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The article is devoted to the issue of using generative AI in the higher education system of the Russian Federation. The relevance of this issue is due to the avalanche-like growth in the use of generation by students and postgraduates in the 2023/24 academic year, the heated discussions that arose in this regard within universities, a series of publications in the media, the lack of development of the legal aspects of the use of generation, the ambiguity of its ethical grounds and consequences. The goal of the authors' collective is to formulate a collective position of teachers of classical humanitarian knowledge, which consists in the inadmissibility of using generative AI in the preparation of qualification and scientific papers. The work examines the regulatory aspects of the use of generation, conducts an experimental study of generative systems popular in the Russian-speaking space, and formulates a fundamental threat to subjectivity at the level of the individual and the collective, arising in connection with the use of generative AI. The general conclusion of the work is the need for careful legal and ethical regulation of the areas and methods of using generative systems in higher education.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a complex socially significant disease associated with risks mainly for representatives of groups practicing deviant behavior and requiring special attention from the state and society. The article presents a comprehensive description of representatives of the high-risk group for the HIV infection, including their health status, behavioral characteristics, types, combinations and perceptions of risks, which would allow for a more optimal organization of the work of social and medical services with this group. The article is based on the results of the empirical study conducted in 2022: 3,792 clients of the charitable foundation “Support for Social Initiatives and Public Health” were questioned within the HIV preventive work with representatives of high-risk groups. A significant part of clients are people under 22 years of age (25 %). Their main risks were divided into condition risks and behavioral risks. Condition risks are as follows: current and past illness (29 % were diagnosed with an infection or several ones, including the HIV), unemployment (21 %), difficult financial situation (9 %); and for foreign citizens also lack of citizenship (24 %) and not speaking Russian (5 %). Behavioral risks (actions leading to loss of health or inaction in health protection) are as follows: 15 % of clients use drugs (including with shared equipment for injecting), the majority (76 %) consciously agree to unprotected sex and have multiple sexual partners (the average number is 21 per year). In general, representatives of high-risk groups tend to underestimate their risks, and awareness is not a decisive positive factor, i.e., it does not necessarily change behavior to less risky. Moreover, long-term risk practices together with knowledge of risks and protective measures can negatively affect perceptions of risks; thus, clients with experience of risk behavior consider risks as less dangerous or deny risks in principle, which is an additional risk for both the person and one’s partners.

Abstract: E-commerce thrives on a user-centric strategy, and recommender systems are at the cutting edge of personalizing the purchasing experience. These systems may forecast preferences and recommend appropriate items by analyzing user behavior patterns, resulting in many benefits such as increased customer satisfaction, increased sales and conversions, and increased efficiency. To accomplish these benefits, recommender systems utilize complex algorithms that examine numerous elements of user behavior such as purchase history, browsing behavior, search queries, demographic data, and implicit feedback. Sophisticated algorithms can recognise complicated patterns in user data, resulting in more accurate and personalized suggestions. Analyzing user reviews, product descriptions, and social media interactions may help you better understand consumer preferences and product features. Systems can make real-time suggestions depending on a user’s current browsing session, resulting in a more dynamic purchasing experience. Personalized recommender systems will play an increasingly important role in molding the future of e-commerce as user behavior analysis techniques are constantly refined. The study intends to make important advances to the field of personalized recommender systems by undertaking a thorough research of user behavior patterns in the e-commerce domain. We strive to improve the performance of recommender systems by extracting insightful features from various data sources and exploring sophisticated machine learning techniques, resulting in a more engaging and tailored user experience that fosters customer satisfaction and drives business growth. A comprehensive review of user behavior patterns and their influence on personalized recommender systems in the e-commerce industry reveals the critical role of data analysis and machine learning algorithms in tailoring product suggestions to individual preferences, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and driving sales growth. By implementing the tactics and approaches expressed in this study, e-commerce platforms may stay ahead of the curve, providing a smooth and tailored purchasing experience that surpasses customer expectations and contributes to their competitive advantage in the changing e-commerce environment.

This study examines the formation and development of transregional relations between the federal states of Germany (Bundesländer) and Eastern countries and regions. It presents the findings of a normative-legal analysis of the foundations of international and foreign policy activities of German federal states, based on national legislation. The focus is on the institutional framework for cross-border interactions between individual administrative units of the Federal Republic of Germany and their foreign partners. The research explores partnerships with both neighboring Middle Eastern territories and more distant Eastern regions. The findings indicate that the international and foreign economic activities of the German states are extensive, aligning with the opportunities outlined in Germany’s constitutional documents, and are significantly broader and more diverse compared to similar activities in the regions of France and Italy. It has been identified that German states engage in a system of “horizontal partnerships” primarily with provinces of the People’s Republic of China. Additionally, it is reported that a principle of “network cooperation” is applied to most other Eastern countries, encompassing not only economic but also scientific, cultural, and humanitarian ties. The study demonstrates that among the examined EU countries at the regional level, German federal states lead in establishing the most successful and effective partnerships with regions in Eastern countries.

The relevance of addressing the topic of national identity is determined by the high dynamism of changes in the societal space of the modern world, which complicates and at the same time requires constant study of the peculiarities of self-identification of certain social communities. From this point of view, the identity conflict in modern Greece provides extensive material that, despite the breadth and depth of the available research literature, has not yet been thoroughly analysed. The purpose of this study is to examine the dynamics of change in the religious component of Greek identity influenced by the processes of European integration and to explore how so-called European values are adapted to at the national level. To this end, the following objectives are achieved: firstly, the main value-based and religious attitudes of the Greek society in the process of national identity formation are identified; secondly, the available data on the current religious situation in the country are systematized; finally, the cases of identity conflict in modern Greece are analysed. The research materials include legal documents, data from official websites, as well as media materials. The research methodology relies upon axiological and hermeneutical approaches; the method of narrative analysis and discourse analysis are also used. The results of the study show that Helleno-Christian formula is an attempt to bring together Greek identity with its antique background and the Church claims to have a significant role in the process. The historic overview as well as modern statistics and data indicate patterns in the identification of the people of Greece, including cases of identity conflicts. The research substantiates the conclusion about the significant impact of the erosion of the religious component on the process of transformation of Greek identity. European legislation, as well as the ‘European values’ promoted by Brussels, have led to the deterioration of the key formula of the ‘Helleno-Christian synthesis’, which defined the design of Greek identity during the time of gaining independence and has retained its influence until recently. While, on the one hand, there is an expansion of rights and freedoms, including religious freedoms, on the other hand, a model of society imposed from above and often not supported from below, which was not typical for Greece before its accession to the EU, is being established. The identity conflict associated with this process polarises society and leads not only political parties but also religious institutions to revise their value-based and ideological platforms.

For the quantum quartic anharmonic oscillator with the Hamiltonian H=0.5(p2+x2)+λx4 which is one of the classic traditional quantum-mechanical and quantum-field-theory models, its main physical characteristics and properties are thoroughly studied and calculated based on the system's wave function expansion in a complete set of the harmonic oscillator eigenfunctions, i.e., in the basis of eigenfunctions {φ(0)n} of the unperturbed Hamiltonian H=0.5(p2+x2). Very good convergence of the calculated energy levels of the anharmonic oscillator is demonstrated with respect to the number of basis functions included in the expansion, across a wide range of variation of the parameter λ. Thus, we have computed the energies of the ground and the first six excited states of the system for an exceptionally wide range of the oscillator coupling constant λ. In general, the proposed method provides a very good and accurate way to calculate all system characteristics.

