportation is carried out by both liner and tramp vessels due to the fact that the certain carriers are not registered as shipping line operators and information about some regular container services is limited.

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Ecology is the property of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose of the study: The Genoese trading station – Tana, which existed on the territory of the Golden Horde and then the Crimean Khanate, was closely connected with the center of Genoese Gazaria – Caffa and served as an important transshipment point in Genoa’s relations with the East, as well as a place for the acquisition of the most important goods – valuable varieties of fish, caviar, salt, spices brought here, furs, leathers, etc., and was also the most important market for the slave trade. However, it has been studied much less in comparison with a similar Venetian settlement in the same place. This applies even more to the last period of its existence, after the Ottomans captured Constantinople and blocked the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. This period lasted from 1453 to 1475. Moreover, it is poorly supplied with documentary sources. Therefore, the use of new archival data allows us to expand our understanding of Tana, its connections with the Ulus of Jochi and the Crimean Khanate. The names of the highest magistrates of the Genoese Tana – consuls elected by the Bank of St. George of Genoa, who controlled all the Black Sea trading stations of the Genoese Republic since 1453 onwards, were until now known only through random and sporadic mentions. Meanwhile, this is the most important dating feature in the history of the trading post. The article makes a possible reconstruction of the dates of the rule of the magistrates of these settlements on the basis of not scattered, but relatively verifiable data of tax records on their salaries – the so-called stalii. Research materials: archival sources that have not yet been introduced into scientific circulation are used as a source – registers of taxes paid by magistrates, stored in the State Archives of Genoa. Comparisons of these records with the massariae (receipt and expense books) of Genoese Caffa and other sources were carried out. Research results and scientific novelty: the clarification of the dates of the rules of the Genoese consuls of Tana makes it possible to reconstruct the events and circumstances of the political history of the region in the middle of the 15th century, after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, to obtain more accurate dates of events, and finally to prove the existence of the Genoese Tana, albeit declining in size until the Ottoman conquest in 1475.

Traditional energy sources pollute the environment. Microbial fuel cells are an alternative energy source that can reduce the environmental burden. Microbial fuel cells also remove recalcitrant wastes from wastewater. This research featured the enzymatic potential of microbial isolates obtained from the Abakan Arzhan thermal spring. The study involved isolates of the genera Geobacter, Thermomonas, and Rhodopseudomonas. The keratinolytic analysis was in line with State Standard R 55987-2014. The chitinolytic activity was determined by injecting a bacterial suspension on Petri dishes with a chitin-containing medium. The lipolytic analysis involved cultivating the isolates in Stern’s glycerol fuchsin broth. The xylan hydrolysis depended on the reducing sugars. The cellulase activity was measured according to the standard method recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The catalase potential was evaluated by the gasometric method on 1% gasoline media. The optimal parameters of consortium cultivation were determined by the voltage generated. The Geobacter isolate had the maximal keratinolytic activity while the Thermomonas isolate demonstrated the maximal protein hydrolysis (80.1 ± 1.5%). Both Geobacter and Rhodopseudomonas showed good lytic activity against chitin with the lysis zone of ≥ 3 mm. The Geobacter isolate demonstrated as many as 350 units of xylanase activity and 365 units of cellulase activity; Thermomonas had 350 units of xylanase activity and 360 units of cellulase activity; Rhodopseudomonas showed 310 units of xylanase activity and 304 units of cellulase activity. The maximal catalase properties belonged to Geobacter (1.40 units) and Thermomonas (1.38 units). The maximal energy generation by bacterial consortia occurred at pH 8 and 45°C after 48 h of cultivation. In this research, isolates of the genera Geobacter, Thermomonas, and Rhodopseudomonas from the Abakan Arzhan thermal spring were able to remove recalcitrant components, thus demonstrating good prospects for biological treatment of industrial wastewater.

Numerous landslides are located on the passive margin of Norway. According to the landslides number and the extent of their detachment zones, the margin can be divided into three segments (from south to north) — Scandinavian, Barents Sea and Svalbard. The fourth segment (Arctic) is the transition area located north of the Spitsbergen archipelago. In the Scandinavian segment, about forty large submarine landslide bodies have been identified on the continental slope and deeper. The Barents Sea segment is dominated by deep-sea fan deposits and relatively small landslides. No large landslides were found in the Svalbard segment. Analysis of published and original geological and geophysical data indicates that the formation of new landslides may occur in the Svalbard segment, as well as on the Vestnesa Ridge.

This paper analyze the nuanced relationship between corporate income tax (CIT ) rate reductions as a tax incentive and foreign direct investments (FDI) across the Western Balkan countries. Additionally, it examines the extent to which they have progressed with their achievements during two decades (2000-2022). The transition of the Western Balkans from a closed and controlled economy to an open market economy has been challenging, but despite this, they have implemented certain policies to compete in the global market. For instance, they have reduced tax rates and offered tax incentives to attract foreign investors. This has had the effect of lowering the average tax rate, specifically in the year 2000, the average tax rate in corporate income tax was around 17%, while in 2023 the average tax rate in corporate income tax is 11%, or 6% lower. However, despite taking measures, the expected results have not been achieved. Privatization of public enterprises has been one of the main investments that these countries have attracted. The paper addresses the problems that have led to poor results and the inability of countries to convince investors for larger investments. In Kosovo, the issue of progress in this area is being overlooked by the government. It is important for Kosovo to recognize that neighboring countries are making significant progress, and therefore, it is critical to conduct research that not only highlights the current situation but also identifies potential solutions for the future.

One of the nutritional problems of adolescent children is obesity, which is caused by excess food consumption and excess fat. The primary energy sources are carbohydrates and fats, while protein is a building block. The research aimed to determine the effect of the intake of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins on the nutritional status of students at SMA Negeri 1 Baitussalam, Aceh Besar Regency. The total student population is 303 students. Thirty students took sampling using a random sampling technique, and 10%. Data collection techniques include a 24-hour food recall questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and a fita health nutrition application. Data analysis techniques are based on averages and percentages. Based on research, it is known that: 1. Carbohydrate intake with an average nutritional status of -0.4 in the "Normal" category obtained an average value of 299 grams with a threshold value of 81% in the (Good) category, based on the percentage in the "Good" category, namely 16 students with 53%, in the "Less" - eight students with 27% and the "More" - six students with 20%. 2. Fat intake with an average nutritional status of -0.4 in the "Normal" category obtained an average value of 127 grams with a threshold of 143% in the (More) category. In the "Good" category, there are four students with 13%. In the "Less" category, nine students with 30%, and in the "More" category, 17 students with 57%. 3. Protein intake with an average nutritional status of -0.4 in the "Normal" category obtained an average value of 130 grams with a threshold value of 197% in the (More) category. In the "Good" category, there are two students with 7%. In the "Less," one student has 3%, and the "More" has 27 students with 90%.

