Studying passenger experiences with the Moscow central circle : new places to visit, preferences for train travel, and passenger traffic forecasts examination

New public transport infrastructure is not of frequent occurrence in modern Russia, with Moscow being an exception. What consequences such infrastructural development may lead to is an open question. The launch of the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) is an opportunity to study the changes in transport behavior of urban residents. In this paper, the authors explore a number of aspects based on a survey conducted among the MCC passengers in September 2017. Firstly, the authors attempt to redefine the concept of availability as an opportunity to visit new places. Findings show that approximately 20 % of the passengers started to make trips to new places. Secondly, the authors examine the reasons behind passenger preferences for a certain trip mentioned during the survey. The most common reason is "convenience" which respondents interpret in a number of ways. And finally, the authors compare forecast and actual distributions of inbound passenger flow at the MCC stations in terms of different ways to get to these stations. The study shows that the volume of pedestrian traffic is considerably underestimated in the forecasts. Apart from theoretical and applied issues the project also tests the method of intercept surveys used to create a sample frame.Peer reviewe

DaNetQA: a yes/no Question Answering Dataset for the Russian Language

DaNetQA, a new question-answering corpus, follows (Clark et. al, 2019) design: it comprises natural yes/no questions. Each question is paired with a paragraph from Wikipedia and an answer, derived from the paragraph. The task is to take both the question and a paragraph as input and come up with a yes/no answer, i.e. to produce a binary output. In this paper, we present a reproducible approach to DaNetQA creation and investigate transfer learning methods for task and language transferring. For task transferring we leverage three similar sentence modelling tasks: 1) a corpus of paraphrases, Paraphraser, 2) an NLI task, for which we use the Russian part of XNLI, 3) another question answering task, SberQUAD. For language transferring we use English to Russian translation together with multilingual language fine-tuning.Comment: Analysis of Images, Social Networks and Texts - 9 th International Conference, AIST 2020, Skolkovo, Russia, October 15-16, 2020, Revised Selected Papers. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (https://dblp.org/db/series/lncs/index.html), Springer 202

Enhancing decellularized vascular scaffolds with PVDF and PCL reinforcement: a fused deposition modeling approach

BackgroundDecellularized xenogenic scaffolds represent a promising substrate for tissue-engineered vascular prostheses, particularly those with smaller diameters (<6 mm). Despite their benefits, a notable limitation presents itself during decellularization, namely, the diminished mechanical strength that introduces the risk of aneurysmal dilations in the early post-implantation period. This study introduces a strategy for modification the mechanical properties of these biological scaffolds through the forming of an external polymeric reinforcement via thermal extrusion.MethodsThe study utilized scaffolds fabricated from bovine internal mammary arteries through decellularization and preservation. The scaffolds were divided into subgroups and reinforced with polymeric helices made of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Polycaprolactone (PCL), n = 5 for each. An experimental setup for external reinforcement coating was designed. Computed microtomography was employed to obtain accurate 3D models of the scaffolds. Mechanical properties were evaluated through in vitro uniaxial tension tests (Z50, Zwick/Roell, Germany), compliance evaluation and numerical simulations (Abaqus/CAE, Dassault Systemes, France) to investigate the effect of external reinforcement on aneurysm growth.ResultsUsing a double-layer helix for the reinforcement significantly enhanced the radial tensile strength of the scaffolds, increasing it up to 2.26 times. Yet, the comparison of vessel's compliance between two reinforced and the Control scaffolds within the physiological pressures range did not reveal any significant differences. Numerical simulation of aneurysm growth showed that thin-walled regions of the Control scaffold developed aneurysmal-type protrusions, bulging up to 0.7 mm, with a substantial degradation of mechanical properties. In contrast, both PVDF and PCL reinforced scaffolds did not exhibit significant property degradation, with deformations ranging 0.1–0.13 mm depending on the model, and a maximum decrease in the modulus of elasticity of 23%.ConclusionThe results of the study demonstrated that the external polymer helical reinforcement of decellularized scaffolds via thermal extrusion enables a controlled modification of mechanical properties, notably enhancing radial strength while maintaining sufficient compliance within the physiological pressure range. A series of in vitro tests demonstrated the consistency and potential of this approach for decellularized xenogenic scaffolds, a concept that had not been explored before