Process mining is a field of computer science that deals with the discovery and analysis of process models based on automatically generated event logs. Currently, many companies are using this technology to optimize and improve their business processes. However, a discovered process model may be too detailed, sophisticated, and difficult for experts to understand. In this paper, we consider a problem of discovering the hierarchical business process model from a low-level event log, i. e., the problem of the automatic synthesis of more readable and understandable process models based on the data stored in the event logs of information systems. The discovery of better-structured and more readable process models is extensively studied in the framework of process mining research from different perspectives. In this paper, we present an algorithm for discovering hierarchical process models represented as two-level workflow Petri nets. The algorithm is based on predefined event partitioning so that this partitioning defines a sub-process corresponding to a high-level transition at the top level of a two-level net. In contrast to existing solutions, our algorithm does not impose restrictions on the process control flow and allows for concurrency and iterations.

This study examines the development of transregional relations between the regions of Italy and those of China, including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. It highlights the interplay between centrifugal and centripetal tendencies within the framework of Italy’s ‘center — regions’ relationship system. The analysis provides insights into the normative foundations of international and foreign policy activities of Italy’s territorial communities, grounded in the national Constitution and relevant legislation. The findings demonstrate that Italian regions possess very limited capabilities for independent foreign and economic policy initiatives, a restriction stemming from the Italian Constitution, which permits regional cooperation only in the realms of economy and culture. In contrast, among the regions of China, only Hong Kong and Macau exhibit the capacity for autonomous external activities. Furthermore, it is revealed that Chinese migrants in Italy play a significant role in fostering Italian-Chinese interregional ties, maintaining connections with their homeland. The study concludes that Italian regions are notably less active internationally compared to regions in other EU countries.

Aim. To report a clinical case of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome, induced by adjuvants in patient after polypropylene mesh implantation for inguinal hernia repair.Materials and methods. Patient Z., male, 68 years old, was admitted to the hospital presenting muscle weakness and progressive dyspnoea. Interview and physical exam revealed signs of cognitive impairment and memory loss, proximal muscle weakness. Differential diagnosis was made to clarify genesis of symptoms, to rule out polymyositis, other systemic connective tissue diseases, oncologic diseases, hypothyroidism, infectious diseases.Results. Creatine kinase, thyroxine, thyreothropic hormone levels were normal. Clinical and immunological investigation revealed no data on polymyositis or any other systemic connective tissue disease. Yersiniosis, salmonellosis, malaria were ruled out. Chest CT scan, abdomen CT scan, gastroscopy, colonoscopy no data on the presence of malignant neoplasms. PSA level were normal. Electroneuromyography revealed signs of symmetrical axonal type damage to the motor portion of the ulnar nerves on both sides, and demyelinating type damage to the sensory portion. Prednisolone therapy was started at a dose of 40 mg per 24 hour (0.5 mg per kg), which lead to a significant clinical improvement. Based on the therapy response and positive diagnostic criteria (clinical manifestation after polypropylene mesh implantation, typical clinical manifestation – muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, neurological manifestations associated with demyelination) patient was diagnosed with autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome, induced by adjuvants (ASIA) after polypropylene mesh implantation for inguinal hernia repair.Conclusion. This clinical case report demonstrates possibility of a persistent course of the disease (symptoms were present for 15 years). Feature of this case is partial clinical improvement due to long-term uncontrolled dexamethasone use, which was prescribed empirically.

This article explores the formation and development of transregional relations of territorial communities of France with Eastern countries and regions. It examines the interplay of centrifugal and centripetal tendencies in the “center-regions” relationship of the French Republic. The analysis focuses on the normative framework of international and foreign policy activities of French territorial communities based on national constitution and legislation. Traditional close ties of French regions with partners from European countries are discussed, with a special emphasis on collaborations with countries in Eastern and Southern Mediterranean, as well as North Africa. Partnership with distant Eastern territories is separately examined. The study is based on a comprehensive methodology incorporating principles of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness, historical-systemic and historical-comparative approaches, as well as theoretical foundations of multilevel governance theory. It includes an examination of the activities of various administrative units in France: regions, departments, municipalities, cities, and metropolises. The conclusion drawn is that the international activities of French regions are currently less active than those of regions in other European Union countries; however, in the 21st century, they have significantly intensified compared to previous periods.

Relevance. The presence and uncontrolled distribution of aerosols of various substances in the air, which have a negative impact on humans, flora and fauna. This problem is especially acute in the extraction, processing and combustion of georesources. The most effective way to solve the problem is the use of high-intensity ultrasonic vibrations, the effect of which on aerosols causes convergence and agglomeration of small particles into large ones. However, at low concentrations, the particle coagulation efficiency is not sufficient to increase the recovery rate of gas treatment equipment. Therefore, there is a need to find new ways to optimize ultrasonic equipment for coagulation of fine particles in order to increase its efficiency. Aim. To determine the optimal conditions for ultrasonic influence on a swirling gas-dispersed flow, ensuring maximum efficiency of agglomeration of highly dispersed particles. Carrying out comparative studies of coagulation of particles when exposed to ultrasonic fields generated by different types of radiators and their combined effects will make it possible to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonic coagulation and the optimal design scheme of ultrasonic exposure. Objects. Coagulation of particles under ultrasonic impact, formed by various types of radiators. Methods. Computer modeling of the generated ultrasonic field using the finite element method using harmonic acoustic analysis. Finite element modeling and design of disk radiators using modal analysis. To determine the characteristics of the aerosol, a Malvern Spraytec Particle Analyzer was used. Results. The results of calculations and experiments have shown that the use of an extended ultrasonic tubular radiator operating on a bending-diametric mode of vibration and forming a ring standing wave with a sound pressure level of 162–165 dB as the main source of ultrasonic impact for devices with swirling flows may be the most energy efficient. Further increase in the efficiency of coagulation can only be achieved by the combined action of a tubular radiator and a longitudinally oscillating radiator. This significantly modifies the field structure and provides not only an increase in the sound pressure level (up to 167 dB), but also in the number of formed nodal surfaces (up to 44).

Relevance. The urgent need to eliminate environmental pollution from industrial emissions of various solid particles. At the same time, maximum attention is paid to cleaning exhaust gases from particles of 2.5 microns in size or less. One of the most promising ways to increase the efficiency of existing gas purification equipment in capturing such particles is their coagulation by exposing the gas flow to high-intensity acoustic vibrations of ultrasonic frequency. However, at low concentrations, even at the maximum permissible sound pressure level, the coagulation efficiency of particles smaller than 2.5 microns is insufficient to increase the recovery rate of gas cleaning equipment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new ways to further improve the efficiency of ultrasonic coagulation of particles smaller than 2.5 μm. Aim. To determine the conditions for the formation of vortex flows in ultrasonic fields with the maximum ultrasonic influence in terms of sound pressure level. Conducting comparative studies of the coagulation of particles with a size of 2.5 microns with and without vortex flows. This will make it possible to determine the real values of increasing the efficiency of ultrasonic coagulation during turbulization of a gas-dispersed flow by acoustic flows in comparison with coagulation in a uniform ultrasonic field and without it. Objects. Coagulation of particles under the influence of homogeneous and inhomogeneous ultrasonic fields. Methods. Computer modeling of the formed ultrasonic field by the finite element method using harmonic acoustic analysis. The paper considers the experimental method for studying the process of combining particles under the influence of ultrasonic vibrations. To determine the characteristics of an aerosol during experimental studies, a TIPAS-1 meter based on the small-angle scattering method and the spectral transparency method was used. Results. The paper introduces the results of studies of coagulation of particles with a size of 2.5 microns or less in an ultrasonic field formed in resonant gaps by oscillating disk emitters. The authors proposed to increase the efficiency of coagulation in resonant gaps through the use of ultrasonic disk emitters capable of forming alternating zones of maximum and minimum amplitude oscillations in the resonant gaps. The creation of such zones ensured the formation of vortex-type acoustic flows capable of moving particles within the nodal regions of a standing wave and between them. The involvement of small particles in the formed flows made it possible to increase the probability of their collision. It was established that more effective ultrasonic coagulation provides an increase in the degree of inertial capture for particles of 2.5 microns in size by 6% – from 89 to 95%, for particles of 1.5 microns in size by 7% – from 85 to 92%, and for particles of 0.5 microns by 9% – from 76 to 85%.

