Legal Support for Participative Decision-Making as Part of ‘Service’ Model of Urban Governance in Russia

The research deals with urban governance in Russia from the perspective of the participative approach to decision-making. The authors used quantitative (semi-structured 'face-to-face' interview) and qualitative (in-depth semi-structured interview) sociological surveys in five cities of Russia over the period from 2001 to 2017 regarding the public expectations towards the service activity of the urban governance authorities. The respondents were the citizens over 18-years-old who live in Tomsk, Seversk, and Strezhevoy in Tomsk Region. The authors have analysed the official documents and the information of the federal and municipal level over the period from 1997 to 2018. It was stated that the citizens' preferences had changed from paternalistic to 'service' ones, but in most cases, the legal framework was based on the directive principle of decision-making and did not comply with public demands. The technology of participative decision-making in the sphere of public services in Russia, in particular, in the cities, gradually develop. The content of such decisions increasingly reflects public expectations. Taking into account the results of the sociological surveys and the analysis of the regulatory support for the public service delivery, the authors have developed the recommendations on the improvement of the legal regulation based on the participative principle

The Social Activity of the Subjective Middle Class of a Russian Region: Results of Qualitative Sociological Research

The article presents the results of a study of the middle class of a Russian region in terms of the manifestation of various types of social activity. The emphasis on the analysis of social activity is motivated by the consideration of this attribute as a criterion for defining the middle class in the post-industrial period. The research method is in-depth focused interviews, through which two tasks are carried out: identification of the degree of significance for informants of social activity and examples of its manifestation; and determination of their degree of readiness to participate in the implementation of the innovation development strategy of the Tomsk Region and thereby act as a “driver” of social changes. Representatives of the middle class are included in the sample based on their selfidentification. It is revealed that the middle class in this Russian region is active at realizing personal, but not social goals. Willingness of the post-industrial middle class to drive social development could not be observed. Based on the results of the study, proposals are made for increasing the involvement of the middle class in regional planning and decision-making regarding generally significant issues

Numerical analysis of the buried fiber concrete slabs dynamics under blast loads

The approach to numerical modeling of fiber reinforced concrete slab (FRCS) under blast load is considered. The slab is used for coverings of buried protective structures. The stress-strain state of this structure is investigated in the dynamic setting. The loads in this case change in time in terms of both intensity and area. The calculation makes provision for the consideration of rigid and deformable structure of support units. The damping properties of the structure are evaluated for its resistance to progressive collapse. Concrete dilatation and softening are factored in the numerical simulation. The bond between the fiber concrete and the reinforcement was modeled by introducing interpolation elements that simulate the absence of deformation in the area of their contact. The interaction of FRCS with the deformed support was modeled using the linear contact. The transition from the elastic-plastic deformation stage to the rigid stage was performed by introducing gap elements. The geometric nonlinearity, as well as the physical nonlinearity for fiber-reinforced concrete and reinforcement, was taken into account in estimating the ultimate loading. The load absorbed by the structure through the thickness of the ground during detonation explosion of a charge on its surface was considered. To realize numerical integration of the system motion equations, an implicit scheme was used. It is based on a modification of the Newmark step method in which effective matrices of fiber concrete and reinforcement stiffness are constructed at each step considering the loading history of the structure for its deformed state. The possibility of effective regulation of the stress-strain state of FRCS was established, which allows the design of effective and safe structures of this type

The study of interaction of modified fatty acid with {99m}Tc in alcoholic media

The paper presents the results of laboratory research aimed at the development of methods of synthesis of new radiodiagnostic agents based on modified fatty acid labelled with technetium-99m intended for scintigraphic evaluation of myocardial metabolism. In particular, the interaction of substance with {99m}Tc in alcoholic media and the use of ethanol as solvent in the synthesis of the radiopharmaceutical were studied

Analysis of the thermal power hydraulic system in undisturbed state

The development of a model for the analysis of the undisturbed state of a heat-power hydraulic system - a heat supply system, which is an important stage in the design and optimization of the system, is considered. The main parameters of the system, such as thermal loads, heat flows, heat transfer through pipes and heat exchangers, the location and characteristics of equipment (boilers, pumps, etc.) are analyzed. The development of a mathematical model of the system, which should take into account all the main factors affecting heat exchange and the efficiency of the system is completed. The model as a system of equations and includes such parameters as temperature, pressure, coolant flow, etc. is presented. Based on this model, it is possible to analyze various operating modes of the system, optimize parameters and make decisions to improve it. When developing the model, the possibility of various perturbations is taken into account. To analyze the undisturbed state of the system, the influence of such disturbances is excluded and its basic operation is considered. When developing a flow distribution analysis model for a thermal power system, energy equivalence was applied. The developed model of analysis of the undisturbed state of the thermal energy system will allow more accurately design and control such a hydraulic system, improve its efficiency and reliability

