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Today, the demand for environmentally responsible tourism is growing noticeably. Travelers demonstrate an interest in exploring undisturbed nature that can be found in special protection areas. As part of a network of such areas, botanical gardens can become important elements in the development of sustainable tourism in regions and cities. However, this is no easy task, as it requires preserving natural ecosystems while providing comfortable conditions for tourists. One of the foundations for environmental activities is the opinion of local communities about nature conservation. As the first step towards promoting sustainable tourism on the territory of the Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute of N. A. Avrorin (PABGI; Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences), the only botanical garden in Russia operating in the Arctic, a survey was conducted to investigate the opinions of local residents about this institution as a special protection area and the possibilities for tourism development. The Botanical Garden is an essential element of the historical and cultural landscape not only of the city of Kirovsk but also of the neighboring city of Apatity. The respondents generally demonstrated a high level of environmental awareness. However, questions about the PABGI’s territorial boundaries and the species of plants listed in the Red Book of the Murmansk region posed challenges. The survey revealed that residents of the Kirovsko-Apatitsky district have a positive attitude towards tourism development on the PABGI’s territory. They recognize that it is a protected area and that maintaining special visitation rules is crucial. The results indicate that PABGI needs to intensify its efforts in organizing educational events and interacting with the population, as respondents repeatedly noted the need to expand such activities. According to the citizens, the territory of the botanical garden is a platform where researchers, residents, nature, and culture can interact. Currently, PABGI faces difficulties in performing functions other than its primary ones of natural ecosystem conservation and research. This is largely because special regulations are required on the territory of protected areas, and there are not enough opportunities for sustainable tourism development. A consistent strategy for improving and developing tourism infrastructure needs to be developed in the future.

This study aimed to test the hypothesis of the year-round presence of toxigenic Microcystis and cyanotoxins in the water and ice of the shallow eutrophic Lake Ytyk-Kyuyol located in the continuous permafrost zone. Three independent approaches—mass-spectrometry, molecular methods and light microscopy—were applied in the study. The cyanobacterial biomass ranged from 1.0 × 10−4 to 4.8 mg L−1. Microcystis flos-aquae and M. aeruginosa were the dominant morphospecies in plankton throughout the observation. In environmental DNA, the presence of M. aeruginosa was supported and mcy gene regions responsible for microcystin biosynthesis were detected through a BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) search and phylogenetic estimation based on newly obtained 16S rRNA, 16S–23S ITS rRNA, mcyA and mcyE nucleotide sequences. The intracellular microcystin concentration ranged from −1, and the microcystin quota in the Microcystis biomass was extremely low. For the first time, it was shown that Microcystis cells containing mcy genes and microcystins presented permanently in the water column, both during the ice-free period and under ice, as well as inside thick ice covers within 7 months of severe winter. We hypothesized that minor pelagic and ice populations of Microcystis could participate in increasing cell density in the spring. However, further studies are needed to confirm the viability of the overwintering Microcystis colonies in the water and inside the ice of Lake Ytyk-Kyuyol.

Edema, i.e., fluid accumulation in the interstitial space, accompanies numerous pathological states of the human organism, including heart failure (HF), inflammatory response, and lymphedema. Nevertheless, techniques for quantitative assessment of the edema’s severity and dynamics are absent in clinical practice, and the analysis is mainly limited to physical examination. This fact stimulates the development of novel methods for fast and reliable diagnostics of fluid retention in tissues. In this work, we focused on the possibilities of two microscopic techniques, nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), in the assessment of the short-term and long-term cutaneous edema. We showed that for the patients with HF, morphological parameters obtained by NVC—namely, the apical diameter of capillaries and the size of the perivascular zone—indicate long-term edema. On the other hand, for healthy volunteers, the application of two models of short-term edema, venous occlusion, and histamine treatment of the skin, did not reveal notable changes in the capillary parameters. However, a significant reduction of the NVC image sharpness was observed in this case, which was suggested to be due to water accumulation in the epidermis. To verify these findings, we made use of CLSM, which provides the skin structure with cellular resolution. It was observed that for the histamine-treated skin, the areas of the dermal papillae become hyporefractive, leading to the loss of contrast and the lower visibility of capillaries. Similar effect was observed for patients undergoing infusion therapy. Collectively, our results reveal the parameters can be used for pericapillary edema assessment using the NVC and CLSM, and paves the way for their application in a clinical set-up.

