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Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a substantial global health crisis, unparalleled in world history. Infection dynamics can have specific characteristics in different countries due to social, economic, climatic, or geographic factors. Aim: to study features of SARS-CoV-2 collective immunity among the Armenian population. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional, randomized study of collective immunity was carried out according to a program developed by Rospotrebnadzor and the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, taking into account WHO recommendations. The study was approved by the ethics committees of the National Center for Infectious Diseases (Armenia) and the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute (Russia). A volunteer cohort was formed (N = 6057), randomized by age and region. The studys analysis included: shares and distributions of antibodies (Abs) to nucleocapsid (Nc) antigen (Ag) and receptor binding domain (RBD) S-1 Ag in the cohort; and quantitative determination of these Abs by ELISA. During the survey, a history of vaccination was indicated by 4395 people. Results. Overall seropositivity formed in the whole cohort (by April 14, 2022) was 98.6% (95% CI: 98.198.7). It did not depend on age, place of residence, or occupation. When quantifying Nc and RBD Abs, the proportions of volunteers with Nc Ab levels of 117 BAU/ml and RBD Ab levels of 22.6220 BAU/ml were the smallest, amounting to 6.9% (95% CI: 6.27.5) and 20.4% (95% CI: 19.421.4), respectively. With increasing serum concentrations (Nc 667 BAU/ml, RBD 450 BAU/ml), the proportions of individuals with the corresponding levels were 20.2% for Nc (95% CI: 19.221.3) and 54.2% for RBD (95% CI: 52.955.5). Vaccination coverage was 72.6% (95% CI: 71.573.7). The most frequently used were Sinopharm/BIBP (32.4%), AZD1222 (22.3%), and Gam-COVID-Vac (21%). The remaining vaccines (CoronaVac, mRNA-1273, BNT162b2, CoviVac) were used by 24.3% of vaccinated individuals. When summing vaccines by platform, it was found that: vector vaccines were used in 40.34% (95% CI: 33.5742.39) of cases; whole-virion vaccines were used in 26.83% (95% CI: 24.7632.20); and vector vaccines were used in 6.33% (95% CI: 4.848.91). Conclusion. The epidemic situation in Armenia by April 2022 was characterized by a high level of collective immunity, independent of age or regional factors. Vector and whole-virion vaccines have been used most widely.

The purpose of the study was to assess the current epizootic potential of the Transcaucasian high-mountain and Pre-Araks low-mountain natural plague foci on the territory of the Republic of Armenia using GIS technologies. Materials and methods. We used the data from an epizootiological survey, records of the abundance and species composition, spatial distribution of rodents and ectoparasites in the plague-enzootic territories of the Republic of Armenia in 2021. Results and discussion. Based on the results of the research, an electronic database of carriers and vectors of pathogens of natural-focal zoonotic infections in the plague-enzootic territories of the Republic of Armenia has been created. Applying GIS technologies, an assessment of the spatial distribution of carriers and vectors of plague has been made and areas of circulation of tularemia and leptospirosis pathogens identified. The results obtained serve as the basis for improving the efficiency of planning and carrying out preventive measures aimed at ensuring the epidemiological welfare as regards natural-focal infectious diseases in the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

The article discusses research about microstructure of crystalline oxide ceramics at stages of the technological process. It is proved that the introduction of stabilizing substances into the composition of oxide ceramics leads to homogenization of the basic substance and to smoothing between crystal contacts. This leads to hardening of the ceramic.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to comparative analysis of effectiveness of use of intradermal injections of modified hyaluronic acid (Hyalorepair 04) and its combination with platelet-rich autologous plasma in edentulous patients with perioral wrinkles of the skin. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 patient’s presence of perioral wrinkles of the skin participate in the study after dental implant prosthodontics rehabilitations. They were randomly divided into 2 groups in accordance with the applied therapy method (29 isolated implementation of modified hyaluronic acid bio-repairing and 27 biorepairing combined with autologic plasmotherapy). Treatment included implant-prosthetic rehabilitation followed by hyaluronic acid injections in order to correct cheek-zygomatic sulcus, nasolabial folds and marionette wrinkles. Preparations in an amount from 1 to 4 ml were injected into the face area, depending on the zones to be corrected at the request of the patients. Results: The complex treatment restored the aesthetic profile of the face and oral cavity and increased the effectiveness of the chewing function. On M03 and M05, 2/3 of patients had significant improvement as assessed by physician and patient according to GAIS. Most of the patients also showed significant improvement at visit M12. Conclusion: An integrated approach to the treatment of edentulous patients with perioral wrinkles increases the functional and aesthetic effect of the treatment. Implementation of combined of bioreparation and autologous plasmotherapy is significantly more effective comparatively to the isolated implementation of modified hyaluronic acid.