Given the growing area of maize cultivation in Ukraine and globally, research into the possibilities of using silage as a component of biogas plants to produce biogas as an alternative fuel and digestate as a bio-organic fertiliser is of high relevance and production necessity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of green mass of maize and its changes depending on the growing season for its use in biogas production. Field, laboratory, laboratory-field, and statistical research methods were used in the study. The findings of this study showed that the quality of maize silage depends on soil and climatic conditions, elements of growing technology, genetic characteristics of a particular hybrid, its maturity group, harvesting time, etc. The genetic characteristics of the hybrid had the greatest influence on the dry matter content, specifically, the mid-early hybrid Amaros stood out in terms of dry matter content on 10-14 August 2020 (26.61%). The highest crude fibre content was observed in the hybrid P9170 – 6.32% and 26.86%, respectively, in natural and absolutely dry matter. This hybrid belongs to the mid-season ripeness group. The shift in the harvesting time of the green mass of the maize hybrids under study also affected the characteristics of the chemical composition and the carbohydrate-lignin complex of the green mass of the maize hybrids under study. The yield of green mass of maize hybrids substantially depended on the maturity group of maize hybrids and was highest in the mid-season maize hybrids Burito – 78.1 t/ha and P9170 – 73.1 t/ha, while in the group of mid-early hybrids it was 55.3 t/ha and 68.9 t/ha in Amaros and P9071. Hybrids with a long growing season have higher green mass yields and dry matter yields per unit area. The findings can be used by farms that grow silage maize and have the opportunity to use the vegetative mass as a component of biogas plants for biogas production and digestate production

Sunflower cultivation using intensive technologies, which manifests itself in the disruption of crop rotation, high rates of mineral fertilisers and pesticides, leads to an increased risk of products contaminated with heavy metals, nitrates, and pesticide residues. The purpose of this study was to identify the risks of toxic substances accumulation in the soil and sunflower seeds. In this study, the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method was used to determine the content of toxic substances in soil and sunflower seeds. The content of alkaline-hydrolysed nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, the reaction of the soil solution pH, as well as the content of mobile forms of heavy metals: lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, mercury, cobalt, and molybdenum; boron, and radioactive caesium were determined in the soil after sunflower cultivation. The factual content of soil contaminants was compared with their maximum permissible concentrations. The study investigated the content of heavy metals, namely, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc, as well as nitrates in sunflower seeds. Their content was compared with the values of maximum permissible concentrations. The coefficients of accumulation of the heavy metals under study by sunflower seeds were calculated. Thus, copper and zinc are most intensively absorbed from the soil and accumulate in sunflower seeds, while lead is the least absorbed. The findings suggest that since no excess of the permissible levels of heavy metals and nitrates in sunflower seeds was found, there is a higher probability of their increased accumulation in sunflower by-products: seed husks, stems, leaves, petioles, and roots. The study results can be used in organic sunflower cultivation

Copyright of Central Asian Economic Review is the property of Narxoz University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article studies the location of the Biblical Eden on the basis of ancient sources. Along with the biblical texts the author uses the achievements of modern researchers from related fields. It has been established that in prehistoric times the Persian Gulf received the rivers Euphrates, Tigris, Karun, Wadi-al-Batin, which became the prototype of the rivers mentioned in the Biblical Book of Genesis – Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, Prat. The author determined localization of Eden and Paradise Garden in the Persian Gulf basin on the basis of the studied materials. Exactly this region corresponds to the Eden location in prehistoric times and explains the biblical Flood. The proposed article, together with other studies on this issue, allows us to take a fresh look at the development of ancient civilizations.

In 2021, in the Russian Federation, malignant neoplasms (MN) of the trachea, bronchi, lungs (ICD – C33, C34) occupied the first place in the structure of MN in men accounting for 16.4 %. Many studies show the existence of a potential connection between impacts of occupational factors and MN development; however, in Russia, the occupational genesis of MN is rarely recognized. The aim of this study was to identify a relationship between working conditions, volumes of pollutants emitted into ambient air and the incidence of tracheal, bronchial, and lung MN in men. The data were obtained from Form No. 7 "Information on malignant neoplasms", the Report "The state of working conditions for workers employed by economic entities operating in the Russian Federation as per specific types of economic activity", and Form No. 2-TP (air) "Information on the protection of ambient air" of Rosstat. We analyzed incidence rates of malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchi, and lungs among working age males, as well as males aged between 40 and 65 years in 2011–2021. The study involved quartile analysis (incidence rates were standardized with the direct method); correlation analysis (Kendall rank correlation); as well as multiple regression analysis. The latter was carried out to study effects of predictors (volumes of pollutants emitted into ambient air) on the selected criterion (MN incidence). The research data were statistically analyzed using MS Office Excel 2019, IBM SPSS Statistics 26. A downward trend was established for the analyzed incidence rates in Russia. A moderate positive correlation (τ = +0.31) was obtained between the proportion of workers employed in harmful or hazardous working conditions and the incidence of MN of the specified localization. A predictive regression model was developed. The obtained results of the correlation analysis require more in-depth consideration in subsequent studies. In our opinion, oncologists need to study occupational routes of their patients. Employers should focus on primary MN prevention within corporate practices of enterprises.

