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Specifics of a chemical composition of tubers and green material of a topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus), high efficiency and ecological plasticity, profitability of growing, biotechnological potential of use enable to identify a topinambur as a of high-energy cultures of the future. High moisture of various topinambur parts, features of the mechanism of a heat and mass transfer set a problem of search of the new drying methods promoting to increase dehydration efficiency and produce a quality product. A method of calculation of duration of the oscillating mode of topinambur tubers drying in a dense layer is worked out. The topinambur tubers cut on cubes with the side of 6 mm were taken as object of researches. Researches were conducted in the setting of various drying modes: two experiences at the oscillating mode with height of a material layer of 0.07 m and 0.17 m; and also as a check experiment was material drying at a constant temperature of the drying agent. Duration of the oscillating mode of topinambur tubers drying was calculated on their basis of received curves of changes of moisture content at various modes of drying. Estimate indicators were confirmed with experimental data. Results of determination of duration of the oscillating modes of topinambur tubers drying proved that efficiency of the oscillating modes is 18 percent higher, than at control experiment.

Article is devoted to one of actual problems of radiation ecology - to studying of processes of transfer of a superheavy isotope of hydrogen-tritium in environment. Results of researches of processes of oxidation of tritium are given in a nonsaturated layer of earth, migration in a water-bearing layer, washing away from the atmosphere by drops of a rain and transfer in the atmosphere.

The aim of present work was to study IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα levels in the patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) accompanied by anxiety and depression. We have revealed a significant increase in IL-6 and TNFα in the patients with ischemic CAD associated with comorbid affective disturbances, as compared to the persons with CAD free of mood disorders. Our results support a «cytokine» hypothesis of affective disturbances in CAD patients, i.e., in cases associated with anxiety and depression.

The paper proposes a new hybrid approach technique to simulate acousto-ultrasonic wave excitation and propagation due to operation of the partially debonded piezoelectric transducer attached to a plate-like structure. The semi-analytical boundary integral equation method is applied to calculate guided waves propagation in the unbounded structures and to separate different guided waves in the piezo-induced wave-fields. The obtained model is verified experimentally using the scanning laser Doppler vibrometry. Eigenfrequencies are calculated and analysed for various sizes of the transducer and for different bonding conditions between the transducer and the waveguide. The impact of the transducer’s height, size and debonding area on symmetric and antisymmetric Lamb waves excitation is analysed. The paper demonstrates that one-sided debonding of the transducer exerts intense influence on the distribution of the wave energy among the excited Lamb wave modes, while center debonding has a sizable impact only at relatively high frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berries are a source of biologically active substances in human diet. Gooseberries have attractive sensory properties and high nutritional value. However, modern science knows little about micromycetic contamination of gooseberry. The research objective was to define the mycobiota composition of Ribes uva-crispa L. varieties during storage. The study featured the mycobiota of gooseberry varieties Senator and Rozoviy 2. The berries were harvested on the test field of the Siberian Federal Scientific Center of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were stored for 18 days at 18 ± 2 and 4 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 90–95%. The authors used standard research methods to identify the mycobiota and attribute them to nine genera by morphological structure: Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, and anaerobic yeast. The frequency of occurrence varied from 20 to 100%. Micromycetes of the genus Fusarium were present only in the Senator sample, which also demonstrated a 100% occurrence of Penicillium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. In the sample of Rozoviy 2, Penicillium and Cladosporium occurred in 80%. The Senator sample was twice as low in micromycetes as the Rozoviy 2 berries: 558 vs. 945, respectively. The Senator berries grew in micromycetes due to the Cladosporium fungi while Rozoviy 2 owed its micromycetic increase to Penicillium. Both varieties showed no signs of ascomycetes known as a powdery mildew agent. During storage, the growth of yeast and yeast-like fungi depended on the variety of berries while the growth of mycelial fungi depended on the variety and storage temperature. The data obtained expand the scope of scientific knowledge about the generic composition of gooseberry mycobiota, which may help to select correct anti-spoilage measures.

Aim. To study clinico-demographical characteristics of the patients with decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF). Material and methods. The analysis included the data of 112 patients hospitalised at Moscow City Clinical Hospital No. 68 due to decompensated CHF. The follow-up period lasted 30 days. Results. The mean age of the patients (33 % men, 67 % women) was 70,3±9,9 years. Older age (>70 years) was significantly more prevalent in women than in men (р=0,005). The main reason for CHF decompensation was inadequate pre-hospital therapy. The mean duration of the in-hospital treatment was 17,5±6,4 days. The level of 30-day fatality was 12,5 % (n=14). According to correlation analysis results, systolic blood pressure (SBP) level 70 years. The leading causes of death were pulmonary thromboembolism and diuretic therapy resistance.

