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The Russian Federation is the state that aims at achieving world leadership and restoring its former status as a superpower. Within the framework of such a strategy, the projection of 'sharp power' rather than 'soft power' gains its significance, since the former expands the wide range of tools for influencing the states and the world community per se. Due to the analysis of the main dimensions of 'sharp power', i.e., commerce, media, academia, technology, culture and entertainment, it was determined that Russia uses all channels of it in the countries of the post-Soviet space, which are outlined through the concept of the 'Near Abroad'. In the group of tools, most widely used, are those from cultural, entertainment and media areas. A distinguishing tool for Russia is the dissemination of the 'Russian World (Russkii Mir)' model. It has been outlined that Russia is projecting its sharp power in a visible aspect on a number of countries of the Near Abroad, in particular, Kazakhstan, the Baltic states, Ukraine and Georgia. In addition, based on a number of interpretations, it has been hypothesized that among the goals of 'sharp power' is the increase and strengthening of authoritarian practices in the states on which this sharp power is projected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the long-term results of the study concerning the problem of substantiation of biological methods for restoring the protective functions of forest areas contaminated with toxic solid waste from the mining industry for the creation of forest plantations. The object of research was a technogenic system, including waste, technology, recultivated and non-recultivated forest areas within the boundaries of the Amur-Primorsky coniferous-broadleaf forest region of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia. A comprehensive geoecological assessment of the impact of waste within the boundaries of non-recultivated sites on the environment and human health using various methods, namely, using mathematical apparatus and GIS technologies, made it possible to assess the ecological state of the studied area as critical and catastrophic. Biological methods have been developed to restore the protective functions of technogenically polluted forest areas with the use of microorganisms and humic preparations for the rehabilitation of areas disturbed by tin mining. The novelty of the proposed methods is confirmed by Patents of the Russian Federation. For 30 years, the technogenic landscape has been developing soils according to soil-ecological functions as close as possible to the background soils. In the same direction, the formation of not only embryozems, but also the formation of a complex plant community and the restoration of the protective functions of forest areas were found, which indicates the possibility of using recultivated areas to create forest plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to assessing the radiation quality formation of groundwater with anomalous excesses of 234U on example the Pre-Volga region (European part of Russia). It was found that exceeding the reference values of groundwater radiological toxicity in a number of cases is associated with anomalously high activity of 234U. Isotopic (2H, 18O) and chemical data indicate that the anomalous 234U/238U ratios are of cryogenic origin related to the effects of past climatic fluctuations on the aquifers. Such groundwater formed from thawed permafrost at extremely low uranium concentrations may have unsatisfactory radiological quality due to anomalous excesses of 234U. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A socioeconomic crisis in Russia lasted from 1991 to 1998 and was accompanied by a sharp drop in the birth rate. The main factor that influenced the refusal to have children during this period is thought to be prolonged social stress. Methods: comparing frequencies of common gene variants associated with stress-induced diseases among generations born before, after, and during this crisis may show which genes may be preferred under the pressure of natural selection during periods of increased social stress in urban populations. Results: In the "crisis" group, a statistically significant difference from the other two groups was found in rs6557168 frequency (p = 0.001); rs4522666 was not in the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in this group, although its frequency did not show a significant difference from the other groups (p = 0.118). Frequencies of VNTRs in SLC6A3 and MAOA as well as common variants rs17689918 in CRHR1, rs1360780 in FKBP5, rs53576 in OXTR, rs12720071 and rs806377 in CNR1, rs4311 in ACE, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs7412 and rs429358 in APOE did not differ among the groups. Conclusions: a generation born during a period of prolonged destructive events may differ from the rest of the gene pool of the population in some variants associated with personality traits or stress-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dating young peatlands using the 210Pb dating procedure is a challenging task. The traditional 210Pb age models assume an exponential decline in radioactivity in line with depth in the peat profile. Lead exhibits considerable migratory capacity in Arctic peatlands; hence, to perform precise peat dating, existing models should be enhanced to remove the effects of migration. Independent isotope chronometers, such as 137Cs, can verify this. The Monte Carlo method and IP-CRS were utilised, together with several CA, CF/CS, PF, and CF models, to analyse the peat core samples acquired in the Arkhangelsk region. Data analysis revealed that the height partitioning of 137Cs and 210Pb is associated with physical characteristics, like the peat ash and the bulk density of the bog. Comparison between the natural activity of 210Pb in the peat and the radioactivity of 137Cs measured at depths of 19–21 cm in relation to the global fallout in 1963 indicated that the CF/CS, CF, and IP-CRS models (1965, 1962 and 1964, respectively) gave the closest age to the reference point given. IP-CRS was found to be the preferred model of these three options, as it gave a rather closer correlation with the 137Cs activity specific to the reference layer, allowing the error. The core dating of 210Pb showed an age of 1963 for a depth of 17–19 cm, which was in agreement with the reference horizon 137Cs and ash content, thus validating the accuracy