Introduction Meniscus tear is one of the most common injuries of the knee joint. Medial meniscus tear accounts for 23–31 % of knee joint injuries. The main method of treatment is partial resection. As reported, 13.5 % of patients undergo arthroplasty within 15 years after meniscus resection, what is regarded as an unsatisfactory result. Purpose To evaluate and compare the long-term clinical, functional and radiological results of surgical treatment in patients with medial meniscus tear combined with varus deformity of the tibia and without it. Materials and methods From 2013 to 2020, medial meniscus tear was treated in 245 patients. The patients were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 included patients with a mechanical femorotibial angle (MFTА) from 0º to 3º who had arthroscopic meniscus resection (AMR). In the 2nd group, all patients also underwent AMR, but their MFTА was more than 3º. In group 3, patients with MFTА from 3º to 5º underwent simultaneous AMR and proximal fibular osteotomy (PFO) with the formation of a defect. Group 4 included patients with MFTА more than 5º, who underwent high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and AMR. Changes in the main lines and angles were assessed with telemetry radiography of the lower extremities. Functional results were evaluated before and after surgery using the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, 2000 IKDC, KOOS. Results Isolated meniscus resection in patients with MFTА more than 3º without axial correction leads to a gradual increase in the deformity by 1,070 ± 0.50º during the first year after surgery, and by 2.20 ± 0.70º to the fifth year. In groups 1, 3 and 4, there was no statistically significant increase in MFTА during the entire observation period. The clinical treatment results of patients of the four groups in the first three years after surgery did not differ statistically. However, within the period from 3 to 5 years, patients with MFTА greater than 3º who underwent only AMR had poorer clinical results than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Conclusions A personalized approach to the method of surgical treatment for medial meniscus tear based on the MFTА enables to correct the mechanical axis of the lower extremities and MFTА, and thus improve the long-term clinical, functional and radiological results of surgical treatment.

Museums today play a pivotal role in creating an environment that follows principles of social inclusion and is accessible for individuals with disabilities including museum visitors with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Extracurricular activities are an integral part of comprehensive support for children with ASD that require coordinated efforts of museum professionals, psychologists, and educators. However, museum professionals may lack information about autism and appropriate approaches. The Federal Resource Center for Organization of Comprehensive Support to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders at MSUPE studied this process by conducting a survey about the availability of resources for accommodating individuals with ASD as independent visitors as well as participants in museum programs. The results of the survey attest to a high level of engagement of museum community in creating provisions for visitors with ASD in addition to the demand for consulting centers that would facilitate development of appropriate tools. We present a project that has introduced “social narratives” as an instrument for ASD in a setting that can serve as a model for such a center.

Introduction Correction of the shape of the lower extremities for aesthetic purposes has specific features that are associated with the role of the patient in the treatment process and assessment of results. An important element is the relationship between the appearance of the limb and changes in the axes of the skeleton. Aim of study Assessment of many-years of experience in orthopedic correction of the shape of the lower extremities for aesthetic purposes, discussion of possibilities, analysis of problems and search for possible ways to prevent them. Methods The material of the study was 123 patients who underwent aesthetic surgical correction in the period from 2005 to 2020. Their results were followed in the period from 6 months to 11 years. In all cases, operations were performed simultaneously on both limbs. The total number of operations, thus, amounted to 246. The main indication for surgery was the so-called true O-shaped curvature (varus deformity) of the lower extremities. In all cases, the main elements of the operation were osteosynthesis with the Ilizarov apparatus and osteotomy of the tibia. Wires and half-pins were used as transosseous elements. To assess the main reference lines and angles (RLA), X-ray examination of the lower extremities was performed with the capture of the hip and ankle joints. Results and discussion Corrective manipulations in the group of patients led to a change in the position of the main RLA. Before treatment, MAD value was 15 ± 7 mm, after correction MAD = -2 ± 4 mm, before surgery MPTA = 85 ± 40, after correction MPTA = 91 ± 20. Subjective satisfaction was reported in 114 (92.7 %) cases. Subjectively unsatisfactory results were recorded in 4 (3.3 %) cases; objectively unsatisfactory results were detected in 5 (4.1 %) cases. Conclusions Aesthetic surgery of the lower extremities is a part of orthopedic practice and has its specific features due to the goal of realizing the patient's wishes about changing the appearance of the lower extremities indirectly by performing operations on the skeleton. Corrective interventions should be considered as a preventive measure aimed at preventing the development of gonarthrosis in old age. The key to a good result is careful selection of candidates for surgery and their compliance, along with a thorough explanation of the principles and features of correction.