Increase in green vegetables popularity in nutrition and medicine promotes investigations of new cultivar and hybrid biochemical parameters. Nutritional value and antioxidant status of three Rumex representatives: Rumex acetosa L. (Krupnolistny cv.), Rumex sanguineus L. (prospect genotype) and Rumex confertus Willd. were studied. Antioxidant defense parameters (total antioxidant activity, polyphenol and ascorbic acid content) decreased in accordance to: Rumex sanguineus L. > Rumes confertus Willd. > Rumex acetosa L. Thus the ascorbic acid content in bloody dock (R. sanguineus) reached 129 mg/100 g which was 1.48 times higher than in Russian dock (R. confertus) and 3.17 times higher than in garden sorrel (R. acetosa). The total chlorophyll content was also the highest in bloody dock (17.74 mg/g d.w.) compared to 15.88 mg/g in R. confertus and 13.07 mg/g in R. acetosa leaves. The new R. sanguineus genotype was characterized by high decorative properties and demonstrated twice higher oxalic acid content compared to R. acetosa, Krupnolistny cv., and 1.5 times higher value than in R. confertus. High decorative and medicinal value of R. sanguineus was connected to a great extent with the intensive anthocyanin accumulation reaching 7.2% and high nitrate content. The results of the present study indicate high prospects of R. sanguineus genotype utilization in landscape design, food industry and medicine.

Introduction. The main problem is discussed that is related to application of reverse osmosis membranes method for quality drinking water production from underground water sources that contain dissolved contaminants dangerous for health such as: fluoride, ammonia, lithium, strontium, arsenic, boron etc. It is also mentioned that reverse osmosis is currently efficiently used for drinking water production. The main goal of the present work was evaluation of the new developed method efficiency and calculation of the operational costs to compare with conventional approach to use reverse osmosis to remove lithium from the ground water. Present article demonstrates results of research aimed at developing a new approach to change the ratio of monovalent and bivalent ions in the permeate of nanofiltration membranes. An example of water with high lithium content that exceeds normative value by 24 times is discussed. The developed technique of ion separation is applied and experimental results are demonstrated, thus providing low lithium concentration in product water with increased calcium and TDS by 5 times as compared to the conventional use of reverse osmosis membranes. Operational costs are evaluated and compared with conventionally used approach to produce drinking quality water from ground water.Materials and methods. A series of experiments were conducted to remove lithium from ground water and to demonstrate the efficiency of the new developed method of ion separation. Experimental results of permeate and concentrate separation are presented compared to reverse osmosis that provided the increase of calcium and TDS values in the product water by 4–5 times compared to permeate produced by reverse osmosis membranes. The economical evaluation of the main technical parameters of the developed method involved calculation of the required membrane area and the number of membrane elements at each stage, calcium carbonate scaling rates and reagent consumption to prevent scaling as well as the amounts of concentrate discharges into the sewer.Results. Experimental dependencies of the efficiency of different dissolved contaminants removal from the ground water using different types of membranes depending on the recovery values were obtained. Experimentally obtained results confirmed the possibility to increase the calcium concentration and TDS values of the product water by 4–5 times leaving the lithium concentration at the same level. A flow diagram of the developed process is demonstrated based on experimentally obtained results. The increase of product water TDS facilitates the further reduction of concentrate flow rate and operational costs. Design characteristics to calculate operational costs for two options (conventional and proposed) are presented. Economical comparison was performed using results of calculations of membrane surface area on each stage of membrane treatment, scaling rates, reagent consumption, concentrate discharges.Conclusions. Application of reverse osmosis for removal of monovalent contaminants (such as: lithium, ammonia, boron) from ground water results, in reduction of TDS values that requires additional costs to provide permeate conditioning. Operation of reverse osmosis facilities also is distinguished by scaling problems that also requires additional operational costs to prevent and remove scale deposits. In this paper, a new approach is proposed to apply nanofiltration membranes using double stage treatment and separate monovalent and bivalent ions and increase calcium and TDS content in product water leaving the lithium content at the extreme level. The use of developed method enables to reduce operational costs due to lower membrane replacement costs, reagent consumption for scale prevention and concentrate discharges.

Russian cuisine reflects the identity of its peoples. However, modern nutrition tends to level the multicultural peculiarities of Russian cuisine. This research objective was to identify the effect of packaging and storage time on the quality profile of instant turnip and rutabaga porridges. The study featured quality indicators of food concentrates. Samples of instant porridges were packaged in sachet bags and cups made of complex materials. They were stored at a 20–25°C and a relative humidity of ≤ 75% for 8 months. The sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological variables were measured using standard research methods. After 6 and 8 months of storage, the total sensory assessment for the porridge cups was higher by 1.0 and 2.0 points, respectively, than for the porridge sachets. The cups did not affect the moisture and fat content during storage. The recoverability of the cupped samples was higher by 10.9 and 14.2% after 6 and 8 months of storage, respectively. The mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microbial count for porridge cups fell by 11.0 times after 6 months of storage and by 3.2 times after 8 months of storage, compared to the sachets. The tests revealed no yeast, mold, Bacillus cereus, coliform bacteria, or pathogenic microorganisms. Shelf-life had a greater effect on quality profile of instant porridge than packaging. In this research, the recommended shelf life for instant turnip and rutabaga porridges was 6 months. The effect of other packaging types and materials on food concentrates is a promising research direction.

In the conditions of an economic crisis, the activation of economic activity through mortgage lending becomes crucial, and the study of the development of the mortgage market in the world is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of its impact on social, economic, and financial growth. It is also essential for determining optimal management strategies for the housing sector in a specific country. The article aims to substantiate the features of the functioning of the mortgage market in the world and in Ukraine. Investigating the peculiarities of domestic and foreign mortgage markets, the authors used a statistical method to analyze the mortgage market and government mortgage credit programs in Ukraine and worldwide. Empirical evidence in the research includes data from the Ukrainian Financial Housing Company, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, and the Diya platform, presented using a graphical method. Abstraction, analysis, and synthesis methods formed the basis for developing recommendations for improving government programs for developing the mortgage market for housing in the world and in Ukraine. The dynamics of mortgage loans issued in Ukraine for 2019–2022 indicate a decline in mortgage loan issuance due to unstable political and economic situations. It was revealed that the restoration of mortgage lending in Ukraine is facilitated by the Ukrainian government's eOselya program, which is aimed at providing citizens with affordable housing. The specifics of mortgage lending in different countries worldwide are disclosed. The overall trend of diversity in mortgage lending conditions in the European Union indicates significant differences in approaches to housing loans in different countries. However, some positive characteristics of the mortgage market development in the EU can serve as valuable experience for reforming Ukraine's national mortgage lending market. Among them are financial and investment capacities, low cost of loans, socio-legal protection, macroeconomic stability, transparency, informational clarity, and unified regulatory approaches.

