Adaptation of the quantitative PCR method for the detection of the main representatives of cereal grain mycobiota

The content of fungal DNA and mycotoxins in cereal crops (31 varieties of wheat, oats, and barley) was quantitatively determined and used for comparative characterization of grains. The quantitative PCR has been adapted for the analysis of the target DNA of Alternaria spp., Bipolaris sorokiniana (B. sorokiniana), Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), F. culmorum, and F. sporotrichioides fungi, which are often present in mycobiota of small grain cereals. The content of DNA of aggressive pathogen B. sorokiniana was determined using quantitative PCR for the first time. The DNA of Alternaria fungi was found abundantly in all grain samples, but its content in the oat was significantly higher compared to barley and wheat (5 and 9 times higher, respectively). In barley grain, the content of B. sorokiniana DNA was on average significantly higher than in the grains of oats and wheat. The presence of F. graminearum DNA was established in all the analyzed grain samples while the F. culmorum DNA was found in 70% of the oat’s samples and in all samples of barley and wheat. Mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by these fungi was detected in all analyzed cereal grains in a range from 77 to 4133 μg/kg. The DNA of F. sporotrichioides was detected in 70% of oats and 50% of barley samples but was not found in wheat. The T-2 toxin produced by this fungus was detected in 45% of all samples within the range from 2 to 89 μg/kg. The statistically significant positive correlation with the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) equal to 0.49 (p<0.05) was observed between the amount of F. graminearum DNA and DON in the grain samples. Another significant positive correlation (r = 0.72, p<0.01) was found between DNA contents of Alternaria fungi and F. sporotrichioides in the grain samples. This leads to the suggestion that conditions for growth of these fungi in grain substrates are similar.The content of fungal DNA and mycotoxins in cereal crops (31 varieties of wheat, oats, and barley) was quantitatively determined and used for comparative characterization of grains. The quantitative PCR has been adapted for the analysis of the target DNA of Alternaria spp., Bipolaris sorokiniana (B. sorokiniana), Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), F. culmorum, and F. sporotrichioides fungi, which are often present in mycobiota of small grain cereals. The content of DNA of aggressive pathogen B. sorokiniana was determined using quantitative PCR for the first time. The DNA of Alternaria fungi was found abundantly in all grain samples, but its content in the oat was significantly higher compared to barley and wheat (5 and 9 times higher, respectively). In barley grain, the content of B. sorokiniana DNA was on average significantly higher than in the grains of oats and wheat. The presence of F. graminearum DNA was established in all the analyzed grain samples while the F. culmorum DNA was found in 70% of the oat’s samples and in all samples of barley and wheat. Mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by these fungi was detected in all analyzed cereal grains in a range from 77 to 4133 μg/kg. The DNA of F. sporotrichioides was detected in 70% of oats and 50% of barley samples but was not found in wheat. The T-2 toxin produced by this fungus was detected in 45% of all samples within the range from 2 to 89 μg/kg. The statistically significant positive correlation with the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) equal to 0.49 (p<0.05) was observed between the amount of F. graminearum DNA and DON in the grain samples. Another significant positive correlation (r = 0.72, p<0.01) was found between DNA contents of Alternaria fungi and F. sporotrichioides in the grain samples. This leads to the suggestion that conditions for growth of these fungi in grain substrates are similar

Structural and magnetic dimers in the spin-gapped system CuTe2O5

We investigated the magnetic properties of the system CuTe2O5 by susceptibility and electron spin resonance measurements. The anisotropy of the effective g-factors and the ESR linewidth indicates that the anticipated structural dimer does not correspond to the singlet-forming magnetic dimer. Moreover, the spin susceptibility of CuTe2O5 can only be described by taking into account interdimer interactions of the same order of magnitude than the intradimer coupling. Analyzing the exchange couplings in the system we identify the strongest magnetic coupling between two Cu ions to be mediated by super-super exchange interaction via a bridging Te ligand, while the superexchange coupling between the Cu ions of the structural dimer only results in the second strongest coupling

The valuable characteristics of oats genotypes and resistance to Fusarium disease

A comprehensive field- and laboratory-based assessment of the eco-geographical and intraspecific diversity of oats helps determine the parameters, on the basis of which it is possible to select genotypes that may serve as genetic sources for breeding. The study aims to analyze the relationship of agronomic traits of oat genotypes from the VIR collection with resistance to Fusarium disease. The agronomic characters and disease resistance of 340 genotypes of hulled and naked oats belonging to the cultivated species Avena sativa L., A. byzantina C. Koch, A. abyssinica Hoch. and A. strigosa Schreb. of different geographical origin have been tested in field and laboratory conditions in 2007–2009 and in 2014. The artificial infection with Fusarium sporotrichioides Sherb. was used to evaluate bacterial loads and mycotoxin contamination in the oat genotypes. An integral analysis has shown that the duration of the second half of the vegetation period, resistance to lodging and pathogen infection, plant height and panicle elongation facilitate grain infection. It has been found that A. strigosa and A. sativa are less susceptible to Fusarium than A. byzantina and A. abyssinica. Naked oats are more resistant to Fusarium disease if compared to the hulled ones. A comparison of evaluation results for the local and bred genotypes has shown that local accessions with the unilateral panicle and dark-colored floral glumes are more resistant to Fusarium disease. When considering the geographical origin, a higher degree of resistance was discovered in local varieties from China as well as in some accessions from Russia and USA and bred cultivars from Belarus. In total, the characters studied made it possible to identify oat genotypes with high yield and resistance to Fusarium disease

