Collaborative Online Learning: Plurilingual and Pluricultural Development

Background. The growing importance of international cooperation among universities have increased the number of joint training projects. Common Bologna principles followed by Russian and Spanish tertiary institutions helped perform a pilot study focused on telecollaboration and plurilingual and pluricultural competence implementation. The project aimed at forming plurilingual and pluricultural competence and communicative competence among students studying either English or Spanish or both through the integration of digital technologies into the learning process.Methods. This 7-month study took place in Moscow (Russian Federation) and Valencia (Spain) from November 2019 to June 2020. Participants were university students aged 20–23 from Teaching Training Faculties from Lomonosov Moscow State University and CEU Cardenal Herrera University. The undergraduates who volunteered to participate in the focus group took part in five telecollaboration sessions (March-May 2020). The participants were divided into two mixed (50% Russian and 50% Spanish learners) subgroups and discussed suggested topics during online studentled bilingual sessions. After each online interaction, researchers collected their opinions through questionnaires and discussion with a lecturer.Outcomes. All participants announced that the study gave them a chance to improve their language abilities, update their vocabulary and enhance their intercultural experience. None of the partakers reported having experienced any difficulty doing the project and only regretted that interaction time was too short. Additionally, lecturers were able to test new curricula implementation and assessment procedures.Conclusions. The pilot study was feasible to deliver and there was a clear, satisfactory result with the focus groups participants and teaching staff

Contribution of inflammation to heart failure development in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

Aim. To determine the peculiarities of heart failure (HF) development in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, depending on the blood concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP).Material and methods. This cross-sectional screening clinical trial included 100 patients hospitalized with HIV infection and a history of HF for 28 months. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on blood CRP concentration. The cut-off point was CRP of 15 mg/l. The first group included 37 HIV-infected patients with HF and blood CRP <15 mg/l, while the second group — 63 HIV-infected patients with HF and CRP concentration ≥15 mg/l. The inclusion criteria were HIV infection and prior HF, stable medical state, taking into account the underlying disease that required hospitalization. The study did not include patients with acute cardiovascular diseases within prior 3 months, acute decompensated and acute heart failure, cancer, infectious diseases, conditions that required surgical intervention. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was determined in all patients.Results. Correlation analysis revealed a strong inverse relationship between the blood concentrations of NT-proBNP and CRP (r=-0,639; p<0,005). A ROC curve revealed the most optimal cut-off threshold of 9,8 mg/l (AUC=0,796, p<0,05), which ensures sensitivity of 92,9% (p<0,05) and specificity of 57,6% (p<0,05). The odds ratio (OR) of an increase in NT-proBNP >450 pg/ml, and hence the risk of acute decompensated HF in the presence of a CRP concentration of 1-9,8 mg/l in HIV-infected patients with HF was 44,73 (95% CI=8,62;311,10), while relative risk (RR) — 18,73 (95% CI=4,94;112,94). In the presence of in hospital inflammatory diseases and CRP ≥15 mg/l in HIV-infected patients and prior HF, the RR of acute decompensated HF is reduced by 88% (RR=0,12, 95% CI=0,03-0,33).Conclusion. CRP values from 1 to 9,8 mg/l in HIV-infected patients with HF are predictors of its severity, characterized by a higher incidence of HF with reduced ejection fraction, diastolic dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy without significant differences with patients who have CRP >9,8 mg/l. CRP concentration >9,8 mg/l in HIV-infected patients and prior HF indicates the development of an inflammatory process, and not a worsening of the HF course

New palynological data for Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) deep-marine sandstones of the Western Caucasus, southwestern Russia

Information on Jurassic palynomorphs from the Greater Caucasus is potentially of great importance, but its availability to the international research community is severely limited. New palynological data for Toarcian deposits of the Western Caucasus are recorded in the present paper. Particularly, dinoflagellate cysts are described for the first time from the Bagovskaja Formation; palynomorphs are found in sandstone levels within this unit. The most representative assemblage includes pollen (with predominant bisaccate pollen), spores (Cyathidites being commonest), and dinoflagellate cysts amongst which the predominant taxon is Nannoceratopsis spiculata. The dinocyst assemblage implies a late Toarcian age for the upper part of the Bagovskaja Formation. On the basis of these new palynostratigraphical results, the range of the formation is extended; previously, only the lower part had been dated on ammonite evidence