This article analyses the distribution patterns of macrozoobenthos in watercourses of the basins of the River Bajal and River Anyuy (Khabarovsky Krai, Russia) on the territories of the Bajal Sanctuary and Anyuy National Park. The distance-based linear models (DistLM) method was used to estimate the proportion of distribution of macroinvertebrates explained by the factors considered in the study (river basin, current velocity, substrate, channel width, temperature, pH). All of these factors contributed significantly, together explaining about one-third of the variability of macroinvertebrate distribution. The main explanatory factors were river basin and substrate (9.3% and 10.5%, respectively), as well as the current velocity (5.7%). Based on the cluster analysis, eight statistically significant groups of samples on the basis of similarity of taxonomic composition were identified. A set of indicator taxa was determined for each group and their indicator values were found. Using the Kruskal-Wallis analysis, the environmental factors significantly differing between the obtained groups and subgroups were singled out. There are well-defined patterns in the confinement of taxonomic complexes to certain habitats. Local environmental factors are the strong filter influencing the formation of taxonomic communities. The factor of belonging to the river basin also plays a significant role in the formation of invertebrate communities, which should be considered in the planning of monitoring studies on a large spatial scale. However, the distinguished groups and subgroups are characterised by a low level of internal similarity. Only about a quarter of the total species number belongs to indicator taxa, and samples do not form discrete clusters with obvious hiatus on the ordination diagram. The longitudinal distribution of macroinvertebrates for each river can be characterised as a punctuated gradient.

The article outlines a brief historical background on the introduction to cultivation, distribution and breeding of spring durum wheat in the steppe and forest-steppe regions of Eurasia (the countries of the former USSR: Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan). The approaches and methodology for improving durum wheat during certain scientific selection periods are given. The features of the selection program implementation and the breeding scale expansion during the creation of breeding stations at the beginning of the XX century, after the end of the Great Patriotic War, in the second half of the XX century, and at present are considered. A characteristic according to the main features and properties of varieties created in different periods is given. The achievements of the classical breeding method by comparing old and new varieties are analyzed. The efficiency and rate of wheat selection by periods in different regions of Russia is estimated. The results and methods of breeding for yield, resistance to drought, leaf diseases (Stagonospora nodorum Berk., Septoria tritici (Roeb. et Desm.), Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker, Pyrenophora tritici repentis (Died.) Drechs., Fusarium sp., Puccinia titicina Eriks., Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks., Blumeria graminis (DC.) f. sp. tritici Em. Marchal), grain pathogens Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr.) and pathogens causing darkening of the corcule and endosperm (Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker, Alternaria tenuis (Nees et Fr.), Аlternaria triticina (Prasada & Prabhu)), pests (Cephus pygmeus Lens, Osinosoma frit L., Mayetiola destructor (Say)), grain quality (protein content, amount of yellow pigments, dough rheology, sprouting resistance) and end products are presented. The prospects for the molecular marker application for a number of traits in breeding in the near future are given.

The diversity of macroinvertebrates, the structure of their communities in Bolshiye Koty Bay (Lake Baikal) was studied by a DNA metabarcoding approach using an Illumina MiSeq system. Internal primer mlCOIintF in combination with jgHCO2198 of the Folmer fragment of the COI gene were used for macroinvertebrate metabarcoding. A total of 118009 reads of the COI gene fragment (at least 313 bp in length) were obtained. The correlation of the Spearman coefficient (S = 0.6, p < 0.05) with the abundance of macroinvertebrates in the samples before DNA extraction showed that the number of reads can serve as an indirect characteristic of the abundance of a species (operational taxonomic unit, OTU). 115 OTUs belonging to the higher taxa of macroinvertebrates were identified: Porifera, 1; Platyhelminthes, 3; Annelida, 38; Arthropoda, 55; Mollusca, 18. At a high level of resolution (with homology with GenBank reference sequences ≥ 95 %, coverage ≥ 90 %), 46 taxa of macroinvertebrates comprising three communities were registered: one dominated by molluscs (Choanomphalus conf. maacki) and two dominated by chironomids (Orthocladius grega rius Linev., Sergentia baicalensis Tshern.). Communities are characterized by low species diversity according to Shannon (from 0.7 to 1.2 bits), high concentration of dominance according to Simpson (from 0.5 to 0.7) and low evenness according to Pielou (from 0.3 to 0.4). Dominants and subdominants in the communities account for 91 to 96 % of COI gene fragment reads. The spatial distribution of the dominant species identified in the communities is influenced by the geomorphological features of the bottom and the composition of sediments in the area studied. The approach proposed for studying the structure of macroinvertebrate communities based on DNA metabarcoding and next generation sequencing can be recommended for express assessment of the state of aquatic ecosystems in the monitoring.

The article provides the results of study of protein and carbohydrate nutrition for high productive cows with milk yield of 10 thousand kg during dry period. There has been carried out the research for determining the feed protein disintegration and effectiveness of its use in cow rations. The carbohydrate nutrition for Holstein-Kholmogory cows during dry period taking into account quantity and quality of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was studied. The science-economic experiment was conducted in the “Polyarnaya Zvezda”, Murmansk region in 2015 and 2021. The disintegration of feed crude protein (DP) was determined by the in sacco method, by incubation of average samples of single feeds in nylon bags in the rumen during 12 hours. Content of crude protein in feed samples before and after incubation was determined by the content of total nitrogen by the Kjeldahl method. Digestibility in the intestine of feed protein not disintegrated in rumen was determined by the mobile synthetic bag method. NDF and ADF were determined by the method of Van Soest and Southgate modified by N. N. Semina. In the experiment of protein nutrition, the content of crude protein in the ration of control and experimental groups of cows was 16 %. The content of disintegrated protein in the control group was 59.0 %, in the experimental group – 67.0 %. In the experiment of carbohydrate nutrition, in the control group crude fiber was 19.4 %, neutral detergent fiber – 38.9 %, acid detergent fiber – 23.0 % of dry matter. In the ration of experimental group of cows, the content of crude fiber was 22.4 %, neutral detergent fiber – 47.2 %, acid detergent fiber – 27.6 %. Animals of the experimental group whose ration had a crude protein disintegration of 67.0% used nitrogen more efficiently, utilized a nutritious of ration better. During the research it has been established, that the content of neutral detergent fiber of up to 47.2 % and acid detergent fiber of up to 27.6 % results in increase in digestibility of ration nutritious, improves nitrogen metabolism, intensify microbiological activity in cow rumen.