Identification of autoimmune markers in pulmonary tuberculosis

IntroductionPathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases is mainly promoted by poorly regulated and/or wrong targeted immune response to pathogens including M. tuberculosis. Autoimmunity is one of the processes with are characteristics of tuberculosis (Tbc). The aim was to determine the autoimmune clinical and immunological features in patients with pulmonary Tbc.Materials and methodsA prospective comparative study was performed in 2017 – 2019 with the inclusion of 46 patients with Tbc. The trigger factors and clinical manifestations, autoantibodies, peripheral blood B cell subsets were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies. 40 healthy volunteers in the control group, were matched for age with no chronic diseases, contacts with TB patients and changes in their laboratory parameters. A statistical analysis was done with GraphPad Prism 6, Statistica 10 (Statsoft) and MedCalc – version 18.2.1 values.ResultsThere were no significant ASIA triggers in Tbc patients and control group. 21.1% of Tbc patients had a high level of a rheumatoid factor and in 47.4% complement system factor C3 was high; anti-MCV was detected in 60.7% of Tbc patients. Relative and absolute frequencies of “naïve” Bm1 cells and eBm5 were significantly decreased and activated pre-germinal-center Bm2’ cells were significantly increased in Tbc patients. The CD24++CD38++ B cells were increased in Tbc vs control group (10.25% vs 5.42%), p < 0.001, and 19 cell/1μL (10; 290 vs 11 cell/1μL (6; 20), p = 0.029, respectively). The frequency of CXCR3+CCR4– Tfh1 cells was significantly lower in Tbc vs control one (26.52% vs. 31.00%, p = 0.004), while CXCR3–CCR4+ Tfh2 cells were increased in Tbc (20.31% vs. controls (16.56%, p = 0.030). The absolute numbers of Tfh1 cells were decreased in the Tbc vs. control (24 cell/1μL vs. 37 cell/1μL p = 0.005).ConclusionThe results of our study showed that the detection of a rheumatoid factor, the components of complement system and anti-MCV in complex with alterations in B cells and follicular Th cell subsets may indicate a presence of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis, but they are not specific. The indicators of autoimmune-related provide new opportunities in the Tbc treatment

N-ГЛИКОЛИЛНЕЙРАМИНОВАЯ КИСЛОТА КАК ВОЗМОЖНЫЙ ТРИГГЕР ИММУННОГО ОТТОРЖЕНИЯ ЭПОКСИОБРАБОТАННЫХ КСЕНОПЕРИКАРДИАЛЬНЫХ БИОПРОТЕЗОВ КЛАПАНОВ СЕРДЦА

HighlightsStabilization of bovine pericardial tissue by ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether does not remove the N-glycolylneuraminic acid contained in its structure, which is one of the most immunoreactive glycan xenoantigens;N-glycolylneuraminic acid can potentially cause early immune rejection of epoxy-treated bioprosthetic heart valves. Aim. To assess the presence of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) in an intact bovine pericardial tissue stabilized by ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether and in the leaflets of epoxy-treated bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) explanted due to dysfunction.Methods. By means of immunochemistry (using anti-Neu5Gc antibodies), we studied the fragments of 5 samples of intact epoxy-treated bovine pericardium commonly used in cardiac surgery. Similarly, we examined the fragments of the leaflets of 8 epoxy-treated BHVs that lasted for different time periods (1 day to 68 months) and excised during reoperation. The native bovine pericardium and the leaflets of 3 human aortic valves (AV) removed during reoperation in patients with aortic stenosis were used as positive and negative controls, respectively.Results. Positive reaction for Neu5Gc was observed in intact epoxy-treated xenopericardium and BHVs excised 1, 2, 20 and 42 days after implantation. The tissue of BHV that had lasted 30 months was characterized by the faint presence of Neu5Gc. In the leaflets of AV and in BHVs, explanted after 34, 63 and 68 months, Neu5Gc was not detected. Conclusion. Stabilization of xenobiomaterial with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether does not remove the Neu5Gc. This saccharide remains in the biological tissue of epoxy-treated BHV for about 2.5 years after implantation. Основные положенияСтабилизация бычьего перикарда диглицидиловым эфиром этиленгликоля не экранирует содержащуюся в его структуре N-гликолилнейраминовую кислоту – один из наиболее иммунореактивных гликановых ксеноантигенов.N-гликолилнейраминовая кислота может являться потенциальным триггером раннего иммунного отторжения эпоксиобработанных ксенобиопротезов клапанов сердца. Цель. Оценить присутствие N-гликолилнейраминовой кислоты (ГНК) в интактном бычьем перикарде, стабилизированном диглицидиловым эфиром этиленгликоля, а также в створках эпоксиобработанных ксеноперикардиальных биопротезов клапанов сердца (БП), эксплантированных по причине дисфункций.Материалы и методы. Посредством иммуногистохимического окрашивания антителом к ГНК изучены фрагменты пяти лоскутов интактного эпоксиобработанного бычьего перикарда, применяемого в производстве БП. Аналогичным образом исследованы фрагменты створок восьми эпоксиобработанных БП со сроками функционирования от 1 дня до 68 мес. и иссеченных при репротезировании. В качестве положительного и отрицательного контролей использовали нативный бычий перикард и створки трех аортальных клапанов, удаленных при протезировании у пациентов с аортальным стенозом, соответственно.Результаты. Положительное окрашивание ГНК отмечено в интактном эпоксиобработанном ксеноперикарде и створках БП, иссеченных через 1, 2, 20 и 42 дня после имплантации. Ткани БП, функционировавшего 30 мес., характеризовались следовым присутствием ГНК. В створках аортальных клапанов и БП, эксплантированных через 34, 63 и 68 мес., ГНК не выявлена. Заключение. Стабилизация ксенобиоматериала диглицидиловым эфиром этиленгликоля не экранирует ГНК. Данный сахарид сохраняется в структуре биоматериала функционирующих эпоксиобработанных БП около 2,5 лет после имплантации.