Introduction Practical application of regenerative medicine to restore structural and functional properties of damaged tissues and organs using bioactive implants could solve complex problems in contemporary traumatology and orthopedics. Objective To improve treatment results in posttraumatic diaphyseal defects of lower extremities. Material and Methods Treatment outcomes of 19 patients with posttraumatic bone defects of the femur and tibia that averaged of 8.8 ± 3.5 cm were studied. In the main group (9 patients), osteosynthesis of fragments was performed sequentially, first with external fixation and then with intramedullary nailing. Bone defect was bridged by a combination of a biomimetic tissue with a spongy autograft from the iliac wing. In the control group (10 patients), the Ilizarov method of non-free bone plasty was used. Results The results were studied after follow-up of two years. Bone defects were covered in all patients of both groups. However, in the main group, the physiological load on the limb was possible, on average, 7.6 months after surgery, which required 61 % less operations as compared to the control group. Also, the rate of complications was 29.2 % lower in the main group. When assessing the functional results using the LEFS questionnaire, the patients of the main group experienced some minor difficulties in performing physical activities, and patients in the control group experienced moderate difficulties (average score 70.3 and 50.4, respectively). Conclusion The combination of biomimetic tissue with a spongy autograft from the iliac wing under the conditions of stable functional osteosynthesis enables to manage extensive defects of the femur and tibia and improve the functional outcomes.

The paper considers an interval model of interregional trade interaction potential, based on the combination of the input-output balance approach, the entropy equilibrium principle and the conception of universal solutions of interval optimization problems. The modeling results for the Russian Far East are cited

В статье представлено понимание проблемы экспансивно развивающегося информационного пространства как фактора влияющего на социализацию школьников. Дается характеристика современного информационного пространства, анализируются подходы к его изучению. Уделено внимание рассмотрению проблемы нормы и отклонения в поведении школьников, феномену влияния информационного пространства на выбор детьми и подростками моделей поведения, а также выдвинуто предположение о трансформации понятий социальная норма и поведенческое отклонение в силу усиливающегося влияния масс-медиа на формирование личности школьника.

Introduction In the current system of providing medical aid to wounded servicemen, along with the conservative primary surgical treatment and minimally invasive extrafocal fixation, high-tech surgical interventions of considerable complexity with the use of additive and tissue-engineering technologies have been coming to the forefront. It is necessary to determine their place in the current algorithm of limb bone defect management, which was the substantiation of our study. The purpose of the study was to improve the algorithm for selecting a treatment method for patients with associated gunshot defects of the forearm based on the literature and clinical observations. Materials and Methods We analyzed scientific articles in PubMed and Scientific Electronic Library (eLIBRARY.ru) platforms, published from 2004 to 2024, on the basis of which we could refine the algorithm of treatment method selection for patients with associated gunshot defects of the forearm. The developed algorithm was used to treat 178 patients with gunshot fractures of the forearm. Results The review of the literature established the main provisions and principles that are applied in the reconstruction of the forearm with an associated defect. When choosing the method of bone defect management, a great number of authors tend to build a “reconstructive ladder”, moving from less severe (one bone) and extended defects (small defect up to 2 cm) to more complex (both bones) and massive defect (more than 10 cm). Upon having considered the revealed regularities, we improved the algorithm of surgical treatment of the latter, which is based on two classification principles: defect extention and location. Reconstruction of the forearm as a dynamic system after diaphyseal fractures requires consider the state of the radioulnar joint. The function of the latter depends on the length ratio of the radius and ulna bones. Therefore, we substantiated small (up to 2 cm) forearm bone defects that can be managed by simple surgical methods. Another fundamental addition to the algorithm was the allocation of a patients’ group with a defect of one forearm bone and a fracture of the other bone (defect-fracture); this combination allows avoiding complex surgical methods for reconstruction and use segment shortening. Discussion The treatment of associated forearm defects is challenging, the choice of reconstruction technique remains uncertain, and the required consensus is lacking. Several forearm reconstruction techniques are available, yet there is no reliable evidence of their effectiveness in terms of treatment time, complications, reoperations, and functional recovery. Conclusion The algorithm proposed for the treatment of extensive gunshot-associated defects of the forearm allows us to consider the change in the anatomy, make a surgical plan based on the reconstruction vector, and select optimal surgical techniques.

