bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Responsiveness to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotheapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients from Endomicroscopy
Authors: Sabino Alan U. , Safatle-Ribeiro Adriana V. , Lima Suzylaine S. , Marques Carlos F. S. , Maluf-Filho Fauze , Ramos Alexandre F.
Published: November 2023

The protocol for treating locally advanced rectal cancer consists of the application of chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT) followed by surgical intervention. One issue for clinical oncologists is predicting the efficacy of neoCRT in order to adjust the dosage and avoid treatment toxicity in cases when surgery should be conducted promptly. Biomarkers may be used for this purpose along with in vivo cell-level images of the colorectal mucosa obtained by probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) during colonoscopy. The aim of this article is to report our experience with Motiro, a computational framework that we developed for machine learning (ML) based analysis of pCLE videos for predicting neoCRT response in locally advanced rectal cancer patients. pCLE videos were collected from 47 patients who were diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/T4, or N+). The patients received neoCRT. Response to treatment by all patients was assessed by endoscopy along with biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-seven patients were classified as non-responsive to neoCRT because they presented a visible macroscopic neoplastic lesion, as confirmed by pCLE examination. Ten remaining patients were considered responsive to neoCRT because they presented lesions as a scar or small ulcer with negative biopsy, at post-treatment follow-up. Motiro was used for batch mode analysis of pCLE videos. It automatically characterized the tumoral region and its surroundings. That enabled classifying a patient as responsive or non-responsive to neoCRT based on pre-neoCRT pCLE videos. Motiro classified patients as responsive or non-responsive to neoCRT with an accuracy of ~ 0.62 when using images of the tumor. When using images of regions surrounding the tumor, it reached an accuracy of ~ 0.70. Feature analysis showed that spatial heterogeneity in fluorescence distribution within regions surrounding the tumor was the main contributor to predicting response to neoCRT. We developed a computational framework to predict response to neoCRT by locally advanced rectal cancer patients based on pCLE images acquired pre-neoCRT. We demonstrate that the analysis of the mucosa of the region surrounding the tumor provides stronger predictive power.
LEONARD WHITE AND HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors:   Institute for Scientific Information on Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Efremenko D. V.
Published: November 2023

Представлен очерк биографии и основных этапов научной деятельности Леонарда Д. Уайта (1891‒1958), предваряющий публикацию русского перевода его статьи «Политика и гражданская служба» (1933). Рассматривается вклад Уайта в развитие исследований государственного управления в Соединенных Штатах, прежде всего его анализ меритократического и патронажного подходов к формированию кадров государственной службы. Анализируется роль Уайта в судьбе Чикагской школы политических исследований, его участие в экспертном обеспечении государственного управления, в том числе мероприятий Нового курса Ф.Д. Рузвельта. Особое внимание уделяется исследованиям Уайта по административной истории США и их значению в контексте конкуренции различных подходов к изучению государственного управления в конце 1940–1950-х гг. XX столетия.
ESG IN THE POLITICAL DISCOURSE OF MODERN RUSSIA: KEY RISKS
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Semenova D. M. , Kudryavtsev S. A. ,   Russian State Social University
Published: November 2023

The relevance of the research is connected with the need to form its own policy and strategy for the development of the ESG agenda in the political space of Russia in the new international and geopolitical conditions. The current international and domestic political situation requires a special approach to understanding and identifying existing risks in the field of forming the ESG agenda. The purpose of the study is to identify the main risks in the political space within the framework of the ESG agenda formation process in modern Russia. In this research, we propose a broader understanding of political risk as a situation of uncertainty that can negatively and positively affect the political situation and stakeholders. The main research methods are content analysis, SWOT analysis, as well as qualitative risk assessment methods: the development of a probability and impact matrix. The results of the study show that a large number of stakeholders (representatives of various political groups and organizations) are involved in the discussion of the topic and the implementation of the ESG agenda in the Russian space. The study identified risk groups with the greatest impact, primarily legal and financial. Also, risks with a high degree of influence are the risks of strategic planning.
DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING MECHANISMS AS A TOOL FOR BUILDING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE AUTHORITIES
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Rogach O. V. , Frolova E. V. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes the possibility of using the mechanism of participatory budgeting through an assessment of the public's readiness to participate in these practices. The research focuses on the population’s trust assessment regarding the activities of government bodies as a predictor of the evolving of their readiness to co-finance projects of participatory budgeting. The leading research method is a questionnaire survey of the population. The results illustrate a rather low interest of the public in participation in the practices of the participatory budgeting. The respondents recognize the relevance of resorting to the mechanism of co-financing only if it affects their individual interests. The results indicate a low level of confidence in the authorities when it comes to the budget spending, meanwhile the insufficient resource of credibility limits the residents' willingness to invest money in the development of the territory. The research finds that the lack of public confidence that the local government acts in the interests of residents and supports local initiatives will reduce public willingness to participate in the implementation of co-financing projects. In addition, the low level of citizens' awareness of the practices of participatory budgeting aggravates the situation and reduces the level of satisfaction with the effectiveness of the implementation of control and budgetary functions.
TRAUMA OF DECOSSACKIZATION IN THE COLLECTIVE MEMORY OF CULTURAL AND ETHNIC COMMUNITY
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Samsonova N. N.
Published: November 2023

