Assessing the Financial Stability of Electric Power Organizations

Nowadays the economic processes in any world economy are carried out at a rapid pace. They have a strong influence on the activities of companies. In this regard, the electric power companies have faced the issue of increasing the efficiency of companies and reducing the degree of dependence on external factors. Moreover, the successful operation of the majority of modern branches of the national economy depends on the efficient and smooth performance of this business. The purpose of the study is to improve the financial stability indicators of electric power companies. The base of the conducted study includes both general scientific and empirical methods: analysis, synthesis, generalization, modeling, observation, description, measurement, and comparison and the case method, which allow broadening the authors' understanding of the financial stability of the business, proposing its main criteria, and studying the aspects of the financial stability of business exemplified by electric power companies. The study carried out by the authors shows that the financial stability of the country is inextricably linked to the financial stability of organizations. Therefore, they need to be evaluated jointly. The relationship between macroeconomic indicators and the financial stability of business is defined by the authors. The concept of financial stability at the macro and micro levels is generalized. The indicators of financial diagnostics of organizations, characterizing their financial stability have been revealed. A model has been developed that allows determining the degree of the financial stability of electric power companies. The proposed model enables the selection of the most stable and steadily functioning electric power companies out of the significant number of ones in conditions of the uncertainty of the external environment. The results obtained by the authors will give an opportunity to identify not only the most stable business in the electric power industry but also, as a consequence, to determine the most attractive business model that should be adapted to other regions to minimize the adverse effects of situations related to uncertainty. Keywords: financial stability, indicators, financial conditions, business model, electric power companies. JEL Classifications: D24; Q43; M31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.772

Recombinant Pseudomonas Vaccine: Technological Aspects of Obtaining and Evaluating Quality Indicators

For an aim to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a candidate recombinant vaccine has been developed. This vaccine – (RPV) was based on two protective proteins of P. aeruginosa: the outer membrane protein F (OprF) and the recombinant truncated form of the Exotoxin A (toxoid) that were adsorbed on the aluminum hydroxide. The optimal immunization schedule for mice included two intraperitoneal administrations with a two-week interval. RPV promoted to increase survival rates in challenged immunized mice and stimulated humoral and innate immune responses. During preclinical studies, we confirmed the immunogenicity of the vaccine that had not pyrogenicity, acute and chronic toxicity, allergenicity and immunotoxicity. Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, outer membrane protein F (OprF), toxoid, Pseudomonas Recombinant Vaccine (PRV

Comparative analysis of IgG levels in blood sera from patients with COVID-19, persons vaccinated by «Gam-COVID-Vac» and healthy donors before the pandemic

Introduction. Serum IgG measurement is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases. Therefore, it seems important to study the impact of coronavirus pandemic on IgG levels in population and the role of this parameter in COVID-19. The aim of this study was to compare mean IgG levels in sera obtained from 31 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 30 healthy donors before pandemic and 34 donors vaccinated with «Sputnik V» (have not had COVID-19). Materials and methods. Total IgG was quantitated by two enzyme immunoassays (EIAs): «IgG Total-ELISA-BEST» kit certificated in Russia and homemade competitive EIA utilizing bispecific monoclonal antibodies (bsAbs) against human IgG (HIgG) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Results and discussion. The groups did not show differences in IgG levels (regardless of sex) with both methods giving comparable results. However, «IgG Total-ELISA-BEST» kit revealed statistically significant differences in mean serum IgG levels in subgroups of male patients depending on the levels of antibodies to viral RBD-antigen: below and above 400 BAU/ml. In the first subgroup (10 men) the mean serum IgG content was 14.3 ± 4.1 mg/mL, while in the second (6 men) — 6.9 ± 2.7 mg/mL. Conclusion. Sera obtained before pandemic contained the same mean IgG concentrations as sera from donors vaccinated with «Sputnik V» and COVID-19 patients. The relatively decreased mean IgG concentration was found only in COVID-19 male patients with anti-RBD antibodies levels above 400 BAU/ml. In light of literature data on association of decreased serum IgG with COVID-19 severity, it would be reasonable to further compare larger groups, taking into account clinical differences. The possibility of using bsAbs for human Ig measurements by competitive EIA was demonstrated