Background. Protein growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and psoriasis, and endothelial dysfunction is also noted in these diseases. Despite extensive studies of these nosologies, there is still insufficient information about the nature of remodeling of the cardiovascular system in the case of a combination of these pathologies.Objective. The aim of the study was to study the content of circulating growth factors — vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and compare myocardial remodeling in hypertension in men with and without psoriasis.Materials and methods. 165 male patients who were on outpatient treatment for stage 2 hypertension, average age 53,1 ± 7,2 years, were studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (comparison group) of 80 patients with hypertension, group 2 (main group) of 85 patients with hypertension with psoriasis vulgaris. Plasma concentrations of growth factors were assessed in all patients and echocardiography was performed. In the group of patients with hypertension and psoriasis, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0,0002) and insulin-like growth factor (p = 0,0001) is higher than in patients with hypertension without psoriasis.Results. It was revealed that in patients with a combination of arterial hypertension and psoriasis, the left ventricular myocardial mass index (145,2 ± 21,4 g/m2) was significantly higher (p = 0.041) than in patients with arterial hypertension. In patients with arterial hypertension and psoriasis, concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle was significantly more common (χ2 = 4,27, p = 0,039).

The history of creation is given, the complex of studies carried out by the Tyumen branch of Siberian Research Institute of Geology, Geophysics and Mineral Resources (SNIIGGiMS) in 1960–1964 and by West Siberian Research and Geological Prospecting Oil Institute (ZapSibNIGNI) in 1964–1996 is analyzed. The role of the Institute in the substantiation of oil and gas potential and developing the resource base of the West Siberian oil and gas province is shown. The scientific forecasts and developments of the Institute’s employees, which influenced the increase in the efficiency of geological exploration are presented. In preparing the article, previously unpublished documents from the archive of the Directorate of ZapSibNIGNI were used.

An analysis of the state and changes in the resource base of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and the Kara Sea shelf has been carried out. Data on production, reserves and resources of gas, oil and condensate are given. The distribution of hydrocarbon reserves by the field size, by licensed and unlicensed fund and oil and gas complexes are shown. The ratio production and reserves growth over a 20-year period is shown. The reserves of the region’s industrial categories make it possible to increase the annual gas production to 650–750 billion m3 , oil – up to 80 million tons. It is necessary to carry out a differentiated assessment of the initial total resources of hydrocarbons for the complex of geological and field parameters.

This work is devoted to the peculiarities of sedimentation and geological structure of clinoform deposits of the Yarudeisky megaswell (Western Siberia). The main feature of the clinoforms under consideration is that the sediments are confined to the marginal regional clinocyclite of the western dip of the area of oncoming clinoforms, formed in relatively shallow sea conditions and differing from deep-sea clinoforms by pinching out not onto the Bazhenov formation or the early underlying clinoforms of the western dip, but by stopping their spread along the path of movement of the oncoming clinoforms eastern dip. The study of the counter clinoforms of the Yarudeisky megaswell is based on a regional analysis of the structure of cross-layered deposits in conditions of extremely poor knowledge of the study area. Within the framework of western dipping clinoforms, possible oil and gas potential prospects for the Achimov complex within the boundaries of the Yarudeisky megaswell are identified.As a result of the analysis of geological and geophysical data, the boundaries of the distribution of opposing clinoform complexes in the study area were determined. The existing paleo-geomorphological conditions that contribute to the accumulation of sandstone with improved properties in the designated seismic complexes are presented. The fields of the Nadym oil and gas bearing region with the proven productivity of the Neocomian clinoform complex are indicated, which confirms the oil and gas potential of the region and suggests favorable conditions for the accumulation of hydrocarbons in the study area.

Nucleon density distributions and nucleus-nucleus interaction potentials for the reactions 16,18O + 120Sn were obtained within the framework of the modified Thomas - Fermi method. In the calculations, all terms up to the second order in ћ in the quasi-classical distribution of kinetic energy were taken into account. Density-dependent Skyrme forces were used as nucleon-nucleon interaction. Using the found potentials, cross-sections of elastic scattering were calculated, which well describe the corresponding experimental data.

The objective of the study is to develop recommendations for accounting during the design stage and the feasibility of operating a magnetic fluid seal with a significant eccentricity of the rotating shaft relative to stationary pole attachments. This goal is achieved through conducted experi-mental research, the selection of necessary equations, boundary conditions, assumptions, and physical properties of the magnetic fluid when constructing a numerical mathematical model of the working gap of the magnetic fluid seal. The most important results of the study include ob-tained and analyzed distributions of the magnetic field, velocity field, and pressure in the mag-netic fluid, as well as the evaluation results of the impact of absolute and relative shaft misa-lignment in the magnetic fluid seal, centrifugal forces arising during shaft rotation, on the re-tained pressure drop by the seal. A significant reduction in the retained pressure drop occurs at an eccentricity of up to 40% of the working gap, and with further increases in eccentricity, the rate of pressure drop reduction slows down. The significance of the results lies in the potential utilization of the provided numerical model, as well as the outcomes of physical and mathemati-cal experiments, in the development of a magnetic fluid seal operating with significant misa-lignment between the rotating shaft and the housing. The dimensionless dependencies obtained allow for consideration, during the design stage, of the reduction in retained pressure drop with shaft eccentricity, taking into account the magnitude of the working gap, magnetic induction, and linear velocity.