The paper describes changes in resources and performance of medical organizations providing medical care in the field of dermatovenereology in 20162022. The dynamics of the main rates of the service was analyzed, and the rates achieved in 2022 were compared with those before the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection. The rates of the provision of the population of the Russian Federation with dermatovenereologists, 24-hour and daytime dermatovenereological beds are presented. The analysis of the volumes of dermatovenereologic medical care dynamics provided in outpatient, inpatient and day hospital conditions was carried out. The dynamics of incidence of sexually transmitted infections is described, contribution of syphilis cases among foreign citizens to syphilis rates is presented. The changes in prevalence and incidence rates of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, other dermatitis, localized scleroderma, and discoid lupus erythematosus are analyzed.

The purpose of the research is to identify the composition of fleas, and infection rates in small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia; and to summarize information on fleas in the studied area. Materials and methods. In 2008, 2010, and 2016–2021, records of small mammals and their ectoparasites (fleas) were made in the northern taiga of Western Siberia. Parasitological survey was performed for 1363 specimens of insectivores and rodents of 13 species that were recorded using trap trenches, drift fences and trap-lines. A total of 1524 fleas of 18 species were recorded. Indices widely accepted in parasitology were used to assess quantitative indicators of fleas. Results and discussion. Based on the results of our own research and literature sources, small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia were found to have specimens of 28 flea species. The flea fauna of the study area was represented by shrew fleas (Corrodopsylla birulai, Palaeopsylla sorecis), bird fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae, C. garei), and specific species (Ceratophyllus anisus, C. indages, C. sciurorum, Megabothris walkeri, Leptopsylla segnis). Peromyscopsylla silvatica, Corrodopsylla birulai, Megabothris rectangulatus, Amalaraeus penicilliger, and Amphipsylla sibirica comprise the backbone of the flea fauna of small mammals in the northern taiga of Western Siberia.

The article is devoted to the study of the chemical composition of amaranth produced on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and comparison with indicators in other countries, for example, in the United States of America. The chemical composition of the amaranth plant has been studied. The growth was studied and the chemical composition of different varieties of amaranth (Amaranthus Cruentus and Amaranthus Tricolor) was compared. A study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of amaranth leaves, the mass fraction of proteins and vitamins in the aqueous extract was found. The amount of heavy metals in the leaves, stems and roots of 2 varieties of amaranth imported from the USA and grown on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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For the organization of pork production, it is necessary to create a strong fodder base that would provide the physiological needs of pigs in accordance with a reasonable level of productivity. The main method of growth stimulation and realization of the genetic endowments of animals is the use of biologically active feed additives in their feeding. The study of mineral nutrition of animals deserves special attention. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the influence of the mineral supplement “Mintrex Cu” on productivity and slaughter performance in pigs. Mineral feed supplement “Mintrex Cu” is a copper chelate of methionine hydroxy analog with a well-defined chemical structure, which contains 18 % copper and 79.5 % methionine activity. The protocol and procedures used in this study were ethically compliant with Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Protection of Animals, as well as the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty”. The experiment lasted 55 days. 24 heads of large white pigs were selected for the experiment. Formed two similar groups of 12 goals each. During the formation of groups, live weight, growth, age, sex and breed were taken into account. Animals were kept in group pens of 12 heads, according to the number of experimental groups, in a typical piggery for raising young animals. A control group of pigs was fed compound feed that provided their nutritional needs. The experimental group additionally consumed the mineral supplement “Mintrex Cu” in a dose of 280 g/t of feed. It was found that the additional use of the mineral feed additive “Mintrex Cu” increases the live weight of pigs of the 2nd experimental group by 4.8 % (Р ˂ 0.05), compared to the control group. In addition, it was recorded that the preservation of pigs increased in the 2nd experimental group by 2.0 % against the control. The use of a mineral supplement in the feeding of pigs of the 2nd group, feed consumption per 1 kg of growth is reduced by 14.2 % compared to the control group. It was established that the pigs of the 2nd group, which consumed the mineral supplement “Mintrex Cu” had a higher pre-slaughter live weight by 5.6 % (Р ˂ 0.05) and slaughter weight by 6.5 % (Р ˂ 0.05) and carcass weight by 8.2 % (Р ˂ 0.05) compared to the control indicator.

The food industry knows a lot of methods to determine the total antioxidant activity. The potentiometric method includes the mediator system of potassium hexacyanoferrates (K3[Fe(CN)6]/K4[Fe(CN)6]) and has proved to be quite effective in assessing the antioxidant activity of food products. This method is simple and cheap but its interference issues still remain understudied. This research covered 30 potential interfering substances in beverages and their reactivity toward the mediator system of potassium hexacyanoferrates. The experiment featured carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose), dyes (E102, E110, E124, E129, E132, E133), preservatives (E210, E221, E222, E223, E236, E260), sweeteners (E420, E421, E950, E952, E954), and acidity regulators (E296, E330, E331iii, E334, E337, E338, E363, E386). The potential and pH were determined by the potentiometric method in a mediator system solution in the absence and presence of the abovementioned substances. Cysteine and ascorbic and gallic acids served as controls. Glucose, sucrose, and maltose did not interfere with the analysis, while fructose and lactose showed an insignificant positive interference of unspecified mechanism. Malic (E296), citric (E330), tartaric (E334), and phosphoric (E338) acids increased the potential of the mediator system by lowering the pH. However, these interference effects were observed only at high concentrations in an electrochemical cell and were leveled after a sixfold dilution. Indigo carmine (E132), sodium sulfite (E221), sodium hydrosulfite (E222), and sodium metabisulfite (E223) were oxidized by potassium ferricyanide and showed significant positive interference. Potassium ferricyanide was capable of oxidizing compounds other than natural antioxidants. The industrial use of indigo carmine is limited due to its poor light stability, while sulfites are popular components in winemaking. Sulfite interference is of particular concern in the analysis of white wines and is typical of other antioxidant activity methods. The obtained data can correct the results of the potentiometric antioxidant activity tests if the concentration of the interfering substance is known.