Aim of the study was to assess the current state of implementating key aspects of infection prevention and control (IPC) in Armenian hospitals, defined by the main WHO components, using the survey tool IPCAF (Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework). Materials and methods. 113 hospitals were involved in the study. All participants filled out the IPCAF questionnaire, consisting of 8 sections (each rated up to 100 points) devoted to various IPC aspects. Depending on the total final score, IPC programs were divided into the following categories: advanced (601800 points), intermediate (401600 points), basic (201400 points) and inadequate (0200 points). The study conducted a descriptive analysis of the overall IPCAF score as well as score evaluation of the relevant core components and some selected questions of particular interest. Results. The 2021 total average score for all IPCAF components for all hospitals in Armenia is 578.07.9 points, which is currently regarded as an intermediate level. At the same time, 47 (41.6%) hospitals were assigned to the advanced category, 63 (55.7%) to the average category and 3 (2.7%) to the basic category. Analysis of the main IPC components (CC, Core component) revealed that the maximum average scores were obtained for the components CC2 (IPC Guidelines) 80.8 points, CC8 (Creating a safe environment in medical premises, as well as materials and equipment for IPC) 75.5 points and CC7 (Workload, staffing and number of beds) 75.2 points. The lowest average scores were obtained for the key components: CC4 (Surveillance for healthcare-associated infections) with 54.7 points and CC3 (IPC education and training) with 59.5 points. Conclusion. Legislative and practical changes implemented in the real world during the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) pandemic have significantly contributed to improved scores for many key components of IPC programs. The study found that the IPCAF is a useful tool for assessing IPC standards and identifying gaps, regardless of a country economic development level. In our opinion, the re-use of IPCAF in all medical institutions should be encouraged, which is important for monitoring changes and trends in IPC, as well as proposing individual strategies in the development and improvement of IPC.

The article deals with the problem of the expediency of a criminal case’s returning to the prosecutor at the stage of appointment and preparation of a court session in Russian criminal proceedings. This problem is relevant to the science of criminal procedure.The purpose of the study is to analyze critically the practice of returning of a criminal case back to the prosecutor in order to correct mistakes made at the pre-trial stages of the proceedings according to the new concept of justice independence and the absence of an accusatory bias in the court functioning.The methodological basis of the study is a set of scientific techniques, focused mostly on the dialectical approach, which made it possible to determine the essential characteristics of the prohibition to turn the criminal proceedings in Russia for the worse. Both general scientific (analysis, synthesis, systematic method) and specific scientific methods (formal-legal, historical-legal, comparative-legal) of knowledge were also used. The analysis helped to formulate the position of understanding the turn for the worse as an independent principle of criminal procedural law, to study the procedural form of the turn for the worse. The synthesis method made it possible to determine the return of the criminal case to the prosecutor at the stage of appointment and preparation of the court session as a holistic institution of the criminal procedure. The systematic approach allowed to determine not only the mixed nature of the mechanism for changing the prosecution to a more serious one, but the investigative organization of pre-trial proceedings and its place in the structure of criminal proceedings, the separation of the investigative and “accusatory powers” of the prosecutors as well as their balance. The historical method let us trace the evolution of the prohibition to turn the Soviet and Russian criminal procedural systems for the worse. The comparative-legal method made it possible to assess the potential of domestic legislators' reception of foreign experience of regulating the prohibition to turn for the worse and formulate proposals to improve the Russian criminal procedural legislation.The main scientific results of this research consist of justification of the conclusion of the conversion expediency of the domestic judicial proceedings to the adversarial model of accusation which is carried out within the trial on the previously filed charge. The presentation of a new charge (criminal action) in court and the procedure of supplementing the charge change it for the worse. This model of re-indictment for the worse for the defendant appears to be fairer and more convenient both for the prosecuting authority and for the legal organization of combating crime. The changeover to the suggested form of implementation of the ban to turn for the worse in the institution of bringing and changing charges in court is possible only in a systematic link with the reform of the preliminary investigation. Conclusion. The institution of the criminal case returning by the court to the prosecutor in order to change the charge to a more serious one when implementing the adversarial model of bringing charges in the criminal procedure system of Russia will fully satisfy the concept of independence of justice administration and the absence of an accusatory bias in the activities of the court, while at the same time with fairly organized the prosecutorial power aimed at countering crime.The section 1 was prepared by N.N. Lysov, section 2 by K.D. Vanyan (together with M.T. Tashilin), section 3 by A.S. Shuisky (together with I.R. Gilmanov), section 4 by V.V. Kosterin.

