Professional associations of Russian-and English-speaking mathematicians, physicians and philologists

The article analyses the results of the original experimental studies of the associative response of different professional groups’ representatives. The author introduces a new term “professionally determined associations” to show the degree of the influence of profession and professional communication on speech consciousness and behaviour as well as to widen the existing typology of associations. For the first time the research has been carried into the stimuli functioning in the terminological systems of mathematics, medicine, and philology. Also, the stimuli effect on the origination and number of professional responses is described, the general and professional associations of respondents are compared in detail, the general and specific peculiarities of the associative response of English and Russian speakers are identifie

Police sexual coercion and its association with risky sex work and substance use behaviors among female sex workers in St. Petersburg and Orenburg, Russia.

BackgroundExtensive research documents that female sex workers (FSWs) in Russia are very vulnerable to abuses from police, including police sexual coercion. However, despite qualitative data suggesting abusive policing practices are more likely for FSWs contending with substance abuse issues and risky sex work contexts, there is a paucity of quantitative study evaluating these associations specifically in terms of police sexual coercion. Such research is needed to guide structural interventions to improve health and safety for FSWs in Russia and globally.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of police sexual coercion among FSWs from two Russian cities, St. Petersburg and Orenburg, and to determine whether riskier sex work behaviors and contexts and substance use behaviors, including both IDU and risky alcohol use, are associated with increased risk for sexual coercion from police.MethodFSWs in St. Petersburg and Orenburg were recruited via time-location and convenience sampling and completed structured surveys on demographics (age, education), sex work risks (e.g., violence during sex work) and substance use. Logistic regression analyses assessed associations of substance use and risky sex work with police sexual coercion, adjusting for demographics.ResultsParticipants (N=896) were aged 15 and older (94% were 20+ years). Most (69%) reported past year binge alcohol use, and 48% reported IDU the day before. Half (56%) reported 4+ clients per day. Rape during sex work ever was reported by 64%. Police sexual coercion in the past 12 months was reported by 38%. In the multivariate model, both current IDU (AOR=2.09, CI=1.45-3.02) and past year binge alcohol use (AOR=1.46, CI=1.03-2.07) were associated with police sexual coercion, as was selling sex on the street (not in venues) (AOR=7.81, CI=4.53-13.48) and rape during sex work (AOR=2.04, CI=1.43-2.92).ConclusionCurrent findings document the substantial role police sexual violence plays in the lives of FSWs in Russia. These findings also highlight heightened vulnerability to such violence among self-managed and substance abusing FSWs in this context. Structural interventions addressing police violence against FSWs may be useful to improve the health and safety of this population