and sufficiency of the selected model turf profile chronology. The maximum content of man-made radioisotopes in the peatlands corresponded to the formulation of the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963. The rates of accumulation of peat and atmospheric flux of 210Pb are in good agreement with the values available for the bogs of Northern Europe and those previously estimated by the authors in the subarctic region of European Russia. Although the problems of the complex migration-related distribution of 210Pb in the peat layer were considered, the dating methods used were effective in our study and can be adapted in following studies to perform the age determination of different peat deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most large construction projects face the problem of cost overruns and failures to meet deadlines mainly due to changes in the cost of building materials. A lot of studies proved the high importance of the cost of building materials for the project budget and highlighted a number of factors that determine the cost of materials. However, modern unstable economic dynamics lead to the need not only to observe sufficient accuracy of quantity and cost calculations regarding primary building materials but also to carefully predict the cost, taking into account uncertainty factors (changes in the geopolitical situation, the impact of the pandemic, changes in the technological structure, etc.). This article proposes the use of a calculation and expert methodology for forecasting the cost of building materials on the example of building bars for two regions of the Russian Federation. This study includes a review of literature, which showed the dependence of the dynamics of the cost of construction on the prices of building materials, confirmed the impact of economic and noneconomic factors of the dynamics of prices of building materials and the impact of risk and uncertainty. Based on the literature review, it is also concluded that it is necessary to expertly adjust the results of the economic and mathematical modeling of the building materials' price trend line under the influence of noneconomic factors of uncertainty. The statistics of the prices of building materials in Russia were analyzed, and the main causes of price dynamics (economic and noneconomic) were identified. The ARIMA model was selected to build a series of dynamics of prices of reinforcement steel, an expert adjustment of the forecast was made taking into account uncertainty factors. The method of calculation and expert forecasting of prices of building materials was proposed, and the forecast of prices of steel reinforcement in the regions of Russia was calculated on its basis. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the algorithm and practical results of forecasting the cost of building materials under the conditions of uncertainty, as well as recommendations for the implementation of predictive analytics tools in construction practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the research results of the radioactivity levels and upward dispersion of radionuclides of atmospheric fallout 210Pb, 137Cs, 241Am and 234,238U as well as key physicochemical parameters in a peat deposit subjected to drainage in 1969–1971. It was found that drainage of the peat bog led the natural moisture content to shrink in the peat. Active aeration in the peat deposit, accompanied by the growth of Eh, raises the strength of oxidative transformation processes of the organic part of the peat, leading to higher levels of peat degradation and major variations in the elemental content. Changes in these parameters affect the behaviour of radionuclides in the peat section. Thus, in contrast to the sites with a natural hydrological regime, within the dried peat deposit a geochemical barrier of sorption type is not formed, capable of retaining a significant proportion of 137Cs. In this connection, there is an acceleration of 137Cs migration. In addition, changes in the hydrological regime led to the predominance of vascular plants with a more developed root system than that of sphagnum, which also contributed to a more intense transfer of 137Cs by the root system up the section. The findings of 210Pb dating of the dried peat bog showed a significantly lower peat accumulation rate compared to the natural bog massif (0.15 ± 0.02 vs. 0.48 ± 0.08 cm/year). A factor examination of the dataset demonstrated that the leading role in the distribution of radionuclides belongs to redox and acid-base conditions, which have changed significantly after draining the peat deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern economic dynamics makes it more expedient to introduce lean construction tools into the activities of all value chain participants in construction. The need to take into account digitalization processes in construction entail an increase in the urgency of the problem related to the integration of digital technologies into the concept of lean construction. Many studies have been devoted to the problems of integrating lean construction with building information modeling (BIM) tools, which have proved their effectiveness and substantiated obstacles to their active implementation. However, issues related to assessing the cost-effectiveness of integrating lean construction with BIM and other digital technologies (if companies refuse to introduce BIM), which allow for improving the interaction of investment and construction project participants, have not been actively studied. This article examines the effectiveness of using digital tools and technologies that will contribute to the development of lean construction and reduce the corresponding losses of investment and construction projects in the example of Russia. A literature review, interviews with experts aimed at summarizing the results, as well as practical calculations taken from the existing project, were used for the purposes of this study. The main losses at each stage of an investment and construction project arising from problems in the interaction of participants in Russian construction were identified, the effects of integrating lean construction with BIM and other digital technologies were determined, an algorithm for selecting digital technologies to be integrated with lean construction was developed. The methodology for calculating the effect of the implementation of tools and principles of lean–digital interaction technologies, as well as recommendations for the implementation of tools in construction practice, were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizes a survey of over 500 teachers throughout four regions of Russia. Discovers that most teachers feel their skills and development are lacking, particularly in the areas of innovative teaching methods. Outlines a system of steps and goals to be implemented throughout teacher education to rectify this deficiency. (MJP)