Background. Periodontitis is a progressive lesion of periodontal tissues and one of the most important causes of tooth loss. According to recent publications, periodontitis affects from 11% to 50% of the world’s adult population. Therefore, the problem of developing effective methods for treating and preventing this disease remains relevant. Metabolic disorders in the periodontium are known to contribute to the development of periodontitis. A pronounced change in hemodynamics and microcirculation leads to trophic disturbance of periodontal tissues, thus triggering the development of pronounced hypoxia in these tissues. Thus, prevention and elimination of hypoxia is one of the most important stages of pathogenetic treatment. Objective. To experimentally evaluate the efficacy of injectable carboxytherapy in the treatment of periodontal diseases using an in vivo model of periodontitis in rats. Methods. A preclinical experimental study was conducted on 30 sexually mature Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups, including I–III experimental groups (n = 27) and a control group (n = 3). In all experimental groups, periodontitis was modelled. In group I (n = 9), no treatment was performed. In group II (n = 9), carboxytherapy with a carbon dioxide flow rate of 5 ml/min was conducted. In group III (n = 9), carboxytherapy with a flow rate of 10 ml/ min was conducted. The experimental animals were injected with carbon dioxide once, twice, or three times 7 days after surgical intervention at weekly intervals. The efficacy of injected carboxytherapy in rat periodontium with respect to the control was evaluated by histologic analysis. The norm criteria were the lamellar structure of compact alveolar bone, the presence of periodontal ligament between the alveolar bone and the tooth, represented by oriented collagen fibers with orderly arranged fibroblasts between them (final signs). The intermediate outcome was considered based on the launch of neovascularization and neocollagenogenesis processes. The criterion of neovascularization and neocollagenogenesis activation was considered to be an increase in the number of young collagen fibers, an increase in fibroblast-like cells of outgrowth form with a high expression of procollagen in the connective tissue matrix (intermediate signs). Integral indices on intermediate signs and on final signs were brought to normalized indices as a fraction of the maximum possible sum of points in the group. The dynamics of the normalized indicator for intermediate and final signs was considered. The results were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Inc., USA). Results. The histological study of the mandible of rats from group I demonstrated that the destruction of the periodontal ligament in the absence of treatment leads to the widening of the periodontal gap, accompanied by inflammatory processes and thinning of collagen fibers due to the growth of edema, the appearance of resorption lacunae and, further, to the resorption of alveolar bone. At the same time, groups II and III showed a gradual decrease in the inflammatory reaction, formation of young collagen fibers, and, as a consequence, restoration of the periodontal space. In these groups, the histologic pattern corresponded to the norm in the case of three times carboxytherapy injection with a flow rate of 5 ml/min and already in the case of two times injection with a flow rate of 10 ml/min. Conclusion. The use of injectable carboxytherapy to treat periodontal ligament lesions not only restores its microarchitectonics, but also prevents further resorption of alveolar bone. This may have a positive effect in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Under the impact of financial technology and digital currency, “central bank digital currency” has become an international hotspot in recent years and is also one of the current research and development priorities of China’s central bank. Preparations for China’s digital RMB began as early as 2014, and in 2017 China’s central bank clearly announced that it would fully issue the digital currency. The launch of the digital RMB is a major reform and innovation in the historical development of China’s currency. China’s issuance of a central bankdigital currency will help enhance the status of the People’s Bank, strengthen the effectiveness of monetary policy, improve macro-prudential management capabilities, and promote cross-border RMB payments, etc. Up to now, China has started pilot tests in some cities, such as Shenzhen, Xian, Chengdu Suzhou. Currently, China’s digital RMB has been tested for the public, with features such as unlimited legal compensation, moderate anonymity, national statutory, dual offline payment, no cost of transaction and centralized management. With the rapid development of scientific information technology and the intensification of international competition, the digitalization of currency has become an irreversible trend. The purpose of this study is to identify the practice of digital Yuan and its role in Chinese digital economy development. The discussion tasks of this paper can be summarized as follows. Clarify the definition of digital Yuan; assess the operational model of digital Yuan; evaluate the operating framework of digital Yuan; identify the features and merits of digital Yuan application. This research adopts case study of China CBDC and literature analysis methods to analyzed the concept, characteristics and design principles of digital RMB. Then it investigates the role of digital RMB for the development of China’s digital economy, which will provide an important basis for understanding and advancing the domestic research on the central bank’s digital currency. For example, digital Yuan plays a key role in facilitating data productivity, driving digitalization of public payment scenarios and opening a healthy digital economy system.

Nucleon distribution densities and nucleus-nucleus interaction potentials for the 16O nucleus and 112,114,116,118,120,122,124Sn isotopes were calculated within the framework of the modified Thomas - Fermi method, taking into account all terms to the second-order of ħ in the quasiclassical expansion of kinetic energy. Skyrme forces dependent on the nucleon density were used as nucleon-nucleon interaction. A successful parameterization was found for the obtained potential, which allows to present it in an analytical form.

Describes the relevance of the use of fixed orthopedic structures in prosthetics of patients with partial absence of teeth. Clinical features of orthopedic rehabilitation of a patient with this pathology are revealed. The results of a computational experiment on choosing the optimal sizes of the supporting parts of a three-part bridge prosthesis are presented. The technology of manufacturing a bridge prosthesis is described and the nearest clinical results of treatment of this disease are given.

The article is dedicated to Russia’s European policy from the formation of the German Empire in 1871 to the beginning of World War I. It examines the historical conditions, reasons, and nature of the Russo-French military-political alliance of 1891-1893. The role of Emperor Alexander III in the political rapprochement between Russia and France on an anti-German and anti-Austrian basis is demonstrated. The existence of mutual interest between Russia and France in forming a military-political alliance is revealed. The Bierk Treaty of 1905 between Emperors Wilhelm II and Nicholas II is analyzed, showing that this treaty fundamentally contradicted the development of military-political cooperation between Russia and France and therefore was not implemented. The conclusion is drawn regarding the significance of the Russo-French alliance of the early 1890s for the foreign policy and historical destiny of the Russian Empire. Germany's interest in strengthening its influence on the foreign policy of the Russian Empire is shown. It is proven that Germany’s attempts to attract Russia to its side did not succeed, and Russia maintained its alliance with France, which was more significant for it during the period under consideration, despite the fact that ultimately this alliance led to the involvement of the Russian Empire in a world war.

Турнікет-синдром - це комплекс патологічних змін, що відбуваються у відповідь на странгуляційне циркулярне стиснення частини/частин тіла або органа, характеризується нейроваскуляторними розладами, які можуть призводити до розвитку некрозу і гангрени. Странгуляція м’яких тканин може відбуватися різними волокнистими матеріалами - вовна, бавовна, різні шнури, прикраси, ялинкові прикраси. У дітей найчастішою причиною странгуляції є волосся і нитки, у дорослих - ювелірні прикраси. Мета - звернути увагу медичної спільноти на рідкісну патологію, турнікет-синдром у дітей, який, незважаючи на досить характерну картину, не завжди одразу розпізнають, що може призвести до тяжких наслідків. Провідним етіологічним фактором розвитку турнікет-синдрому може бути післяпологовий телогенний відтік у матерів, що проявляється великою кількістю волосся, схильного до випадіння. Найчастішою локалізацію странгуляційного волосяного джгута при турнікет-синдромі автори визнають пальці стоп, частіше в петлю потрапляють ІІ та ІІІ пальці стоп, кистей. Також нерідко трапляється обвиття кількох пальців. При турнікет-синдромі ускладнення у вигляді некрозу пальців, що потребує їх ампутації, становить близько 7% від усіх випадків патології пальців кистей та стоп. Швидке розпізнавання і видалення турнікету при генітальному турнікет-синдромі дає змогу запобігти деваскуляризації клітора та статевого члена та можливої їх самоампутації. Висновки. Синдром волосяного джгута, або турнікет-синдром, найчастіше виникає в дітей раннього віку та може мати тяжкі наслідки. Для профілактики цього явища слід перевіряти дитячий одяг щодо наявності залишку ниток і петель із внутрішнього боку, щодо наявності скупчень волосся та ниток у «сліпих» відділах одягу, слід вивертати назовні одяг перед пранням, що дає змогу запобігати скупченням майбутніх джгутів. Рекомендується матері окремо спати від дитини. При травмах верхніх кінцівок рекомендується зняти прикраси з пальців. Настороженість із приводу турнікет-синдрому допоможе уникнути тяжких ускладнень у дітей. Також слід пам’ятати про навмисне жорстоке ставлення до дітей з накладанням потенційних удавок. Автори заявляють про відсутність конфлікту інтересів.