The article studies the features of reflection of a traumatic event in the collective memory of ethnocultural communities on the example of the consequences of the Bolshevik policy of decossackization. The conceptual foundations of the study are psychoanalytic and sociocultural approaches to the study of historical trauma as a social phenomenon, united by the collective memory of negative experiences as a source of trauma. The research is based on the materials of online communities dedicated to history, culture and revival of the Cossacks. The first stage of the study is devoted to the main elements of the traumatic narrative of decossackization (based on the model of J. Alexander). At the second stage of the study, the author, using a qualitative non-directional content analysis, names the main aspects of traumatic transformation of a collective identity of the ethno-cultural community. Society functions based on a rigid concept of the world with categorical value judgments, built on a highly conflict-prone "friend or foe" scheme. The traumatic event turns into an independent factor in the formation of a new collective identity to replace the lost one and mediates the creation of interpretations of the historical past. This trend amplifies the separation of the traumatized ethno-cultural group from the community.
INTEGRATION OF MIGRANTS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL: EUROPEAN STRATEGY AND NATIONAL MODELS
Authors:   Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Zherlitsina N. A.
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the integration policy for migrants in the countries of Southern Europe – Spain and Portugal, in particular. With the ongoing migration crisis, these states face difficulties in integrating new groups into society and everyday life. Given that Spain and Portugal became countries of immigration almost simultaneously with joining the European Union, this process acquired a key role in determining the Union's policy on migration in general and the integration of migrants in particular. Despite the presence of a command center in Brussels and common standards, each of the EU countries implements them in accordance with their national characteristics. The practical results of the integration of immigrants in Spain and Portugal differ remarkably. With the beginning of the migration crisis in Europe in 2015 Spain has resorted to integration strategies based on sanctions, which can be regarded as restrictive and regressive. The experience of Portugal, as the most successful country in terms of advanced integration practices, indicates that the future of integration lies with intercultural strategies, and moving away from the notorious multiculturalism and assimilation.
THERMAL STABILITY OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF AV ALUMINUM ALLOY LOCALLY REINFORCED WITH SiC PARTICLES BY FRICTION STIR PROCESSING
Authors: Khalikova G.R. , Sharipova E.U. , Trifonov V.G.
Published: November 2023

Friction stir processing (FSP) is one of the innovative methods for surface hardening commercial aluminum alloys. It modifies the surface of the alloy in the solid phase state by severe plastic deformation at elevated temperatures. However, most alloys have low thermal stability of the microstructure after FSP. In some cases, abnormal grain growth occurs after high-temperature heat treatment. This study demonstrates the potential to enhance thermal stability of AV (avial, Al-Mg-Si) aluminum alloy microstructure via local surface alloying with high-strength SiC particles by means of FSP and T6 heat treatment. Experimental trials determined the optimal FSP settings for commercial aluminum alloys (rotation speed 1000 rpm, feed rate 16 mm/min) and T6 heat treatment (consisting of solid solution treatment and artificial aging) on AK12D (Al-Si) aluminum alloy. Advanced techniques in optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, and orientation microscopy (EBSD analysis) were utilized to examine microstructures. The study compared two structural states, AV and AV-SiC alloys, after FSP and T6 heat treatments. The analysis revealed that FSP resulted in the formation of a basin-shaped stir zone whose boundaries extended uniformly to the workpiece surface. FSP has been found to result in the fragmentation and uniform distribution of primary intermetallic phase particles. Additionally, FSP has been shown to contribute to the crushing of SiC particles and their non-uniform distribution in the stir zone. The introduction of highstrength particles into the AV alloy during FSP has also been found to increase its thermal stability. Following a hardening heat treatment, a fine-grained microstructure with an average grain size of about 1.60±0.03 microns is observed.
INVESTIGATION OF CARBON-ALUMINUM COMPOSITE WITH A BARRIER COATING ON CARBON FIBERS
Authors: Gallyamova R.F. , Safiullin R.L. , Dokichev V.A. , Musin F.F.
Published: November 2023