Туристичний кластер як форма інноваційної діяльності

Introduction. At the moment, innovation development is among key priorities in the development of Latvian economy. According to European Innovation Scoreboard assessment, Latvia joined the group of Moderate Innovators in 2016. However, its level of innovation effectiveness only reached 54% of the average EU index. That said, it has to be noted that enterprises that are innovation active in the service industry only account for 23.4%. In view of this, diverse forms of innovation activity and clusters in particular, have become more and more relevant. In 2006 European Competitiveness Council defined clusters as one of nine priorities aimed to promote and develop innovations. According to the European Commission, clustering is a key factor for successful innovation and enhanced competitiveness. Aim and tasks. The subject matter of this article are tourism clusters as a type of innovation activity. Results. Scientific research as well as practical experience of a number of countries have shown that cluster approach in tourism business is an effective instrument to enhance competitiveness both nationwide and at the level of an industry.At the present time, entrepreneurs are facing serious difficulty in converting ideas into new products and services. This is true of the national economy as a whole as well as particular industries. That said, the primary objective is the development and implementation of a program aimed at the cooperation of a wide range of social partners involved in innovation activity, who are capable of facilitating the enhancement of economic effectiveness. Conclusions. The development of tourism sectoris regarded as a priority of Latvian economy. According to Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, tourism is a major factor of Latvia’s economic development, an important source of export revenue, and a key factor of GDP growth. The development of Latvian tourism industry is part and parcel of global tourism market. Latvia has a strong potential for the development of business and health tourism. However, Latvia’s climate, its geographic position and the lack of world-famous architecture have an unfavorable effect on its tourism development opportunities. This is the reason why it is essential for Latvia to spur innovative activity in tourism industry with a focus on clustering. Creation of new clusters in tourism industry, such as business tourism cluster as an example, as well as the implementation of formerly declared goals related to the existing clusters, will help to meet some of the objectives.Вступ. На даний час інноваційний розвиток є одним з ключових пріоритетів у розвитку економіки Латвії. В 2016 році згідно з оцінкою Європейського інноваційного табло, Латвія приєдналася до групи помірних інноваторів (Moderate Innovators), однак рівень ефективності інновацій досяг тільки 54% від середнього показника ЄС. Проте, слід зазначити, що інноваційно активні підприємства сфери послуг складають лише 23,4%. У зв'язку з цим особливої актуальності набувають різні форми інноваційної діяльності, зокрема кластери. Європейська Рада з конкурентоспроможності у 2006 році визначила кластери як один з дев'яти пріоритетів, спрямованих на просування і розвиток інновацій. За даними Європейської комісії, кластеризація є ключовим фактором для успішних інновацій та підвищення конкурентоспроможності. Мета і завдання. У статті розглядається питання туристичних кластерів як форми інноваційної активності. Результати. Наукові дослідження та практичний досвід ряду країн показали, що кластерний підхід в туристичному бізнесі є ефективним інструментом підвищення конкурентоспроможності як на національному рівні, так і на рівні галузі. В даний час підприємці стикаються з серйозними труднощами у перетворенні ідей у нові продукти та послуги. Це стосується як національної економіки в цілому, так і окремих галузей. При цьому основною метою є розробка та реалізація програми, спрямованої на співпрацю широкого кола соціальних партнерів, залучених до інноваційної діяльності, які здатні сприяти підвищенню економічної ефективності. Висновки. Розвиток туристичного сектора вважається пріоритетом латвійської економіки. Згідно з даними Центрального статистичного бюро Латвії, туризм є основним фактором економічного розвитку Латвії, важливим джерелом експортних доходів і ключовим фактором зростання ВВП. Розвиток латвійської туристичної індустрії є невід'ємною частиною глобального туристичного ринку. Латвія має потужний потенціал для розвитку бізнесу та оздоровчого туризму. Однак клімат Латвії, її географічне положення та відсутність всесвітньо відомої архітектури мають несприятливий вплив на її можливості для розвитку туризму. Саме тому для Латвії важливо стимулювати інноваційну діяльність у туристичній галузі, зосереджуючись на кластеризації. Створення нових кластерів у туристичній індустрії, як, наприклад, кластер бізнес-туризму, а також реалізація раніше заявлених цілей, пов'язаних з існуючими кластерами, допоможе досягти деяких цілей

Современное состояние и тенденции развития российской модели страхования жизни

В статье представлена характеристика современного состояния российской модели страхования жизни; выявлены слабые и сильные стороны, а также возможности и угрозы, наличие которых предопределяют перспективы развития применяемой в стране модели страхования жизни

Assessment of the financial stability of the Russian life insurance model

Life insurance is one of the effective mechanisms of protection against social risks. This product can protect a person in case of disability, provide medical care, increase cash savings. In Russia, in the context of a decrease in the financial capabilities of the state, fragmentation and unsystematic decision-making in the field of life insurance regulation, fundamental changes are being made in the life insurance system. A natural consequence of this situation was a downward trend in some indicators of the development of the Russian life insurance model. The research purpose is to assess the financial stability of the life insurance model used in Russia. As a result of the study, the features of the Russian life insurance model were revealed and its strengths and weaknesses, challenges and threats were identified on the basis of a SWOT analysis; the main factors influencing the balance of financial flows of the Russian life insurance model were identified; an assessment of the financial stability of the Russian life insurance model was carried out