The uncontrolled and irrational use of antimicrobial drugs in hospitals and outpatient settings (including at home) has led to the emergence of resistance mechanisms of bacterial strains. The increase in fluoroquinolone resistance rates in the 2020-2021 study proves the widespread use of antibiotics (in this case, fluoroquinolones) to treat secondary infections of bacterial origin or to prevent their occurrence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Հասարակություն ինտեգրելու տեսանկյունից՝ կրթության առանձնահատուկ պայմանների կարիք ունեցող երեխաների առաջնային խնդիր է համարվում ներառական կրթության կազմակերպումը: Պետական եւ հասարակական կազմակերպությունների կողմից շատ մեծ ու լուրջ աշխատանք է տարվում ներառման գործընթացի կազմակերպման ուղղությամբ։ Չնայած նրան, որ ընթանում են բարեփոխումներ, համընդհանուր ներառական կրթության կազմակերպման ոլորտում դեռեւս կան լուրջ հիմնախնդիրներ, որոնք պահանջում են մանրակրկիտ ուսումնասիրություն եւ խնդիրների լուծ- ման համար անհրաժեշտ է որոշակի ժամանակահատված: Այդ իսկ պատճա- ռով մեր նպատակն էր ուսումնասիրել, թե ի՞նչ հոգեբանական հիմնախնդիր- ներ եւ կարիքներ կան ներառական կրթական համակարգի կազմակերպման գործընթացում, որոնք խոչընդոտում են ՀՀ-ում այդ ծրագրի ընթացակարգի իրականացմանը։ Աշխատանքը նաեւ նպատակ էր հետապնդում բացահայտելու ուսուցչի գործոնը, որպես այդ գործընթացի կազմակերպիչ, որը նպաս- տում է ներառմանը։ Ձեւավորել էինք վարկած, ըստ որի ենթադրվում էր, որ ուսուցչի հաղորդակցման եւ կազմակերպչական ընդունակությունների բարձր մակարդակը ապահովում է եւ՛ հատուկ կարիքով երեխայի հարմարումը, եւ՛ ներառական գործընթացի հաջող իրականացումը։ Նա այս բոլոր փոխկապված խմբերի միջնորդն է։ Հետազոտության արդյունքում պարզ դարձավ, որ ներառական ծրագրով սովորող աշակերտների մոտ, հոգեբանական հարմարման հետ կապված, նշանակալի խնդիրներ չարձանագրվեցին, ավելին, ստացվում է, որ ուսուցիչների կազմակերպչական եւ հաղորդակցման հմտությունների դրական փոփոխությունը աշակերտների հարմարման դրական դինամիկայի հետ ուղղիղ կապ ունի։

Phatic communication depends on the recognition of a communicative intention. This statement does not link phatic talk to pragmatic functions, but does reflect the fact that phatic utterances should be interpreted not only linguistically but also pragmatically. Proceeding from the assumption that the main aim of phatic communication is to establish and maintain social relationships between the speaker and the hearer, the paper aims at revealing the pragmatic and communicative functions of phatic talk on the basis of examples being selected from popular films and literature.

Hydrogen (H2)-producing hydrogenase (Hyd) activity of E. coli wild type and mutants with defects in subunits of Hyd-3 or Hyd-4 during fermentation at different glucose concentrations and pHs was studied. Hyd-3 was mainly responsible for H2 production but a significant contribution by Hyd-4 to total H2 production depended on the glucose concentration and pH. Surprisingly, not all Hyd-3 or Hyd-4 subunits contributed towards H2 production. Hyd-4 mainly exhibited H2-oxidizing activity in cells growing on 0.2% glucose at pH 7.5, while at pH 5.5 it had a significant impact on H2 production. Importantly, a hyfG mutant (lacking the large subunit of Hyd-4) had a ~2.2 fold decrease in H2 production when cells were grown with 0.2% glucose. A similar role of Hyd-4 was shown at pH 6.5 grown with 0.8% glucose. This study provides new information to allow improvements in H2 production yield and in our general understanding of H2 metabolism.

Semi-supervised learning is a branch of machine learning focused on improving the performance of models when the labeled data is scarce, but there is access to large number of unlabeled examples. Over the past five years there has been a remarkable progress in designing algorithms which are able to get reasonable image classification accuracy having access to the labels for only 0.1% of the samples. In this survey, we describe most of the recently proposed deep semi-supervised learning algorithms for image classification and identify the main trends of research in the field. Next, we compare several components of the algorithms, discuss the challenges of reproducing the results in this area, and highlight recently proposed applications of the methods originally developed for semi-supervised learning.

