Interpretation of contradictory images by means of systems of linear inequalities

We consider the problem of interpretation of three-dimensional images from their flat projections up to the set of visible faces. For projections of convex polyhedra, we present an interpretation algorithm based on maximal feasible subsystems of a certain infeasible system of linear inequalities modeling the visibility requirement for faces. A number of model examples are given; in particular, the algorithm is applied to the interpretation of the Necker cube. © 2013 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd

Unsolved Problems in Group Theory. The Kourovka Notebook

This is a collection of open problems in group theory proposed by hundreds of mathematicians from all over the world. It has been published every 2-4 years in Novosibirsk since 1965. This is the 19th edition, which contains 111 new problems and a number of comments on about 1000 problems from the previous editions.Comment: A few new solutions and references have been added or update

Structural-chemical features and morphology of glauconites in sedimentary iron ore of Bakchar prospect (Western Siberia)

The research embraces the investigation results of glauconites in Bakchar iron ore occurrences to evaluate the potential diversified commercial application of this mineral. The following lab methods were used to analyze the morphology, chemical composition and structure of glauconites: granulometric analysis, optical microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, atomic arc-emission analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Glauconite was classified according to morphology and grain color and chemical composition and some specific characteristics were also determined (relative content of absorbed water, random distribution of smectite flakes within the grain structures). The research results showed that pistacho-green glauconite grains are less subjected to alteration than greenish-yellow grains due to the content of potassium, iron, absorbed water and organic impurities

Higher Environmental Education in Japan: Social Mission and National Peculiarities

The fact of the Japanese economic miracle is rarely associated with the environmental crisis. Getting out of this crisis might be considered as another Japanese miracle – the ecological one, which turned the country into an area of a harmony between man and nature. This unique  phenomenon is usually associated with traditions of Shinto, but this is only  one part of the national realities. Another part is connected with the  beneficial effects of the eco-cultural revolution of recent decades. Development of environmental education was the most important component. This article presents the results of a study of higher environmental education in Japan, which has acquired a nationwide scale and has become an important link in the state environmental policy. This is precisely the mission of environmental education – to be the most important tool for ensuring the ecological culture of environmental professionals and the entire population of the country in a whole. The empirical basis of the study is provided by thematic publications in Japanese, English and Russian, materials from targeted surveys and interviews of Japanese universities’  teachers within the framework of the project of the Russian Geographical  Society, as well as a diverse authors’ experience of communication with employees and students of Japanese universities over the past 10 years. The aim of the study is to identify the features of the development of higher environmental education in Japan and the specifics of its current stage. The  most important of these features are the development of universal environmental education in the country; systematic “greening” of higher education; a synthesis of national cultural traditions and scientifically based innovations; creation of an attractive image of environmental specialties; using environmental education as a platform for the paradigm  of an education for sustainable development. The revealed features convince that Japanese society is aware of the high price of environmental costs, while considering environmental education as a decisive factor in its optimization.  In this regard, the original Japanese practice of higher environmental education is of undoubted interest for other countries of the world including  Russia

Плейотропные эффекты диацереина у коморбидных пациентов с остеоартритом

The article presents an analysis of the therapeutic effect of the drug diacerein (D), which has been used in osteoarthritis (OA) for more than 20 years and is included in the clinical guidelines of the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia (2021) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal diseases (ESCEO, 2019) for the treatment of OA. The main pathogenic effect of D in OA is to suppress the synthesis of interleukin 1, stimulate the production of articular cartilage proteoglycans, and slow down abnormal remodeling of the subchondral bone. The advantages of D in the treatment of patients with OA and comorbidities are presented – a prolonged anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and good tolerability. These properties of D allow to control the symptoms of OA and improve the quality of life of patients. The structure-modifying effect of D is based on its ability to stimulate the synthesis of articular cartilage proteoglycans with long-term use and prevent abnormal remodeling of the subchondral bone, which leads to a decrease in the risk of OA progression and a delay in total joint arthroplasty. An important advantage of D is its positive metabolic effect in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, which is associated with the ability of D to reduce the level of glycated hemoglobin and body mass index. Data are presented on the absence of adverse cardiovascular effects when using D, which allows us to recommend its use in patients with OA who have comorbid cardiovascular diseases, as well as contraindications for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Представлен анализ терапевтического действия препарата диацереин (Д), который уже более 20 лет применяется при остеоартрите (ОА) и включен в клинические рекомендации по лечению ОА Ассоциации ревматологов России (2021) и Европейского общества по клиническим и экономическим аспектам остеопороза, остеоартрита и мышечно-скелетных заболеваний (ESCEO, 2019). Основное патогенетическое действие Д при ОА заключается в подавлении синтеза интерлейкина 1, стимуляции выработки протеогликанов суставного хряща, а также замедлении аномального ремоделирования субхондральной кости. Представлены преимущества Д при лечении пациентов с ОА и сопутствующей патологией – пролонгированное противовоспалительное и анальгетическое действие и хорошая переносимость. Эти свойства Д позволяют контролировать симптомы ОА и улучшать качество жизни пациентов. Структурно-модифицирующее действие Д основано на его способности стимулировать синтез протеогликанов суставного хряща при длительном применении и предупреждать аномальное ремоделирование субхондральной кости, что ведет к снижению риска прогрессирования ОА и отсрочке тотального эндопротезирования суставов.Важным преимуществом Д является его положительный метаболический эффект у больных сахарным диабетом 2-го типа и ожирением, который связан со способностью Д уменьшать уровень гликированного гемоглобина и индекс массы тела. Представлены данные об отсутствии сердечно-сосудистых осложнений при использовании Д, что позволяет рекомендовать его применение у пациентов с ОА, имеющих коморбидные сердечно-сосудистые заболевания, а также противопоказания для назначения нестероидных противовоспалительных препаратов