The article presents the results of a study of activity levels and features of the vertical distribution of 210Pb, 137Cs, 234U, 238U and their relationship with the physicochemical parameters of peat deposits. Analysis of the data showed that the vertical distribution of 137Cs and 210Pb was related to the content of water-soluble salts, the water saturation of the deposit, and the values of Eh (oxidation–reduction potential) and rH (relative humidity), which indicates a complex geochemical barrier at a depth of 20 cm in the peat core. The 210Pb dating of the peat core, carried out according to the CF model using the Monte Carlo method (to improve the dating accuracy), showed that the above horizon corresponded to 1963, which is consistent with the data of the 137Cs reference horizon and in terms of several physicochemical parameters (in particular, ash content) also corresponds to the age of 1963, which confirms the correctness and adequacy of the chosen peat core dating model. The peak of anthropogenic radionuclides in peat deposits correlates with a particular major event in the history of radioactive fallout, the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963, providing a benchmark for geochronological research. The obtained results of the linear accumulation rate, the mass accumulation rate of the peat deposit, and the value of the atmospheric flux of 210Pb are congruent with the data on the peatlands of Northern Europe and the data obtained by earlier analysts of the Subarctic region of European Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) is an essential target of commercial fishing in the North Pacific Ocean. Previous studies have suggested the existence of marine and lake ecological forms of this species within its range. The lake ecological form of herring has a shortened life cycle, spending the winter and spawning in brackish waters near the shoreline without long migrations for feeding; it also has a relatively smaller body size than the marine form. Genetic-based studies have shown that brackish water Pacific herring not only can be distinguished as a separate lake ecological form but possibly has its genetic legacy. Here, as part of an ongoing study, using ddRAD-sequencing data for marine and lake ecological forms from a total of 54 individuals and methods of comparative bioinformatics, we describe genomic signatures of freshwater adaptivity in Pacific herring. In total, 253 genes containing discriminating SNPs were found, and part of those genes was organized into genome clusters, also known as "genomic islands of divergence". Moreover, the Tajima's D test showed that these loci are under directional selection in the lake populations of the Pacific herring. Yet, most discriminating loci between the lake and marine ecological forms of Pacific herring do not intersect (by gene name) with those in other known marine fish species with known freshwater/brackish populations. However, some are associated with the same physiological trait—osmoregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick-borne diseases are among the challenges associated with warming climate. Many studies predict, and already note, expansion of ticks' habitats to the north, bringing previously non-endemic diseases, such as borreliosis and encephalitis, to the new areas. In addition, higher temperatures accelerate phases of ticks' development in areas where ticks have established populations. Earlier works have shown that meteorological parameters, such as temperature and humidity influence ticks' survival and define their areas of habitat. Here, we study the link between climatic parameters and tick-related hospital visits as well as borreliosis incidence rates focusing on European Russia. We have used yearly incidence rates of borreliosis spanning a period of 20 years (1997-2016) and weekly tick-related hospital visits spanning two years (2018-2019). We identify regions in Russia characterized by similar dynamics of incidence rates and dominating tick species. For each cluster, we find a set of climatic parameters that are significantly correlated with the incidence rates, though a linear regression approach using exclusively climatic parameters to incidence prediction was less than 50% effective. On a weekly timescale, we find correlations of different climatic parameters with hospital visits. Finally, we trained two long short-term memory neural network models to project the tick-related hospital visits until the end of the century, under the RCP8.5 climate scenario, and present our findings in the evolution of the tick season length for different regions in Russia. Our results show that the regions with an expected increase in both tick season length and borreliosis incidence rates are located in the southern forested areas of European Russia. Oppositely, our projections suggest no prolongation of the tick season length in the northern areas with already established tick population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article continues the debate on choosing a sequel to a strategy for the development of nuclear energy in the country. The provisions set forth in articles by the National Research Center Kurchatov Institute on the transition to a thorium-uranium nuclear fuel cycle are analyzed and compared with the Strategy for the Development of Nuclear Energy in Russia to 2050 and Prospects for the Period to 2100, which the Presidium of the Scientific and Technical Council of Rosatom State Corporation approved in 2018. The environmental impacts of nuclear power under these two approaches are compared. It is concluded that in an open nuclear fuel cycle thorium-uranium fuel has no significant advantages, including in the sphere of radiation safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article develops the author's methodology for assessing the rates of socio-economic development and their forecasting in the Russian Federation, which makes it possible to consider factors with heterogeneous metrics. For this, an index analysis of thirty-two indicators divided into