Since the 90s'Retrospective AE case finding was carried out at main multi-profile medical centers equipped with the modern diagnostic means. The medical records of all patients with liver surgery admitted between January 2008 and June 2020 were reviewed. A specific form was developed in EpiInfo v.7.2. Annual national incidence was estimated using population denominators provided by the National Institute of Statistics.Overall, 11 AE cases have been identified. All patients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with subsequent poor prognosis and costly treatment. Confirmation was based on tissue biopsy and medical imaging results. Age ranged from 12 to 58 years with a median of 33 yrs. Patients were from rural communities, mostly in the Gegharkunik region (6 cases, 55%). Annual average incidence of AE was 0.033/100,000 varying between 0.032 in 2008 and 0.1 in 2017.There are human AE cases happening in Armenia since more a decade ago. In the absence of an AE surveillance system, the burden of AE disease is difficult to estimate. Development of national AE guidelines with a case definition should help enforcing registry of all cases, early diagnosis and also clinical and public awareness.

Background Since the 90s' E.multilocularis infection in foxes is rising and central-eastern European countries had seen first Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) human cases. AE is considered to be a very rare disease in Europe with average incidences of 0.03-0.20/100,000 inhabitants/year. Because of a suitable orography, this study aims to confirm whether there are human AE cases in Armenia, identify areas at risk, and also estimate AE annual incidence. Methods Retrospective AE case finding was carried out at main 6 multi-profile medical centers equipped with the most innovative diagnostic means. The medical records of all patients with liver surgery admitted between January 2008 and June 2020 were reviewed. A specific form was developed in EpiInfo v. 7.2. Annual national incidence was estimated using population denominators provided by the National Institute of Statistics (the population of Armenia is estimated at 2 963 243 people). Results From September 2019 until June 2020, overall 11 AE cases have been identified. All patients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with subsequent poor prognosis and costly treatment. Confirmation was based on tissue biopsy results. Age ranged from 19-59 years with a median of 39yrs. E. multilocularis was detected in rural communities, mostly in the Gegharkunik region (6 cases, 55%). Annual average incidence of AE was 0.033 varying between 0.032 in 2008 and 0.1 in 2017. For comparison with Armenia, an annual incidence in France was 0.026/100,000 in 2008 (the population of France is estimated at 65 273 511 people). Conclusions All cases were not notified by the surveillance system and the real prevalence of AE in the country is unknown. This young age could indicate widespread of infection in animals. Therefore, the burden of AE disease is difficult to estimate. The surveillance system in Armenia can be improved by the development of national guidelines for the prospective registry, AE awareness campaigns. Key messages First-time identification of human AE in Armenia calls for implementation of surveillance with a case definition and registry of all cases. AE is an emerging, and so far silent threat in Armenia.

Escherichia coli anaerobically ferment glucose and perform proton/potassium exchange at pH 7.5. The role of hyf (hydrogenase 4) subunits (HyfBDF) in sensing different concentrations of glucose (2 g L

s. Shade matching is one of the most important factor in a successful and esthetically restoration. The number of mistakes made by dentists when choosing a color is 14 % (according to Barna), 9.9 % (according to Moser) and 8.2 % (according to Mc Maugh). The ability to consistently match shades accurately can help reduce the number of unsatisfactory esthetic results treatment. Matching the right color leads to a pleasing appearance and satisfaction for the patient and the clinician. Color determination in dentistry can be divided into two categories visual and instrumental. The most popular shade guides include visual classical shade the Vita Classical and are clustered into letter groups A (red-yellow), B (yellow), C (grey), D (red-yellow-gray), and chroma designated with the numerical values (e.g. A1). Used computerassisted shade analysis is more accurate and more consistent compared with human shade assessment. The objective of the study a comparative assess of the esthetic indicators of the prosthodontics treatment when determining color using visual and instrumental methods. For the period from 2015–2020 prosthodontic treatment of 158 patients with dental defects was performed. To assess the esthetic results of treatment, the patient was divided into 2 groups. In 1 group (n = 82) patients, the color determination of the prosthodontics design was carried out using standard colors according to the usual VITA scale. In 2 group (n = 76) patients, the color determination of the prosthodontics design was carried out using a color measuring device VITA Easy shade Compact. The results showed that the Vita Easy Shade machine was accurate 97.5 %, visual evaluation method was accurate 85.2 %. This study reveals that esthetic results is a significant factor in patient satisfaction, which should be evaluated. Instrumental methods for determining the color of teeth are more accurate than visual and do not depend on the subjective sensations and psychological factors of the dentist. At the moment, the combination of the Vita Easy shade system and the 3D Vita scale is the most effective in determining tooth shade or restoration. However, the instrumental method cannot replace traditional methods. Digital techniques should be a must in addition to visual analysis.