Assessment of humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 by a sample examination of medical workers in a large specialized multidisciplinary hospital

Introduction. The assessment of specific IgG antibodies to RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 and their quantitation permit to calculate the intensity of immunity to COVID-19, i.e. to determine the level of immunity to infection, the risk of infection, the severity of the disease, as well as the ability to prevent death. Meanwhile, the protective level of antibodies is not determined. Therefore, determining the nature of immunity and quantitation of IgG antibodies to RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 make it possible to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures and correct them in a timely manner. The aim is to determine the presence of IgG antibodies to RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2, their concentrations, and the nature of humoral immunity in different age and occupational groups of employees in a closed-type hospital after the completed vaccination with "Gam-Covid-Vac" vaccine. Materials and methods. The blood sera of 310 members of medical staff who received a full course of immunization with the "Gam-Covid-Vac" vaccine were tested using "SARS-CoV-2-ELISA-IgG" kit according to instructions provided in 21.20.23-004-28597318-2020, RU No. RZN 2021/15898. IgG antibodies to RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 were quantitated against WHO standard NIBSC 20/136. Results. Specific IgG antibodies to RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 were found in 92.9% of the examined individuals, including 67.4% having hybrid immunity (both vaccine- and infection- induced), and 25.5% having post-vaccination immunity after immunization with the "Gam-Covid-Vac" vaccine; 7.1% participants were nonimmune. A higher level of IgG antibodies to RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the group of individuals with hybrid immunity (p 0.01). Only 11.6% of employees had a protective antibody level of more than 300 BAU/ml. Discussion. Most employees with hybrid immunity were identified in the older age groups and in the junior medical staff. The results of this serological study, taking into account the age and professional aspects, can serve as the basis for adjusting preventive measures in medical institutions

Comparative study of the biological properties of influenza А virus mutants obtained by site-specific mutagenesis and the live influenza reassortant vaccine variant

The aim of study was to carry out comparative investigation of biological properties of site-specific mutants of Influenza A virus and variant of live cold-adapted (CA) influenza reassortant vaccine. Materials and methods. The genetic stability of site-specific mutants (SSM) of the A/WSN/33 (H1N1) strain with ts (temperature sensitive)-mutations in polymerase genes was studied using a stress-test in MadinDarby Canine Kidney (MDCK) culture. A comparative study of immunogenicity of U2 and M26 mutants with the high genetic stability and the CA-reassortant with similar surface proteins was carried out. The increase in the antibody titer was investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the reaction of delayed hemagglutination. Ability of the studied viruses to induce type 1 interferon in A549 cells was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Results. It was shown that U2 and M26 mutants, which have 3 ts-mutations or more in polymerase genes have high genetic stability. It was found that U2 and M26 mutants induced a higher antibody titers than the CA reassortant in mice following the intranasal immunization. The ability of site-specific mutants and CA reassortant to induce type 1 interferon was also investigated. Mutants U2 and M26 increased the level of interferon to a greater extent than the CA-reassortant. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that SSM U2 and M26 with 3 ts-mutations or more in the genome have a significant level of genetic stability. Mutants U2 and M26 have a higher immunogenicity and a higher ability to induce interferon in comparison with the CA reassortant. These facts allow us to conclude that SSM of the influenza virus with a set of mutations in polymerase genes can be considered as promising candidates for live influenza vaccines

Vasoprotective effect of effective lipid-lowering therapy in patients with <i>ST</i>-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Aim. To study the vasoprotective effects of atorvastatin depending on the achievement of the target level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 48 weeks of follow-up. Materials and methods. Included were 112 STEMI patients who received atorvastatin 204080 mg. On days 79 from the onset of the disease, after 24 and 48 weeks, ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries with RF technology and applanation tonometry were performed, the lipid profile was determined. The patients were divided into groups: group 1 (n=41) of highly effective therapy (HET) who achieved the target LDL-C after 24 and 48 weeks; group 2 (n=29) in relatively effective therapy (RET) achieving target values at 24th or 48th week; group 3 (n=42) insufficiently effective therapy (IET) did not reach the target LDL-C. Results. When examining the carotid arteries in the HET group, the intima-media thickness (IMT) decreased by 10.713.1%, the b index by 14.926.3% after 2448 weeks. In the RET group, the IMT regression was 10.413.3%; b index 23.9% by the 48th week. In the IET group, the b index decreased by the 48th week by 14.3%. According to applanation tonometry in the HET group, the central pressure did not change. In the RET group, systolic pressure in the aorta increased by 1015.7% after 2448 weeks, pulse pressure by 33.9% by the end of observation. With IET, the increase was 8.66.8 and 19.825.9%, respectively. The odds ratio of developing endpoints in the RET group was 4.7 (95% CI 1.226.4; p=0.02), in the IET group 3.9 (95% CI 1.124.8; p=0.03) compared with HET. Conclusion. The most pronounced vasoprotective effect and a decrease in cardiovascular risk are associated with the achievement of the target LDL-C throughout the entire treatment period

