Study of Aqueous Chemical Forms of Silicon in Organic-rich Waters

The study of silicon species in organic-rich waters is a very significant problem. This type of waters is widely spread all over the world. It is characterized by a high content of humic substances, high color of water and low pH. In this regard, a certain determination of silicon concentration in this type of waters is impossible without a preliminary investigation of silicon species. The aim of this research is therefore an investigation of the ratio of silicon dissolved forms in organic-rich waters depending on the silicon concentration and the acidity of the water. The study of pH influence on silicic acids and a silicon-humic matter interaction was carried out using model solutions and natural bog waters (Tomsk region). It has been found that the degree of polymerization of silicic acids essentially depends on the acidity of a solution. Scanning of spectrophotometric measurements has shown that silicon does not form stable complexes with fulvic and humic acids in weak-acid media (рН 3-4). Studying the bog waters of Tomsk Region has shown that they (рН=3.66-3.80) contain only monomeric-dimeric and polymeric forms of silicic acids

Formation of pre-election political discourse in the audiovisual media of Georgia

Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the audio-visual material of two Georgian media outlets, the empirical base of research on the formation of political discourses and their influence on the socio-political life of the country is presented. Media content during the pre-election period September - October 2020: about 2337 publications of audio-visual character. The analysis of television content is of interest for understanding the information and political environment in a society where media is directly linked to various interest groups. There is a high concentration of the political factor in the media that determines its discourse. Taking into account the increasing political polarization in Georgia, the mass media also take an appropriate stance towards political actors and form discourse that serves the political agenda of a certain interest group. The public receives ideologically processed information and, despite the factor of democratization of the methods of political struggle, finds itself in a situation where political forces use information and disinformation as a method of combating opponents. The presented analysis is one of the first results of the inter-university project “Mass Media in Political Processes of Georgia”, it is crucial for understanding the trends of Georgian mass media related to both internal and external factors. The results of the research show the patterns inherent in different TV channels in the context of media and political environment in Georgia

Использование низкобелковых обогащенных крахмаломучных продуктов в диетотерапии больных фенилкетонурией детей в возрасте старше 1 года