The article is dedicated to a common theme in Byzantine literature, with a particular focus on descriptions of battles between warriors and monsters. According to the authors, the reworking of stories about hunting large predators from ancient mythology is characteristic of the Byzantine and partially Western European military traditions from the 10th to 14th centuries. The authors argue that the ideas of rational warfare permeated not only strict military manuals but also hagiographical literature, historical chronicles, heroic epics, and other narratives. Therefore, the incorporation of the archetypal plot of ‘fighting monsters’ into military settings is at the center of this study. The authors demonstrate that ancient battle stories had no place in the strict orders of real actions by regular armies. The article introduces materials from M. Y. Suzyumov’s personal archive into scientific circulation and draws on sigillography data. The article shows that in medieval texts, such short but intense clashes between two opponents are interpreted not only as entertainment or instruction but also in a philosophical sense as an embodiment of the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The aim of the work is to create an interconnected numerical model of the magnetic, hydrody-namic and temperature fields of a ferrofluid sealer and to analyze thermal processes occurring in high-speed seals. This goal is achieved by selecting the necessary equations, boundary condi-tions, assumptions and physical properties of the magnetic fluid when building the numerical model of the sealer’s working gap, verification of the developed model by the results of the physical experiment. The important results of the work are the obtained and analyzed data on the influence both of physical properties and the geometry of the working gap of the ferrofluid sealer on the heating of the ferrofluid. With a shaft radius of 140 mm and a linear velocity at the shaft surface of 25 m/s due to viscous heating the ferrofluid temperature exceeding the ambient temperature can reach values up to 80 degrees and higher, it has been shown. The use of the equation proposed by V.E. Fertman to determine the thermal conductivity of ferrofluid and the mixing rule to determine its heat capacity allows us to describe with sufficient accuracy for en-gineering calculations the thermophysical properties of concentrated ferrofluids, it was shown. The significance of the results consists in the possibility of using the developed numerical model in the study of interrelated physical processes in the working gap of the ferrofluid sealer of ro-tating shafts. The physical and concentration parameters of the synthetic oil-based magnetic fluid given in the paper and the results of its test operation as part of a ferrofluid seal can be used to verify the results of newly developed models of ferrofluid devices.

Background. Osseointegration of medical equipment, including implants, into the bone is one of the main conditions for a successful outcome of surgical treatment. To improve the reliability of the functioning of medical equipment products by improving the osseointegrative properties, the authors have developed a unique technology for developing the surface of the implanted component. Thus, the aim of the work is to develop a technology for developing the surface of medical equipment products based on laser metal foaming. Materials and methods. Experimental studies have shown that the surface geometry and structure of the surface layer after laser foaming meet the requirements for medical equipment products for better osseointegration into the patient's bone. The results were confirmed by optical and electron microscopy data. Results. Studies have shown that the composition of the gaseous medium has the most significant effect on the structure of the surface layer. This factor determines the appearance in the surface layer of a large number of chemical compounds that significantly change the properties of the material. During the experiment, this factor was varied, and the rest were stabilized at a constant level. It has been established that the increase in the chemical inhomogeneity of the surface layer increases significantly with the introduction of air into the composition. When Argon is used as a working medium, the surface structure is normalized to the level of the material base. Conclusions. In the process of work, a developed structure was created on the selected surface area without changing the chemical composition with an increase in the area of osseointegrated structures up to 100 % of the original surface. For processing, it is recommended to use an inert gas medium, and the medium pressure must be above 8 bar. The feed speed of the laser head should be at least 5000 mm/min, but not exceed 10 000 mm/min.

Relevance. Significant part of renewable and fossil energy resources is spent to generate heat and electricity needed to implement drying. At the same time, cellulose drying, due to the large-tonnage production, is one of the significant consumers of energy resources. One of the ways to reduce energy costs of drying is ultrasonic vibrations impact. There are practically no studies on ultrasonic exposure during cellulose drying. Therefore, it is necessary to consider possible options for non-contact ultrasonic treatment during convective drying of wood cellulose. Main aim. To identify the most rational options for placing the material to be dried, taking into account the direction of exposure to ultrasonic vibrations and the flow of warm air relative to the layers of the material to be dried at different temperatures. Objects. Non-contact ultrasonic action on wood cellulose. Methods. Mathematical modeling based on the finite element method was used to determine the distribution of oscillation amplitudes of a disk radiator. In the experimental part of the research, a material moisture content was determined by the weight method using verified technical means. Results. When ultrasonic vibrations have parallel direction relative to cellulose thin layers, a 2.5-fold reduction in drying time was shown at a sound pressure level of 162 ±3 dB and a drying agent temperature of 60 °C. The authors have found that temperature decrease of a drying agent makes it possible to increase the relative efficiency of ultrasonic treatment. An assessment of energy efficiency showed that the use of ultrasonic exposure leads to a 2.3-fold decrease in the energy spent on drying compared to only convective drying, all other things being equal. The conducted studies confirmed the effectiveness of the ultrasonic drying method for industrial use and made it possible to recommend options for the most rational placement of the material to be dried when designing the structures of drying chambers.

The relevance. The urgent need to deal with fog for preventing limited visibility and creating improved meteorological conditions. Exposure to gas dispersed systems by mechanical vibrations of the ultrasonic frequency can be considered as the most effective way to deal with fog formation. However, the acoustic method has not found an industrial application for fog destruction mainly due to the lack of effective sources of acoustic exposure. Therefore, it is necessary to create emitters of higher power that provide a significantly greater range of radiation with a sound pressure level of at least 140 dB and study of their functionality. The main aim. Determination of the effectiveness of fog destruction through the use of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the developed ultrasonic emitters; identification of the most promising design of ultrasonic equipment that ensures effective destruction of fogs in open areas. Objects. Combining fog droplets under high-intensity ultrasonic exposure using specially designed ultrasonic emitters for gas media of four types. Methods. Experimental method for studying fog droplets combination under the influence of ultrasonic vibrations and their gravitational deposition. To determine the aerosol (water content and disperse composition) characteristics, during experimental studies, the authors have used the TIPAS-1 meter based on the method of small-angle scattering and the method of spectral transparency. Results. The authors established and shown the effectiveness of ultrasonic effect on fogs, as well as the possibility of its use for fog destruction in an open area. All developed disc ultrasonic emitters are capable of forming a sound pressure level within 140... 145 dB at 22±2.0 kHz. The time of fog natural destruction in the aerosol chamber is reduced by up to 11.5 times. The results obtained demonstrate that it is necessary to use more powerful disc emitters, since they can significantly reduce the time of fog destruction and increase the volumes voiced at the same time. The minimum time for establishing the required metrological range of visibility is provided by means of a directional emitter with a stepped-variable surface, forming a flat wave.