Plant Growth Promoting Activity and Metal Tolerance of Bacteria Isolated from Rhizosphere of the Orchid Epipactis atrorubens Growing on Serpentine Substrates of the Middle Urals

В статье представлены данные, полученные при изучении бактерий, выделенных из ризосферы орхидеи Epipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser. Проведен сравнительный анализ некоторых морфологических, физиологических и биохимических характеристик ризобактерий растений, произрастающих в двух биотопах на серпентинитовых породах: в естественном лесном фитоценозе (фоновый участок) и на отвале после добычи асбеста (Свердловская область, Средний Урал). Оценка ростстимулирующей (PGP) активности выделенных штаммов не показала достоверных различий между исследованными участками по способности ризобактерий к синтезу индолил‑3-уксусной кислоты (ИУК) и солюбилизации фосфатов. Однако доля изолятов, способных к азотфиксации, была выше в ризосфере E. atrorubens, произрастающего на отвале, по сравнению с фоновым местообитанием. Устойчивость изолятов к тяжелым металлам оценивали по максимальной концентрации металла (400, 600 и 1000 мг/л соответственно для Ni, Cu и Zn), при которой отмечался рост бактерий. Показано, что ризобактерии с отвала оказались более устойчивыми к повышенным концентрациям металлов по сравнению с естественным лесным фитоценозом. На основе молекулярно-генетического анализа изолятов с наиболее выраженной PGP‑активностью (ИУК >1,0 мг/л; PO4 3- >50,0 мг/л) обнаружено сходство между изученными местообитаниями по родовой принадлежности ризобактерий E. atrorubens: выделенные штаммы принадлежали преимущественно к родам Buttiauxella и Pseudomonas. В модельных экспериментах протестирована ростстимулирующая способность четырех отобранных штаммов на семенах циннии. Инокуляция семян Pseudomonas sp. и Buttiauxella sp. не оказывала значимого влияния на их всхожесть, однако Buttiauxella sp. способствовала увеличению длины проростков в сравнении с контролем (в среднем на 25 %). Сделано предположение, что отобранные изоляты ризобактерий E. atrorubens, благодаря их ростстимулирующей активности и металлоустойчивости, могут способствовать натурализации орхидеи на техногенно нарушенной территорииThe article presents data obtained in the study of bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of the orchid Epipactis atrorubens (Hoffm.) Besser. Analysis was carried out to compare some morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of plant rhizobacteria growing on serpentine rocks in two biotopes: in the natural forest community (control habitat) and on the asbestos mine dump (the Sverdlovsk region, Middle Urals). An assessment of the plant growth promoting (PGP) activity of the isolated strains did not show significant differences in the ability of rhizobacteria to synthesize indol‑3-acetic acid (IAA) and solubilize phosphates between the study sites. However, the proportion of isolates capable of nitrogen fixation was higher in the rhizosphere of E. atrorubens growing on the dump compared to the control habitat. The tolerance of isolates to heavy metals was assessed by the maximum metal concentration (400, 600, and 1000 mg/L, respectively, for Ni, Cu, and Zn) at which bacterial growth was observed. Rhizobacteria from the dump were found to be more resistant to elevated concentrations of metals compared to their counterparts from the natural forest community. The molecular genetic analysis of isolates with the highest PGP‑activity (IAA >1.0 mg/L; PO4 3- >50.0 mg/L) revealed that most of the E. atrorubens rhizobacteria in both habitats belonged to the genera Buttiauxella and Pseudomonas. In model experiments, the PGP ability of four selected strains was tested on zinnia seeds. Seed inoculation with Pseudomonas sp. and Buttiauxella sp. did not have any significant effect on their germination; however, Buttiauxella sp. contributed to the increase in the length of seedlings compared with the control (by 25 %, on average). It has been suggested that the selected isolates of E. atrorubens rhizobacteria, due to their growth promoting activity and metal tolerance, can facilitate naturalization of the orchid in an industrially disturbed are