Theory of differential inclusions and its application in mechanics

The following chapter deals with systems of differential equations with discontinuous right-hand sides. The key question is how to define the solutions of such systems. The most adequate approach is to treat discontinuous systems as systems with multivalued right-hand sides (differential inclusions). In this work three well-known definitions of solution of discontinuous system are considered. We will demonstrate the difference between these definitions and their application to different mechanical problems. Mathematical models of drilling systems with discontinuous friction torque characteristics are considered. Here, opposite to classical Coulomb symmetric friction law, the friction torque characteristic is asymmetrical. Problem of sudden load change is studied. Analytical methods of investigation of systems with such asymmetrical friction based on the use of Lyapunov functions are demonstrated. The Watt governor and Chua system are considered to show different aspects of computer modeling of discontinuous systems

СИНДРОМ АЛАЖИЛЛЯ В КЛИНИЧЕСКОЙ ПРАКТИКЕ

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Immunomagnetic microbeads for screening with flow cytometry and identification with nano-liquid chromatography mass spectrometry of ochratoxins in wheat and cereal

Multi-analyte binding assays for rapid screening of food contaminants require mass spectrometric identification of compound(s) in suspect samples. An optimal combination is obtained when the same bioreagents are used in both methods; moreover, miniaturisation is important because of the high costs of bioreagents. A concept is demonstrated using superparamagnetic microbeads coated with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) in a novel direct inhibition flow cytometric immunoassay (FCIA) plus immunoaffinity isolation prior to identification by nano-liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (nano-LC-Q-ToF-MS). As a model system, the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) and cross-reacting mycotoxin analogues were analysed in wheat and cereal samples, after a simple extraction, using the FCIA with anti-OTA Mabs. The limit of detection for OTA was 0.15 ng/g, which is far below the lowest maximum level of 3 ng/g established by the European Union. In the immunomagnetic isolation method, a 350-times-higher amount of beads was used to trap ochratoxins from sample extracts. Following a wash step, bound ochratoxins were dissociated from the Mabs using a small volume of acidified acetonitrile/water (2/8 v/v) prior to separation plus identification with nano-LC-Q-ToF-MS. In screened suspect naturally contaminated samples, OTA and its non-chlorinated analogue ochratoxin B were successfully identified by full scan accurate mass spectrometry as a proof of concept for identification of unknown but cross-reacting emerging mycotoxins. Due to the miniaturisation and bioaffinity isolation, this concept might be applicable for the use of other and more expensive bioreagents such as transport proteins and receptors for screening and identification of known and unknown (or masked) emerging food contaminants

Analysis of the dynamics and structure of morbidity of athletes of the national teams of Moscow based on the results of medical examination

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the structure and dynamics of morbidity of athletes, members of sports teams of the city of Moscow based on the results of an in-depth medical examination in the period 2017–2021.Materials and methods: The data of the medical examination of athletes, which took place at the Moscow scientific and Practical Center for Medical Rehabilitation, restorative and sports medicine, including instrumental, functional and laboratory studies from 2017 to 2021, were analyzed. In 2017, 15176 athletes were examined, in 2018 and 2019, 11200, in 2020, 10080 people and in 2021–11922 athletes.Results: The results of the study showed an increase in the proportion of amenorrhea within the triad of athletes, an increase in general therapeutic morbidity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, among which the proportion of secondary hyperbilirubinemia in 2021 increased 3 times compared to 2020, which, in our opinion, is also due to the impact of the pandemic and quarantine restrictions.The high prevalence of ophthalmological morbidity of athletes and changes in the cardiovascular system is shown. During 2017–2021, a change in the structure of cardiac morbidity was revealed in the form of an increase in the proportion of cardiac arrhythmias and hypertensive response to stress.An increase in the endocrine morbidity of athletes in 2021 was revealed due to an increase in the proportion of hypothyroidism and more frequent detection of hyperthyroidism, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires further research.There was also an increase in diseases of the skin and genitourinary system in athletes. Psychological problems of athletes increased during the observation period from 2017 to 2021. There was no significant dynamics of surgical and traumatological diseases, otolaryngological pathologу.Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the importance of regular full-fledged examination of athletes, identification of various functional disorders and diseases for their timely prevention and treatment in order to preserve the health of athletes and improve athletic performance