Background. Irrational and excessive use of antimicrobials drugs (AMD) creates conditions for the development of a global crisis of health systems around the world associated with antibiotic resistance. Aim. To conduct a retrospective study of the impact of the use of AMD on the change in the microbiological landscape and the sensitivity of microorganisms in the conditions of pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in 2020–2021 in intensive care departments (ICD) of a multidisciplinary hospital. Materials and methods. In the course of the work, strains of microorganisms isolated from patients and from the surfaces of the hospital environment and changes in their sensitivity to significant groups of AMD in ICD for somatic and infectious patients with COVID-19 were compared. The sensitivity of the isolates was evaluated in accordance with the criteria of requirements of European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing – EUCAST, version 10.0, 2020. Results. A total of 1,394 isolates were studied, including 1,379 clinical and 15 isolates from the surfaces of the hospital environment. It was found that in all ICD in 2020–2021, gram-negative microorganisms prevailed in infectious loci in 70% of cases or more. In 2021, in the ICD in infectious patients with COVID-19, the persistent dominance of the Acinetobacter baumannii microorganism was revealed with an increase in the number of poly- and pan-resistant strains – 48.7%. While in the ICD for somatic patients Klebsiella Pneumoniae prevailed among gram-negative microorganisms – 37.5% in 2020 and 43.7% in 2021. It has been shown that in one department or in adjacent departments of the same medical institution, various nosocomial microorganisms with an unequal set of resistance genes and sensitivity to AMD may appear over time. Conclusion. The necessity of conducting constant microbiological monitoring and a passport of the medical department with mandatory registration of not only isolated strains of microorganisms, but also resistance genes in order to optimize the appointment of timely adequate empirical antimicrobial therapy is substantiated. The period of the latter should be as short as possible, and confirmed by convincing clinical signs of bacterial infection, and subsequently by the isolation of nosocomial flora from the biomaterial of critical loci from patients.

Relevance. One of the priority areas for modern energy development is the active use of renewable energy technologies, the leading position among which in terms of the volume of commissioned generating capacity and areas of practical application is occupied by photovoltaics. In recent years, solar photovoltaic plants are increasingly being used as part of autonomous power supply systems, which is largely facilitated by a significant reduction in the cost of their components due to improved technology. Autonomous power supply systems can vary significantly in power, operating conditions, requirements for uninterrupted power supply and many other factors. This determines the high importance of the task of choosing the composition of the main electrical equipment that ensures optimal technical and economic indicators of the designed energy system. To make a reasonable choice of the equipment of an autonomous photovoltaic power plant, simulation models of all its main components are required that adequately reflect their performance characteristics under real operating conditions. An important component of autonomous photovoltaic plants is the energy storage device, which includes a battery and a solar controller that manages the energy balance of the power plant. The settings of the solar controller largely determine the operating modes of the photovoltaic power plant, on which the service life of the batteries primarily depends. Taking into account the fact that the costs of energy storage constitute a significant share of the costs of the total financial investments in the designed power plant, the problem of reliably assessing the service life of batteries is very relevant. Aim. Development of a mathematical model of energy storage system for the design and optimization of the equipment of autonomous photovoltaic plants. Methods. Mathematical and numerical modeling using the MatLab/Simulink software package. Results. A mathematical model of a battery has been developed, based on the modified Shepherd model and the kinetic model of a rechargeable battery. The model is universal and can be used to simulate the static and dynamic characteristics of different types of batteries. To identify model parameters, only the technical specification data provided by the manufacturer is sufficient. The complex model includes a battery life model, which allows you to dynamically adjust the available maximum battery capacity during operation.

In 2022, the incidence of swine (A/H1N1) influenza markedly increased. It causes acute lung injury similar to that caused by SARS-CoV-2. These practice guidelines focus on the management of patients with severe influenza: from the diagnostic algorithm to the specifics of therapy and the use of respiratory support techniques. The guidelines provide recommendations on the rational pharmacotherapy principles: antiviral, antibacterial, mucoactive, anticoagulant, and symptomatic. The need to avoid prescribing drugs that may worsen the condition of patients with A/H1N1 influenza that are effective in other viral lung diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, has been pointed out. A detailed review of the criteria for initiation and principles of respiratory support is given.

Relevance. The construction sector is currently one of the largest consumers of raw materials and a major source of environmental pollution, accounting for about 40 % of energy consumption and about 30 % of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of emissions into the atmosphere of combustion products of coal, oil and gas, irreparable damage is caused to the environment. One of the promising ways to solve this problem is the introduction of «energy efficient building» technology. The key task of designing energy-efficient buildings is the development of a power supply system, which largely determines the level of comfort and technical and economic indicators of the entire facility. The complexity of this task is caused by the fact that installations based on renewable energy sources, characterized by stochastic generation, are mainly used as power sources, and energy-efficient buildings themselves can differ significantly from each other in a number of parameters: purpose, architecture, size and number of storeys, composition of consumers etc. The article proposes an engineering technique for designing such objects and the results of its testing. The aim of study is to develop an engineering methodology for designing power supply systems for autonomous energy-efficient buildings based on renewable energy sources. Methods: methods of statistical processing of time series of data, mathematical and computer modeling using the MatLab/Simulink software environment. Results. The authors have proposed an engineering methodology for designing power supply systems for autonomous objects, focused on the design of «active» buildings with the maximum possible use of renewable energy sources. The paper describes the main design stages, which include calculation and analysis of the energy balance, choice of the main electrical equipment and development of a structural diagram of the electric power system, optimization of the composition and sizes of the main electrical equipment, selection of switching and protective devices, conductor products, development of circuit diagrams. The paper considers the practical example of application of the proposed methodology for designing the power supply system of an autonomous energy-efficient building in the Kursk region.

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of the treatment of gunshot wounds of the spine using percutaneous full-endoscopic technique. Material and Methods. Three patients with gunshot shrapnel wounds of the spine were treated using percutaneous full endoscopy. Results. The patients underwent a removal of foreign bodies (metal fragments) at the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral levels of the spine using percutaneous full endoscopic surgery. The operations were carried out without complications, with minimal additional trauma to soft tissues and the spinal motion segment. In all three cases, there was a positive dynamics in the form of regression of the pain syndrome. There were no infectious complications. Conclusion. The successful use of percutaneous full endoscopy in the surgical treatment of blind shrapnel wounds of the spine is shown. The results indicate the expediency of further research and development of this area to address the issue of introducing the technique into the routine practice of treating gunshot wounds both in peacetime in neurosurgical hospitals and centers of spinal neurosurgery, and in wartime at the stages of specialized care.

The article discusses the behavioral practices of a "new woman" in the conditions of mass famine in the early 1920s. It is noted that this social group was inconsiderable in number, but its influence in public life was very high. The author draws attention to the social origin of the representatives of this social group, the level of their education, the specifics of the worldview formation based on the ideals of universal equality and justice. It was noted that the behavior of the “new women” in conditions of mass starvation significantly differed from the generally accepted patterns, such as seeking help from the authorities, migrating to other regions, selling property, begging and other social deviations. The desire to contribute to the construction of a socialist society led to the ignorance of the problem of hunger and a reorientation from their daily life to social life. This was manifested in the behavior of the “new woman” in the form of collecting funds for the needs of the hungry, selfless work, refusal to relocate to prosperous areas. Social class background – origin from peasants and workers, high involvement in social activities, young age, membership in the Komsomol organisation were the factors that formed non-standard options for survival in the situation of mass famine among the “new women”. It is concluded that the conditions of hunger contributed to the strengthening of the social positions of the “new women”, their further advancement on the social ladder. The downside of strengthening the social position of the “new women” was the further erosion of the foundations of their traditional perception of the world based on family and motherhood.

Introduction Fractures of the distal metaepipheseal fractures of the radius (DMER) have a leading place in the overall structure of upper limb injuries. DMER fractures are frequently associated with soft- tissue injuries of the wrist joint, and namely, the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The additional use of arthroscopy of the wrist joint in the treatment of patients with a DMER fractiures reduces the duration of recovery of patients and improves the result of their treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of arthroscopic surgical treatment of TFCC injuries during bone osteosynthesis for DMER fractures on the functions of the upper extremities (extension/flexion of the hand, hand grip strength, pronation/supination of the forearm, DASH index). Materials and methods The study included 68 patients with DMER fractures, who were divided into 2 groups, depending on the treatment of the fracture. After reduction and osteosynthesis, all patients underwent arthroscopy of the wrist joint. If TFCC injury was detected, either a debridement or a TFCC suture was performed. Results TFCC injury was detected in 61.7 % (n = 42). Debridement was performed in 42.9 % (n = 18); suture using the inside-out technique was performed in 47.6 % (n = 20); one patient underwent reinsertion. After 6 months, the function of flexion and extension of the hand was significantly worse in patients with combined TFCC and DMER injuries, but after 12 months, the indicators were similar. The strength of the hand grip and the rotational function of the forearm did not differ between the subgroups. The subjective assessment of DASH after 6 months was worse in the group with TFCC injury, but after 12 months the results were similar. Conclusion Surgical treatment of TFCС injury in intraarticular fractures of the distal radius contributes to the restoration of the upper limb function to a premorbid level 12 months after surgical treatment.

Background. Lung function tests should be performed to patients with penetrating wounds of the lungs to identify lung function disorders, and the data obtained should be taken into account when correcting medical treatment and prescribing individual medical rehabilitation programs. The aim was to study the impact of penetrating lung wounds on the lung function in the early recovery period. Materials and methods. 13 patients were enrolled in the study, 100% male, median age 26 [21; 31] years. Spirometry, body plethysmography, and a diffusion test were performed on an average of 14 days from the injury. Results. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. A moderate decrease in the vital capacity (VC), the forced vital capacity (FVC), the volume of forced exhalation in the first second (FEV1) was revealed while the total lung capacity (TLCpl) and the FEV1/FVC ratio were within normal values. However, in 2 (15.4%) and 3 (23%) patients, a restrictive ventilation disorders (TLC lower limit of normal) was detected when using Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) and European Community for Steel and Coal (ECSC) 1993 predicted value system, respectively. The residual lung (RV) and RV/TLCpl were increased. Functional residual capacity (FRC), FRCpl/TLCpl, airway resistance remained within normal values. The diffusion lung capacity impairment was detected in 92.3% and 61.5% cases according to the ECSC 1993 and the GLI system, respectively. Conclusion. In the early period of recovery after penetrating lung wounds, a nonspecific pattern of ventilation disorders was the most often abnormality namely a decrease in VC while TLC and FEV1/FVC were within normal values. Less frequently, the classic restrictive pattern of ventilation disorders was diagnosed. Besides, the diffusion lung capacity impairment was detected. The system of predicted values has a significant impact on the frequency of detection of the lung function disorders. The revealed functional disorders should be taken into account for adjusting medical and rehabilitation interventions.

Objective. To analyze clinical outcomes and complication rates of transforaminal and interlaminar endoscopic decompression and open microsurgical operations performed for lumbosacral spinal canal stenosis. Material and Methods. The data of 60 literature sources selected in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases were systematized by evaluating diagnostic methods, clinical pictures and surgical treatment of the lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Original studies, case series and reviews containing information on surgical methods for the treatment of spinal stenosis at the lumbar level were analyzed. Results. The complication rate after transforaminal endoscopic decompression (relapses, infectious complications, damage to the dural membrane and spinal roots) does not exceed 2.7 %, which is significantly lower than that in open microsurgical operation (4.8–8.8 %). Endoscopic decompression and reconstruction of the spinal canal demonstrate good clinical outcomes, lower number of bed-days, readmissions, and good economic benefits. When stenosis is combined with instability of the spinal motion segment, performing only a decompressive operation in any volume does not give a significant clinical result, and stabilization surgery is required. Conclusion. The introduction of endoscopic reconstructive surgery for spinal canal stenosis in the lumbosacral spine is associated not only with technical progress and improvement of endoscopic optics, but also with the search for the causes of unsatisfactory results of open operations. Endoscopic interventions showed good clinical outcomes and a decrease in the complication rate. However, the evidence base needs to be expanded due to the lack of randomized trials to compare open decompression and stabilization, and endoscopic reconstructive surgeries in patients with various manifestations of spinal stenosis.