Background. The nutrition of children with phenylketonuria includes specialized starch-based products, the range of which is constantly expanding. Our aim was to study the safety of the composition of starchy flakes enriched with a complex of fat-soluble vitamins, natural fruit and berry additives used in the food of children with phenylketonuria. Methods. The study included children under the age of 14 years who were compliant with the previously conducted hypophenylalanine diet, without acute infectious, severe somatic or neurological diseases. The investigated products (starch-rye, wheat, and wheat fruit flakes with a complex of provitamin A and vitamin E) were prescribed instead of previously used low-protein confectionery products in the amount of 20–25 g/day for children under 6 years, 30–40 g — for children aged 6 years and over. The products were given with the recommendation to use alternately, with a duration of at least 10 days, totally for 30 days of the study. The safety of the products was assessed by phenylalanine concentration in the blood (determined by the fluorimetric method). In addition, we assessed the organoleptic qualities of the products and the dynamics of physical development of children. Results. The study included 15 children, mean age 4.4 ± 1.9 years. The initial concentration of phenylalanine in the blood varied from 1.6 to 3.9 mg%, the median — 2.2 mg% (2.0; 2.8). In 30 days after inclusion of starchy flakes in the diet, the content of phenylalanine in the blood did not change and was 2.5 mg% (2.2; 2.7); p = 0.859. The organoleptic properties of the products were rated «excellent» by all patients and their parents (in children under 6 years, only according to the parents’ assessment). The indicators of physical development did not change. There was no adverse events (allergic reactions, dyspepsia, refusal to take food). Conclusion. Introduction of new functional products — low-protein starchy flakes enriched with a vitamin complex and natural fruit and berry additives — in the diet of children with phenylketonuria allows to maintain the level of phenylalanine in the blood at the level of reference values.Обоснование. В питании детей с фенилкетонурией широко используют специализированные продукты на основе крахмалов, ассортимент которых постоянно расширяется.Цель исследования — изучить безопасность состава хлопьев крахмаломучных, обогащенных комплексом жирорастворимых витаминов, натуральными плодовыми и ягодными добавками, используемых в пище детей с фенилкетонурией.Методы. В исследование включали детей в возрасте до 14 лет, комплаентных к ранее проводимой гипофенилаланиновой диете, без острых инфекционных, тяжелых соматических или неврологических заболеваний. Исследуемые продукты — крахмалоржаные, пшеничные и пшеничные плодово-ягодные хлопья с комплексом провитамина А и витамина Е — назначали взамен применявшихся ранее низкобелковых кондитерских изделий в количестве 20–25 г/сут детям младше 6 лет, по 30–40 г — детям, достигших возраста или старше 6 лет. Продукты выдавали с рекомендацией использовать поочередно, продолжительностью не менее 10 сут, всего на 30 сут исследования. Безопасность продуктов оценивали по концентрации фенилаланина в крови (определяли флюориметрическим методом). Дополнительно оценивали органолептические качества продуктов и динамику физического развития детей.Результаты. В исследование включили 15 детей, средний возраст 4,4±1,9 года. Исходная концентрация фенилаланина в крови варьировала от 1,6 до 3,9 мг%, медиана — 2,2 мг% (2,0; 2,8). Через 30 сут после включения в рацион крахмаломучных хлопьев содержание фенилаланина в крови не изменилось и составило 2,5 мг% (2,2; 2,7); р=0,859. Органолептические свойства продуктов были оценены на «отлично» всеми пациентами и их родителями (у детей в возрасте до 6 лет — только согласно оценке родителей). Показатели физического развития не изменились. Нежелательные явления (аллергические реакции, диспепсии, отказ от приема продуктов) не зафиксированы.Заключение. Введение в рацион детей с фенилкетонурией новых функциональных продуктов — хлопьев крахмаломучных низкобелковых, обогащенных витаминным комплексом и натуральными плодовыми и ягодными добавками, позволяет сохранять уровень фенилаланина в крови на уровне референсных значений.ИСТОЧНИК ФИНАНСИРОВАНИЯ Работа выполнена при поддержке гранта Федерального государственного научного учреждения «Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт крахмалопродуктов» Федерального агентства научных организаций (Московская область). Для целей исследования использовались продукты, безвозмездно предоставленные производителем (опытное производство ФГНУ «ВНИИК» ФАНО).КОНФЛИКТ ИНТЕРЕСОВ Т.Э. Боровик, Н.Н. Семёнова, О.Л. Лукоянова, Н.Г. Звонкова, Т.В. Бушуева, Т.Н. Степанова, В.А. Скворцова — проведение научно-исследовательских работ при поддержке компаний Heinz, Semper, Хипрока Нутришион Ист Лимитед. И.М. Гусева, Е.А. Рославцева, А.К. Геворкян, С.Т. Быкова, Т.Г. Калинина, С.Г. Калиненкова подтвердили отсутствие конфликта интересов.ВЫРАЖЕНИЕ ПРИЗНАТЕЛЬНОСТИ Выражаем благодарность к.м.н. С.Г. Калиненковой (Московский областной научно-исследовательский клинический институт им. М.Ф. Владимирского) за участие в выполнении лабораторной части данного исследования. 

Intercultural competence and intercultural communication in the context of education for sustainable development

The paper discusses the essence of intercultural competence in the light of transition to education for sustainable development. The authors provide critical review of the concept of intercultural competence and its components. The interrelation of intercultural and linguistic competences in higher education has been reevaluated. Special attention has been given to Intercultural Communication as an academic discipline. The authors stress the importance of developing intercultural competence as an integral part of University education

Assessment of the Factors of Investment Attractiveness of the Business Environment in Terms of Sustainable Development of the Region

It should be noted, that today the world scientific community try to find new ways of economic development, which are aimed at refusing to absolutize economic growth at the expense of solving social and ecological problems and ensuring the vital requirements of future generations. In this regard, the authors have proposed a methodological technique, that allows to systematize the factors of investment attractiveness of the business environment of the region, which are considered in terms of implementing the goals of sustainable development and increasing innovative activity. At the same time, we consider it necessary to emphasize, that the use of the obtained research results will allow, in our opinion, to significantly advance both in theoretical and practical terms in solving the development and implementation of reasonable interim measures to advance the region towards achieving sustainable development goals