In this study, alternative uses for lignocellulosic waste by considering them a source of eco-friendly and renewable energy generation with the application of the anaerobic digestion of treated and untreated waste for biogas and biohydrogen generation were investigated. The diluted sulfuric acid method was used for both the substrates and inoculum. Hydrogen production was absent when untreated spent coffee grounds (SCG) and alcohol waste (AW) were both used with the inoculum at pH 5.5 and pH 7.5. Meanwhile, the highest biogas yield of 320 dm3 kg V.S−1 was obtained when using AW at pH 7.5, with a 190 dm3 kg V.S−1 yield of methane. Instead, hydrogen production was observed when initially 4% (w/v) and 6% (w/v) SCG-containing hydrolysates were used as the substrates at pH 5.5, yielding 2.9 ± 0.09 dm3 kg V.S−1 and 3.85 ± 0.12 dm3 kg V.S−1, respectively. The further optimization of pretreatment technologies and pH control could lead to increased and prolonged hydrogen production.

Purpose: The article examines the results of the authors’ research of socio-economic processes of a political, economic and social nature on the territory of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, and assesses the prospect of creating a single supranational institution overseeing the implementation of interstate programs of economic, political and social development.

After brewing roasted coffee, spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are generated being one of the daily wastes emerging in dominant countries with high rate and big quantity. Escherichia coli BW25113 wild-type strain, mutants with defects in hydrogen (H2)-producing/oxidizing four hydrogenases (Hyd) (ΔhyaB ΔhybC, ΔhycE, ΔhyfG) and septuple mutant (ΔhyaB ΔhybC ΔhycA ΔfdoG ΔldhA ΔfrdC ΔaceE) were investigated by measuring change of external pH, bacterial growth and H2 production during the utilization of SCG hydrolysate. In wild type, H2 was produced with rate of 1.28 mL H2 (g sugar)−1 h−1 yielding 30.7 mL H2 (g sugar)−1 or 2.75 L (kg SCG)−1 during 24 h. In septuple mutant, H2 production yield was 72 mL H2 (g sugar)−1 with rate of 3 mL H2 (g sugar)−1 h−1. H2 generation was absent in hycE single mutant showing the main role of Hyd-3 in H2 production. During utilization of SCG wild type, specific growth rate was 0.72 ± 0.01 h−1 with biomass yield of 0.3 g L−1. Genetic modifications and control of external parameters during growth could lead to prolonged and enhanced microbiological H2 production by organic wastes, which will aid more efficiently global sustainable energy needs resulting in diversification of mobile and fixed energy sources.

Aim. The purpose of this research was informational content assessment of the anamnestic data in diagnosing of chronic endometritis before its histologic confirmation and possibility of the timely beginning of complex therapy of pathology. Materials and methods. To achieve the aim of the retrospective analysis of 303 case reports of patients who underwent endometrium papel biopsy as a part of examination plan before assisted reproductive treatment in 2017. A particular interest, in our case, submitted the special anamnesis including consideration of menstrual, sexual and reproductive functions, past gynecologic diseases and interventions. Results. In the analysis of the received results the most constant signs of chronic endometritis: disorders of menstrual and seсretory functions; the high index of intrauterine interventions, considerable frequency of identification of endometrium polyps and the cervical channel (40,1%), pathological cervical neoplasia (30,8%) were noted. Conclusion. Thus, anamnestic data of patients with the verified endometritis, especially extended one, with inclusion of nonconventional, but relevant at the present stage additional signs, have shown high informational content for neoadjuvant diagnosis of pathology of endometrium of inflammatory character. Only against the background of timely initiated complex therapy, numerous endometrial receptivity parameters are restored, which leads to relief of clinical symptoms and lays the foundation for the successful implementation of reproductive function.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of human cases and outbreaks of tularemia in the Republic of Armenia from 1996 to 2012 utilizing geographic information system software. A total of 266 human cases of tularemia were recorded in Armenia from 1996 to 2012, with yearly incidence ranging from 0 to 5.5 cases per 100,000 people. Cases predominantly affected the male population (62.8%), 11–20 year age group (37.2%), agricultural workers (49.6%), and persons residing in rural areas (93.6%). In 2003, a waterborne outbreak involving 158 cases occurred in Kotayk Marz, and in 2007, a foodborne outbreak with 17 cases occurred in Gegharkunik Marz, attributed to exposure of food products to contaminated hay. Geospatial analysis of all cases showed that the majority were associated with the steppe vegetation zone, elevations between 1,400 and 2,300 m, and the climate zone associated with dry, warm summers, and cold winters. Characterization of these environmental factors were used to develop a predictive risk model to improve surveillance and outbreak response for tularemia in Armenia.