We present the method and software Meteor Pole for calculation of the spherical equatorial coordinates of the meteor points within the images obtained by TV observations. This software is a part of computer package Odessa Meteor which was elaborated for processing of the TV meteor patrol observational material. The results of such processing are the equatorial coordinates of the large circles poles of meteor trajectories on celestial sphere. These data are necessary for determination of the equatorial coordinates of radiants. We give the description of the method which enables one to estimate accuracy of the equatorial coordinates deternination taking into account specific chatcter of the operation of TV camera WATEC LCL-902 and its modifications. An analysis of the distribution of the large circles poles based on observations that were carried out in Astronomical Observatory of Odessa National University is given. We made a conclusion that there is no selected global direction in meteor movement on celestial sphere.

In this paper data on the number of follicles in testes and the number of ovarioles in ovaries of planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) are summarised and discussed. Fulgoromorpha include about 14,000 described species belonging to 21 families distributed throughout the world. The number of follicles is known for 186 species, 123 genera and 17 families, and the number of ovarioles is known for 52 species, 44 genera and 11 families. Almost 80% of the species studied belong to the families Dictyophar­idae, Delphacidae, Issidae, Cixiidae and Achilidae. The number of follicles per testis and ovarioles per ovary varies within similar ranges, from 2 to 30 and from 3 to just over 30, respectively. The predominant number of follicles is 6, which is found in more than one third of the species and in almost all of the families studied. This number is considered as an ancestral trait for Fulgoromorpha. In each family, the ancestral number can vary both upwards or downwards, probably due to either polymerization or oligomerization. In the more basal families, a decreasing trend clearly predominates, whereas an increasing trend predominates in the more advanced families. As for the numbers of ovarioles, they tend to vary within families, with rare exceptions (e.g., Dictyopharidae), but that is probably due to the lack of data.

The latitude component of the deviation of the photometric centre of the gegenschein from the antisolar point was considered. It was concluded that the centre of the gegenschein is shifted towards the northern hemisphere the respect to ecliptic. Using the catalogues of individual meteor orbits based on photographic, television and radar observations (the materials of the Meteor Data Centre in Lund), the optical theory of the gegenschein was tested. Using the distribution of meteor orbits as a function of the five elements f(i, a, e, Ω, ω), the spatial distribution of the meteor matter is determined. The shift of the maximum density in distribution of the interplanetary dust towards to north from ecliptic is obtained. The deviation of the centre of the gegenschein north of the ecliptic is explained by this result.

Russian cuisine reflects the identity of its peoples. However, modern nutrition tends to level the multicultural peculiarities of Russian cuisine. This research objective was to identify the effect of packaging and storage time on the quality profile of instant turnip and rutabaga porridges. The study featured quality indicators of food concentrates. Samples of instant porridges were packaged in sachet bags and cups made of complex materials. They were stored at a 20–25°C and a relative humidity of ≤ 75% for 8 months. The sensory, physicochemical, and microbiological variables were measured using standard research methods. After 6 and 8 months of storage, the total sensory assessment for the porridge cups was higher by 1.0 and 2.0 points, respectively, than for the porridge sachets. The cups did not affect the moisture and fat content during storage. The recoverability of the cupped samples was higher by 10.9 and 14.2% after 6 and 8 months of storage, respectively. The mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microbial count for porridge cups fell by 11.0 times after 6 months of storage and by 3.2 times after 8 months of storage, compared to the sachets. The tests revealed no yeast, mold, Bacillus cereus, coliform bacteria, or pathogenic microorganisms. Shelf-life had a greater effect on quality profile of instant porridge than packaging. In this research, the recommended shelf life for instant turnip and rutabaga porridges was 6 months. The effect of other packaging types and materials on food concentrates is a promising research direction.

We studied the karyotype and chromosomal distribution of 18S rDNA clustered in nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in Nysius graminicola (Kolenati, 1845), belonging to the subfamily Orsillinae (Lygaeidae). It is shown that this species has a karyotype with 2n = 22(18+mm+XY), previously known in only one of 24 studied species of the genus Nysius Dallas, 1852, characterized by a similar karyotype, 2n = 14(12+mm+XY). In N. graminicola, 18S loci are located on sex chromosomes, which is a previously unknown trait for this genus. Our results in a compilation with previous data revealed dynamic evolution of rDNA distribution in Nysius. It is concluded that molecular chromosomal markers detected by FISH contribute to a better understanding of the structure and evolution of the taxonomically complex genus Nysius.

Objective: to assess the results of evacuation of critically ill obstetric and gynecological patients by ground and air transports to improve the quality of a specialized medical aid on the basis of the technology developed by the Obstetric Resuscitative Advisory Center (ORAC). Subjects and methods. The study was based on the prospective and retrospective analysis of the results of evacuation of 358 critically ill obstetric and gynecological patients in the presence of severe gestosis (n=162), obstetric hemorrhages (n=74), abdominal (obstetric) sepsis (n=68), as well as pregnant women and puerparas with extragenital pathology (n=54) via ground (26.5%) and air (75.3%) transports by the workers of the ORAC in the period of 1998-2006. Results. Complex intensive care aimed at correcting major critical states, performed during evacuation by a resuscitative-advisory team, could provide the steady-state values of vital functions during transportation of obstetric and gynecological patients. Conclusion. A scheme has been developed for safe evacuation of critically ill obstetric and gynecological patients via ground and air transports by the ORAC workers. Key words: patient evacuation, gestosis, hemorrhage, sepsis, obstetrics, gynecology.

1 µm-thick polycrystalline thin films of the ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, Ni49.7Fe17.4Co4.2Ga28.7 (at.%), were sputter-deposited on MgO(0 0 1) substrates heated at 773 K. The films’ structure, magnetic properties and transformation behavior have been characterized. They exhibit both forward and reverse martensitic transformations at 218 K and 232 K, respectively. Ferromagnetic resonance and x-ray diffraction measurements discerned three ferromagnetic phases: cubic L21-ordered austenite, tetragonal martensite and disordered cubic γ-phase. The latter phase showed a unique spin-waves resonance spectrum, enabling estimation of the value of the exchange stiffness constant equal to A  =  0.7  ×  10−6 erg cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An advanced approach to the automated assessment of a microscopic slide containing spores is presented. The objective is to develop an intelligent system for the rapid and precise estimation of phytopathogenic spore concentration on microscopic slides, thereby enabling automated processing. The smart microscopy scanning system comprises an electronic microscope, a coordinate table, and software for the control of the coordinate table and image processing. The developed smart microscopy scanning system processes the entire microscope slide with multiple exposed strips, which are automatically determined based on the novel two-stage algorithm. The analysis of trained convolutional neural networks employed for the detection of spore phytopathogens demonstrates high precision and recall metrics. The system is capable of identifying and counting the number of spores of phytopathogenic fungi species Blumeria graminis, Puccinia striiformis, and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis on each exposed strip. A methodology for estimating the spore distribution on a microscopic slide is proposed, which involves calculating the average spore concentration density.

It has been determined that the MIA system reform is aimed at improving and optimising its structure, organising activities with a view to combating crime and corruption, timely detection of collaboration and prevention of threats to Ukraine’s external and internal security, and improving the level of protection of citizens' rights and freedoms and prevention of offences. The goal of this process is to complete the transformation of the MIA system into a law enforcement agency that meets modern European requirements. The peculiarities and current trends in the development of law enforcement systems of the European Union, the USA and Japan in terms of measures aimed at ensuring the proper state of public security and public order have been studied. The principles of municipal police units functioning in Germany, the UK, the USA and Japan have been considered. An analysis of the National Police and other law enforcement agencies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has been carried out, and the peculiarities and current trends in the development of law enforcement systems of foreign countries with regard to measures aimed at ensuring the proper state of public security and public order have been studied. The means of interaction between the police and local executive authorities, local self-government, public organisations and the public have been considered. Taking into account international experience, the author makes proposals for improving the main areas of activity of law enforcement agencies of the MIA of Ukraine. It has been suggested to consider the possibility of reviving the functioning of municipal (local) police units in Ukraine, which should assist regional police units in solving the tasks of public order protection and combating offences. In this regard, it is appropriate to use the experience of municipal police in Germany, the UK, the USA and Japan, as well as in Ukraine.

A novel kind of acoustic metamaterials (AMMs) with unit cells composed of two layers made of dissimilar materials with a crack-like void situated at the interface between bars is considered. Recently, the authors showed numerically that this novel kind of AMMs can provide unidirectional propagation of guided waves. Several AMM specimens (the finite stack of periodic elastic layers with and without voids) have been manufactured using additive manufacturing techniques and regular gluing. The details of the manufacturing process are discussed. In the experiment, the elastic waves have been excited by a rectangular piezoelectric wafer active transducer bonded at the surface of the specimen. Vibrations of the opposite side of the AMM specimen are measured via a piezoelectric sensor. The band gaps are observed in the experiment and values of their width and location correlate with numerically predicted ones.

