Concepts and сriteria for the classification of small and medium-sized business in Russia

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to study the concepts and criteria for classifying businesses to the category of Small and Medium-sized business according to the legislation of the Russian Federation. In the course of the study, the authors analyzed the criteria by which the subjects are identified as Small and Medium-sized enterprises and, accordingly, are entitled to receive state support. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors' analysis is based on the literature review and statistical data analysis regarding the concept of entrepreurship and its legal background. Findings: The authors presented analytical data on business entities, citizens engaged in entrepreneurial activity, state support of entrepreneurial activity and introduced a conceptual classification benchmark. Practical implications: Authors' findings could be applied in improving the legal and economic entrepreneurial frameworks of Russia. Originality/Value: The contribution of the article is the authors' approach in classifying SMEs (Small and Medium-sized entities) and their state support as well as recommendations regarding the entrepreneurial activity and its development.peer-reviewe

Investigation of supramolecular structure of the rare and rare-earth elements nanoparticles carrier when modified using microwave irradiation

In this paper, we present an IR and XRD study of the polypropylene fibrous nanoparticles carrier when its surface modified with rare and rare-earth elements nanoparticles using microwave irradiation, by the example of SnO2/TiO2 hetero-nanoparticles. The paper shows that the smectic mesomorph structure of the non-modified polypropylene fibrous carrier transforms into the monoclinic α-crystalline due to microwave irradiation. At the same time, the carrier material remains stereoregular and keeps its helical structure

Superficial acid-base properties of polymer fibres

Protolytic properties of fine fibre plastics based on polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate and polycarbonate were investigated. Acidic (carboxylic, hydroxyl) and basic Lewis sites (esters, carbonates, epoxies) were discovered on fibres surface using IR spectroscopy. The number of active groups of various nature and their pKa values were evaluated by potentiometric titration in aqueous and non-aqueous media. The tested fibres possess a low capacity for both acidic and basic sites on it. The results indicate that all the polymer fibre materials (PFM) due to the presence of carboxyl groups on the surfaces, enable modification of their surfaces with metal nanoparticles, thereby giving them unique properties, e.g., photocatalytic and bactericidal

Collaborative development of predictive toxicology applications

OpenTox provides an interoperable, standards-based Framework for the support of predictive toxicology data management, algorithms, modelling, validation and reporting. It is relevant to satisfying the chemical safety assessment requirements of the REACH legislation as it supports access to experimental data, (Quantitative) Structure-Activity Relationship models, and toxicological information through an integrating platform that adheres to regulatory requirements and OECD validation principles. Initial research defined the essential components of the Framework including the approach to data access, schema and management, use of controlled vocabularies and ontologies, architecture, web service and communications protocols, and selection and integration of algorithms for predictive modelling. OpenTox provides end-user oriented tools to non-computational specialists, risk assessors, and toxicological experts in addition to Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for developers of new applications. OpenTox actively supports public standards for data representation, interfaces, vocabularies and ontologies, Open Source approaches to core platform components, and community-based collaboration approaches, so as to progress system interoperability goals

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. 

The problem of bankruptcy of business entities as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to perform an economic and legal analysis of the problem of insolvency (bankruptcy) of business entities in conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/Methodology/Approach: Utilizing general scientific (systemic, dialectical and sociological) and specific scientific (normative-logical, comparative-legal, technical-legal, legal statistics) methods of researching economic and legal phenomena, the authors analyzed the concept and basic prerequisites for insolvency (bankruptcy) of entrepreneurial structures, the measures for the introduction of a moratorium on the bankruptcy of business entities undertaken by the Governments of Russia and Germany are considered and evaluated. Findings: As a result of the study, the authors concluded that during a pandemic, the risk factor for bankruptcy of business entities significantly increases and it is necessary to take measures to prevent the bankruptcy of business entities. The introduction of a moratorium on the bankruptcy of economic entities served as such measures in Russia and Germany. For these purposes, an appropriate regulatory and legal framework was created, providing for a ban on the introduction of bankruptcy procedures of certain economic entities. Practical Implications: The authors proposed introducing extra measures to prevent the bankruptcy of business entities in Russia in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it was proposed to borrow foreign experience and introduce a moratorium on the obligation to file an application by a debtor - a business entity to declare it a bankrupt, to fix a regulatory moratorium on filing applications to the arbitration court for the recognition of business entities as bankrupt by tax authorities. Originality/Value: State policy to prevent the bankruptcy of business entities in the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 restrictions significantly affects the number of bankruptcies of business entities due to the pandemic. In this regard, measures to prevent mass bankruptcy of entrepreneurs are an important factor in maintaining the stability of the state's economy.peer-reviewe

Investigation of supramolecular structure of the rare and rare-earth elements nanoparticles carrier when modified using microwave irradiation

In this paper, we present an IR and XRD study of the polypropylene fibrous nanoparticles carrier when its surface modified with rare and rare-earth elements nanoparticles using microwave irradiation, by the example of SnO2/TiO2 hetero-nanoparticles. The paper shows that the smectic mesomorph structure of the non-modified polypropylene fibrous carrier transforms into the monoclinic α-crystalline due to microwave irradiation. At the same time, the carrier material remains stereoregular and keeps its helical structure

The origins of Japanese national symbols

From the point of view of constructivism, the image of national and ethnical identity – the image of a nation as an “imaginary political community” – supposes the inclusion of the specially created symbolic signs, which are recognized by the whole community in general. First of all, these signs encompass national symbols. This article is dedicated to revealing specific aspects of forming of such national symbols as the flag and the anthem of Japan. Analyzing these symbols through the prism of political culture, the authors indicate the stable continuity in symbolism of national tradition modern expression within the historical constituent of Japan

The origins of Japanese national symbols

From the point of view of constructivism, the image of national and ethnical identity – the image of a nation as an “imaginary political community” – supposes the inclusion of the specially created symbolic signs, which are recognized by the whole community in general. First of all, these signs encompass national symbols. This article is dedicated to revealing specific aspects of forming of such national symbols as the flag and the anthem of Japan. Analyzing these symbols through the prism of political culture, the authors indicate the stable continuity in symbolism of national tradition modern expression within the historical constituent of Japan

Superficial acid-base properties of polymer fibres

Protolytic properties of fine fibre plastics based on polypropylene, polyethyleneterephthalate and polycarbonate were investigated. Acidic (carboxylic, hydroxyl) and basic Lewis sites (esters, carbonates, epoxies) were discovered on fibres surface using IR spectroscopy. The number of active groups of various nature and their pKa values were evaluated by potentiometric titration in aqueous and non-aqueous media. The tested fibres possess a low capacity for both acidic and basic sites on it. The results indicate that all the polymer fibre materials (PFM) due to the presence of carboxyl groups on the surfaces, enable modification of their surfaces with metal nanoparticles, thereby giving them unique properties, e.g., photocatalytic and bactericidal