Diagnostics of the technical condition of load-bearing structures of an old building

The paper considers the process of examining the current state of materials and load-bearing structures of an old building. Such buildings are often located in a forest complex. Recommendations to eliminate the defects and damage identified as a result of the survey, as well as the possibility of increasing the number of storeys were made. The process of examining the main part of the building, which is complex in terms of shape and is under the influence of the external environment of the forest complex, is considered. The design feature of the building is studied. The results of visual and instrumental inspection of the building are presented. The main recommendations for the elimination of defects and damages are developed and given. It is noted that the technical examination of the old building by the method of non-destructive testing showed that the state of the building structures of the building at the time of the survey was limited in working capacity

Development of a mathematical model for analyzing the perturbed state of a thermal power hydraulic system

The results of developing a model for analyzing the perturbed state of a thermal power hydraulic system are presented using the example of a heat supply system. The parameters of the operating mode of the thermal power hydraulic system were assessed after exposure to disturbing factors. It is noted that the choice of boundary conditions must be carried out taking into account the use of energy equivalence when analyzing the perturbed state of the investigated fragment of the hydraulic system. The developed model of steady flow distribution with non-isothermal flow of a viscous medium is presented. It is concluded that the developed mathematical model represents a qualitatively new approach to formalizing problems of flow distribution analysis in systems with adjustable parameters. The model can be considered as a generalized form of representing particular models of flow distribution when describing the object under study, which can be considered as a hydraulic circuit with adjustable parameters for nonisothermal flow of a viscous medium. It is shown that this model can be used to analyze and describe the flows and properties of a viscous medium in systems where it is possible to regulate parameters and non-isothermal flow is taken into account

Complex 99mTc-PDA-DTPA for myocardial imaging

The 123I-labeled fatty acids such as 123I-Iodophenylpentadecanoic acid and 123I-Beta-methyliodophenylpentadecanoic acid are the agents used clinically for myocardial imaging. Fatty acids are the major source of energy for the normal myocardium. However, under ischemic conditions the myocardial cells switch to glucose metabolism for their energy needs. Fatty acids undergo prolonged metabolic stunning in patients with reversible ischemia, thereby helping in early diagnosis of coronary artery disease in highrisk patients. High cost andlimited availability of cyclotron-produced 123I, makes 99mTc-labeled fatty acids more desirable for the purpose. In diagnosis the dominant radionuclide is 99mTc. It is estimated that it is involved in about 85% of all imaging procedures in nuclear medicine. The method for preparation of new 99mTc-fatty chemical systems based on modified diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) molecule has been elaborated in this work . The main advantage using DTPA as chelate agent for radioactive label, is the molecule or it's derivative ability to form sufficiently stable complexes with different radioactive metals including technetium-99. Moiety of pentadecanoic acid addition gave the ability to prepare modified complex of DTPA. In a labeling procedure, freshly eluted Na99mTcO4 (20mCi) was added to a mixture of cysteine, stannous chloride, PDK-DTPA and ethanol in a vial. On keeping the reaction mixture at 90 0C for 30 min, [99mTc-PDK-DTPA] radiopharmaceutical was formed. Thereafter, the reaction mixture was cooled over ice and characterized by HPLC. The result of dynamic scintigraphic research showed, that after being injected, the substance is actively acumulated into myocardium. Eventually one can say that modified DTPA-moleculs are functionally suitable for myocardial imaging

РАСЧЕТ МОРФОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ПРОРАНА И МАКСИМАЛЬНЫХ РАСХОДОВ ПРИ ПРОРЫВАХ ГРУНТОВЫХ ПЛОТИН