A promising method for improving the functional properties of calcium-phosphate coatings is the incorporation of various antibacterial additives into their structure. The microbial contamination of a superficial wound is inevitable, even if the rules of asepsis and antisepsis are optimally applied. One of the main problems is that bacteria often become resistant to antibiotics over time. However, this does not apply to certain elements, chemical compounds and drugs with antimicrobial properties. In this study, the fabrication and properties of zinc-containing calcium-phosphate coatings that were formed via micro-arc oxidation from three different electrolyte solutions are investigated. The first electrolyte is based on calcium oxide, the second on hydroxyapatite and the third on calcium acetate. By adding zinc oxide to the three electrolyte solutions, antibacterial properties of the coatings are achieved. Although the same amount of zinc oxide has been added to each electrolyte solution, the zinc concentration in the coatings obtained vary greatly. Furthermore, this study investigates the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the coatings. The antibacterial properties of the zinc-containing coatings were tested toward three strains of bacteria—Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Coatings of calcium acetate and zinc oxide contained the highest amount of zinc and displayed the highest zinc release. Moreover, coatings containing hydroxyapatite and zinc oxide show the highest antibacterial activity toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and coatings containing calcium acetate and zinc oxide show the highest antibacterial activities toward Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Relevance. The urgent task of the technical and economic development of the Northern and Eastern regions of Russia is to provide reliable and efficient power supply to consumers, geographically located in remote, hard-to-reach areas. The use of wind power plants is a promising way to solve this problem. The primary task of the design and feasibility study of the use of wind power plants is to predict changes in wind speeds at the site of the power plant installation. The stochastic nature of the wind and its spatiotemporal variability explain the high complexity of this problem, for the solution of which the methods of mathematical modeling are used. The known models of wind speed based on Markov chains, autoregressive moving-average and other discrete models do not allow varying the time step, which does not allow their use for simulation of operating modes of wind turbines and wind energy systems. The article proposes a model of wind speed based on the stochastic differential equation which eliminates this drawback. The aim of the study is to construct wind speed model based on fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process with a periodic long-term mean, which provides modeling of static and dynamic modes of operation of a wind power plant at different time intervals. Methods: mathematical and computer modeling using Matlab/Simulink software environment. Results. The proposed model, in contrast to the known SDE-based models, is able to produce autocorrelated wind speed trajectories with long-term dependence, daily and monthly variations to perform more detailed simulation of the operating modes of wind turbines at different time intervals with the required time step. The model was tested using the data of climatic observations of wind speed obtained from electronic archive of the All-Russian Institute of Hydrometeorological Information. The model adequacy was evaluated by comparing characteristics of simulated wind speed trajectories with actual observations collected at 518 weather stations located on territory of Russia.

For the first time, using optical, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray phase analysis in combination with measurements of tensile mechanical properties, we obtained data on the structural features of the polycrystalline shape-memory eutectoid Cu-Al-Ni-(B) alloys doped by aluminum (of 10 and 14 wt% Al in total amount), nickel (of 3, 4, and 4.5 wt% Ni), and boron (0.02–0.3 wt% B) in various compositions. The effect of boron on the grain sizes, structure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of shape memory (SM) alloys has been studied. The localization of aluminum borides in the structure was investigated and an effect of grain growth inhibition in the (α + β) and β Cu-Al-Ni-B alloys was established, both in the cast state of the alloys considered and after their heat treatment.

Introduction. The massacres in schools and colleges committed by their students are initially associated with the United States, but in recent decades the phenomenon has spread to other countries including Russia. Such tragedies affecting children and adolescents are of particular interest to politicians, general public and professionals. The Objective of this research is to summarize the foreign literature accounts of the phenomenon of mass school murders, the structure of this phenomenon, the stages of its development and factors that cause it. Procedure. Research methodology included search and generalization of conclusions from scientific and applied publications on the issue. The search was carried out using bibliographic systems and scientific networks Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Academia.edu, Mendeley. He author selected 55 scientific publications on specific cases and meta-analysis of data aimed at addressing socio-psychological factors of school shootings and prevention. Findings. The main methodological approaches to the analysis of school shootings are described, the theories offering a systematic understanding of this phenomenon are presented, the stages of both social and personal predictors of school shootings are defined. Conclusion. The analysis of the literature allows interpreting massacres in schools as an independent phenomenon, to reconstruct the events, to determine the main mechanisms and development stages, to offer effective ways to detect and prevent threats