Barrier SiO2 coatings on the surface of carbon fibers were deposited by the sol-gel solutions (dip coating) based on tertraethoxysilane Si(C2H5O)4. The average thickness of the barrier SiO2 coating on carbon fibers is 127 ± 30 nm. Carbon-aluminum composites were obtained by a type of liquid-phase infiltration — by the shell molding process. The components of the composite were placed in a steel hermetic shell, then after the shell evacuate and heat until the aluminum melts, the fibers were infiltrated by the melt under the external pressure, followed by cooling. Composites with SiO2 coating and without coating on carbon fibers were obtained. After extracting the composite from the metal shell, the structure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of the samples were studied. Studies of the structure of composites showed that the interfiber space is filled with aluminum melt, without porosity and macroscopic defects. The study of the phase composition of the composite reinforced with uncoated carbon fibers showed that aluminum carbide peaks are observed at the angles 2θ = 41°, 67°, 74°. Quantitative analysis carried out by the Rietveld method revealed that the amount of aluminum carbide in the composite is 12.0 ± 1.3 %. The deposition of a barrier SiO2 coating on carbon fibers leads to a decrease in the intensity of the main peaks of aluminum carbide, while the amount of Al4C3 decreases by 4 times, to 3.0 %. An analysis of the fracture surface of the samples after mechanical testing revealed that the fracture of the composite reinforced with uncoated carbon fibers is almost flat. No protrusions and relief are observed on the fracture surface. The fracture surface of a composite reinforced with coated carbon fibers has a relief surface, and separately sticking out fibers are observed. Mechanical tests of samples for three-point bending showed that the barrier coating on the fibers increases the strength to 520 ± 50 MPa, the strength of the uncoated composite is 350 ± 8 MPa. Barrier SiO2 coating applied to the surface of carbon fibers prevents the formation of aluminum carbide and fiber degradation in the carbon-aluminum composite.
PROBLEMS OF EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE STIMULATION OF LOW-PERMEABILITY RESERVOIRS OF HYDROCARBONS
Authors: Ovchinnikov V.P. , Shamsutdinov N.M. , Leontiev D.S. , Ovchinnikokov P.V. , Khafizov A.R. , Rozhkova O.V.
Published: November 2023

The article discusses the conditions for the formation of hydrocarbon deposits and their changes during the development of lowpermeability reservoirs, as well as the most effective technologies for developing deposits of this type, which help increase the coverage of residual hydrocarbon reserves. Low-permeability reservoirs are susceptible to foreign fluid damage, so it is necessary to continuously reduce damage throughout the fracturing process through the use of optimized fluid systems and process parameters. The most effective technologies are: the use of horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, which ensures the largest volume of hydrocarbon recovery at the initial stage, the use of multilateral wells with branched horizontal ends when it is impossible to use multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. To increase the connectivity of flow channels and provide increased hydrocarbon production, the multi-stage hydraulic fracturing process damages low-permeability reservoirs. The fracture extends in height and length over tens of meters and, thanks to this, can provide hydrodynamic connection to formation zones remote from the perforation interval. Thus, the need for well research methods that are capable of recording formation performance regardless of the position of the secondary opening (perforation) interval is relevant
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DIRECT EMULSION EMULSIFIERS ON SYSTEM STABILITY
Authors: Nechaeva O.A. , Kuznetsova V.A.
Published: November 2023

