Search

Abstract The use of natural polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. This study introduces a novel approach by utilizing Beta vulgaris polymer and exploring its modification with Welan gum to enhance rheological performance. The polymers were characterized through SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA to assess their structural, thermal, and morphological properties. The study evaluates the effects of concentration, temperature, and salinity on rheological behavior along with core flooding. Beta vulgaris exhibited varying particle sizes with moderate viscosity (10 cP), which decreased by 80% at 55 °C in saline conditions, indicating poor thermal stability. Welan gum, with its rod-like structure, demonstrated superior thermal resistance. The composite blend of Beta vulgaris and Welan gum significantly improved viscosity (30 cP) and flow stability. All polymers followed the Ostwald–de Waele power law, with the composite blend enhancing the flow behavior index and stability by 75% and 10%, respectively. Core flooding experiments confirmed a 60% increase in oil fractional flow with natural polymers and 26% incremental oil recovery with a composite material injection. This study demonstrates the potential of combining Beta vulgaris and Welan gum as a sustainable, efficient solution for EOR, particularly in challenging reservoir conditions. Graphical abstract

Laboratory experiments in physics are a fundamental basis for studying physical phenomena occurring in nature and a methodological tool that provides visibility of the learning process and conducting experiments is important for the formation of students’ scientific worldview, deep understanding of physical laws and increasing interest in the study of physics. Existing in universities and schools, in addition to traditional ones, modern tools, technologies and approaches, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, computer modelling, online laboratories, virtual laboratory and others, are additional tools for improving the quality of the learning process and teaching techniques, which do not replace full-scale experiments, but only supplement them. In our opinion, for better learning, laboratory installations in physics are needed, with the help of which students can carry out real-life experiments and can broadcast them using innovative computer technologies for distance learning. To implement this task, we reviewed and analysed existing laboratory installations, identified their advantages and disadvantages, and then designed and developed alternative digital experimental set-ups for studying physics phenomena in laboratory conditions of educational institutions based on computer vision technology and presented the results of the study in this article. In carrying out the research tasks, effective methods of conducting scientific research were used, such as theoretical substantiation of the issue, experimental testing of the developed hardware and software systems and computer final processing of experimental data. In summary, the research described in the paper presents an innovative mechanism for integrating object tracking based on computer vision to improve the quality of measurements and new ways of conducting physics experiments. The mechanical laboratory complexes we have developed consist of hardware and software parts. The software part consists of server and client parts. The hardware consists of the main part - the scene, where the physical process takes place, i.e. where a physical object is located, such as a mathematical pendulum, an inclined plane, etc., with the help of which many physical phenomena and processes in mechanics can be demonstrated, and an additional part where a microcomputer and a camera are located. The operating principle of the laboratory installation is based on the use of computer vision technology, i.e. a system for monitoring the ongoing physical process, consisting of a digital camera for image processing, object identification and data export, and a microcomputer for processing experimental data. The use of the experimental installations in the process of teaching physics is a new model of teaching with a promising future in secondary and higher education, and the installations themselves will become tools for offline and online learning, due to the use of computer vision technology, revealing new opportunities and approaches to teaching.

For processing of stone and manufacture of tools, ancient man mastered a variety of methods and techniques — beating, splitting into flakes and plates, impact and spin retouching, grinding, sawing, drilling and some others. Of these, the least studied and insufficiently covered in the literature is the point-impact technique (pecking). Pecking could have been used both as an auxiliary technique and as the main one. When processing large tools (axes, adzes, pestles), which subsequently were polished, it was an auxiliary method. But when making a circular groove for tying and hollowing out a blind or through hole, it would have become the main one. In the forest Trans-Urals, the pecking technique was already known in the Mesolithic. A treasure hoard containing six stone axes has been found at the Mesolithic settlement of Ogurdino (Perm Krai). The axes were treated by beating and pecking techniques, followed by partial surface polishing. Also, two axe blanks with lugs (trunnions) from the site of Beregovaya IX in the Gorbunovsky peat bog (Sverdlovsk Region) belong to the Mesolithic. The edges of the tools and the protruding lugs were processed by pecking. A perforated disk-pommel in the shape of a kind of disguise was found in the Late Mesolithic layer of the 2nd Beregovaya site in the Gorbunovsky peat bog. A rounded hole 2.8–3.1 cm in diameter was made in the center of the disc by deep pecking on both sides. The majority of the items processed by pecking were found on mixed sites and date to a wide chronological range from the Neolithic to Bronze Age. Some of them represent accidental single finds. Stone sculptures, tops of maces, axes, adzes, plows, chisels, pestles, fishing sinkers, “ironings” were processed using point-impact retouching. Tying lines on hammers made of massive pebbles were designed exclusively by pecking. During the Early Iron Age, the pecking technique only further expanded its application. Moreover, it was used not only for shaping products, but for making complex figured ornaments on sculptures and bas-reliefs.