The article grounds economic expediency of using jacket thermal exchangers of the sheet-canal type. As a rule steam jackets of technological devices in food industry and catering enterprises have a form of an open slit space and for work under pressure they are made of walls of big thickness, which envisages their high metalconsumption. In contrast to standard slit jackets, sheet-canal panels are a structure made of two thick metal sheets welded by contact electric welding. Heating steam canals are formed between the sheets. Such structure allows us to decrease the wall thickness and therefore to cut metal-consumption and, consequently power-consumption of technological equipment. The article describes the method which could optimize sizes of inter-canal zones of sheetcanal panels used as jackets in devices of thermal treatment of food. In order to cut wall thickness of panels it is proposed to increase the square of inter-canal zones without declining the total thermal flow, which is passed by the panel to the agent being heated. This problem was resolved by the calculation method based on the use of thermal rib efficiency coefficient. The authors made calculations and provided optimal sizes of inter-canal zones in case of altering the wall thickness of jacket thermal exchanger made of chrome-nickel stainless steel of the brand 12X18H9T.

The primary task of the design and feasibility study for the use of wind power plants is to predict changes in wind speeds at the site of power system installation. The stochastic nature of the wind and spatio-temporal variability explains the high complexity of this problem, associated with finding the best mathematical modeling which satisfies the best solution for this problem. In the known discrete models based on Markov chains, the autoregressive-moving average does not allow variance in the time step, which does not allow their use for simulation of operating modes of wind turbines and wind energy systems. The article proposes and tests a SDE-based model for generating synthetic wind speed data using the stochastic differential equation of the fractional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process with periodic function of long-run mean. The model allows generating wind speed trajectories with a given autocorrelation, required statistical distribution and provides the incorporation of daily and seasonal variations. Compared to the standard Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process driven by ordinary Brownian motion, the fractional model used in this study allows one to generate synthetic wind speed trajectories which autocorrelation function decays according to a power law that more closely matches the hourly autocorrelation of actual data. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of this model, a number of simulations were carried out using model parameters estimated from actual observation data of wind speed collected at 518 weather stations located throughout Russia.

The article provides analysis of the factors affecting service life of electric stove iron rings at catering enterprises. It is shown that temperature conditions of the ring working surface and the heating spiral depend seriously on the material of kitchen utensils and on the average air gap between the ring working surface and utensils’ bottom, whose value is measured as a result of temperature deforming of the ring working surface during heating. In order to diminish the value of average air gap between the ring and kitchen utensils in the process of food cooking it is proposed to treat mechanically the ring working surface during its manufacturing with fixed temperature conditions. Better adjoining of the utensils’ bottom to the ring working surface can lead to decreasing temperature on its working surface and thus, to optimization of the process of thermal treatment of food, which can increase service life of the ring and cut specific consumption of electric power per unit of cooked food.

This paper formulates and solves a practical problem of data recovery regarding the distribution of languages on regional level in context of China. The necessity of this recovery is related to the problem of the determination of the linguistic diversity indices, which, in turn, are used to analyze empirically and to predict sources of social and economic development as well as to indicate potential conflicts at regional level. We use Ethnologue database and China census as the initial data sources. For every language spoken in China, the data contains (a) an estimate of China residents who claim this language to be their mother tongue, and (b) indicators of the presence of such residents in China provinces. For each pair language/province, we aim to estimate the number of the province inhabitants that claim the language to be their mother tongue. This base problem is reduced to solving an undetermined system of algebraic equations. Given additional restriction that Ethnologue database introduces data collected at different time moments because of gaps in Ethnologue language surveys and accompanying data collection expenses, we relate those data to a single time moment, that turns the initial task to an ill-posed system of algebraic equations with imprecisely determined right hand side. Therefore, we are looking for an approximate solution characterized by a minimal discrepancy of the system. Since some languages are much less distributed than the others, we minimize the weighted discrepancy, introducing weights that are inverse to the right hand side elements of the equations. This definition of discrepancy allows to recover the required variables. More than 92% of the recovered variables are robust to probabilistic modelling procedure for potential errors in initial data.