seven macro-regional blocks (income, labor, business, ecology, society, prospects, finance) was carried out, integral indicators were calculated that characterize their changes and the pace of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation was determined. Further, using the means of mathematical modeling, a multifactorial mathematical model was built and tested in real-time, which makes it possible to obtain a high-quality predicted result. Based on the forecasts obtained, it can be stated that it is necessary to adjust certain indicators that actively influence the pace of development, which is a mathematical justification for making managerial decisions when developing strategies and programs related to socio-economic progress in the Russian Federation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the main stages of the protocol and results of a unique 21-day experiment undertaken at the Russian Federation State Research Center Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) (IBMP) under the conditions of Dry Immersion. A cohort of participants consisted of 10 healthy male volunteers (the mean age 29.3 ± 3.56 years). The experiment has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of conducting long-duration immersion exposures, confirming the results obtained during previous shorter exposures, as well as allowed us to describe the dynamics of events during extended chronic stays in the conditions of simulated hypogravity. The accumulated experiences are useful for further research into the efficiency of applying the conditions of simulated microgravity and other prophylactic means as countermeasures against negative effects occurring to human body during extended support and weight unloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection of worldwide occurrence. Bats, like other mammalian reservoirs, may be long‐term carriers that maintain endemicity of infection and shed viable leptospires in urine. Direct and/or indirect contact with these Leptospira shedders is the main risk factor as regards public health concern. However, knowledge about bat leptospirosis in the Palearctic Region, and in Europe in particular, is poor. We collected urine from 176 specimens of 11 bat species in the Czech Republic, Poland, Republic of Armenia and the Altai Region of Russia between 2014 and 2019. We extracted DNA from the urine samples to detect Leptospira spp. shedders using PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA and LipL32 genes. Four bat species (Barbastella barbastellus n = 1, Myotis bechsteinii n = 1, Myotis myotis n = 24 and Myotis nattereri n = 1) tested positive for Leptospira spp., with detected amplicons showing 100% genetic identity with pathogenic Leptospira interrogans. The site‐ and species‐specific prevalence range was 0%–24.1% and 0%–20%, respectively. All bats sampled in the Republic of Armenia and Russia were negative. Given the circulation of pathogenic leptospires in strictly protected Palearctic bat species and their populations, non‐invasive and non‐lethal sampling of urine for molecular Leptospira spp. detection is recommended as a suitable surveillance and monitoring strategy. Moreover, our results should raise awareness of this potential disease risk among health professionals, veterinarians, chiropterologists and wildlife rescue workers handling bats, as well as speleologists and persons cleaning premises following bat infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, an outbreak of anthrax killing thousands of reindeer and affecting dozens of humans occurred on the Yamal peninsula, Northwest Siberia, after 70 years of epidemiological situation without outbreaks. The trigger of the outbreak has been ascribed to the activation of spores due to permafrost thaw that was accelerated during the summer heat wave. The focus of our study is on the dynamics of local environmental factors in connection with the observed anthrax revival. We show that permafrost was thawing rapidly for already 6 years before the outbreak. During 2011–2016, relatively warm years were followed by cold years with a thick snow cover, preventing freezing of the soil. Furthermore, the spread of anthrax was likely intensified by an extremely dry summer of 2016. Concurrent with the long-term decreasing trend in the regional annual precipitation, the rainfall in July 2016 was less than 10% of its 30-year mean value. We conclude that epidemiological situation of anthrax in the previously contaminated Arctic regions requires monitoring of climatic factors such as warming and precipitation extremes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to the study of physicochemical parameters and the assessment of the accumulation and distribution of metals in peat deposits from the North European part of Russia (Arkhangelsk region). Peat profiles were selected both in the area with a high anthropogenic load and in a bog remote from industrial pollution. The determination of metals was carried out by using the methods X-ray fluorescence analysis and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was determined that the studied bogs can be attributed to the low ash type, and the recorded pH and mineralisation values make it possible to attribute these deposits to the acid-oxidising facies of oligotrophic peatlands, characteristic of taiga landscapes. Assessment of metal accumulation showed a high content of titanium, chromium, lead, nickel, vanadium, cobalt, aluminium, silicon, and copper in peat, mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels and industrial production, as well as the burning of urban and industrial waste. The peat profiles are characterised by significant fluctuations in the content of elements in different horizons. Studies have shown the need to monitor the content of metals in peatlands from the Arkhangelsk region to assess atmospheric pollution from industrial emissions, both at the moment and in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palearctic bats host a diversity of lyssaviruses, though not the classical rabies virus (RABV). As surveillance for bat rabies over the Palearctic area covering Central and Eastern Europe and Siberian regions of Russia has been irregular, we lack data on geographic and seasonal patterns of the infection. Results: To address this, we undertook serological testing, using non-lethally sampled blood, on 1027 bats of 25 species in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Russia and Slovenia between 2014 