This paper analyses the trends in the banks’ development in the last years, as well as the main factors which influence such a development. Special attention has been paid to the factors leading to a substantial change in the banking environment in the leading countries, with the attempt to understand the changes in terms of bank assets and banks’ market capitalization. The methodology is based on using the inductive approach, as it relies on gathering and analysis of quantitative data to provide statistical validity to the results. The analysis, based on the results of secondary research, includes also the current and expected changes in the human capital and bank organizational structure especially branch setting of the banks. Banking risk issues, and cyber security are discussed as well. Our findings suggest that most of the banks will increase the use of digital banking to attract more customers to change their banking routines and increase their clientele as result of better and as many clients think – more efficient services. At least a quarter of the banks plan to increase their investments in digital channels. This will lead to changes in the personnel policy, as well as in risk management. The findings and analyses will provide to bank managers suggestions for modifying the bank management in accordance with the current trends in the banking sector.

Urbanized environment is considered as a stressor for individual plants and their communities that form green frame of the city. Changes in structure of plant populations in cities are analyzed as an important indicator of environmental quality. Therefore, phytoindication of quality of the environment in conditions of the city is currently becoming relevant in the context of its optimization. The purpose of the research was to study biometric parameters and seed germination of Syringa vulgaris L., growing in areas with increased anthropogenic pressure in comparison with a conditionally clean area. Within the framework of this work, morphometric parameters of lilac seeds growing in areas with a high level of anthropogenic pollution were described. Indicators of reproductive ability of lilacs (laboratory and soil germination) were assessed. According to the results of the observations, it was established that the biometric parameters of S. vulgaris seeds are not indicative and cannot be used in assessing the quality of the environment. The data obtained during laboratory and soil germination of S. vulgaris seeds can be used to characterize the ecological state of sampling areas. Under more favorable environmental conditions (control), germination is much higher than under anthropogenically modified environmental conditions. Based on the results of a comprehensive assessment of laboratory and soil germination, the following distribution of the administrative districts of Orenburg was established according to the degree of anthropogenic pollution (from the most clean to the most environmentally unstable): Zauralnaya Grove Industrial District Dzerzhinsky District Leninsky District Central District.

The article deals with the features of the industrial development of the Lower Volga Region in the pre-war years. The completion of some facilities, the implementation of rapid structural changes, the development of many types of new products, and the provision of sufficiently high rates of development contributed to the transformation of the region into a major industrial center. A comparative analysis of the industrial development of the region in the pre-revolutionary and Soviet periods proves the effectiveness of the socialist model of industrial development.

Lipid-lowering therapy is one of the most important aspects in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease, which is still the leading cause of death in the adult population. Over the past 10 years, fundamentally new lipid-lowering drugs have appeared such as alipogene tiparvovec, mipomersen, lomitapide, evolocumab, alirocumab, bempedoic acid, inclisiran, evinacumab, volanesorsen. In order to update information on the effectiveness and safety of the use of lipidlowering drugs, their consumption in the pharmaceutical market in retrospect and at the present time, a systematic search was carried out in the scientific databases eLIBRARY.RU, PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Library, Russian State Register of Medicines from 1980 to 2023. Statins remain the main drugs of choice for regular use in violation of lipid metabolism. Fibrates are the drugs of choice in patients with rare forms of hyperlipidemia associated with high triglyceride level. A group of other lipid-lowering drugs has been characterized from the point of view of the mechanisms of action, indications for use, and the availability of registration certificates in the Russian Federation and in the world. The growing interest in ezetimibe in the Russian pharmaceutical market is confirmed by the high growth in the share of local companies in its production as part of the import substitution strategy. It has been established that the drug causes undesirable effects with a small degree of probability as part of combination therapy. Inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) open up new possibilities for the treatment of patients at very high risk of cardiovascular disease. Lomitapide is not registered in the Russian Federation, but since December 2021 it has been included in the list of medicines purchased by the Krug Dobra Foundation to help children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Since 2022, inclisiran, a drug inhibiting synthesis of PCSK9 with RNA interference, has been approved for use in Russia and is safe in patients with hyperlipidemia and statin intolerance. Thus, in the 21st century, fundamentally new positions have appeared in the group of lipid-lowering drugs, which are examples of biotechnological and gene therapy drugs.

In this paper, differences of infrared spectra of hydrate formation inhibitors of thermodynamic and kinetic action types were investigated. The method was proposed for determining the action type of a hydrate formation inhibitor by its infrared spectrum. The relevance of the proposed method is due to its expressiveness in comparison with the testing of inhibitors in laboratory tests. It is proposed to use the method of Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The method allows us to obtain data on the molecular and intermolecular interactions of the substance under study. The spectra obtained in the mode of attenuated total reflection were analyzed by the principal component analysis and the regression method of projection on latent structures, which are related to chemometric methods of analysis and make it possible to identify the key features of the inhibitor compositions that affect the mechanism of their action. The separation of the sample of infrared spectra of the studied inhibitors into two subgroups, which represent two different types of inhibitor action, was obtained. The principal component analysis makes it possible to identify the key features of the compositions of reagents that affect the mechanism of their action. For kinetic inhibitors, a characteristic ratio of the amplitudes of vibrations of the –OH and N–H functional groups in the internal standard of the spectrum was revealed. It is shown that the decisive factor in the division of inhibitors into groups is the difference between the resonant vibration frequencies corresponding to the valence vibrations of C–O, C–N bonds and the resonant vibration frequencies of organofluorine compounds. At the same time, the similarity in the amplitude of the indicated spectral regions was noted. For the group of thermodynamic inhibitors, the most influential bands in the IR spectrum were the bands of symmetric and asymmetric stretching vibrations of the C–H bonds in the CH2 and CH3 groups. There was a significant increase in the amplitude in the spectral range of 2950–2750 cm–1 compared with the signal amplitude in the regions of 3300–3400 cm–1 and 1200–1100 cm–1, also found in the spectra of this group of inhibitors. The method of projection on latent structures was used to develop a regression model to determine the mechanism of action of the studied inhibitors. The proposed method allows for express determination of the action type of hydrate formation inhibitors. Results could be used in oilfield chemistry to determine the action type of hydrate formation inhibitors used to prevent the formation of gas hydrates during the production, preparation or transportation of hydrocarbons.