Life insurance model: concept, structure and assessment of financial stability

The Institute of Life Insurance is actively growing all over the world and especially in developing countries in order to provide an increase in the duration and quality of life of the population. The increasing role of life insurance in the economic and social sphere of the country requires a theoretical understanding of its place in the system of market relations and effective implementation. The purpose of the study is to develop the theoretical and methodological basis of life insurance, substantiate methodological approaches to its study in the context of a systematic approach through the prism of various models functioning. As a result of the study theoretical determinants of life insurance model are revealed, and a methodology for determining the financial stability of the applied life insurance model has been developed

Maternal Communicative Behavior as a Factor in the Development of Communication in Children with Down Syndrome

Background. Special features of communicative development in children with Down Syndrome are reported to correlate with intellectual disability, while their mothers’ communication with them is considered to be a reaction to difculties in building rapport with the child. Te cultural-historical approach to human psychological and mental development (Vygotsky, 1982) supports research into the contribution of maternal behavior to the development of communication in children with Down Syndrome. Objective. To analyze the relationship between the development of responsive and initiative communicative actions in children with Down Syndrome and features of maternal communicative behavior. Design. Te subjects were 15 pairs of mothers and their children diagnosed with “trisomy 21, Down Syndrome, full (or complete) type of trisomy” and 18 pairs of mothers and their typically developing children. Te children in the experimental group are from 18 to 36 months old, the age of mothers is from 24 to 41 years. Te children in the control group are from 18 to 36 months old; the mothers’ age is from 20 to 44 years. Te research included collection of video data and expert video recording analysis. Communication was recorded of mothers and their children without a toy, and then with a toy. Videos were made three times, every 1.5 or 2 weeks, and each session lasted 20 minutes; two videos were analyzed, excluding the frst one. Te analysis was performed by three experts — researchers at the Federal State Budget Scientifc Institution “Institute of Special Education of the Russian Academy of Education” — calculating the frequency of the children’s responsive and initiative communicative actions. A qualitative analysis of the mothers’ communicative behavior was conducted: Repeated patterns of the mothers’ communicative behavior in both groups were identifed, and the number of mothers with these communicative actions was calculated. Results. Mothers’ actions that correlated with the development of responsive and initiative communicative actions in typically developing children were identifed, including: Te adult caregiver addresses her child directly and personally; she pays attention to the child’s actions and supports them; she plays with the child as with an equal. Te communicative behavior of mothers of children with Down Syndrome did not difer from that of the mothers of typically developing children in terms of the behavioral characteristics listed above. Te development of responsive and initiative communicative actions in children with Down Syndrome correlates with a greater number of characteristics of maternal communicative behavior, such as: continuing the communication despite approximate, uncertain, or contradictory signals from the child; creating vivid and positive emotional support for interactions; and keeping in mind the child’s language and motor limitations. Conclusion. Our research suggests that for the development of communication in children with Down Syndrome, maternal communicative actions that correlate with the development of communication in typically developing children are not sufcient

Влияние автомобилей с ДВС и электромобилей на окружающую среду: сравнение и оценка факторов воздействия