The work is devoted to the calculation of the size of the closure channel in the ground dams when water is poured from the water reservoir through peak and the extreme discharge of the dam break wave. The authors analyzed the methods of calculation prescribed in regulations and recommended by regulatory authorities. The calculation was made of the morphometric characteristics of the closure channel and extreme discharge of the dam break wave by various methods for specific objects, the comparison with expert estimates of these parameters. It is noted that the method, described in two regulations, has no physical justification, because according to it the size of closure channel and the parameters of breakthrough wave do not depend on the initial volume of water in the reservoir. The calculation method in the third regulation, does not take into account such factor as the time of erosion and the results are different at times with different specified step of erosion depth. This regulation is characterized by the use of empirical relations, which have a rather narrow range of use, and a lack of account of the relationship between the formation of the closure channel and the value of water discharge. Due to the lack of validity of the recommended calculation methods and large variation with expert estimates prescribed in the regulations, there is a need to create new alternative methods of calculation. This article discusses 2 such methods developed in various organizations. The first of them indirectly takes into account the material of the dam through calculated non-eroding velocity. The second one is based on the physical process of erosion, that is distinguishe it from others. As a test of the calculated values, there were used data on several recent catastrophic breakthroughs of groundwater dams. The comparison results allow us to conclude that alternative methods give greater accuracy. Based on the previous, can be done a preliminary conclusion about the need to revise existing regulations.Работа посвящена вопросу расчета размеров прорана в грунтовых плотинах при переливе воды из водохранилища через гребень и максимального расхода волны прорыва. Были проанализированы методы расчета, прописанные в нормативных документах и рекомендованные контролирующими органами. Выполнен расчет морфометрических характеристик прорана и максимальных расходов прорывной волны различными методами для конкретных объектов, сравнение с экспертными оценками этих параметров. Отмечено, что изложенная в двух нормативных документах методика, не имеет под собой физического обоснования, поскольку полученные размеры прорана и параметры волны прорыва не зависят от первоначального объема воды в водохранилище. В свою очередь расчетная схема другого нормативного документа не учитывает такой фактор, как время размыва и результат расчета отличается в разы при различном заданном шаге глубины размыва. Для данного документа характерно использование эмпирических соотношений, которые имеют довольно узкий диапазон использования, а также недоучет связи между формированием прорана и величиной сброса воды. Из-за недостаточной обоснованности рекомендованных методик и больших несоответствий с экспертными оценками возникает необходимость создания новых альтернативных методов расчета. В данной статье рассмотрено 2 таких метода, разработанных в различных организациях. Первый метод косвенно учитывает материал плотины через расчет неразмывающей скорости. В основе второго метода лежит физический процесс размыва, что выгодно отличает его от других. В качестве проверки расчетных значений были использованы данные о нескольких произошедших в последнее время катастрофических прорывах грунтовых плотин. Результаты сравнения позволяют сделать вывод о том, что альтернативные методы дают большую точность. На основе вышесказанного можно сделать предварительный вывод о необходимости пересмотра существующих нормативных документов.   Литература Бобков С.Ф., Боярский В.М., Векслер А.Б., Швайнштейн A.M. Основные факторы учета пропускной способности гидроузлов при декларировании их безопасности // Гидротехническое строительство. 1999. №4. С. 2-9. Кадацкая М.М., Виноградов А.Ю., Кацадзе В.А., Беленький Ю.И., Бачериков И.В., Хвалев С.В., Каляшов В.А. Анализ методов расчета неразмывающей скорости при проектировании водопропускных и водоотводных сооружений лесного хозяйства // Известия Санкт-Петербургской лесотехнической академии. 2019. Вып. 227. С. 174-187. DOI: 10.21266/2079-4304.2019.227.174-187 Катастрофы конца XX века / Под ред. В.В. Владимирова. М.: Издательство Геополитика, 2001. 400 с. Малик Л.К. Чрезвычайные ситуации, связанные с гидротехническим строительством ретроспективный обзор // Гидротехническое строительство. 2009. №12. C. 2-16 Пономарчук К.Р. Оценка параметров развития прорана при разрушении грунтовой плотины // Природообустройство. 2011. №3. С. 77-82. Чугаев Р.Р. Гидравлика: учебник для вузов. Л.: Энергоиздат, 1982. 672 с. Фролов Д.И., Волосухин В.А. Совершенствование российского законодательства по безопасности гидротехнических сооружений // Бюллетень «Использование и охрана природных ресурсов в России». 2012. №6. С. 17-2

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p<0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (<1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (<1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline