К вопросу классификации плоских четырехугольных диаграмм

Analysis of classifications of planar quadrangular diagrams published in the literature was carried out. These classifications deal with projections of chemical equilibrium surfaces in a quarternary system, with ternary intermutual systems containing liquid and solid solutions between constituent salts and also with graphical representation of response surfaces. The synthesis of the complete set of topological types of planar quadrangular diagrams was carried out. The complete set includes 98 types, which differ in boundary and inner simple singular points (elliptic and hyperbolic); the total amount of subtypes is 120. The subtypes of the diagrams may differ in the mutual arrangement of either boundary or both boundary and inner singular points. In previously published classifications, repeating diagram structures and unstable structures were revealed. The most accurate results are achieved by a formalized procedure of synthesis of a topologically possible set of planar quadrangular diagrams. By “formalized procedure” we mean the use of a specific program for variants enumeration of possible mutual arrangement of singular points in planar quadrangular diagrams. This procedure in the most correct way allows to take into account diagrams differing in the mutual arrangement of not only boundary, but also inner singular points.Р ассмотрены нелокальные закономерности четырехугольных диаграмм изолиний скалярных свойств; проведен анализ и сопоставление существующих классификаций таких диаграмм; обсуждены различные группы подтипов диаграмм

International Development Assistance: The Traditional Donors’ Activities

В статье проводится анализ деятельности традиционных доноров в контексте содействия международному развитию. К рассмотрению предлагаются отдельные аспекты предоставления помощи развитию со стороны США, Великобритании и Скандинавских стран. Особое внимание уделяется реципиентам помощи, секторам, по которым распределяется помощь, а также характеру помощи и методам инвестирования.The article analyzes the activities of traditional donors in the context of official development assistance. Certain aspects of development assistance provided by the United States, Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries are presented for consideration. Particular attention is paid to aid recipients, sectors to which aid is distributed, as well as the nature of aid and investment methods

Evaluation of Intra-Host Variants of the Entire Hepatitis B Virus Genome

Genetic analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) frequently involves study of intra-host variants, identification of which is commonly achieved using short regions of the HBV genome. However, the use of short sequences significantly limits evaluation of genetic relatedness among HBV strains. Although analysis of HBV complete genomes using genetic cloning has been developed, its application is highly labor intensive and practiced only infrequently. We describe here a novel approach to whole genome (WG) HBV quasispecies analysis based on end-point, limiting-dilution real-time PCR (EPLD-PCR) for amplification of single HBV genome variants, and their subsequent sequencing. EPLD-PCR was used to analyze WG quasispecies from serum samples of patients (n = 38) infected with HBV genotypes A, B, C, D, E and G. Phylogenetic analysis of the EPLD-isolated HBV-WG quasispecies showed the presence of mixed genotypes, recombinant variants and sub-populations of the virus. A critical observation was that HBV-WG consensus sequences obtained by direct sequencing of PCR fragments without EPLD are genetically close, but not always identical to the major HBV variants in the intra-host population, thus indicating that consensus sequences should be judiciously used in genetic analysis. Sequence-based studies of HBV WG quasispecies should afford a more accurate assessment of HBV evolution in various clinical and epidemiological settings

Epidemic History and Evolutionary Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Two Remote Communities in Rural Nigeria

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has reached hyperendemic levels and its nature and origin have been described as a puzzle. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology and epidemic history of HBV infection in two semi-isolated rural communities in North/Central Nigeria. It was expected that only a few, if any, HBV strains could have been introduced and effectively transmitted among these residents, reflecting limited contacts of these communities with the general population in the country. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Despite remoteness and isolation, approximately 11% of the entire population in these communities was HBV-DNA seropositive. Analyses of the S-gene sequences obtained from 55 HBV-seropositive individuals showed the circulation of 37 distinct HBV variants. These HBV isolates belong predominantly to genotype E (HBV/E) (n=53, 96.4%), with only 2 classified as sub-genotype A3 (HBV/A3). Phylogenetic analysis showed extensive intermixing between HBV/E variants identified in these communities and different countries in Africa. Quasispecies analysis of 22 HBV/E strains using end-point limiting-dilution real-time PCR, sequencing and median joining networks showed extensive intra-host heterogeneity and inter-host variant sharing. To investigate events that resulted in such remarkable HBV/E diversity, HBV full-size genome sequences were obtained from 47 HBV/E infected persons and P gene was subjected to Bayesian coalescent analysis. The time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for these HBV/E variants was estimated to be year 1952 (95% highest posterior density (95% HPD): 1927-1970). Using additional HBV/E sequences from other African countries, the tMRCA was estimated to be year 1948 (95% HPD: 1924-1966), indicating that HBV/E in these remote communities has a similar time of origin with multiple HBV/E variants broadly circulating in West/Central Africa. Phylogenetic analysis and statistical neutrality tests suggested rapid HBV/E population expansion. Additionally, skyline plot analysis showed an increase in the size of the HBV/E-infected population over the last approximately 30-40 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a massive introduction and relatively recent HBV/E expansion in the human population in Africa. Collectively, these data show a significant shift in the HBV/E epidemic dynamics in Africa over the last century

The role of innovative technologies in efficiency increase of agriculture

The introduction of new technologies is a key factor in the competitiveness of agriculture. The use of innovative technologies provides an increase in profitability, efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production. This is achieved by economizing of fertilizers, protective remedies, growth regulators, seeds, fuel; by reducing labor costs and increasing soil fertility. Innovations should become an integral part of the investments aimed at strengthening the material and technical base of enterprises. The prohibition of agricultural product imports contributed to the improvement of the financial situation of agricultural enterprises, which allows agricultural producers to introduce innovations

The features of formation of grain crops seed market

The features of formation of grain crops seed market The article considers the peculiarities of the seed market. The special attention is focused on the fact that seeds, as a commodity, have a market value and a consumer demand, and the seed market is a link between sellers and buyers. The seed market is also considered as a market of varieties. It is noted that a varietal politics has greatly changed at present and the amount of varieties has increased. Seed market is formed due to geographical division of the market on different geographical segments. Segmentation due to geographical criteria means regional location of the farms and climatic conditions. Seed market is differentiated according to groups of consumers, which can require different kinds of seeds and their reproductions, and it is formed due to life cycle of seeds. The seeds of new varieties should be considered as innovative product, where innovative agricultural producers play the greatest part in the formation of market of new varieties seeds

Parameters of variety change of winter wheat

In the Rostov region there is an increase of the amount of winter wheat varieties used in the production. Out of 110 varieties used in the production in 2015, 28 varieties (or 13.3%) were new. In the sowings of winter wheat in 2015, the varieties being in the production for 6-10 years were mostly spread, including the varieties which have always been the leaders in the winter wheat sowings. Incomplete use of new varieties in the Rostov region is a reason of low grain yields. In 2015 the winter wheat yield was less on 950 thousand ton. The analysis of varietal structure of winter wheat and variety change dynamics is aimed for the development of organizational events to improve the regulation of seed market in the region on the basis of planning, forecasting and management. The increase of economic efficiency of grain production is connected with a rapid introduction of new varieties on the basis of a scientifically substantiated variety change taking into account agro ecological placement in nature-climatic zones that is impossible without well-organized seed-growing

Independence and security of Russia in grain production

The purpose of the work is to consider and to assess the level of Russia’s independence in grain production from the standpoint of food security. We used the definition, criteria and indexes of their assessment, recommended by ‘Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation’. We intended to give the assessment of the state of food security in the grain production in three directions: in the consumption, in the production and national competitiveness, in the management. But the authors failed to use a number of indexes, as they were intended to evaluate the total food independence and security but not for the assessment of the considered problem according to one separate food resource (e.g. grain). Thus, the system of indexes has been enlarged with extra instruments and there has been collected necessary information to determine their actual values. The authors have concluded that the system of indexes for the assessment of food security, suggested by the Doctrine, needs the improvement and reorientation of its possibilities on the evaluation of the level of independence of country’s supply with food and population with food products of the agricultural, fishery and other sectors of the national economy, participating in the solution of food tasks

Использование сортовых ресурсов озимой пшеницы в Ростовской области

The use of the varietal resources of winter wheat in the Rostov region The Rostov region is one of the principle regional producers of winter wheat. Russia possesses vast varietal resources for all regions of the country, so there is an increase of winter wheat varieties, used in the agriculture. In 2016 in the Rostov region there were 127 winter wheat varieties that on 17 pieces more than in 2015. In 2016 the varieties being in the production for 6-10 years (42.9%) became widely spread. It testifies that the varieties become widely spread only after six years of zonation and that fact has a negative effect on productivity. The areas sown by new varieties reduced with the share of 11.6%, so the present resource-varietal potential is used inefficiently. To realize the advantages of the new variety, the crop rotation should be made according to the plan. The organization, technology and methods of seed production are of great importance for variety renovation and change. Stable grain production in any country is based on the ability to use the latest breeding achievements