After introduction of rotavirus vaccine, other pathogens might become leading causes of hospitalizations for severe diarrhea among children

BACKGROUND The Republic of Armenia was 1 of the 2 earliest countries in the Newly Independent States to introduce rotavirus vaccine into its national immunization program to reduce the burden of rotavirus disease (documented to cause 38% of acute gastroenteritis hospitalizations [AGE] among children aged

Additional file 1. Milestones of National Malaria Programme of the Republic of Armenia.

Pneumonia and diarrhea are the leading causes of child morbidity and mortality globally and are vaccine preventable. The WHO-coordinated Global Rotavirus and Invasive Bacterial Vaccine-Preventable Disease Surveillance Networks support surveillance systems across WHO regions to provide burden of disease data for countries to make evidence-based decisions about introducing vaccines and to demonstrate the impact of vaccines on disease burden. These surveillance networks help fill the gaps in data in low and middle-income countries where disease burden and risk are high but support to sustain surveillance activities and generate data is low. Through a series of country case studies, this paper reviews the successful use of surveillance data for disease caused by pneumococcus and rotavirus in informing national vaccine policy in Bangladesh, Armenia and The Gambia. The case studies delve into ways in which countries are leveraging and building capacity in existing surveillance infrastructure to monitor other diseases of concern in the country. Local institutions have been identified to play a critical role in making surveillance data available to policymakers. We recommend that countries review local or regional surveillance data in making vaccine policy decisions. Documenting use of surveillance activities can be used as advocacy tools to convince governments and external funders to invest in surveillance and make it a priority immunization activity.

The article addresses the problem of the rhythmic arrangement of academic discourse and its main units. It is the result of computer-based acoustic investigation of English rhythm (in comparison with Armenian). The contrastive analysis of the rhythmic units helps to reveal the regularities that pass unnoticed in monolingual studies. Basing on the scalar approach to the rhythm, the study defines rhythm as an output of all the gradients participating in its formation with the special accent on grouping and prominence. It is an attempt in modelling the rhythmic organisation of academic prose in English (Armenian) by giving its acoustic profile.

Background: The poor ovarian response (POR) to ovarian stimulation significantly decreases the efficiency of assisted reproduction technologies. The genesis of POR is not well understood, and can result from various genetic and immune factors.Purpose: To determine the role of genetic (number of CGG repeats in the FMR1-gene) and autoimmune factors (anti-ovarian antibodies) in POR in IVF programs.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 150 infertile women were divided into the POR group (n = 65) and the group with a normal ovarian response (n = 85). All the patients underwent the detection of CGG repeats in the FMR1-gene by polymerase chain reaction, serum anti-zona pellucida antibodies (AZPA) and anti-ovarian antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The risk of POR was higher in patients with CGG counts > 34, but not in the patients with CGG counts 34 CGG repeats.Conc...

Objective In the spring of 2014, people from vulnerable households in all marzes of Armenia were examined with the aim of active surveillance. Introduction Brucellosis is a serious disease caused by bacteria of the Brucella genus. It principally affects ruminants but may be transmitted to humans. Registration of cases in cattle farms causes considerable economic losses and creates favorable conditions for mass infection among humans. In Armenia the expansion of animal industries and urbanization are the main reasons for occurrence and development of brucellosis. Methods Blood was sampled from people on farms reported as having infected animals. Blood samples were tested by the Wright- Huddleston method. The standard case definition of brucellosis was used for diagnosis. A questionnaire-based interview was carried out among the population to identify the form of contact with animals and to analyze epidemiological links. During the investigation provisions were followed in governmental decree RA 19.01.2006 N480-N and brucellosis prevention, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, preventive measures. Results A total of 11160 people from 1054 households were enrolled in the study, of which 3625 (32.5%) underwent a laboratory examination. Nearly 6% (641) refused to be tested. Over 6% of those tested (226) were positive for antibodies to Brucellae. Of these, 129 (3.5%) had chronic brucellosis. Those testing positive for brucellosis were treated appropriately. These included 203 (90%) adults and 23 (10%) below 14 years old; 147 (65%) were male and 79 (35%) were female. Of those diagnosed with brucellosis, working in animal husbandry accounted for 46.6% (106), while those who harvested milk accounted for 37.6% (85) and those using raw milk made up 15.4% (35). Conclusions Cases were most frequently reported among people 20-55 years of age; the highest percentage of positives were among 41-45 year old males who had contact with infected animals. The main risk factor for acquiring brucellosis is animal husbandry.