Assessment of Factors Influencing the Innovation Potential of Vertically Integrated Companies in a Macroregion

Глобализация мировой экономики и развитие транснациональных корпораций привели к тому, что для сохранения своих позиций вертикально интегрированные компании должны использовать весь спектр инновационных возможностей, охватывающий всю цепочку создания ценностей. Тем самым для таких компаний актуализируется потребность в постоянном и своевременном выявлении происходящих изменений и их влияния на формирование инновационного потенциала и степени его использования. Цель исследования - предложить новый методический инструментарий оценки инновационного потенциала вертикально интегрированных компаний и факторов, оказывающих на него влияние, отличающийся реализацией принципа преемственности по всей цепочке создания стоимости уровней вертикально интегрированных компаний, что обеспечивает повышение объективности и достоверности результатов исследования. В качестве информационной базы исследования использованы статистические данные семи вертикально интегрированных компаний Приволжского федерального округа за 2017 г. Предложенный методический подход позволил выявить комплекс факторов, провести их ранжирование и выявить стимулирующее и дестимулирующее воздействие на формирование и использование инновационного потенциала вертикально интегрированных компаний и определить инструменты воздействия на него с целью повышения эффективности его использования по всей цепочке создания стоимости, а также уровня социально-экономического развития регионов. В статье представлены результаты анализа, проведенного на основе комплексного использования методов обобщения, структурного, функционального, корреляционно-регрессионного, статистико-экономического и экспертного, которые дали возможность определить распределение факторов, выявить корреляционные зависимости между ними, провести количественную оценку степени их влияния на развитие инновационного потенциала вертикально интегрированных компаний. Полученные результаты необходимо учитывать для разработки обоснованных стратегий повышения результативности деятельности компаний и преодоления кризисных явлений в экономике регионов.Due to the globalisation of the world economy and development of transnational corporations, vertically integrated companies have to use a wide range of innovation opportunities spanning the entire value chain in order to maintain market positions. Thus, such companies need to constantly and timely monitor changes influencing the innovation potential. The study proposes a new methodology for assessing the innovation potential of vertically integrated companies (VICs) and affecting factors. The implementation of the principle of continuity across the value chains of vertically integrated companies ensures the integrity and reliability of research results. Statistical data of seven VICs of the Volga Federal District for 2017 were analysed. Using the proposed methodology, we determined aggregate factors, ranked them and revealed their stimulating and disincentive effects on the innovation potential of VICs. Additionally, the study identified mechanisms for the efficient use of such potential across the value chains for strengthening the socio-economic development of regions. The analysis was performed based on the integrated use of structural, functional, generalisation, correlation and regression, statistical and economic, and expert assessment methods. It explained the distribution of factors and their correlation dependencies. The quantitative evaluation of presented factors demonstrated their varying impact on the innovation potential of vertically integrated companies. The research results can be used for developing regional strategies aimed at the improvement of company performance and economic crisis resolution

Mantis Religiosa (Dyctioptera, Mantidae) Infected by Wolbachia

For the first time, endosymbiotic bacteria of the genus Wolbachia were found to infect soothsayers, Mantis religiosa (Linnaeus, 1758). Mantises were collected at two locations in vicinity of Mykolaiv and Kaniv, Ukraine. Tested individuals were not infected by Cardinium and Spiroplasma.Впервые установлено наличие эндосимбиотических бактерий рода Wolbachia у богомолов Mantis religiosa (Linnaeus, 1758). Богомолы были пойманы в двух местонахождениях (окрестности Николаева и Канева, Украина). Особи не были инфицированы бактериями родов Cardinium и Spiroplasma