Клиническая значимость ингибиторов Янус-киназ в терапии ревматоидного артрита: достижения и перспективы

Significant successes in the use of biological agents (BA) have been achieved in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); nonetheless, about 36% of patients cannot respond to therapy or achieve the expected effect. A new area in the treatment of RA is the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (chemical molecules with a molecular weight <1 kDa for oral administration) that inhibit the activity of intracellular signaling systems. The authors consider the clinical achievements and prospects, which open the use of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of RA.В лечении ревматоидного артрита (РА) достигнуты значительные успехи, связанные с применением генно-инженерных биологических препаратов, тем не менее примерно у 36% пациентов не удается получить ответ на терапию или не достичь ожидаемого эффекта. Новым направлением в лечении РА является использование ингибиторов Янус-киназ (JAK) – таргетных синтетических базисных противовоспалительных препаратов (химических молекул с молекулярной массой <1кДа для перорального приема), которые подавляют деятельность внутриклеточных сигнальных систем. Рассмотрены клинические достижения и перспективы, которые открывает применение ингибиторов JAK в лечении РА

Применение ингибитора фосфодиэстеразы 4 у пациентов с псориатическим артритом

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, spine, and entheses, which is associated with psoriasis. The pathological process is localized mainly in the tissues of the locomotor system and leads to the development of erosive arthritis, intra-articular osteolysis, and spondyloarthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological agents (BAs), and targeted synthetic drugs (or signaling pathway blockers) are used to treat PsA. The latter group of drugs includes apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. Recent data of controlled studies suggest that apremilast is effective and safe in treating psoriasis and PsA. Prospects for the use of apremilast in PsA are associated with the possibility of giving the drug to patients because of the inefficacy of DMARDs or BAs. Псориатический артрит (ПсА) – хроническое воспалительное заболевание суставов, позвоночника и энтезисов, ассоциированное с псориазом. Патологический процесс локализуется преимущественно в тканях опорно-двигательного аппарата и приводит к развитию эрозивного артрита, внутрисуставного остеолиза и спондилоартрита. Для лечения ПсА применяют нестероидные противовоспалительные препараты, глюкокортикоиды, базисные противовоспалительные препараты (БПВП), генно-инженерные биологические препараты (ГИБП) и таргетные синтетические препараты (или блокаторы сигнальных путей). К последней группе препаратов относится апремиласт, ингибитор фосфодиэстеразы 4. Полученные к настоящему времени данные контролируемых исследований свидетельствуют о том, что апремиласт эффективен и безопасен при лечении псориаза и ПсА. Перспективы применения апремиласта при ПсА связаны с возможностью использовать препарат у пациентов с неэффективностью БПВП или ГИБП.