This paper revisits the Greek *-nthos- and *-ssos/*-ttos names and analyzes them in the context of the language contacts between the Pre-Proto-Greek peoples arriving in Greece and the Pre-Greek populations already in place. It starts overviewing the prehistoric process of formation of the Greek language from Proto-Indo-European. A few concepts are defined, such as Pre-Proto-Greek, Proto-Greek, Common Greek and Pre-Greek. After an update on the main hypotheses regarding the dates of entry into Greece, the author stresses the role of the Pre-Greek substratum in the shaping of Proto-Greek due to the implicit phenomenon of language shift completed by the Pre-Greek population, and proceeds to an initial analysis, on the basis of the limited data available, of the Pre-Greek language(s), making use of Pre-Greek onomastics as the main, albeit indirect, source of information. With these names on the table, it is postulated that the phonological structure of the Proto-Greek plosive consonants (the fact, in particular, that the inherited voiced aspirated plosives appear as voiceless aspirated plosives in Greek) may show the effect of Pre-Greek, whose linguistic affiliation has given rise to several conflicting theories and many doubts. Even if the Anatolian hypothesis has seduced many researchers, a non-Indo-European option seems preferable. After considering different Pre-Indo-European proposals (Beekes, Facchetti, Schrijver), conclusions are drawn about possible coincidences between the Pre-Greek and Etruscan phonological systems and what this may imply. Schrijver’s recent suggestion that perhaps the language of the Minoans could be distantly related to Hattic is also considered. This could constitute an alternative explanation to the toponymic coincidences between the two regions: they could be sharing a pre-Indo-European substratum.

The aim of the review was to characterize the epidemiological situation on ixodic tick-borne borreliosis (ITBB) in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in 2022, to forecast the development of the ITBB epidemic process in 2023 based on the analysis of its trends in the period of 2013–2022. In total, 7 264 cases of ITBB were registered in the Russian Federation in 2022, which is 1.9 times higher than the 2021-value. In all regions in 2022, after a sharp decrease in the level of registered morbidity during the “covid” phase of 2020–2021, there was an incidence raise to the pre-pandemic level. During 2013–2022, distinctive features of the trends in the development of the ITBB epidemic process in the territories of varying degree of epidemic hazard were retained. A downward tendency in the incidence rates was revealed in 14 out of 18 entities with a long-term average annual incidence (LTAA) of ITBB above 6.2 0 /0000, with the exception of Moscow and the Kaluga Region, where a further increase in the incidence of ITBB is possible. In 6 out of 16 regions with LTAA 2013–2022 between 3.31 and 6.2 0 /0000, an upward trend was observed, and in 8 – a decrease in morbidity. The trend towards an increase in morbidity was detected in 7 out of 21 entities with LTAA of ITBB from 1.21 to 3.3 0 /0000 and in 15 out of 26 regions with a low LTAA 2013–2022 (below 1.2 0 /0000). The analysis of trends in the development of the ITBB epidemic process against the trends in changes in the frequency of contacts of the population with ticks, as well as calculations of the probable incidence rate allowed us to conclude that the incidence rate of ITBB in 2023 will range within the confidence intervals of long-term average annual values for the majority of the federal districts, with the exception of the Central Federal District, where an increase in the number of cases of ixodic tick-borne borreliosis is likely to occur, provided that the existing volumes of preventive measures are maintained and abnormal climatic phenomena absent. Effective control of the epidemic situation on the ITBB is attainable through preservation, and for such areas as Moscow, the Moscow Region, Voronezh, Kaluga, Orel, Ryazan, Penza and Rostov Regions, the Republic of Buryatia – increase in the volume of preventive measures, strengthening zoological and entomological monitoring of activity and structure of natural foci. There is an obvious need to develop algorithms for molecular-genetic monitoring of pathogens circulating in natural foci, and to focus attention onto the problems of diagnosis and prophylaxis of tick-borne transmissible infections.

Subject. The economic environment in Russia, similar to other countries, is represented by the consumer price index. It is regulated by the monetary policy of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. Since Russia participates in international economic relations, its economic environment is affected by the monetary policy of the USA, because this country plays the greatest role in the global economy and the global economic system as a whole. At the moment, the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve System of the USA has a stronger impact on consumer price inflation in Russia than the monetary policy of the Central Bank, because the US economy is significantly larger than the Russian economy. Specifically, an increase in money supply in the USA, required to stimulate economic activity in the country, can accelerate the growth of the consumer price index in our country. It is therefore important to build economic and mathematical models in order to predict the consumer price index in Russia based on the indicators of the CB and the FRS. Purpose. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of the monetary policy of the CB and the FRS on the consumer price index in Russia and derive multiple autoregression equations in order to predict the consumer inflation rate in our country based on the indicators of the CB and the FRS. Methodology. In our study, we used general and specific scientific methods: analysis, synthesis, and statistical methods (correlation and regression analysis). The study was based on the analysis of relevant scientific literature and economic journals. Conclusions. The study determined that the monetary policy of the FRS directly affects the consumer price index in Russia. It also stresses the need to develop measures aimed at eliminating the side effects of the monetary policy of the FRS in Russia. The article demonstrates a strong negative effect of increased US money supply on the economic situation in Russia and a strong correlation between the M2 money supply in the USA, the US dollar index, and the consumer price index in Russia, as compared to a less significant impact of the key rate of the CB and the M2 money supply in Russia.

The review is devoted to the nutritional significance and prospects of garden rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) utilization in food industry. High yield of juice reaching 90% and the ability to complex rhubarb stems processing for juice production and pectin extraction from rhubarb stem pomace are empathized. Rhubarb stems pomace recorded up to 21-23 % of pectin, which is significantly higher than in natural industrial sources of pectin. Medicinal value of rhubarb juice is discussed: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties are indicated. Examples of high antioxidant content and unique organic acids composition of rhubarb juice are highlighted. Sorbic and benzoic acids are indicated as important components of juice widely used in food industry as food preservatives. Citric acid is shown to be the main component of rhubarb organic acids in spring. Special attention is paid to the non-waste production of juice thanks to the possibility of pomace processing for pectin recovery. Juice biochemical characteristics of four garden rhubarb cultivars (selection of Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Production) are described: Udalets, Malakhit, Zaryanka and Krupnochereshkovy). Expediency of further selection on high anthocyanin content in rhubarb stems are empathized.