The high altitude (∼3200 m above sea level) of Aragats Space Environmental Center (ASEC) and low elevation of the thunderclouds provides a good opportunity to detect Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs), particles of which rapidly attenuate in the atmosphere. In 2012, we have estimated the energy spectra of several TGEs and revealed significant electron fluxes extended till 30–40 MeV. Measured in the one and the same event gamma ray and electron fluxes allow to estimate the height of the thundercloud above the detector. Proceeding from the energy spectra and the height of the cloud we estimate the electron spectra on the exit from the electric field of the thundercloud, the number of excess electrons in the cloud and avalanche multiplication rate.

Vavilovia formosa is a relict, endangered species from the highlands of the Caucasus and the Near East. Described in 1812, it has had an uncertain status and was finally recognized as a separate genus of tribe Fabeae (Fabaceae). Our informal international group was established in 2007 to revive the interest in this species as it had been seriously neglected for decades. Here, we provide an overview of the accumulated knowledge on V. formosa and present the results of the most recent multidisciplinary research. Three expeditions were made to two locations in Armenia in 2009, providing the material for anatomical, morphological, chemical and molecular analysis. Unlike previous attempts, ex situ conservation in Yerevan and in vitro propagation, important for potential interspecific hybridization, were successful. Molecular tools were used to clarify the taxonomic position of V. formosa, often considered the closest to the extinct ancestor of the whole tribe. The analysis of four informative regions of plastid and nuclear DNA showed that V. formosa belongs to the same clade as Lathyrus and Pisum, with a distinct status. Preservation and maintenance of V. formosa remains the only basis for further development of all other scientific aspects, especially breeding and uses in agronomy. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 172, 524–531.

Strong electric fields inside thunderclouds give rise to enhanced fluxes of high-energy electrons and, consequently, gamma rays and neutrons. During thunderstorms at Mount Aragats, hundreds of Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs) comprising millions of energetic electrons and gamma rays, as well as neutrons, were detected at Aragats Space Environmental Center (ASEC) on 3200 m altitude. Observed large TGE events allow for the first time to measure the energy spectra of electrons and gamma rays well above the cosmic ray background. The energy spectra of the electrons have an exponential shape and extend up to 30–40 MeV. Recovered energy spectra of the gamma rays are also exponential in energy range 5–10 MeV, then turns to power law and extends up to 100 MeV.

In mountainous and sub-mountainous zones of the Republic of Armenia farmers mainly grow beans, chickpeas, and peas. In addition there are very small crop areas (mainly homestead lands) of faba bean, soybean, mung bean, and grass pea. The village population does not know much about the cultivation of these plants. The data show that in 2007-2009 the specific weight of legume in overall cropland was approximately 94%, and about the 96% of the gross harvest. Local production needs appropriate marketing strategy. The research of local market showed that more attention should be paid to the consumption of goods produced by the farmer households, as well as to offer them to various consumer groups.

Background: Poor ovarian response represents a major negative contribution to the efficacy of In vitro fertilization programs. It has been shown that specific nucleotide sequence variants of BMP15 gene, which encodes the growth factor specifically expressed by oocytes to regulate follicle development, are related to certain forms of ovarian dysfunction. The aim of the study was to search for novel variants related to poor ovarian response phenotypes by means of exon sequencing, and also to check possible relations of already known BMP15 variants to this particular form of ovarian insufficiency. Methods: A total of 150 patients (65 women with poor ovarian response and 85 women with normal ovarian response as a control group) participated in this retrospective case-control study. All patients received ovarian stimulation according to the protocol with follicle-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist. Genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction with consequent readout of melting curves by means of modified kissing probes assay. Statistical tests were two-sided, with percent values compared by χ2 test and associations measured by odds ratio. Results: Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms of BMP15 were revealed by exon sequencing. Of these, the c.607 C>T substitution was found only in the control group. In contrast, the novel single nucleotide deletion c.-8 delC in the 5’ non-coding region of BMP15 mRNA was significantly more common in the poor ovarian response group. For the previously known sequence variants, the statistical analysis revealed associations of poor ovarian response with two single nucleotide substitutions, the exonic c.308 A>G and the intronic c.328+905 A>G. Conclusion: Two novel variants of BMP15, both of plausible clinical relevance, were found in this study. Examination of larger patient cohorts is required to further elucidate their connection with the phenomenon of poor ovarian response in In vitro fertilization programs.