Factors determining a sense of belonging of older Russian-speaking migrants in Finland

The number of older migrants has been increasing in the world. Immigration to Finland has also been growing with Russia as one of the biggest nationalities. Older migrants are one of the most vulnerable groups since they might receive less attention than younger migrants, feel more insecure in a new environment, and deal with age-related processes, such as retirement, loss of a spouse, and declining health. Additionally, migration leads to relocation to a new society and adjustment to it, a language barrier, separation from family and friends, and other difficulties. A sense of belonging is crucial for migrants since it provides a feeling of comfort and affects their well-being, and negotiating cultural identity and belonging remains relevant even for those who lived in the country of settlement for decades. Creating a sense of belonging in the receiving society may be challenging for older people due to difficulties in learning a language, declining health, and socialization into origin ethnic culture long before migrating. That is why older migrants’ sense of belonging is a primary interest of this study. This thesis focuses on belonging through identity, which is defined as identification with a certain community, and on individual-level factors of belonging. In addition, the association between cultural orientations and types of belonging is examined. The thesis uses a quantitative approach and data from CHARM research. CATPCA is used to identify types of belonging and cultural orientations, and regression analysis is employed to examine the association between factors and types of belonging. Three types of belonging were found among older Russian-speaking migrants (50 years and above) in Finland : national belonging to Russians and Russian-speaking people in Finland, emotional belonging to communities of colleges, friends, neighbours in Finland, and belonging to Ingrian Finns. Worth noting that a core element of belonging to Ingrian Finns is a religion since it is one of the indicators of Ingrian Finns' identity. Similar to previous studies, local language may be one of the barriers to emotional belonging. However, “poor” Finnish or Swedish skills contribute to national belonging to Russians. Other significant predictors for all types of belonging health, religion, and economic situation. Additionally, orientations to Russian and Finnish culture are moderately and positively correlated, which indicates that migrants may orientate to both Finnish and Russian cultures simultaneously, and their cultural identities may be compatible. Orientation to Russian culture contributes to national belonging and belonging to Ingrian Finns. On the other hand, orientation to Finnish culture and belonging to Ingrian Finns are negatively associated. This thesis shows that older Russian-speaking migrants in Finland may have multiple types of belonging, and some of the most significant factors of national and emotional belonging as well as belonging to Ingrian Finns include language, health, and religion. Furthermore, the concept of cultural orientations is significant for migrants' sense of belonging, and the association between cultural orientations and a sense of belonging should be investigated in more detai

Is it always easy for children with mild asthma?

Bronchial asthma is the most common chronic disease of children, the worst way is their quality of life. Compliance in the treatment of children is very important, since the actual effect of a drug is determined by both the effective drugs and patient adherence and correct use. A relevant test is the use of mild asthma, which is able to control bronchial hyperreactivity associated with exercise, cold air, and other nonspecific irritants (smoke, odors, etc.). Planning of baseline therapy for children with mild asthma aged 5 years old and younger is particularly problematic for paediatricians due to high incidences of acute respiratory viral diseases and viral-induced exacerbations of bronchial asthma among them. In these children, allergen-specific immunotherapy, long-acting B-agonists, the use of many metered-dose inhaled glucocorticosteroids. are not recommended.Montelukast, an oral antileukotriene drug, has advantages in the treatment of children with mild asthma with virus-induced exacerbations, with asthma of physical exertion and severe bronchial hyperreactivity, especially when combined with allergic rhinitis, as well as in special clinical cases, when parents refuse to use ICS for treatment children with mild asthma or inability to use them for some reason. The use of montelukast for mild asthma in children in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic also has advantages that pediatricians can use when observing these children in the pediatric area, taking into account contraindications

New technologies in personalisation of STEM and STEAM education - international context

This article focuses on new technologies in personalisation of STEM and STEAM education in contemporary education, as viewed by experts from different countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. The article aims to review research literature, and provide opinions, views and reflections presented by scientists and experts from several European universities. The research review includes the theoretical background of the discussed topic, a review of national and international research and literature, identification and definition of key concepts, examples of practical achievements, and a description of contemporary trends of STEM and STEAM education and adaptive learning as well as microlearning - effective methods of e-learning. In the end a number of conclusions are draw

New technologies in personalisation of STEM and STEM Education - International context

This article focuses on new technologies in personalisation of STEM and STEAM education in contemporary education, as viewed by experts from different countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. The article aims to review research literature, and provide opinions, views and reflections presented by scientists and experts from several European universities. The research review includes the theoretical background of the discussed topic, a review of national and international research and literature, identification and definition of key concepts, examples of practical achievements, and a description of contemporary trends of STEM and STEAM Education and adaptive learning as well as microlearning- effective methods of e-learning. At the end a number of conclusions are drawn

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS FOR DISEASE SEVERITY AND MORTALITY OF COVID-19 PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS IN KAZAKHSTAN: A NATIONWIDE STUDY

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with higher risk of developing infectious disease and COVID-19 is not the exception. There is a need to generate more data on clinical characteristics and risks of COVID19 patients presenting with DM. In this retrospective study we aimed to report on demographic features, clinical data, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with DM in comparison with age- and sex-matched patients without DM