О ТЕХНОЛОГИЯХ РЕНТГЕНОВСКИХ СИСТЕМ ДЛЯ КОНТРОЛЯ ЭЛЕКТРОННЫХ КОМПОНЕНТОВ

Introduction. X-ray methods are currently widely used in manufacturing of various products and components of the electronics industry, including micro- and nano-electronics. One of the most informative and illustrative methods is projection X-ray microscopy. Specialized X-ray systems for process control are developed and used in industry. The key element in the design of an X-ray inspection system is an X-ray tube. In the overwhelming majority of cases, X-ray inspection systems are based on collapsible microfocus x-ray tubes with constant pumping. This greatly complicates the design of the installation, increases its dimensions, weight and cost. Objective. Analysis of possible technical and technological solutions that improve the availability of the X-ray system for monitoring of electronic components while maintaining the information content of the control. Materials and methods. The article presents the results of analytical studies of assessment of the degree of influence of the main parameters of the X-ray tube – the size of the focal spot and the focal length – on the resolution of the resulting X-ray images. The advantages and disadvantages of two variants of the construction of the X-ray inspection systems are described: based on collapsible and based on sealed X-ray tubes. The dependence of the size of the focal spot on the voltage on the X-ray tube and on the power supplied by the electron beam to the target of the X-ray tube is analyzed. It is shown that sealed (from a vacuum pumping system) micro focus X-ray tubes can be successfully used as a radiation source in installations for X-ray inspection. It is concluded that in most cases, sealed tubes are more practical. Results. In solving of most problems of non-destructive testing of electronic components in the composition of the Xray system, X-ray sources based on sealed X-ray tubes can be successfully used. Due to this, dimensions, weight, and the cost of an X-ray system for monitoring of electronic components are substantially reduced. Conclusion. Sealed X-ray tubes are an effective alternative in the development of an X-ray system for monitoring of electronic components, which enables to fundamentally increase the availability of such a system.Введение. Рентгенографические методы широко распространены в настоящее время при производстве различных изделий и компонентов электронной промышленности, в том числе микро- и наноэлектроники. Одним из наиболее информативных и наглядных методов является проекционная рентгеновская микроскопия. Разработаны и используются в промышленности специализированные рентгеновские системы для технологического контроля. Ключевым элементом конструкции системы рентгеновского контроля (СРК) является рентгеновская трубка. В подавляющем большинстве случаев СРК построены на основе разборных микрофокусных рентгеновских трубок с постоянной откачкой. Это существенно усложняет конструкцию установки, увеличивает ее габариты, массу и стоимость. Цель работы. Анализ возможных технических и технологических решений, позволяющих повысить доступность рентгеновской системы для контроля электронных компонентов при сохранении информативности контроля. Материалы и методы. Представлены результаты аналитических исследований оценки степени влияния основных параметров рентгеновской трубки – размера фокусного пятна и фокусного расстояния – на разрешающую способность получаемых рентгеновских изображений. Описаны достоинства и недостатки двух вариантов конструкции СРК: на основе разборных и отпаянных от вакуумной откачной системы рентгеновских трубок. Проанализированы зависимости размеров фокусного пятна от напряжения на рентгеновской трубке и от мощности, подводимой электронным пучком к мишени рентгеновской трубки. Показано, что отпаянные микрофокусные рентгеновские трубки могут быть с успехом использованы в качестве источника излучения в установках для рентгенографического контроля. Сделан вывод о том, что в большинстве случаев отпаянные трубки более практичны. Результаты. При решении большинства задач по неразрушающему контролю электронных компонентов в составе рентгеновской системы с успехом могут быть использованы источники рентгеновского излучения на основе отпаянных рентгеновских трубок. Благодаря этому существенно уменьшаются габариты, масса, а также стоимость рентгеновской системы контроля электронных компонентов. Заключение. Отпаянные рентгеновские трубки могут служить эффективной альтернативой при разработке рентгеновской системы контроля электронных компонентов, позволяющей принципиально повысить доступность такой системы

The Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Oocyte Donors’ Motivations and Disclosure Decisions

Received 9 June 2022 © 2022. Accepted 23 September 2022. Published online 10 October 2022.The study focuses on the motivations of Russian oocyte donors and the socio-cultural factors affecting these motivations. We conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with actual or prospective oocyte donors. All of them were patients of two fertility clinics located in the city of Yekaterinburg (Russia) planning to become oocyte donors within the period from 2 weeks to 3 months. We built a profile of a Russian oocyte donor: it is a 26-year-old married woman with at least one child, she has a secondary vocational education and a low income. All the women in our study displayed multiple motivations: apart from the interest in a financial reward and purely altruistic motivations, for many women the decisive factor is their desire to help their friends or relatives struggling with infertility. Interestingly, almost all of our respondents described their decision to donate as an attempt to move past a traumatic situation they once endured and to achieve closure by doing something really important and good. For many women, oocyte donation becomes a way to boost their self-esteem, to feel more significant and to promote their personal autonomy. As for barriers to donation, one of the most important is associated with the donors’ unwillingness to make their identity known and to share this information even with their close circle of friends and relatives. For the majority of donors, anonymity is crucial. The disclosure of this information, in their view, will cause controversy in the donor’s family and immediate circle of friends at present and will threaten their privacy in the future. The prospective donors are also concerned about the negative public attitudes or lack of understanding.The study was conducted within the framework of the RSF grant No. 22-28-01694 dated December 20, 2021