Abstract Despite clinical data stretching over millennia, the neurobiological basis of the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating diseases of the central nervous system has remained elusive. Here, using an established model of acupuncture treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) model mice, we show that peripheral acupuncture stimulation activates hypothalamic melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons via nerve conduction. We further identify two separate neural pathways originating from anatomically and electrophysiologically distinct MCH neuronal subpopulations, projecting to the substantia nigra and hippocampus, respectively. Through chemogenetic manipulation specifically targeting these MCH projections, their respective roles in mediating the acupuncture‐induced motor recovery and memory improvements following PD onset are demonstrated, as well as the underlying mechanisms mediating recovery from dopaminergic neurodegeneration, reactive gliosis, and impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Collectively, these MCH neurons constitute not only a circuit‐based explanation for the therapeutic effectiveness of traditional acupuncture, but also a potential cellular target for treating both motor and non‐motor PD symptoms.

The principle of Representational Similarity Analysis (RSA) posits that neural representations reflect the structure of encoded information, allowing exploration of spatial and temporal organization of brain information processing. Traditional RSA when applied to EEG or MEG data faces challenges in accessing activation time series at the brain source level due to modeling complexities and insufficient geometric/anatomical data.To overcome this, we introduce Representational Dissimilarity Component Analysis (ReDisCA), a method for estimating spatial–temporal components in EEG or MEG responses aligned with a target representational dissimilarity matrix (RDM). ReDisCA yields informative spatial filters and associated topographies, offering insights into the location of ”representationally relevant” sources. Applied to evoked response time series, ReDisCA produces temporal source activation profiles with the desired RDM. Importantly, while ReDisCA does not require inverse modeling its output is consistent with EEG and MEG observation equation and can be used as an input to rigorous source localization procedures.Demonstrating ReDisCA’s efficacy through simulations and comparison with conventional methods, we show superior source localization accuracy and apply the method to real EEG and MEG datasets, revealing physiologically plausible representational structures without inverse modeling. ReDisCA adds to the family of inverse modeling free methods such as independent component analysis (Makeig, 1995), Spatial spectral decomposition (Nikulin, 2011), and Source power comodulation (Dähne, 2014) designed for extraction sources with desired properties from EEG or MEG data. Extending its utility beyond EEG and MEG analysis, ReDisCA is likely to find application in fMRI data analysis and exploration of representational structures emerging in multilayered artificial neural networks.

In the IFMIF-DONES neutron source a single accelerator line delivers 125 mA of deuterons at 40 MeV to a flowing liquid lithium target with a free surface facing the deuteron beam.Neutrons with fusion-relevant spectrum are generated by a stripping reaction and used for material samples irradiation.This report presents a numerical thermal–hydraulic and structural analysis using updated design of the target system and neutronics analysis results. Simulation scope includes the target assembly, vacuum chamber with beam ducts, outlet channel, quench tank vessel and connecting elements.Simulations have been conducted with the commercial CFD code Simcenter Star-CCM + . The computational domains consist total of 47.4x106 fluid and 14x106 structure cells.The following aspects have been analyzed: • Temperature distribution in lithium and target system structure during beam-on operation; • Transient mixing of lithium in the quench tank with temperature change during the beam switch-on phase. • Thermal displacements and stresses in the TA and QT structures.Simulations using the new distribution of nuclear heating show no significant changes in the temperature field in liquid lithium. Calculated unwanted temperature hotspots in the target structure demonstrate the need for optimization of the target design.