THE DEPOSIT OF ANTIBODY’S PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSE AND ITS RESISTANCE TO INHIBITORS OF PROLIFERATION

The effect of hyperstimulation of the primary immune response was showed by additional introducing of antigen in the late log-phase of the primary IgM-response. The multiple increase of IgM-and IgG-antibody productive cells (АРС) in the spleen during the primary response was accompanied by suppression of anamnestic response. The injection of hydroxyurea (an inhibitor of DNA synthesis) together with the additional introduction of the antigen at the late log-phase of the primary IgM-response reduces the rise of IgM-APC, but does not abolish the stimulation of the primary and secondary IgG-APC formation. This fact indicates that proliferative processes play an important role in the stimulation of IgM-response induced by reinjection of the antigen. The stimulation of proliferation of B-lymphocytes which differentiate into antibody productive cells significantly reduces the pool of memory cells and consequently, suppresses secondary immune response

INNOVATION MANAGERS FOR THE COUNTRY’S TECHNOLOGICAL SOVEREIGNTY

The article substantiates the authors’ position, supported by empirical data, on the sharp increase in the intellectual intensity of managerial activities and on the transformation of the managerial profession into one of the most complex, gaining particular importance in the organisation of the innovation process for technological sovereignty. The increasing role of management science in understanding the ongoing turbulent changes, developing methodologies for proactive management and identifying competencies in demand in the economy is highlighted. The need for the introduction of advanced learning in these conditions is demostrated; the authors’ experience in its development and implementation in terms of specific organisational models, content and teaching methods is presented. Within the framework of the proposed concept of further education, it is necessary to introduce a management specialisation focused on specific industries into the existing system of higher education. It will provide enhanced fundamental and applied training, a significant increase in the volume of practice and will enable students to master the engineering-economic and engineering-managerial knowledge necessary for taking into account interdisciplinary relationships between high technology, economics and finance when making management decisions

INTERDISCIPLINARY COMPETENCIES OF MANAGERS FOR A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

The article aims to study the structure of and improve the model for the fostering of managerial competencies to solve the problems of a technological breakthrough in the domestic economy. The authors apply their proprietary approach that makes it possible to reveal the range of interdisciplinarity and to specify its content. Methods and tools for mastering the competencies in demand are developed. As the empirical base which proves the validity of their сonclusions, the authors cite their own research as well as the results of the analysis of educational programs in engineering management implemented at the leading universities of the world, and the expert opinions of the heads of energy enterprises and professors of Russian universities. The paper analyzes the key factors in the formation of interdisciplinary competencies: a management paradigm towards which the educational process is oriented, a model of knowledge and skills that is adequate to the content of the tasks of a technological breakthrough, a methodology for analyzing interdisciplinary relationships in managerial decisions. The article outlines the relevant experience of training managers of various levels by the Department of Energy Management Systems and Industrial Enterprises of Ural Federal University.The study is scientifically novel as it discovers a new approach to understanding interdisciplinarity when determining the managerial competencies necessary for a technological breakthrough. The practical significance of the article is due to the fact that it presents the experience of implementing the developed approach to the training of managers with an increased readiness to constantly embrace and implement future technologies

PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

The article reasons the need for changing the model of management education and corresponding tools and approaches to bring them in line with the challenges of a technological breakthrough and organisational transformations in the national economy that is going through an unprecedented overhaul of global economic ties and is restricted by sanctions. The authors suggest a paradigm of proactive training that is characterised by its focus on foreseeing changes by having a breakthrough research agenda, a quick conversion of research results into the educational content, research projects and activities, the flexibility of the content and formats of the educational process. The conceptual mechanism of a system for the anticipatory training of managers has been designed; potential methodologies have been identified for building educational modules for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. By analysing the methodologies it was possible to develop a comprehensive approach to creating high-value educational products. The article describes some of the proprietary technologies that the authors use when implementing proactive education programs in practice.The scientific novelty of the article lies in the formulation of the training concept for managers aimed at solving complex interdisciplinary tasks of a technological breakthrough. In terms of the practical value, the article presents a mix of educational technologies for the implementation of the concept. It includes electronic proactive leaning system, conveyor of continuous competence enhancement, digital modular architecture of the learning process, “module-in-module” technology

FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND FLEXIBILITY OF THINKING AS PRIORITIES OF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH

The article substantiates the need for a radical review of approaches to the training of managers in high technological industries, whose professional activity context is defined by continuous crises, growing uncertainty, dynamic trends, the massive emergence of the newest technical, organizational, and IT solutions, and a profound transformation of markets. Building upon their own research, analysis of expert opinions from top managers, university professors and the best practices of the world's leading universities, the authors identify trends indicating the growing role of the fundamental knowledge possessed by managers, who are capable of raising up to the challenges of an unstable environment. Links are determined between fundamental training and the flexibility of managerial thinking. A conceptual vision is presented of the peculiarities of managerial thinking and of conditions for developing its flexibility in the educational process.The scientific novelty of the article includes arguments substantiating the need for stepping up fundamental training in line with objective demand for changes in the content of managerial functions. Such training is based on three components: methodology of anticipatory management; scientific and technological foundations of production and technologies of the future; a vision of professional activity and changes that will be brought about by the introduction of new technologies. On the applied side, the authors have designed a concrete structure of fundamental training and a mix of training methods that promote flexibility of thinking and have proved effective as part of Masters in Management programs