Игровые технологий и приемы геймификации в преподавании английского языка: анализ педагогического опыта

Game technologies (including computer-based ones) applied for teaching English have long occupied an important and permanent place in the structure of the lesson. They are very helpful in developing intercultural communicative competences as well as increasing motivation and self-organization. The purpose of this study is to objectively show how game methods of work and gamification techniques are actually implemented by modern teachers in English classes in both full-time and distance education. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the analysis of empirical psychological and pedagogical research on the problems of teaching English by both domestic and foreign scientists, on the basis of which the authors have compiled a questionnaire to summarize the experience of English teachers, classify electronic games and gamification techniques in the classroom. The study sample consisted of 48 English teachers with teaching experience from 1 to 13 years, the age range of their students being from 3 to 60 years old. The teachers used the questionnaire to analyze their experience in using gamification techniques and game technologies both in face-to-face and online lessons. All the teachers used game methods of work and gamification techniques in their classes regardless of the students’ age. The games that the teachers included in their lessons could be conveniently classified into didactic games (used by two-thirds of the teachers), multiplayer cooperation games (included by every fifth teacher) and hidden object games with a non-linear plot (used in class by a quarter of the teachers in the sample). Most of the teachers who used the gamification techniques noted a steady increase in students’ motivation in the classroom. The practical significance of the research results lies in the possibility of building an individual trajectory of self-education and professional development of English language teachers both in basic and in supplementary education. The generalized practical experience of the teachers who participated in the study can be used as the basis for methodological and pedagogical recommendations for improving informational and communicational competences and pedagogical skills of English language teachers.Игровые технологии (в том числе компьютерные) в преподавании английского языка уже давно занимают важное и постоянное место в структуре занятия. Они помогают формированию межкультурных коммуникативных компетенций, повышению мотивации и самоорганизации. Цель исследования - выявить актуальное состояние внедрения игровых методов работы и приемов геймификации на уроках английского языка современными педагогами в условиях как очного, так и дистанционного образования. Теоретическая значимость работы заключается в анализе эмпирических психолого-педагогических исследований по проблемам преподавания английского языка отечественных и зарубежных ученых, что позволило составить анкету для обобщения опыта педагогов английского языка, классифицировать электронные игры и приемы геймификации на занятиях. Выборка составила 48 педагогов английского языка со стажем преподавания от 1 до 13 лет, возрастной диапазон их учеников от 3 до 60 лет. Педагоги с помощью анкеты проанализировали свой опыт использования игровых технологий и приемов геймификации на очных и дистанционных занятиях. Все педагоги английского языка применяют игровые методы работы и приемы геймификации на занятиях вне зависимости от возраста обучающихся. Игры, которые они включают в свои занятия, можно условно разделить на дидактические (используют две трети педагогов), многопользовательские игры на кооперацию (включает в занятие каждый пятый педагог), игры на поиск предметов с нелинейным сюжетом (используют на занятии четверть педагогов нашей выборки). Большинство преподавателей, применяющих приемы геймификации, отмечают устойчивое повышение мотивации учеников на занятиях. Практическая значимость результатов исследования заключается в возможности построения индивидуальной траектории самообразования, повышения квалификации педагогов английского языка как в основном, так и в дополнительном образовании. Обобщение практического опыта работы педагогов может быть положено в основу методических и педагогических рекомендаций по повышению информационно-коммуникационной компетентности и педагогического мастерства учителей английского языка

Determination of silicon in natural waters by spectrophotometry using modern methods of sample preparation

The main aim of the study is to develop modern methods of preparing natural water samples using ultrasound, ultraviolet radiationand photocatalytic systems for destruction of polysilicic acids and silicon complexes with humic substances to determine soluble siliconby spectrophotometric method. The methods used in the study: spectrophotometry, IR spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results. The use of ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation and Fenton photocatalytic systems the authors have studied destruction of polysilicic acids and silicon complexes with humic substances to develop modern and effective methods of preparing natural water samples in spectrophotometric determination of soluble silicon in the form of silicon molybdenum yellow complex by reference procedure. It was shown that the photochemical Fenton system is the most effective for sample preparation. The developed procedure of sample preparation was applied for analysis of thermal and bog waters on dissolved silicon by spectrophotometry. The correctness of the method was confirmed by comparison of the results obtained by spectrophotometry and ICP-MS using the inspection standard. Under ultraviolet radiation, polysilicic acids are destroyed that can be used for quantification of different forms of silicic acids by spectrophotometric method. It was found that ultrasonic pre-treatment is not suitable for spectrophotometric control of soluble forms of silicon