We have applied GIS methodologies to create a retrospective analysis of tularemia outbreaks in the Republic of Armenia.

Conductivity models were compiled in two geological provinces with thinsediments. The first province is the margin of the Precambrian East EuropeanPlatform. The second one is the Phanerozoic Rhenish Massif as a part of CentralGermany Hercinicum. In both provinces, a conducting layer was revealed at thebase of the upper crust by the magnetotelluric soundings. Its depth is around10 km in the East European Platform and around 15 km in the Rhenish Massif.The conductance of the layer reaches a few tens of Siemens in the first provinceand is almost an order of magnitude greater in the second one. A good correlation between the conductor and a seismic wave-guide (low-velocityzone) exists at the base of the upper crust. Simultaneous decrease of both electricalresistivity and seismic velocity, suggests an increase of porosity and permeability inpresence of saline water. The depth of rheological weak layer in the PhanerozoicRhenish Massif corresponds to the commonly accepted depth of the thermallyinduced brittle/ductile transition. Contrary similar layer in the Precambrian EasternEuropean Platform is much shallower than the thermally induced transition. Somenew mechanism should be considered.

According to recent estimates, the continental mid-crust contains 35–40 per cent amphibolites. Heating of the crust by an underlying mantle plume, for example beneath continental rifts, high plateaus, and areas of intraplate volcanic activity, releases water. Dehydration of amphibole-bearing rocks at depths of 20–40 km occurs mainly in the temperature range 650–700 °C, and this releases about 0.4 wt per cent of water. Seismic tomography studies of the crust in the Kirgyz Tien Shan Range, where the age of the tectonic activity is less than 30 Ma, revealed a low-velocity zone in the mid-crust. The velocity of P waves was 0.4 km s−1 lower than in normal crust. MT sounding data in the region show the existence of a low-resistivity layer with an average resistivity of about 25 Ω m at the depth of the low-velocity layer. The spatial correlation of the observed anomalous layers and calculated effect of fluid phase on seismic and electric parameters of rocks suggests the presence of aqueous fluids released by the heating of the mid-crust.

The Japan Sea Cable (JASC) was retired from telecommunications services and its ownership transferred to the scientific community in February, 1996. For the first stage of its scientific reuse program, a Japan-Russia joint project has been initiated to monitor electrical potential differences across the Japan Sea to study the electrical conductivity distribution in the Earth and the water transport across the cable. This paper describes preliminary investigations by forward modelling study to explore possible results from the voltage observation, before analyzing real data. On the resistivity structure, modelling has suggested that voltage data is most sensitive to the conductance of resistive lithosphere, especially at longer periods. Water transport modelling has shown that the heterogeneity of sub-bottom resistivity does not greatly influence the cable voltage, and that water transport of 5–6 Sv in the Japan Sea can generate voltage differences of 70–80 mV across the JASC. A preliminary observation was found to be roughly consistent with this estimation.

Test measurements of the electric voltage in Kilpisjarvi, northern Finland during September 9-October 12, 1995 were made with the aim of studying the possibility of detecting a motionally induced electric field by means of a horizontal electric dipole 3800 meters in length located at a distance of about 50 km from the nearest fjord of the Norwegian Sea. In addition to the electric voltage we measured at Kilpisjarvi, the water level, magnetic field and meteorological data from Tromso, Norway, the meteorological data from Kilpisjarvi and the magnetic field data from Sodankyla, Finland were used in analysis. Raw data were preprocessed to eliminate non-stationarities (remove outliers) and to remove solar daily variations, and were then smoothed. No significant influence of the local temperature, humidity and rainfall on the smoothed voltages was found. Probably due to a source effect the voltage was not coherent with the magnetic field from Tromso and Sodankyla. The long-period anomaly with the period of about 16 days was observed in the smoothed voltage, water level and air pressure. More data are necessary to derive a definite conclusion about the nature of the observed phenomenon, which is probably associated with direct atmospheric forcing on the coastal zone of the Norwegian Sea.

Numerical techniques for the model approximating the Earth by conducting and resistive thin sheets that are underlain by a perfect conductor are used to study the on-shore amplification of the electric field induced by the Norwegian Coastal Current. The electric field is induced by sea water movement in the Earth's magnetic field and decreases away from the sea current. However, numerical modelling suggests that the electric field is increased significantly on shore due to the conductivity contrast between the sea and the land. Results of the modelling indicate the significant in-land decrease of the electric field anomaly controlled by the adjustment distance depending on the conductance of the first layer and the transverse resistance of the second one. The coastal electric field anomaly ranges up to 10 mV km −1 which is large enough to be measured by 5–10 km long receiving antenna.