Aim: to asses an opportunity for predicting an unfavorable perinatal and maternal pregnancy outcome in severe novel coronavirus infection (NCI) COVID-19. Materials and Methods. A retrospective comparative study of the course and outcomes of pregnancies was performed in 40 patients with a gestational age of 22–42 weeks who had severe and extremely severe COVID-19 in 2021. The main group included 21 cases with an extremely severe course of the disease resulting in maternal mortality; the comparison group consisted of 19 patients with severe COVID-19 who successfully completed pregnancy. The diagnosis of NCI COVID-19 was confirmed in all cases by identifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA by polymerase chain reaction in a nasopharyngeal swab. During the study, all patients (during hospitalization, at the peak of the disease and before death/discharge from the hospital) underwent a comprehensive anamnestic, clinical and laboratory-instrumental examination. There were analyzed clinical blood test, biochemical parameters – lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, total protein; coagulation parameters – prothrombin level according to Quick and fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio; the level of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, D-dimer, interleukin-6 (IL-6); ultrasound examination was performed during pregnancy (fetometry, placentometry), dopplerometry of uteroplacental blood flow and ultrasound of the pelvic organs, as well as pathomorphological placenta examination. Results. In patients who died from extremely severe NCI COVID-19 (main group), the course of the infection was accompanied by developing of respiratory distress (RD) degree III (χ2 = 12.84; p ≤ 0.05), and a progressive deterioration in mother's condition and/or fetal distress was an indication for emergency delivery by caesarean section (CS). The course of severe NCI COVID-19 in patients with a favorable outcome (comparison group), as a rule, was accompanied by the development of RD grade I and/or II; most of them were also delivered by CS on an emergency/urgent basis. Predictors of rapid progression of severe NCI COVID-19 in the main group were identified: subfebrile body temperature at the initial stages skewing to high fever during treatment instead of rapid temperature normalization (χ2 = 5.41; p ≤ 0.05; odds ratio (OR) = 5.0; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.23–20.3); lack of leukocytosis at the initial stages (χ2 = 4.91; p ≤ 0.05; OR = 50; 95 % CI = 5.43–460.54) with rapidly increased leukocyte count with persistent stagnation in dynamics until death (χ2 = 19.79, p ≤ 0.05, OR = 50; 95 % CI = 5.43–460.54); severe lymphopenia (χ2 = 8.09; p ≤ 0.05; OR = 7.29; 95 % CI = 1.74–30.56), neutrophilia (χ2 = 10.17; p ≤ 0.05; OR = 10.29; 95 % CI = 2.21–47.84); high LDH values (χ2 = 17.99; p ≤ 0.05; OR = 31.88; 95 % CI = 5.09–199.49); increased IL-6 level at the peak of the disease (χ2 = 9.66; p ≤ 0.05; OR = 18; 95 % CI = 1.99–162.62) and in dynamics, as well as stably high D-dimer values (χ2 = 9.53, p ≤ 0.05; OR = 11.33; 95 % CI = 2.07–62.11). Conclusion. Significant changes observed in clinical and laboratory examination were identified, which reliably reflect the degree of patients' state, to be interpreted as predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes during NCI COVID-19 and as a potentially justified serious reason for making a decision in the light of timely delivery aimed at a favorable outcome for mother and child. Timely delivery, carried out within the time limits for enabling adequate compensatory capabilities of the pregnant woman's body, demonstrates a rapid normalization of the main laboratory parameters.

Purpose of the study. To conduct a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the use of mono‑mode immuno‑oncological and targeted drugs in the first line of therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma of the skin (SMM) in patients with BRAF mutation.Patients and methods. To achieve this goal, a retrospective analysis of the treatment results was carried out in 61 patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma of the skin and the presence of a mutation in the BRAF gene who were treated at the Yaroslavl regional oncology hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group (n = 18) included patients who received mono‑mode immunotherapy in the first line of treatment; the second group (n = 43) included patients who underwent targeted first-line therapy.Standard regimens of monotherapy with BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib) or combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib + trametinib) were chosen as treatment. Immunotherapy was performed using the following drugs: pembrolizumab, nivolumab and prolgolimab. An intergroup comparative analysis of one‑year, three‑year and five‑year survival rates was carried out. Progression‑free survival rates and the frequency of objective responses were also studied.Results. The median follow–up period in the first group was 14.2 months, in the second – 15.7 months. The indicators of one‑year, three-year and five‑year overall survival in patients receiving immunotherapy in the first line were 88.8 %, 55.5 % and 33.3 %, respectively. The same indicators in patients in the first‑line targeted therapy group were 90.7 %, 46.5 % and 23.2 %, respectively. The median overall survival in the first group was 39.1 months, in the second group it was 30.4 months. Progression–free survival in the group of patients with targeted therapy was 8.7 months, in the immunotherapy group – 9.8 months. In the first group, stabilization of the disease was observed in 77.8 % of patients, while a complete response was noted in 5.6 %, a partial response was not registered. In the second group of patients, stabilization was noted in 39.6 % of patients, partial response in 25.6 % of patients, complete response was absent.Conclusion. The use of cancer immunotherapy drugs in the first line of treatment in patients with metastatic melanoma of the skin and the presence of BRAF mutation in the short term is not inferior in effectiveness to the use of targeted drugs, and in the medium and long term exceeds targeted drugs.

Relevance. The epidemiological situation in the world is characterized by an increase in the incidence of orthopoxvirus infections in humans and animals. In this regard, it is necessary to develop new safe vaccines against these infections.Aim. Conducting preclinical studies on the specific activity of the live vaccine against smallpox and other orthopoxvirus infections VACΔ6 based on the vaccinia virus (VACV) with six deleted virulence genes are presented.Matherials and methods. The studies were performed in accordance with the requirements of the Guidelines for conducting preclinical studies of drugs (immunobiological preparations), the State Pharmacopoeia XIII and the European Pharmacopoeia 7.0.Results and discussion. The vaccine strain VACΔ6 VACV showed significantly reduced neurovirulence in the model of intracerebral administration to suckling mice, and reduced inflammatorynecrotic activity in the model of intradermal administration to rabbits compared to the classical first­generation smallpox live vaccine approved for use in Russia. Preclinical studies of three series of the finished dosage form of the VAC∆6 vaccine showed its authenticity, thermal stability, non­pyrogenicity and safety. Double intradermal vaccination of rabbits at a dose of 106 PFU/animal, a 100% protective effect was provided against the intranasal infection of rabbits with VACV strain HB­-92 at a dose of 1995 LD50 and a double intradermal vaccination of mice at a dose of 106 PFU/animal, full protection was provided against the intranasal infection of mice with ectromelia virus strain K1 at a dose of 56 LD50.Conclusion. Based on the conducted complex of studies, it can be concluded that the created vaccine of the fourth generation VACΔ6 is safer compared to the live smallpox vaccine of the first generation and is not inferior to it in immunogenic and protective properties.

One of the promising research areas developing in recent times in the materials science is the development and research of high-entropy alloys containing several metal elements with the concentration close to equiatomic. The interest to them is generated by the fact that such alloys demonstrate the improved mechanical and functional properties. Another promising area improving strength of metallic materials is grain refinement using the severe plastic deformation methods. This work uses both approaches to form an ultrafine-grained (UFG) structure in the high-entropy Fe30Ni30Mn30Cr10 alloy. The paper presents the structure, strength, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance of a high-entropy alloy subjected to the high pressure torsion (HPT). The study of the structure carried out by scanning electron microscopy showed that the application of the HPT deformation leads to the formation of an UFG structure with an average grain diameter less than 200 nm depending on temperature of HPT processing. Microhardness measuring and tensile tests at room temperature showed that after grain refinement, an increase in microhardness and ultimate tensile strength occurs in a high-entropy alloy, which is more than three times higher compared to the initial coarse-grained sample. At the same time, the UFG samples of a high-entropy alloy manifested thermal stability of microhardness after annealing up to temperature of 500 °С. The electrochemical tests carried out in an aqueous solution of 3.5 % NaCl at the temperature of 37 °С demonstrated a high corrosion resistance of the UFG high-entropy alloy.

The paper presents a new view of vector physical quantities as multicomponent quantities. Each of the components of the mentioned multicomponent quantities can carry important and even unique information about the sources and causes of their occurrence. Looking at the vector quantity as the multicomponent quantity led to the need to form the corresponding conception. There are three positions of this conception in this paper, which are formulated as follows: vector multicomponent physical quantities are considered as functions of the set of their constituent information components; the communication functions of the specified information components in the models of multicomponent physical quantities are determined by the laws of vector algebra; information models of vector multicomponent physical quantities allow an alternative representation of information components depending on the selected coordinate system.The mathematical model of the vector multicomponent physical quantity is presented. This model is fundamental and directly follows from the positions of the conception formulated above. This model can be applied to describe multicomponent displacements and deformations that both simple and complex objects undergo. An example of the complex object can be the manipulator of the universal industrial robot. The space for modeling multicomponent displacements of simple objects was shown in the paper. Information models of vector multicomponent physical quantities allow one to alternatively represent informative components. And the task of constructing such models is complex and ambiguous. Therefore, the formal apparatus for the synthesis of such models, which is based on certain rules and conventions, was proposed in the paper. The theoretical foundations of the method of optical measurements of informative components of multicomponent displacements and deformations of simple objects, which involves the use of multidimensional test objects, are presented.