IFMIF-DONES is a facility under construction in Granada, whose main goal is the validation and characterization of materials under a fusion prototypic irradiation field. This field is created by the interaction of a high energy intense continuous deuteron beam and a flowing liquid lithium target. The requirements imposed on the beam at the interaction point are a complex trade-off among the scientific experimental needs for the materials irradiation defined at the top-level requirements (20 dpa in a volume of 0.3 dm3 and 50 dpa in 0.1 dm3), and the technical constraints of several systems such as the Accelerator Systems, the Lithium Systems, and the Test Systems. Recent simulations with the initial definition of beam-on-target requirements showed the necessity of redefining them in order to fulfill the irradiation needs. This contribution will address the main challenges to gather the inputs for the definition and reassessment of the beam-on-target requirements. A comparison detailing the main changes compared to the previous ones will be given, together with a short overview of the studies ongoing by different systems to analyze the impact of each beam-on-target requirements on the performance of the whole facility.

Baker's yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), belonging to the Ascomycota yeast type and being facultatively anaerobic, plays a key role in ecology, fundamental and evolutionary biology, biotechnology and industrial fermentations, in particular, in the production of fermented food and beverages. Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) grows on substrates with a high sugar content and is an important ingredient in flour bakery and confectionery products. In yeast, glucose metabolism is carried out by oxidation or fermentation, in the first case, this leads to cell growth, and in the second – to the formation of ethanol. A high concentration of glucose or a low concentration of oxygen in the nutrient medium stimulates the Crabtree effect, which inhibits cell growth and increases the formation of ethanol. The article reveals the fundamental and applied biology of baker's yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and reveals the technological methods of enriching beet molasses with nutrients in order to increase the yield of biomass. It is shown that the successful commercial production of baking yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae is determined by biological (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast strain with good breeding indicators; crop size, etc.) and technological (molasses quality: nature, composition, and concentration of substrate; cheap, suitable for cultivation carbon source; easily controlled cultivation process to obtain the most viable biomass, physico-chemical conditions of cultivation, primarily temperature, pH; cultivation period; development of the canning process, etc.) condıtıons. In industrial production, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae baker's yeast is obtained either from collection centres at the initial stages, or its own strains are isolated and cultivated, and subsequently, cultures are maintained, ensuring consistency of quality and productivity. The breeding characteristics of baker's yeast are: the ability to adapt to changing cultivation conditions, because the composition of molasses has high variability; the efficiency of respiratory metabolism during yeast production, which determines the yield of biomass; biomass production; cell growth rate; the ability to ferment; ability to quickly convert carbohydrates into CO2; ethanol production; dehydration; the volume of the final product, structure, colour (carbohydrates, amino acids); stress resistance to environmental conditions, in particular, to cold stress; shelf life (acids, glycerine). Today, as shown in the article, technological methods for enriching beet molasses with nutrients have different solutions. Molasses is enriched with cereals (cottonseed, cereal germs, legumes, peanut fodder cake), plant hormones, specific growth factors, animal products (milk, whey, animal waste), ammonium sulphate, malt (expensive), aqueous ammonia, ammonium salts. The enrichment of molasses with nutrients based on the use of cereals, glucose syrup obtained from corn, date syrup, whey, cassava, forestry, and agricultural waste has commercial potential, since these approaches do not require special processing requirements and provide low production costs (exception: forestry waste). In the technology of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae biomass production, a population of diploid cells is used, since compared with haploid cells they are genetically more stable, characterized by faster and more active metabolism, and larger sizes.

The article presents detailed statistical, typological and mineralogical characteristics of stone products from the “Koksharovsky Hill sanctuary — Yuryinskoe settlement” complex of sites derived from the excavations of A.F. Shorin conducted in 2013 and 2015. By these excavations, the eastern part of the sacred space of the sanctuary and the adjacent to it section of the settlement Yuryinskoe were investigated. A noticeable admixture of the Mesolithic (16.35 %), as well as Eneolithic and Bronze Age stone products (1.4 %), was found within the complex. The main body of the stone complex of items belongs to the Neolithic (82 %). The technology of stone knapping was focused on obtaining 1.2–2.1 cm wide plates. The plates were processed mainly by ventral retouching, and they served as the initial semi-finished product for manufacturing knives, arrowheads, scrapers and points. Double-sided retouching was used to process arrowheads and knives. Adzes, axes and arrowheads were made by means of abrasive technique. Processing tools were represented by hammers, pestles, bumpers, retouchers, abrasives and grinding plates. Talc products were widely used. Non-utilitarian items were represented by two talc and quartzite discs, and a miniature talc “iron”. About 30 types of mineral raw materials, obtained mainly from local sources, were used on the site. Of these products, 30 % have preserved the primary (prevalently tile-like) crust.