The Eurasian Modern Pollen Database (EMPD), version 2

The Eurasian (née European) Modern Pollen Database (EMPD) was established in 2013 to provide a public database of high-quality modern pollen surface samples to help support studies of past climate, land cover, and land use using fossil pollen. The EMPD is part of, and complementary to, the European Pollen Database (EPD) which contains data on fossil pollen found in Late Quaternary sedimentary archives throughout the Eurasian region. The EPD is in turn part of the rapidly growing Neotoma database, which is now the primary home for global palaeoecological data. This paper describes version 2 of the EMPD in which the number of samples held in the database has been increased by 60 % from 4826 to 8134. Much of the improvement in data coverage has come from northern Asia, and the database has consequently been renamed the Eurasian Modern Pollen Database to reflect this geographical enlargement. The EMPD can be viewed online using a dedicated map-based viewer at https://empd2.github.io and downloaded in a variety of file formats at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.909130 (Chevalier et al., 2019)Swiss National Science Foundation | Ref. 200021_16959

The Eurasian Modern Pollen Database (EMPD), version 2

The Eurasian (nee European) Modern Pollen Database (EMPD) was established in 2013 to provide a public database of high-quality modern pollen surface samples to help support studies of past climate, land cover, and land use using fossil pollen. The EMPD is part of, and complementary to, the European Pollen Database (EPD) which contains data on fossil pollen found in Late Quaternary sedimentary archives throughout the Eurasian region. The EPD is in turn part of the rapidly growing Neotoma database, which is now the primary home for global palaeoecological data. This paper describes version 2 of the EMPD in which the number of samples held in the database has been increased by 60% from 4826 to 8134. Much of the improvement in data coverage has come from northern Asia, and the database has consequently been renamed the Eurasian Modern Pollen Database to reflect this geographical enlargement. The EMPD can be viewed online using a dedicated map-based viewer at https://empd2.github.io and downloaded in a variety of file formats at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.909130 (Chevalier et al., 2019).Peer reviewe

Multicentennial Climatic Changes In The Tere-Khol Basin, Southern Siberia, During The Late Holocene

Pollen analysis was carried out on an 80-cm sedimentary section on the shore of Lake Tere-Khol (southeastern Tuva). The section consists of peat overlapping lake loams and covers the last 2800 years. The alternation of dry-wet and cold-warm epochs has been established, and changes in heat and moisture occurred non-simultaneously. The first half of the studied  interval, from 2.8 to 1.35 kyr BP was relatively arid and warmer on average. Against this background, temperature fluctuations occurred: relatively cold intervals 2.8–2.6 and 2.05–1.7  kyr BP and relatively warm 2.6-2.05 and 1.7-1.35  kyr BP. The next time interval 1.35-0.7  kyr BP was relatively humid. Against this background, the temperatures varied from cold 1.35-1.1  kyr BP to relatively warm  1.1–0.7 kyr BP. The last 700 years have been relatively cold with a short warming from 400 to 250 years ago. This period included a relatively dry interval 700–400  years ago and more humid climate in the last 400 years. The established  climate  variability largely corresponds  to other climate reconstructions in the Altai-Sayan  region.  The general  cooling trend corresponds  to an astronomically determined  trend towards  a decrease  in solar radiation  in temperate  latitudes  of the Northern  Hemisphere,  and the centennial  temperature  fluctuations  detected against this background  correspond  well to changes in solar activity  reconstructed  from  14C production  and the concentration  of cosmogenic isotopes  in Greenland  ice.  Against the general  tendency  towards  aridization, alternating  wet and dry phases  correspond well to changes in the activity of the Asian monsoon, established by the oxygen-isotope composition of speleothems in South China