Формирование предвыборного политического дискурса в аудиовизуальных СМИ Грузии

Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the audio-visual material of two Georgian media outlets, the empirical base of research on the formation of political discourses and their influence on the socio-political life of the country is presented. Media content during the pre-election period September - October 2020: about 2337 publications of audio-visual character. The analysis of television content is of interest for understanding the information and political environment in a society where media is directly linked to various interest groups. There is a high concentration of the political factor in the media that determines its discourse. Taking into account the increasing political polarization in Georgia, the mass media also take an appropriate stance towards political actors and form discourse that serves the political agenda of a certain interest group. The public receives ideologically processed information and, despite the factor of democratization of the methods of political struggle, finds itself in a situation where political forces use information and disinformation as a method of combating opponents. The presented analysis is one of the first results of the inter-university project “Mass Media in Political Processes of Georgia”, it is crucial for understanding the trends of Georgian mass media related to both internal and external factors. The results of the research show the patterns inherent in different TV channels in the context of media and political environment in Georgia.На основе качественного и количественного анализа аудиовизуального материала двух грузинских СМИ представлена эмпирическая база исследования о формировании политических дискурсов и их влиянии на общественно-политическую жизнь страны. Изучен медийный контент за предвыборный период 2020 года (сентябрь - октябрь): 2337 публикаций аудиовизуального формата. Анализ телевизионных материалов представляет интерес для понимания информационной и политической среды в обществе, где медиаресурсы непосредственно связаны с различными группами интересов. В СМИ наблюдается высокая концентрация политического фактора, определяющего дискурс того или иного медиа. Принимая во внимание нарастающую политическую поляризацию в Грузии, средства массовой информации занимают соответствующую позицию по отношению к политическим силам и выстраивают дискурс, отвечающий интересам определенных групп акторов. Общественность получает идеологически обработанную информацию и, несмотря на демократизацию методов политической борьбы, находится в ситуации, когда политические силы в угоду партийным интересам используют дозированное информирование и дезинформацию как методы борьбы с оппонентами. Представленный анализ - один из первых результатов межвузовского проекта «Средства массовой информации в политических процессах Грузии», он важен для понимания трендов грузинских СМИ, относящихся как к внутренним, так и к внешним факторам. Результаты исследования раскрывают закономерности, присущие различным телеканалам в контексте медийного пространства и политической среды в Грузии

Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Space Fillers to Enhance Volumetric Energy Density of NMC811 Cathode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

Ni-rich layered transition metal (TM) oxides are considered to be the most promising cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their high electrochemical capacity, high Li+ ion (de)intercalation potential, and low cobalt content. However, such materials possess several drawbacks including relatively low volumetric energy density caused by insufficient values of tap density. Herein, we demonstrate an exceptionally rapid and energy-saving synthesis of the mixed hydroxide precursor for the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) positive electrode (cathode) material through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The obtained material further serves as a space-filler to fill the voids between spherical agglomerates in the cathode powder prepared via a conventional co-precipitation technique boosting the tap density of the resulting mixed NMC811 by 30% up to 2.9 g/cm3. Owing to increased tap density, the volumetric energy density of the composite cathode exceeds 2100 mWh/cm3 vs. 1690 mWh/cm3 for co-precipitated samples. The crystal structure of the obtained materials was scrutinized by powder X-ray diffraction and high angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM); the cation composition and homogeneity of TM spatial distribution were investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in a STEM mode (STEM-EDX). Well-crystallized NMC811 with a relatively low degree of anti-site disorder and homogeneous TM distribution in a combination with the co-precipitated material delivers a reversible discharge capacity as high as ~200 mAh/g at 0.1C current density and capacity retention of 78% after 300 charge/discharge cycles (current density 1C) within the voltage region of 2.7–4.3 V vs. Li/Li+