and 2018. The indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected rabies virus anti-glycoprotein antibodies in 33 bats, giving an overall seroprevalence of 3.2%. Bat species exceeding the seroconversion threshold included Myotis blythii, Myotis gracilis, Myotis petax, Myotis myotis, Murina hilgendorfi, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Vespertilio murinus. While Myotis species (84.8%) and adult females (48.5%) dominated in seropositive bats, juveniles of both sexes showed no difference in seroprevalence. Higher numbers tested positive when sampled during the active season (10.5%), as compared with the hibernation period (0.9%). Bat rabies seroprevalence was significantly higher in natural habitats (4.0%) compared with synanthropic roosts (1.2%). Importantly, in 2018, we recorded 73.1% seroprevalence in a cave containing a M. blythii maternity colony in the Altai Krai of Russia. Conclusions: Identification of such "hotspots" of non-RABV lyssavirus circulation not only provides important information for public health protection, it can also guide research activities aimed at more in-depth bat rabies studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recorded the following parasitic macronyssid mite species (Mesostigmata: Gamasina: Macronyssidae) from Northern Caucasus: Macronyssus leislerianus associated with the Leisler's bat Nyctalus leisleri (this mite species was known previously from a single record from Germany); Macronyssus diversipilis from Myotis tschuliensis (the southernmost locality for this mite species and a new host record); Steatonyssus noctulus from the common noctule Nyctalus noctula; and Cryptonyssus flexus from the Nathusius' pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii (new host record). We give diagnostic illustrations, measurements of the above mites and key to females of the genus Macronyssus of Russia and adjacent countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the political condition in Russia in the year 2000. Cooperation between the executive and legislative branch of the government of Russia; Information on the political parties in Russia; Leaders of the major political movements of Russia.

PURPOSE: The overall survival (OS) results in patients with ALK -positive metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have rarely been reported. The aim of this prospective-retrospective cohort study was to obtain real-world data on the use of crizotinib or chemotherapy in patients with ALK -positive metastatic NSCLC in Russia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–negative metastatic NSCLC were screened in 23 cancer centers. To be eligible, patients were required to have confirmation of ALK rearrangement. Patients were treated with crizotinib (250 mg twice daily; n = 96) or the investigator's choice of platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 53). The primary end point was OS. RESULTS: A total of 149 ALK -positive patients were included. Mean age was 53 years in both groups. Patients were predominately women (59%) and never-smokers (74%), and most patients had adenocarcinoma histology (95%). At a median follow-up time of 15 months, 79 of the 149 patients included in the analysis had died. Median OS from the start of treatment was 31 months (95% CI, 28.5 to 33.5 months) in the crizotinib group and 15.0 months (95% CI, 9.0 to 21.0 months) in the chemotherapy group (P <.001). The objective response rate was 34% in the crizotinib group. Among patients with brain metastasis, one complete response (6%) and five partial responses (31%) were achieved. Grade 3 adverse events were observed in three patients (3%) in the crizotinib group. CONCLUSION: The improved OS observed in crizotinib clinical trials in ALK -positive NSCLC was also observed in the less selective patient populations treated in daily practice in Russia. The use of standard chemotherapy in these patients remains common but seems inappropriate as a result of the effectiveness of newer treatments, such as crizotinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation genetics is important in the management of endangered species, helping to understand their connectivity and long‐term viability, thus identifying populations of importance for conservation. The pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) is a rare species classified as "Near Threatened" with a wide but patchy Palearctic distribution. A total of 277 samples representing populations in Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Hungary, and Russia were used in the genetic analyses; 224 samples representing Denmark, Germany, and Russia were analyzed at 10 microsatellite loci; 241 samples representing all areas were analyzed using mitochondrial D‐loop and cytochrome B sequences. A Bayesian clustering approach revealed two poorly resolved clusters, one representing the Danish and German groups and the other the Russian group. However, significantly different pairwise FST and DEST estimates were observed between the Danish and German groups and between the Danish and Russian groups suggesting a recent population structure. These conflicting results might be attributed to the effect of migration or low resolution due to the number of microsatellite markers used. After concatenating the two mitochondrial sequences, analysis detected significant genetic differentiation between all populations, probably due to genetic drift combined with a founder event. The phylogenetic tree suggested a closer relationship between the Russian and Northern European populations compared to the Hungarian population, implying that the latter belongs to an older ancestral population. This was supported by the observed haplotype network and higher nucleotide diversity in this population. The genetic structuring observed in the Danish/German pond bat stresses the need for a cross‐border management between the two countries. Further, the pronounced mtDNA structuring, together with the indicated migration between nearby populations suggest philopatric female behavior but male migration, emphasizes the importance of protecting suitable habitat mosaics to maintain a continuum of patches with dense pond bat populations across the species' distribution range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a poll examining the attitudes of people in Russia towards nuclear weapons and threats. Results of the poll; Views of the people on nuclear non-proliferation; Status of the concern on terrorism in Russia.