Introduction. Today, two years after the first outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (NCI) COVID-19, there is still insufficient data to fully assess risks and pattern of the course of this infectious disease in pregnant women.Aim: to conduct a comparative analysis of perinatal pregnancy outcomes as well as clinical and laboratory data in COVID-19 patients at the time of delivery and those suffering from the disease during pregnancy.Materials and Methods. A retrospective comparative study was carried out after analyzing pregnancy and childbirth histories in 191 women admitted for delivery in three obstetric medical organizations of Saint Petersburg in the years 2020–2021. Perinatal outcomes of pregnancy as well as clinical and laboratory data in patients suffering from COVID-19 during pregnancy were analyzed: Group 1 – 57 patients with asymptomatic and mild form of verified COVID-19; Group 2 – 50 patients with COVID-19 of moderate and severe course; Group 3 – 52 patients who underwent COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy. Group 4 (control) consisted of 32 women lacking COVID-19.Results. Comparing delivery outcomes in Group 1 vs. Group 2 revealed a significantly higher rate of urgent deliveries – 54 (94.7 %) and 38 (76.0 %) (χ2 = 7.76) respectively, as well as a significantly lower number of premature births – 3 (5.3 %) and 12 (24.0 %) (χ2 = 7.76) respectively. Comparison of Group 1 vs. Group 3 showed significantly fewer natural births – 33 (57.8 %) and 42 (80.8 %) (χ2 = 6.63) respectively, but a greater rate of caesarean section – 24 (42.0 %) and 10 (19.2 %) (χ2 = 6.63). Comparison of Group 1 vs. Group 4 revealed a significantly higher number of women with acute and progressive fetal hypoxia (fetal distress) – 16 (28.1 %) and 2 (6.3 %) (χ2 = 6.05) respectively. These data allow us to state about an impact of the severity of infectious process SARS-CoV-2-caused disease and its timeframe during pregnancy on the timing and method of delivery. No significant data were obtained that might allow to state that the infectious process directly caused increased rate of premature birth in pregnant women with moderate and severe COVID-19. At hospital admission and discharge, patients with mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 were significantly less likely to have neutrophilia – 5 (8.8%) and 42 (84.0%) (χ2 = 61.2; p < 0.001) respectively, increased aspartate aminotransferase – 4 (7.0 %) and 38 (76.0 %) (χ2 = 53.15; p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) – 0 (0.0 %) and 12 (24.0 %) (χ2 = 15.41; p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) – 6 (10.5 %) and 49 (98.0 %) (χ2 = 81.58; p < 0.001), creatinine reduction – 0 (0.0 %) and 11 (22.0 %) (χ2 = 13.98; p < 0.001) respectively. In groups with severe, mild and asymptomatic COVID-19, a strong direct correlation was established the CRP level and leukocyte count, between level of serum CRP and alanine aminotransferase; a less noticeable relationship was observed between serum CRP and LDH concentrations, CRP and total protein level.Conclusion. It was shown that no specific effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection was exerted on majority of parameters related to normal course of labor, as well as on condition of neonates born to patients with COVID-19 of varying severity. In patients with COVID-19 at the time of delivery, changes in clinical and laboratory parameters corresponded to the disease severity.

Mycoplasma bovis is considered one of bovine mycoplasmosis pathogens responsible for respiratory diseases, mastitis, arthritis and keratoconjunctivitis. The paper presents results of the study on optimizing the component composition of the culture medium for Mycoplasma bovis “Kaluga 2020” isolate, as well as the study of this pathogen’s growth stages. The color-changing units assay and the culture method combined with colony-forming unit quantification were used for determination of Mycoplasma activity. It was found that when cultured in an optimized nutrient medium based on modified Hayflick broth, the microorganism enters a logarithmic growth phase after first 24 hours ofgrowth, in 72 hours the Mycoplasma culture enters astability phase, and adecline phase is recorded in 84 hours. The effect of percentage content of glucose, fresh yeast extract and horse serum in the nutrient medium on accumulation of Mycoplasma bovis “Kaluga2020” isolate was evaluated using the one-factor-at-a-time approach. It was found that the greatest effect on Mycoplasma accumulation was exerted by such growth factors as fresh yeast extract and horse serum in the nutrient medium (p < 0.05), while changes in the amount of glucose did not stimulate Mycoplasma bovis growth. Based on results of the conducted studies, the appropriate composition was determined and the optimal content of growth factors in the medium for culturing Mycoplasma bovis “Kaluga 2020” isolate was selected: 12.5%of fresh yeast extract and 25% of horse serum. The use of the optimized nutrient medium based on modified Hayflick broth allowed 5-fold increase in accumulation of Mycoplasma biomass (3.98 × 109CFU/ml)compared to the standard medium (0.79 × 109CFU/ml).

The objectives of the work are to develop a non-contact method of detecting internal electro-magnetic defects in synchronous generators based on the analysis of asymmetry of the external magnetic field distribution resulting from damage, establishing the relationship of defects of a generator with the pattern of field distribution, identifying diagnostic signs for the defects. These objectives are achieved by developing and using three-dimensional finite-element models of the external magnetic field of synchronous generators, by studying and analyzing the results of nu-merical simulation of external magnetic fields, by comparing the simulation results with experi-mental data. Significant results of the work include the improvement of the non-contact method for detecting internal electromagnetic defects in synchronous generators, revealing how defects of the generator manifest themselves in the asymmetry of magnetic field distribution, and detect-ing the correlation of field asymmetry with the type and severity of defects. For implicit-pole synchronous generators, it is reasonable to use the field asymmetry coefficient determined by the shift in the magnetic field distribution caused by field coils damage. The sign of the coeffi-cient indicates the pole with a damaged field coil. The value of the coefficient characterizes the severity of damage to the field coils, with a critical value of 0.1. The significance of the results lies in the possibility of timely and non-contact diagnostics of internal electromagnetic defects of implicit-pole synchronous generators, which can significantly reduce the economic damage from failures of generators without installation of diagnostic sensors of damage inside the generators.

Objective. To study the prevalence of depressive disorders using Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the daily work of the Regional Vascular Center in various gender and social subgroups and to compare their severity with the life quality level.Materials and Methods. The survey included 116 (57 female and 59 male) patients, admitted to Regional Vascular Center with ACS from March to November 2020 (Group 1), and 49 patients hospitalized with other cardiological pathology (Group 2), who made up a comparison group comparable in gender, age, presence of diabetes mellitus, heart attack and stroke in anamnesis.Results. In Group I the score on SDS was higher or equal to 50 (depression) in 18 % of cases: 15 % female and 3 % male patients (p

An approach to solving the inverse problem of the simultaneous identification of two thermomechanical characteristics of a functionally graded rod is presented. Two problems of thermoelasticity with different heat loads at the ends of the rod are considered. The input information is the temperature measurement data at the end of the rod over a finite time interval. Direct problems after applying the Laplace transform are solved on the basis of the shooting method and inversion of transformants based on the expanding the original in a series in the shifted Legendre polynomials. The analysis of the influence of the variable characteristics change laws on the values of the input information taken in the experiment is carried out. The solution to the nonlinear inverse problem is based on an iterative process. The initial approximation for the iterative process is in the class of linear functions, the coefficients of which are determined from the condition of the minimum value of the residual functional. To find corrections to the laws of change in thermomechanical characteristics on the basis of a weak statement of each direct problem and the linearization method, a system of Fredholm integral equations of the 1st kind is obtained. The system of integral equations is regularized based on the method of A. N. Tikhonov. Computational experiments on the simultaneous reconstruction of two thermophysical characteristics with known laws of change in other characteristics are carried out. Pairs of both monotonically increasing and monotonically decreasing functions were reconstructed.

