Audio books as a method of learning the English language

The purpose of the article is to introduce some information about the method of learning a foreign language using audio books to the reader. The author draws attention to different ways of information perception (auditory, visual and kinesthetic) to let the reader evaluate the effectiveness of this learning method. Much attention is focused on the algorithm of learning English using an audio book. As an example, a famous book «The Adventures of Tom Sawyer» by Mark Twain is examined. In conclusion, the author underlines the advantages and disadvantages of the method. Цель данной статьи заключается в том, чтобы познакомить читателя с техникой изучения иностранного языка при помощи аудиокниг. Автор обращает внимание на различные способы восприятия информации (слуховой, зрительный и кинестетический), чтобы увидеть, насколько этот метод обучения может быть эффективным. Большое внимание уделяется алгоритму изучения английского языка с помощью аудиокниги. В качестве примера приводится знаменитая книга Марка Твена "Приключения Тома Сойера". В заключении автор указывает на преимущества и недостатки данного метода

The role of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of congenital hyperplasia of blood vessels in the head and neck in children (literature review)

To date, scientists have found that stress plays an important role in the formation of congenital malformations. It can be caused by the influence of negative environmental factors on the pregnant woman or by her own diseases. One of the consequences of stress is hypoxia. It can be acute and chronic, and can have a negative impact both during pregnancy and during childbirth. They also distinguish local and general hypoxia. The consequences of the negative impact of oxygen deficiency on the embryo and fetus can manifest itself both in utero and after birth, leading to  various kinds of congenital malformations, diseases, and sometimes fetal death, or increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Hyperplasia of blood vessels, the so-called children’s hemangiomas, develops both in utero, especially with chronic fetal hypoxia, and during childbirth. It develops due to insufficient blood supply and oxygen deficiency in various parts of the body, most often in the head and neck. In an embryo under conditions of hypoxia, tachycardia develops – with an increase in heart rate and, if it is ineffective, local vasodilation occurs. Only then, under the condition of continuing hypoxia, does an increase in the number of blood vessels develop. This often leads to the formation of hyperplasia of the blood vessels, the so-called children’s hemangiomas.This pathology is quite common, especially among fair-skinned children, which makes its study, in particular the factors that cause this pathology, relevant today

Изучение дрейфа айсбергов у побережья Северной Земли весной 2018 г. с помощью спутниковой информации

The movement of icebergs in the Laptev Sea off the coast of the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago in spring of 2018 was analyzed using satellite observations in visible spectral band. As is shown in the article the data of radiometers installed on the Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellites allow monitoring of iceberg drifting in spring period in the above Arctic region. Thus, in March-April 2018, the total amount of icebergs detected near the archipelago was 4917. 4161 icebergs were in the landfast ice, 722 ones were drifting with the ice fields, and the other 32 were aground in ice fields. The average length of the icebergs was equal to 88 m; the largest of the recognized icebergs was located in the landfast ice near the ice shelf of the Matusevich fjord and it was 1240 m in length. The maximum speed of drift of the icebergs, as determined by the satellite data, was equal to 29.5 km/day. This was estimated for the situation when the speed of the near-water (surface) wind reached 20 m/s and larger. The purpose of the work was to study drifting of icebergs in order to define more exactly dynamics of the iceberg movement in this poorly known area of the Arctic. It is found that in a case of the consolidated ice cover the drift speed of ice fields with the icebergs involved depends on the driving wind force and direction. According to mean speeds of movement all icebergs were separated into three groups: the icebergs of the coastal zone with velocities smaller 1 km/day; the icebergs of the transition zone at speeds of 1.3 to 1.6 km/day; and the icebergs of the transit zone with speeds larger 2 km/day. The characteristics of the iceberg drifts obtained on the basis of daily satellite monitoring can be used in regional iceberg drift models to ensure safe economic activity on the Arctic shelf. Also, they can find application in engineering calculations in the design of infrastructure facilities on the shelf of the Arctic seas.Обсуждаются результаты спутникового мониторинга айсбергов, находившихся в сплочённом ледяном покрове у побережья Северной Земли в марте-апреле 2018 г. Показано, что айсберги вместе с ледяными полями перемещались на северо-запад из моря Лаптевых в Арктический бассейн, причём скорость перемещения зависела от скорости приводного ветра. Приведены траектории 50 айсбергов по наблюдениям за 1-3,5 месяцев

Оценка объёма айсбергового стока с выводных ледников Северной Земли за 2014–2019 гг.

Volume of icebergs calved from the output glaciers located on the Northern Land during 2014–2019 was estimated using the satellite information. High-resolution satellite data were obtained in the visible spectral range from the non-commercial satellites Sentinel‑2 (spatial resolution 10 m) and Landsat‑8 (spatial resolution 15 m). Data collection was carried out under conditions when the natural illumination in the Arctic was sufficient (March–September) to make pictures in the visible spectral range. About 100 satellite images were analyzed for each year of the above period. The technique used for the iceberg detection is based on statistical criteria for finding the gradient zones in the analysis of two-dimensional fields of satellite images. The generation of the iceberg from a particular glacier was verified by using a form template of the detected iceberg taking into consideration the following parameters of the object: the geometrical shape, dimensions, specific features of «picture» of the ice surface (presence and orientation of cracks, peaks, and lakelets of melt water). The iceberg height was determined by its shadow on the image. The calculated total annual volume of icebergs from the outlet glaciers was estimated 1.52–1.9 km3. According to satellite data, the annual area reduction of the Northern Land outlet glaciers averaged 13 km2. The greatest contribution is made by 12 outlet glaciers located on the Komsomolets and the October Revolution islands. Of these, six are from the Academy of Sciences ice dome, four – the glaciers of the Matusevich Fjord, the Vavilov Glacier and the Rusanov dome glacier № 12. Icebergs of maximum height (30–40 m) are produced by glaciers of the North-Eastern slope of the Academy of Sciences ice dome and glacier № 12 of the Rusanov dome. In general, according to satellite data of recent years, generation of icebergs from the outlet glaciers of the Northern Land shows a steady growth trend.По спутниковым данным видимого спектрального диапазона оценена продуктивность выводных ледников Северной Земли как источников айсбергов в период 2014–2019 гг. Рассчитанный ежегодный суммарный айсберговый сток с выводных ледников составил 1,52–1,9 км3. Наибольший вклад в айсберговый сток вносят выводные ледники ледникового купола Академии наук и шельфовый ледник Матусевича. Согласно спутниковым данным последних лет, айсберговый сток выводных ледников Северной Земли имеет устойчивую тенденцию к росту

Clinical significance of sensitization to house dust mite allergens using flow cytometry-based basophil activation test

Respiratory allergy takes a significant place among allergic diseases. Similar clinical manifestations occur in sensitized patients in response to various airborne allergens. Accordingly, the allergen testing by means of in vivo and in vitro techniques is necessary to identify a causally significant allergen. The main laboratory assay to estimate sensitization to the airborne allergens is based on detection of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE). However, clinical manifestations cannot be always confirmed by this test. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of basophil activation test (BAT) using flow cytometry, in order to confirm sensitization to house dust mite allergens. The BAT was carried out with allergens from Dermatofagoides in 34 volunteers, 130 patients were examined at the Russian Centre of Emergency and Radiation Medicine (33 people with household and 97 people with polysensitization), and 10 patients with allergy to house dust mites confirmed by skin testing. The sensitization was assessed using two laboratory kits (Allergenicity and BD FastImmune). The total IgE and sIgE to house dust mites, as well as concentrations of eosinophilic cationic protein, were determined. Specificity of the BAT with Allergenicity kit for the house dust mites was 94%. The sensitivity was 88% in the patients with household sensitization, thus being comparable with skin testing results available from the literature. An absolute correlation was found between positive results of skin testing and the BAT. In patients with household sensitization, sIgE levels > 0.35 UA/mL were detected in 39% of cases. A positive correlation was shown between the indices of basophil activation in response to testing allergens, and total immunoglobulin E and sIgE concentrations. High degree of correlation was found between the results of Dermatofagoides sensitization testing with both BAT kits. It was shown that the use of H1 histamine receptor blockers had no effect on BAT results. A decrease in sensitivity assay for airborne allergens was revealed upon therapy with glucocorticosteroids. Due to the proven clinical significance of the basophil activation test for diagnosing sensitization to inhaled allergens, one may require to supplement the range of approved assays in Russian Clinical Guidelines with BAT testing to prove sensitization in patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, thus contributing to better diagnosis of causally significant allergens and, accordingly, administration of proper therapy

Использование спутниковой информации для обнаружения айсбергов и оценки айсберговой угрозы

Te methods of satellite monitoring of dangerous ice formations, namely icebergs in the Arctic seas, representing a threat to the safety of navigation and economic activity on the Arctic shelf are considered. Te main objective of the research is to develop methods for detecting icebergs using satellite radar data and high space resolution images in the visible spectral range. Te developed method of iceberg detection is based on statistical criteria for fnding gradient zones in the analysis of two-dimensional felds of satellite images. Te algorithms of the iceberg detection, the procedure of the false target identifcation, and determination the horizontal dimensions of the icebergs and their location are described. Examples of iceberg detection using satellite information with high space resolution obtained from Sentinel-1 and Landsat-8 satellites are given. To assess the iceberg threat, we propose to use a model of their drif, one of the input parameters of which is the size of the detected objects. Tree possible situations of observation of icebergs are identifed, namely, the «status» state of objects: icebergs on open water; icebergs in drifing ice; and icebergs in the fast ice. At the same time, in each of these situations, the iceberg can be grounded, that prevents its moving. Specifc features of the iceberg monitoring at various «status» states of them are considered. Te «status» state of the iceberg is also taken into account when assessing the degree of danger of the detected object. Te use of iceberg detection techniques based on satellite radar data and visible range images is illustrated by results of monitoring the coastal areas of the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago. Te approaches proposed to detect icebergs from satellite data allow improving the quality and efciency of service for a wide number of users with ensuring the efciency and safety of Arctic navigation and activities on the Arctic shelf.Рассмотрены методы обработки оперативной спутниковой информации об айсбергах. Применённая методика обнаружения айсбергов основана на статистических критериях поиска градиентных зон при анализе двухмерных полей. Использование методик обнаружения айсбергов по спутниковым радиолокационным данным и снимкам видимого диапазона показано на материалах мониторинга прибрежных районов Северной Земли

Organization’s Methods of Student’s Reflection in Online Course as a Enhance Factor of Learning Motivation

В статье охарактеризован онлайн-курс как вид электронного обучения. Рассмотрены возможности организации рефлексии обучающихся онлайн-курсов в процессе самостоятельной учебной деятельности. Представлены инструменты организации рефлексии обучающихся в онлайн-курсе и формирования мотивационной системы в рамках онлайн-курса.In the article the online course is described as a type of e-learning. The organization’s options of student’s reflection in the process of selfdirected learning activity are considered. The tools for organizing students’ reflection in an online course and the formation of a motivational system within an online course are presented

FEATURES OF IMMUNE RESPONSE IN PRETERM BABIES WITH BRONCHOPULMONARY DISPLASIA OF VARIOUS SEVERITY

To evaluate the immunity indexes in the children who were born with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) of varying severity at very early delivery terms (22-27 weeks), dynamic examinations were performed in 35 infants: 17 children were with severe BPD; 18, with mild-severity and moderately severe BPD. The comparison group consisted of seven children born at 22-27 weeks of gestational age without signs of BPD. Relative numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD16+CD56+, CD4+CD25+), and monocytes (CD14+CD64+, CD14+HLA-DR+) were determined by flow cytometry. The level of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-4) was measured by enzyme immunoassay technique. The features of immune status in children with BPD of severe, mild and moderate severity were discerned. It was found that the predictors of severe BPD development in the children born at very early terms, are: increased content of IL-8 at birth and at the age of 1 month, reduced level of expression on monocytes (CD64, HLA-DR) on the 1 month of life, and CD14+CD64+ cells at 38-40 weeks post conception. The revealed features of immune status in newborns with BPD can be used to assess the effectiveness of the therapy, which requires further research in this direction