Background. In the current situation, in terms of state policy priorities for the preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, the need to increase and realize the potential of a classical university in the development of the civil and patriotic identity of future teachers increases. Objectives. The goal is to identify the conditions for the development of civil-patriotic identity of future teachers, in which the environment of a classical university acts as a generator of students’ value-semantic consciousness. Study Participants. The study is based on an analysis of the work experience of more than two dozen universities for the period from 2020 to the present and an analysis of modern research in the field of patriotic education (more than 50 dissertations) over the past decade. Methods. Theoretical modeling, analysis of teaching experience and modern research were applied. Results. Based on the analysis of teaching experience and modern research, the resources of university education that contribute to the civic and professional socialization of students have been identified. The result of theoretical modeling was a model for implementing a situational-event approach to the development of civic activity and professional orientation of students of pedagogical specialties. The conditions for the development of civil-patriotic identity of future teachers have been identified, in which the environment of a classical university acts as a generator of students’ value-semantic consciousness. Conclusions. The educational environment of the university has significant potential for shaping the personality of the future teacher, including civic and patriotic identity. The personal development resources of the university are associated with the real involvement of its scientific and educational process in the technological progress of the country, which allows students to feel their involvement in the development of the scientific, technological and cultural potential of the Fatherland. The university environment actualizes the conditions for the development of the individual as a subject of social and professional creativity. The assimilation of values significant for Russian society, civil-patriotic and professional identification proceed in unity, which represents one of the specific educational resources of the university. The development of the personality of the future teacher, his civic and professional qualities is implemented on the basis of a situational-event mechanism, the essence of which is to saturate student life with the events in personal development.

Summary: In vivo calcium imaging of neural activity is an indispensable approach for understanding the mechanisms and functions of neural system. Development of advanced imaging tools and various genetically encoded calcium indicators allows us to simultaneously record the activity of different neural populations. Here, we present a protocol for acquiring neural activity of two discrete neural populations in mice using dual-color fiber photometry. We describe steps for injecting viral constructs and implanting the fiber optic through stereotaxic surgery, calcium signal acquisition, and data analysis. We also describe the incorporation of electroencephalogram and electromyography recordings with dual-color fiber photometry analysis.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Shin et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

The Suntar-Khayata Range includes numerous natural phenomena interacting with or depending on permafrost conditions. Here, we examine some patterns of deep permafrost and talik zones on adjacent sites. A 210 m deep borehole in siltstone bedrock was equipped for the temperature monitoring of the topmost 15 m and measurements of a deep permafrost temperature profile in July 2010. The temperature curvature in the upper part has a bend, which is consistent with the upper portion justified by climate warming, and shows a steady-state linear geothermal profile below 85 m depth with a high geothermal heat flux. A shallow borehole situated at the river floodplain was used to investigate the thaw zone's temperature regime. The temperatures down to 6.7 m deep have been monitored at 5 min intervals during heavy rainfall, and the temperature readings have behaved quite peculiarly. The thickness of the seasonal freezing layer reaches 5.7 m; moreover the ground temperature increases to 6 ∘C at 6.7 m depth by groundwater heat transfer. This study provides some new insights into the permafrost condition at one of the coldest places in the Northern Hemisphere.

RETRACTED ARTICLESince mid-2021, Russia has applied floating export duty (damper) as a mechanism for state regulation of grain market. The results of the study have showed that introduction of damper as an instrument of state regulation of the Russian grain market has only exacerbated the problems associated with the growing volatility of grain prices and their increasing dependence on the global market environment. In addition, the mechanism of redistributing funds received by the state from export duties and allocated to grain producers in the form of subsidies remains opaque and incomprehensible. The transition from dollar to rubles in duty calculations has shown the viability of this method, hence the current practice is worth continuing in order to make the mechanism for distributing subsidies to grain producers from export duties received completely transparent and understandable. Thus, the operation of grain damper is economically justified only if the state is ready to support the grain market in proportion to this sector contribution to the national economy development.