The paper presents results of the study of the phytohormonal balance in mature, formed leaves of the lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of the winter variety Olvia during the transition from vegetative to generative development. Near isogenic for the VRN genes lines (NILs) created in the gene pool of the Olvia variety and plants of the vernalized and non-vernalized winter variety were used. The experiments were carried out under the conditions of a vegetation experiment in the factorial chamber of the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants and Microorganisms of the V.N. Karazin KhNU. During the experiment, we conducted physiological observations and analyzed the development rate of experimental plants. Phytohormone analysis was carried out in fixed plant material by a chromatographic distribution of phytohormone mixture with thin-layer chromatography. The phytohormones were identified by the reference standards irradiating the chromatograms with ultraviolet UV (254 nm), and the content was determined by biotesting methods. The level of main classes of classical growth-stimulating phytohormones (auxins (IAA), cytokinins (CK), and gibberellins (GA), and growth-inhibiting hormones (abscisins (ABA)) was analyzed. The indicators of phytohormonal balance were calculated as the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting hormones. The results of the experiments showed that phytohormones in mature, formed leaves of the experimental plants are represented by auxins – 64.9-70.7 μg/g, cytokinins – 26.6-30.5 μg/g, gibberellins – 179.47-228.68 μg/g, and abscisins – 54.06-89.76 μg/g of dry weight. Among the phytohormone classes studied, the minimal was the cytokinins’ content, while the phytohormones of terpenoid nature (gibberellins and abscisins) were represented best. It has been established that the phytohormonal balance viz. the ratio of growth-stimulating and growth-inhibiting phytohormones reflects the development rate of experimental plants. Rapidly developing plants of isolines VRN 1 and VRN 3, and the plants of vernalized variety were characterized by the maximum phytohormone balance (especially GA/ABA), while the slowly developing plants of the isoline VRN 2 and the non-vernalized variety Olvia had the minimum balance. Since the plant organism is an integrated system of organs and functions, we assume that this indicator – phytohormonal balance in plant leaves, can be used as a marker of the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism. The identified changes in the phytohormonal status of mature, formed leaves and the development rates of experimental plants have the same regularities in all the models used in our research: the model of isogenic lines and the model of vernalized and non-vernalized plants of the winter variety. This fact makes it possible to assume that changes in the phytohormone balance of mature leaves, which reflect the ontogenetic state of the entire plant organism, are determined by the genotypic and phenotypic (epigenetic) influence.

The number of nitro compounds of the anthropogenic origin in the general nitrogen cycle is steadily increasing, which leads to an increase in nitrates in products and increases the nitrate-nitrite load on the human body. The aim of the study was to determine the amount of nitrates in raw vegetables and their processed products. Vegetables with high (beetroot, cilantro, radish, green onion), medium (zucchini, carrot, cucumber) and low nitrate content (potato, tomato, onion) have been selected as the objects of the study. For the qualitative determination of nitrates the reactions with diphenylamine have been carried out. For quantitative determination, the ionometric determination of the pH-meterionomer Ecotest 2000 has been carried out using an ion-selective electrode ECOM-NO3. In the course of the study, it has been found out that the vegetables entering the Magnit retail chain do not exceed the MPC in terms of nitrate content, with the exception of the radish and zucchini. When cooking in a microwave oven the amount of nitrates increases dramatically. When cooking vegetables «until ready», the amount of nitrates in vegetables decreases, but their amount in broths increases. With prolonged heat treatment the amount of nitrates increases both in vegetables and in the broth. When freezing and defrosting vegetables in a closed container, a decrease in nitrates is observed, and when defrosting in an open container, the level of nitrates increases sharply. Thus it is recommended not to use a microwave oven during the cooking process. During boiling fi rst drain the water, then pour in new one and boil until ready. Ready-made vegetables should not be left in the broth due to the reverse adsorption of ions. Vegetables should be defrosted in a closed container.

Successful rooting of grape microclones in uncontrolled environmental conditions (in vivo) depends on the level of resistance, which is formed at the stage of their passage and growth in vitro. An important role in this case is played by indicators of the water regime of the vegetative mass. The purpose of this study was to get acquainted with the results of determining the water-holding capacity, the intensity of transpiration of grape microclones in vitro and to establish the share of their influence on the adaptation potential in vivo. Biotechnological, laboratory, vegetation, and mathematical and statistical research methods were used in this study. The obtained results showed that to optimize the physiological processes in the tissues of the leaves and shoots of grape microclones, to increase their viability under in vivo conditions, it is advisable to cultivate them in vitro on structured nutrient media (MS + agroperlite, MS + vermiculite, MS + agroperlite + vermiculite) with the content of phytohormones IAA – 0.2 mg/l, and 6-BAP – 0.3 mg/l. Structured nutrient media contributed to an increase in water retention capacity and a decrease in the intensity of transpiration of tissues of leaves and shoots of microclones of both technical and rootstock varieties. During 60 minutes of research, from 0.006 g to 0.034 g of water evaporated from microclones of technical varieties, from 0.003 g to 0.053 g from microclones of rootstock varieties, respectively. Transpiration intensity (after 10 min) decreased by 1.7-1.8 times. On the control Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium, plants evaporated a larger amount of water during the corresponding period of time: from 0.006 g to 0.079 g (technical varieties) and from 0.008 g to 0.086 g (rootstock varieties); the intensity of transpiration was higher. After cultivation of grape microclones on structured nutrient media, they were characterized by a higher content of dry matter in the tissues of leaves and shoots (14.6-15.0%) and better survival rates in vivo (76.3-98.5%, at 58.5-65.2% in control). The reliability of the results obtained is confirmed by the results of multivariate analysis of variance. The obtained results expand the understanding of dynamic changes in the indicators of the water regime of the vegetative mass of grape microclones in vitro, their influence on plant survival under in vivo conditions