Cedar-pine nut kernels are tasty and nutritious, which makes them a popular raw material. This research featured the effect of mechano-acoustic treatment on the quality of a novel semi-finished product from Pinus sibirica kernels. The production technology included the following stages. A mix of kernels and water underwent mechano-acoustic treatment (100–500 W/kg) at 63–67°C for 20 min. After that, the mix was packaged, cooled, and stored in plastic jars at 2–6 and –18–22°C. The study relied on conventional and standard research methods. The resulting light-cream homogeneous mass had a characteristic aroma and taste of cedar-pine nuts. Its nutrient composition was close to the original raw material: protein – 7.4%, fat – 22.6%, sugar – 1.4%, fiber – 1.4%, ash – 1.03%. However, the quantity of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms decreased by three orders of magnitude and that of yeast decreased by six times. In addition, the semi-finished product contained no non-spore-forming Escherichia coli. A set of sensory, physico-chemical, and microbiological tests revealed the shelf life of 14 days at 2–6°C and 24 months at –18–22°C. The mechano-acoustic homogenizer made it possible to obtain a high-quality semi-finished product from Pinus sibirica nut kernels with a simple production technology, long shelf life, and great commercial potential.

Abstract A localized Fourier collocation method is proposed for solving certain types of elliptic boundary value problems. The method first discretizes the entire domain into a set of overlapping small subdomains, and then in each of the subdomains, the unknown functions and their derivatives are approximated using the pseudo‐spectral Fourier collocation method. The key idea of the present method is to combine the merits of the quick convergence of the pseudo‐spectral method and the high sparsity of the localized discretization technique to yield a new framework that may be suitable for large‐scale simulations. The present method can be viewed as a competitive alternative for solving numerically large‐scale boundary value problems with complex‐shape geometries. Preliminary numerical experiments involving Poisson, Helmholtz, and modified‐Helmholtz equations in both two and three dimensions are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method.

Optimization of the structure of piezoelectric transducers such as the proper design of matching layers can increase maximum wave energy transmission to the host structure and transducer sensitivity. A novel configuration of an ultrasonic transducer, where elastic metamaterial insertion is introduced to provide bulk wave mode conversion and to increase wave energy transfer into a substrate, is proposed. Configurations of layered elastic metamaterials with crack-like voids are examined theoretically since they can provide wide band gaps and strong wave localization and trapping. The analysis shows that the proposed metamaterial-based matching layers can sufficiently change wave energy transmission from a piezoelectric active element for various frequency ranges (relatively low frequencies as well as higher ones). The proposed configuration can also be useful for advanced sensing with higher sensitivity in certain frequency ranges or for demultiplexing different kinds of elastic waves.

Fruit puree is one of the most popular semi-finished products. Rose hips have a wide range of positive effects on the human body due to the biologically active substances they contain. The research objective was to assess the quality rosehip puree produced using a mechano-acoustic homogenizer and to define its shelf life. The study featured several samples of puree made of fresh or dried rose hips. The experiment involved two types of processing methods: traditional and mechano-acoustic. The analysis was based on standard methods. The mechano-acoustic homogenizer made it possible to combine several technological operations: grinding, homogenization, deodorization, and disinfection. The processing conditions were as follows: exposure intensity – 100–500 W/kg, time – 15–30 min, temperature – 50–65°C, disinfection time – 20–60 s, disinfection temperature – 95–97°C. Both fresh and dried rose hips puree samples produced with the help of a mechano-acoustic homogenizer had the best sensory properties, which exceeded those of the control samples by 9% for appearance, 15% for color, 21% for smell, and 30% for texture and taste. The test samples were by 10% richer in sugars, proteins, free organic acids, and minerals. They contained more biologically active substances: dietary fiber and β-carotene – by an average of 10%, phenolic substances – 20%, ascorbic acid – 40%. According to the sensory, physical, chemical, and microbiological indicators, the shelf life of rose hip puree produced using mechano-acoustic equipment was 24 months in glass packaging. The mechano-acoustic homogenizer method optimized the technological operation, and the finished product had more nutrients and better quality indicators than those of puree obtained by traditional technologies. The rose hip puree retained its quality characteristics for 24 months at ≤ 25°C and humidity ≤ 75% in glass jars in a dark place.