Background. One of the important indicators of the nutritional value of amaranth is the high content of protein and lipids in seeds. Hence, obtaining and identifying such forms of amaranth through breeding, so that they also possessed resistance to abiotic stressors, is an important task.Materials and methods. Leaves and seeds of Amaranthus cruentus L. and mutants of the second inbred generation obtained by treatment with sodium azide were analyzed. The Bradford assay was used to measure the content of total soluble protein, lipid analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography, the state of the antioxidant system was assessed according to catalase and peroxidase activities and the rate of superoxide anion formation. Mathematical data were processed using the Statistica 10.0 software.Results. The highest concentration of total protein in seeds was 13.78 mg/g in one of the mutants obtained after treatment with 3 mM sodium azide. Fifteen fatty acids were found in amaranth seeds, and in four mutants a significant increase in the percentage of omega-6 unsaturated linoleic acid was recorded. An increase in salt tolerance compared to the control was observed in mutants No. 2 and No. 3. Mutant No. 2 under salinization demonstrated higher peroxidase activity and mutant No. 3 higher catalase activity; both mutants showed a reduced rate of superoxide anion formation compared to the control.Conclusion. Amaranth mutants identified for higher stress resistance, protein content and linoleic acid content can be recommended for further breeding to produce new cultivars of amaranth with economically valuable traits.

The paper deals with covariant constancy problem for tensors and pseudotensors of an arbitrary rank and weight in an Euclidean space. Requisite preliminaries from pseudotensor algebra and analysis are given. The covariant constancy of pseudotensors are separately considered. Important for multidimensional geometry examples of covariant constant tensors and pseudotensors are demonstrated. In particular, integer powers of the fundamental orienting pseudoscalar satisfied the condition of covariant constancy are introduced and discussed. The paper shows that the distortion and inversed distortion tensors are not actually covariant constant, contrary to the statements of those covariant constancy which can be found in literature on continuum mechanics.

The article is devoted to one of the autonomous regions of the People’s Republic of China — the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR). The historical events associated with the territory of modern NHAR, the features of the development of Islam in China and the formation of the Hui ethnic group is showed in the article. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the creation of the NHAR was due to the ideological concepts of national development laid down in the 1954 Constitution of the People's Republic of China. Based on documents published in China in Chinese, it is proved that the creation of the NHAR played a significant role in the ethnic development of the Hui people. It was revealed that the political changes that took place in the PRC in 1958-1976 and associated with the policy of the “Three Red Banners” and the “Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution” caused significant damage both to the economy of the NHAR and to ethnic stability in the considered region of China. The implementation of political campaigns of this period even led to clashes on confessional and ethnic grounds, which required the use of armed force to suppress them. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the situation in the NHAR began to stabilize and change only after the death of Mao Zedong and the beginning of Deng Xiaoping's reforms in 1979.

Background. One of the main error sources of a continuous-wave radar altimeter is the Doppler shift due to high vertical velocity. This kind of error dominates when altimeter is placed on a high-speed vehicle. The common way which compensate Doppler shift with the dynamic delay in output averaging filter results with inappropriate value of the filter time constant. So this paper aims in improvement of the height filtering algorithm. Matherials and methods. Height filtering algorithm is expanded with the procedure of vertical velocity estimation. Velocity estimates are used for current height data correction. Derived filtering equations are variant of nonlinear sigma-point Kalman filter where observed values are time periods of altimeter modulation. Results. Obtained filtering algorithm was verified with altimeter simulation model included stochastic differential equation of the dynamic tracking loop. The simulation model accounts for main sources of altimeter errors. Conclusions. Obtained filtering algorithm correctly eliminates Doppler shift of a continuous-wave radar altimeter readings which is one of the main error sources in high vertical velocity scenarios.

We consider the question of calculations of the interaction energy of two uniformly charged spheroids. Three cases are realized in the software: the interaction of a uniformly charged spheroid with a point charge; interaction of two coaxial spheroids; and the general case of mutual position of spheroids. The presented programs are initially oriented for nuclear calculations. However, by a change of numerical coefficients, they can be used in the calculations of the interaction energy in any cases of spheroidal objects with the uniformly distributed charge or mass.

The relevance of the research is caused by the lack of effective methods and means of combating atmospheric pollution with particles less than 2,5 microns in size. The ultrasonic effect used for these purposes does not allow ensuring the degree of coarsening of dispersed particles sufficient for their sedimentation or capture by the existing gas cleaning equipment. Experimental studies show that even at the maximum sound pressure level (above which the reverse process – the dispersion of drops or the destruction of particle agglomerates – is initiated), the efficiency of ultrasonic coagulation is insufficient, especially at a low counting concentration of particles. This necessitates the identification of new physical effects and the development of new methods of ultrasonic exposure, providing an increase in the efficiency of coagulation of fine particles. The main aim: development of a method for increasing the efficiency of ultrasonic coagulation of particles less than 2,5 microns in size due to emerging vortex acoustic flows in a thin air gap between the emitter and the reflector and a device for its implementation. Results. The authors have proposed a new method and device for cleaning gases from dispersed particles less than 2,5 microns in size by increasing the time of ultrasonic action on each particle and creating zones of local increase in the concentration of fine and submicron particles. This is provided by the formation of vortex flows between the emitting (in the form of a flexural-vibrating disk) and the reflecting surfaces. A local zone of increased concentration of particles is formed in the peripheral region of the vortex, due to the drift of particles under the action of centrifugal particles from the central region of the vortex to its periphery. The proposed method provides the increase in efficiency from 13 to 50 %, depending on the initial concentration of dispersed particles.

Introduction. A multimodal approach to the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer with the addition of systemic or local treatment methods, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, thus improving survival of patients. Advances in anticancer therapy dictate the need to develop systems for assessing tumor response to new treatment modalities.Material and Methods. The study included 162 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who received treatment at the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology from 2015 to 2018. All patients underwent subtotal gastric resection or gastrectomy with lymph node dissection and previously received neoadjuvant polychemotherapy. Patients were in the age range 30 to 80 years old. The tumor pathomorphological response to chemotherapy was assessed in all patients using a pathomorphological response rate system according to the classification of the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association (JGCA, 3rd English edition). All patients underwent computed tomography with pneumogastrography before neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immediately before surgery. For each of 162 patients, 96 qualitative and quantitative biomarkers of tumor and paragastric lymph node imaging were analyzed.Results. The accuracy of determining the tumor response rate using computed tomography with pneumogastrography was 82.6 % for TRG-0/1, 90 % for TRG-1/2, and 88 % for TRG-2/3. Discussion. The tumor pathomorphological response to treatment is a predictor of long-term results; however, it can be assessed only after analyzing the surgical specimen, and this marker cannot be used in inoperable cases and for correction of palliative chemotherapy. The study of imaging biomarkers based on quantitative and qualitative data reflecting the histopathological features of the tumor and lymph nodes can help determine the tumor regression grade and optimize treatment.Conclusion. The proposed algorithm for assessing the response grade of locally advanced gastric cancer to chemotherapy using imaging biomarkers is a promising prognostic marker and requires further study.