Scientific research enabled the formulation of methodological approaches to the standardization of biological, herbal, and homeopathic drugs and their analytical methods included in the Russian Federation State Pharmacopoeia XIIIth Ed. The developed General Pharmacopoeial Articles and Pharmacopoeial Articles are fundamental elements of the standardization of medicines circulated on the Russian Federation pharmaceutical market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy non-obese (MUNO) phenotypes in Russian population. Design and methods: In cross-sectional epidemiology survey 'Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors in some regions of the Russian Federation' a random sampling of 21,121 subjects (25-65 years), stratified by age and sex was involved. Anthropometry, blood pressure (BP) measurement and fasting blood-tests (glucose, lipids) were performed according to standard protocols. Criteria for MHO-body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m and ≤2 of markers: HDL < 1.30 (females)/1.04 (males) mmol/l; triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/l; glucose ≥5.6 mmol/l or treatment; waist >88 (females)/102 (males) cm and BP ≥ 130/85 mm Hg or therapy. Criteria for MUNO was BMI < 30 kg/m and ≥2 markers listed above. Simple tabulations, descriptive statistics, post-stratification weights and logistic regression were used for analyses. Results: MHO phenotype was detected in 2856 (41.5%) obese people; MUNO phenotype-in 4762 (34.4%) non-obese subjects. Aging was negatively associated with MHO and positively with MUNO prevalence. Gender was registered as determinant only of MUNO probability. No dramatic differences in lifestyle risk factors between 3 BMI groups (lean, overweight, obese) were found out. Conclusion: Half of obese Russian inhabitants are metabolically healthy. At the same time, metabolic abnormalities were detected in one third of non-obese participants with a shift to male gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a practical procedure of the overall risk efficient management in the course of implementation of investment construction megaprojects (ICPs) by Russian development companies considering overseas market operations. On the one hand, the dual nature of risk, is expressed in terms of likelihood to suffer certain economic losses (net risk), on the other hand, it is a possibility to gain a significant income under conditions of acceptable risk limits and, consequently, ensure financial stability of the business entity under consideration. The cross border index shall be considered in the calculations for the purposes of implementation of an investment construction project at an overseas market. A project can be considered as completed provided that the previously identified goals considering previously established restrictions on the final product quality, cost parameters and overall risk were accomplished. Project results shall comply with the developer's business plan considering interests of all investment process participants. This, in its turn, can be achieved by carrying on specific management functions. The proposed procedure of the overall risk assessment and management provides for application of special techniques and instruments that allow to take into account the uncertainty factor at all stages of implementation of an investment construction project in the best possible way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic gas prices in Russia are substantially lower than export netback prices. The Russian government aims to increase the domestic price level in the long term. The objective of this paper is to analyse the long-term effects of higher gas prices in Russia on the European gas market. The analysis is based on a modified analytical and a numerical Hotelling model. The main findings are as follows. Under a price elasticity of demand equalling −0.5, a 70% increase in the domestic gas price in Russia results in an annual average reduction in domestic gas consumption of 116 bcm. The export supply to Europe could be affected via two channels: (i) a stock effect and (ii) scarcity rents. The results show that in the presence of a stock effect with an elasticity equalling unity, the annual average increase in the export supply to Europe could account for 33.7 bcm. Although Russia may not face a resource constraint in the short and medium terms, scarcity effects could become more relevant in the future. A reduction in domestic gas consumption could reduce the future scarcity rent, implying a higher potential for exporting gas in the long term. Overall, total gas consumption in Europe could annually increase by 17.5 bcm on average. As the stock elasticity increases, so does the increase in total gas consumption. Furthermore, the results show that increasing the domestic gas price is associated with an annual average increase in the export tax revenue from gas of 38.4 billion USD and an annual average reduction in the domestic gas subsidy of 34.1 billion USD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research performed at the Bochvar All-Russia Research Institute for Inorganic Materials (VNIINM) and the All-Russia Research Institute of Experimental Physics (VNIIEF) on the development of the TUK-117 multipurpose transport packaging is presented. The TUK-117 packaging possesses biological protection based on depleted uranium and intended for transporting and storing spent nuclear fuel. The higher capacity of the metallic uranium alloy for absorbing of γ-rays and the alloy's high mechanical characteristics have made it possible to develop a design meeting IAEA specifications. The technology for fabricating