Statistics of Magnetic Fields for OB Stars

Based on an analysis of the catalog of magnetic fields, we have investigated the statistical properties of the mean magnetic fields for OB stars. We show that the mean effective magnetic field ${\cal B}$ of a star can be used as a statistically significant characteristic of its magnetic field. No correlation has been found between the mean magnetic field strength ${\cal B}$ and projected rotational velocity of OB stars, which is consistent with the hypothesis about a fossil origin of the magnetic field. We have constructed the magnetic field distribution function for B stars, $F({\cal B})$, that has a power-law dependence on ${\cal B}$ with an exponent of $\approx -1.82$. We have found a sharp decrease in the function $F({\cal B})$F for {\cal B}\lem 400 G that may be related to rapid dissipation of weak stellar surface magnetic fields.Comment: 22 pages, 7 figures, accepted Astronomy Letters, 2010, vol.36, No.5, pp.370-379, contact E-mail: [email protected]

Особенности совместного использования спутниковых данных видимого диапазона и радиолокационных данных для мониторинга арктических айсбергов на примере района Земли Франца-Иосифа

Given the availability of data, in order to monitor icebergs in the vast Arctic region, it is necessary to ensure an optimal ratio of the satellite radar data cost (with a wide swath and high spatial resolution) and the reliability of the results obtained. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using only non-commercial satellite information for monitoring icebergs. To achieve this goal, an iceberg detection technique was applied based on statistical criteria of searching for gradient zones in analyzing two-dimensional fields of satellite images. As a source of information, we used high spatial resolution satellite data obtained from non – commercial satellites Sentinel-1 (radar data) and Landsat-8 (visible spectral range data) with a pixel size of 40 × 20 and 15 m, respectively.Through comparison with the data of the visible spectral range of ultra-high resolution, the error was estimated of measuring the size of icebergs using the visible range equipment of the Landsat-8 satellite and the radar of the Sentinel-1 satellite. Based on the analysis of satellite data of the visible spectral range and radar data, the spatial dimensions of icebergs formed by the outlet glaciers of Franz Josef Land n 2020–2022 were estimated. The materials were collected for the period August-September, corresponding to the conditions of minimum ice extent in the Franz Josef Land area and sufficient natural illumination for using the data of the visible spectral range in the Arctic. In total, about 100 satellite images were analyzed. The sources of error in the satellite measurements are discussed, as well as the reasons for the impossibility in some cases to identify Franz Josef Land icebergs on radar images. It is shown that the largest contribution to the iceberg runoff of Franz Josef Land is made by outflow glaciers located on Georg Land, Wilczek Land, Gall, Salisbury and Champa islands. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that radar data with a pixel size of 40 m allow one to obtain essentially reliable information on the spatial distribution of icebergs in the water area. However, it is not possible to obtain a reliable function of the distribution of icebergs by size since most of the icebergs in the Franz Josef Land water area have small and medium sizes and are rarely identified in images of such spatial resolution.Обсуждается эффективность использования некоммерческих спутниковых данных, видимого спектрального диапазона и радиолокационных, для мониторинга айсбергов в районе архипелага Земля Франца-Иосифа. Путем сравнения с данными видимого диапазона сверхвысокого разрешения оценена погрешность измерения размеров айсбергов по данным видимого диапазона ИСЗ Landsat-8 и спутникового радиолокатора Sentinel-1. Установлена зависимость способности спутникового радиолокатора обнаруживать айсберги в прибрежной зоне от угла наклона луча. Сделан вывод, что радиолокационные данные с размером пикселя 40 м позволяют получить представление о закономерностях пространственного распределения айсбергов по акватории, но построить достоверную функцию распределения айсбергов по размерам не удается