In 2017 the number of motor vehicles, being in operation in the world, exceeded 1,5 billion units. Motorization has caused serious problems for safety of the environment, life and health of humans.This article discusses various factors of impact of motorisation and automobilisation on the environment.Until recently, harmful emissions from vehicles have been considered as the main significant factor in environmental pollution. Due to implementation of the technical policy for implementation of EURO environmental standards, the «center of gravity» in the problems of improving the environmental safety of vehicles is moving towards minimising the heat entering the environment after being emitted by motor vehicles engines. The greatest practical interest is associated with the recovery of energy spent on traction, as the recovery increases the energy efficiency of road transport while reducing the negative impact on the environment.A comparative assessment of cars with internal combustion engines and battery electric vehicles showed that the overall negative impact of comparable vehicles on the environment currently differs slightly.It is necessary to continue research and development in the field of energy recovery problems.В 2017 году количество эксплуатируемых в мире автотранспортных средств превысило 1,5 млрд единиц. Автомобилизация создала серьёзные проблемы для безопасности окружающей среды, жизни и здоровьялюдей.В статье рассматриваются различные факторы влияния автомобилизации на состояние окружающей среды. До последнего времени основным значимым фактором загрязнения окружающей среды считались вредные выбросы транспортных средств. Вследствие осуществления технической политики по реализации экологических норм EURO, «центр тяжести» в проблемах повышения экологической безопасности транспортных средств перемещается в направлении минимизации поступающего в окружающую среду тепла, выделяемого двигателями автотранспортных средств.Наибольший практический интерес представляет рекуперация энергии, расходуемой на тягу, что повышает энергоэффективность автомобильного транспорта при одновременном снижении негативного воздействия на окружающую среду.Сравнительная оценка автомобилей с ДВС и электромобилей показала, что общее негативное влияние сопоставляемых транспортных средств на окружающую среду в настоящее время различается незначительно. Необходимо продолжение исследований и выполнения опытно-конструкторских разработок в области проблем рекуперации энергии

Prevention of HIV and Associated Infections among Adolescents and Young People at High Risk of Infection : Methodology Guide

Methodology Guide on Prevention of HIV and Associated Infections among Adolescents and Young People at High Risk of Infection was prepared as part of project “Building capacity in prevention of HIV and associated infections among youth at high risk in the Northern Dimension area” (cf. www.ndphs.org/?database,view,project,1467) co-funded by the European Union. The project was implemented from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2015 by the project consortium led by Secretariat of the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS) and including also Regional NGO “Stellit”, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kaliningrad Regional Non-governmental Youth Organisation “Young Leaders Army” (YLA), Social AIDS Committee and Baltic HIV Association. The Methodology Guide contains overview of theories applicable for addressing the priorities of HIV and associated infections prevention among adolescents and young people at high risk of infection, theories which might be used to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs. It provides the results of assessment of needs of children and young people at high risk of infection in prevention programs, overview of prevention programs implemented in Russia, Latvia, Poland, Finland and Germany which might be recommended to be spread to other countries of the NDPHS and examples of tool which might be used in prevention work. The Methodology Guide might be useful for authorities, representatives of governmental organizations, NGOs, international organizations, public health specialists and other experts involved into HIV and associated infections prevention among children and young people. The Methodology Guide is available for downloading at: http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2015102715069. Other methodological materials produced within the project can be downloaded at: https://www.thl.fi/en/web/thlfi-en/about-us/organisation/departments-and-units/administration-and-development/planning/international-affairs-unit/projects

Rottlerin stimulates apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through interactions with proteins of the Bcl-2 family

Rottlerin is a polyphenolic compound derived from Mallotus philipinensis. In the present study, we show that rottlerin decreased tumor size and stimulated apoptosis in an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer with no effect on normal tissues in vivo. Rottlerin also induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer (PaCa) cell lines by interacting with mitochondria and stimulating cytochrome c release. Immunoprecipitation results indicated that rottlerin disrupts complexes of prosurvival Bcl-xL with Bim and Puma. Furthermore, siRNA knockdown showed that Bim and Puma are necessary for rottlerin to stimulate apoptosis. We also showed that rottlerin and Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL inhibitor BH3I-2' stimulate apoptosis through a common mechanism. They both directly interact with mitochondria, causing increased cytochrome c release and mitochondrial depolarization, and both decrease sequestration of BH3-only proteins by Bcl-xL. However, the effects of rottlerin and BH3I-2' on the complex formation between Bcl-xL and BH3-only proteins are different. BH3I-2' disrupts complexes of Bcl-xL with Bad but not with Bim or Puma, whereas rottlerin had no effect on the Bcl-xL interaction with Bad. Also BH3I-2', but not rottlerin, required Bad to stimulate apoptosis. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that rottlerin has a potent proapoptotic and antitumor activity in pancreatic cancer, which is mediated by disrupting the interaction between prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins and proapoptotic BH3-only proteins. Thus rottlerin represents a promising novel agent for pancreatic cancer treatment