safety-engineered articles from uranium and its alloys by pouring the alloy into a prepared mold made of corrosion-resistant steel is patented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While such surgical procedures as treatment of unruptured aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and dural fistulae were postponed indefinitely, such diseases as hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes were treated without delay following all anti-infection precautions. The health care system has set up patient logistics to separate COVID and non-COVID patient flows. In the Russian Federation, endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies is a part of the -ray Endovascular Diagnostics and Treatment Program and is carried out in endovascular centers where these pathologies are treated along with other vascular pathologies. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the political relationship between Russia and the Western Countries. Information on the formation of the relationship, international cooperation, and the downfall of the relationship is presented. Also included is information on the influence of mass media and propaganda in Russian politics.

An interview with Vladimir Orlov, president and founder of the Russian independent nongovernmental organization (NGO) PIR Center, is presented. Orlov discusses the 20th anniversary of the organization, and Vadim Kozyulin and Dmitry Evstafiev as first members of the PIR Center team. He also discusses how education and training programs in the area of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) nonproliferation came to be a part of the organization's portfolio.

The theoretical literature on the double-dividend concept is mainly focused on pre-existing distortionary taxes in the labour and capital markets; the relevance of interactions with other taxes is often neglected. Using an analytical model and a numerical general equilibrium model, we analyse the welfare effects of carbon taxes and their interaction with other taxes applied in Russia. We find that substituting carbon taxes for labour taxes in Russia can substantially reduce the cost of carbon taxation compared to returning carbon tax revenues to households in lump-sum form and can even result in welfare gains in Russia. In conclusion, introducing carbon taxes has an indirect corrective effect with respect to the distorting effect of export taxation on energy resources. Furthermore, welfare costs of carbon taxation can be significant under the assumption of perfect international mobility of capital. Nevertheless, the cost can be more than compensated in case of a high carbon trade price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Natural-focal diseases constitute a serious hazard for human health. Agents and vectors of such diseases belong to natural landscapes. The aim of this study is to identify the diversity and geography of natural-focal diseases in Russia and to develop cartographic approaches for their mapping, including mathematical-cartographical modeling. Russian medicogeographical mapping of natural-focal diseases is highly developed regionally and locally but extremely limited at the national level. To solve this problem, a scientific team of the Faculty of Geography at Lomonosov Moscow State University has developed and implemented a project of a medico-geographical Atlas of Russia "Natural-Focal Diseases". Methods The mapping is based on medical statistics data. The Atlas contains a series of maps on disease incidence, long-term dynamics of disease morbidity, etc. In addition, other materials available to the authors were used: mapping of the natural environment, field data, archival materials, analyzed satellite images, etc. The maps are processed using ArcGIS (ESRI) software application. Different methods of rendering of mapped phenomena are used (geographical ranges, diagrams, choropleth maps etc.). Results +A series of analytical, integrated, and synthetic maps shows disease incidence in the population at both the national and regional levels for the last 15 years. Maps of the mean annual morbidity of certain infections and maps of morbidity dynamics and nosological profiles allow for a detailed analysis of the situation for each of 83 administrative units of the Russian Federation. The degree of epidemic hazard in Russia by natural-focal diseases is reflected in a synthetic medico-geographical map that shows the degree of epidemic risks due to such diseases in Russia and allows one to estimate the risk of disease manifestation in a given region. Conclusions This is the first attempt at aggregation and public presentation of diverse and multifaceted information about natural-focal diseases in Russia. Taken in entirety, the maps that have been prepared for the Atlas will enable researchers to evaluate the stability of epidemic manifestation of individual diseases and the susceptibility of a given territory to disease transmission. The results can be used for sanitary monitoring and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhythms of the human autonomous nervous system and their seasonal dynamics are discussed. Stationary and non-stationary intervals of tonicity of the autonomous nervous system in six subjects involved in the Mars-520 experiment were tested within the first year of the experiment. The maximal parasympathetic tonus of the autonomous nervous system was observed in the spring and/or fall seasons. A new method based on the Smirnov theorem is suggested to find stationary processes in any physiological function (e.g. autonomous Kerdo index). A physiological interpretation of the results of this work is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsatellite and mtDNA markers have been used to identify two pairs of cryptic species Sorex araneus L. ( Sorex satunini Ogn.) and Sorex minutus L. ( S. volnuchini Ogn.). The new data were obtained on the distribution of these species on the plain between the Don and Kuban rivers. The shrew S. volnuchini and Caucasian mole are distributed on the plain areas up to the Eya River. The endemic species of the Caucasus, the shrews S. satunini and S. volnuchini, are widely distributed across the valleys alongside small streams on the steppe plain. Both species are most abundant on thick grasslands, bushy scrub, and deciduous woodlands. They don't show any clear differences in habitat preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information regarding the modern concepts on the structure and evolution of the Uralian thrust fold. It discusses the age of two groups of geological structures the Uralides and Pre-Uralides-Timanides which are widespread in the Urals. It uses the mass uranium-lead isotope dating for the paleogeography and paleotectonics analysis. It mentions that Pre-Uralides-Timanides compose the submeridionally extended range of large salients lying among the Paleozoic complexes of the West Uralian megazone. It states that the upper structural element of Pre-Uralides-Timanides in the Bashkirian uplift is represented by a complex of terrigenous, terrigenous-carbonate, and carbonate rocks.

The conceptual principles of a long-term strategy for the development of large-scale nuclear power in Russia based on fast reactors with natural safety and a closed NFC, conservation of the natural radioactivity balance for buried wastes, prevention of proliferation of weapons-grade materials, drawing uranium resources fully into energy production and ensuring that the nuclear method of electricity production is competitive are examined. The principal problems of nuclear power are characterized and ways to solve them are proposed. Mathematical models are used to examine scenarios for the development of nuclear power and the transition to a closed NFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On December 25, 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev handed over the “nuclear briefcase” to Boris Yeltsin. Eighteen months after the formal declaration of Russian state sovereignty and six months after his election as Russian president, Yeltsin found himself in possession of the symbolic key to the Russian nuclear arsenal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of various extractive systems (triisoamyl phosphate/HF+HSO, n-octanol/HF+HSO, n-octanol/HF+HNO) used to obtain potassium heptafluorotantalate from plumbomicrolite-based raw materials on the purity and characteristics of sodium-reduced tantalum powders was studied. Application of the extractive systems provides production of high-purity potassium heptafluorotantalate from raw materials based on products formed in processing of the plumbomicrolite concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the launch of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) nuclear program between Russia and Iran. He mentions that the project will provide Russia substantial politicals dividends, as it expands its nuclear capabilities in the Middle East, building relationships with Middle Eastern countries. He also looks into a possibility of a U.S.-Russia nuclear projects.

The article offers the author's insights on the threats of cyber crime to information security in Russia. He mentions that the attacks against web sites of Russian government agencies are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated wherein attacks like the Stuxnet worm in 2011 could have very negative effects for the Russian economy unless measures are developed. He adds that measures against cyber terrorism are regulated by individual pieces of legislation in Russia.

The contact zone between Moscow and Western Dvina chromosomal races of common shrew Sorex araneus L. at the south of the Valdai Hights was traced over a distance of 20 km. Within this, close to parapatric, contact zone of chromosomal races the width of sympatry zone was about 500 m (the narrowest among currently known hybrid zones), and the proportion of hybrids was 24.3%. It was shown that in bimodal hybrid zones between chromosomal races of common shrew the width of sympatry zones varied from 0.5 to 13 km. This width does not correlate with the cytogenetic features of the hybrids, and seems to be determined by competitive relations between the races. The hybrid proportion is determined by the type of hybrid heterozygosity, and decreased in the race sympatry zone from 33-40 to 21.5-25.2%. The decrease of the hybrid proportion can be associated with the abnormal fertility of either the first generation, or the backcross hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a 2012 conference on the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free-zone (NWFZ) in the Middle East. According to the author, the largest obstacle in achieving this goal is skepticism on the part of political commentators and actors alike that such an outcome is even possible. The author offers suggestions on the format of a successful conference, the topics that should be discussed, and how its outcome should be measured. Details related to the history of NWFZ efforts in the Middle East, including the inclusion of chemical and biological weapons under the category of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), are presented. Other topics include the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the political role of Russia in the region.