The use of classical systems on both water and hydrocarbon bases is limited by a number of factors and technological features of such solutions. Hydrocarbon-based drilling muds are non-ecological, have a strong dependence of rheological parameters on temperature, and have a high cost. At the same time, water-based fluids do not have sufficient inhibitory and lubricating properties and increase the risk of problems during well construction. For environmental and economic applications, there is also a type of drilling fluid represented by an oilin- water emulsion of the first type (m/v). Such systems have high technological efficiency compared to abnormally low reservoir pressures, and environmental and economic advantages compared to hydrocarbonbased solution. The initial use of such systems was determined by their use under waterbased solution conditions in order to reduce reservoir repression during drilling. However, such systems also have good hydrophobizing and inhibiting properties, low water loss to the formation and greater environmental friendliness compared to hydrocarbon-based solutions. Such characteristics allow to consider the system refinement to solve the current technological problems in the field of well construction. Experience in the development and use of similar systems is reflected in the works, based on the results of laboratory and field tests, a formulation of a stable emulsion of the 1st type is presented, which includes an aqueous phase saturated with chloride. To determine the possibility of using the systems, pilot tests are carried out for the stability of the system based on various emulsifiers
The Rationale behind Land Reform of the Late XIX — Early XX Centuries on the Lands of the Western Buryats: A Theoretical Aspect
Authors: Kuryshov Andrei , Kuryshova Irina
Published: November 2023

Land reform at the turn of the XX century meant to regulate land tenure on Siberian territories, which had actually not been a focus of attention of Russian government, and undertaken primarily to form a land fund for Russian settlers, also affected the economy of indigenous peoples of Siberia. On the territory of the Irkutsk Governorate it affected the Western (living in Cisbaikalia region) Buryats. The reform, which resulted in withdrawal of vast land holdings from the Buryats' use (in theory, about a half of them), aroused opposition of the Buryat elite, who pointed out that this land reallocation would bring to decline the cattle breeding economy of the Buryats and would threaten the very existence of the people. However, a study of the economic life of the Western Buryats, which had preceded the reform, showed that they actually did not use much of their land and practiced a predominantly integrated crop and livestock farming; this became the basis for applying new land use management procedures to them. In addition, this process was legally formalized in such a way that there were many opportunities to take into account the peculiarities of the economic life of the Buryat population in each specific case. No matter how the reform was carried out in practice and what results it led to (the great events of the early XX century — the Stolypin reforms, World War I), even theoretically it could not lead to the destruction of the Western Buryat economy, if we consider it not as simple set of economic traditions but as a system of social and economic relations. In the context of more "global" processes, the land reform on the lands of the Siberian natives can be considered as the inclusion of the Siberian land-use into the sphere of the state regulation and an instrument of the resettlement policy as part of securing the Siberian territories by Russia in the conditions of the fierce struggle for the world redivision at the turn of the XX century.
Siberian Transport Communications in the Second Half of the 19th Century: Geopolitical Economy
Authors: Raspopina Alena
Published: November 2023

The article covers the attempts to create a Trans-Siberian waterway, which were made by the government and individual persons in the second half of the 19th century. The ideas on the possibility of connecting Siberian river systems were suggested back in the middle of the 18th century, but due to a number of circumstances these attempts failed to be realized, despite the evident government interest in this issue. Local Siberian merchants came up with an initiative to improve river traffic on Siberian rivers in the middle of the 19th century, but the government did not see a pressing need for it and did not consider it expedient to participate in financing of this and other similar projects that came later. The issue of possible creation of a river route through the whole of Siberia is considered in the article from the perspective of geopolitical economy, which makes it possible to include in the analysis the topic of state authorities’ interest formation in the Siberian river communications. Such an approach is useful for discovering the reasons that prompted the state in the second half of the 19th century to pay attention to the urgency of pulling the space of Siberia and Russia into a single whole, using the Siberian rivers for this purpose. Despite the main disadvantage of these transport arteries - the seasonality, the freight transportation along them could be started rather quickly at minimal cost (compared to the construction of railways or overland tracts). The purpose of this article is to identify the cause-and-effect relationship between the decision of the state on the need for urgent transport development of Siberia and the Far East and the complication of the geopolitical situation in Asia, related to the activity of the main political actors in this region.
The Forest and Timber Industry Complex of the USSR in the Strategy of the Second Five-Year Plan (1933–1937): Financing and Siting of Enterprises
Authors: Zykin Ivan
Published: November 2023

The accomplishments of the First Five-Year Plan in the timber industry of the USSR turned out to be far from the planned indicators, although they were indicative of a considerable increase in production volumes as compared to the period of the New Economic Policy. The implementation of the forest and timber industry reform in the late 1920s and early 1930s and making the People's Commissariat of the Timber Industry an independent agency of USSR-wide significance made it urgent to reassess the prospects of the industry, especially in terms of construction of new enterprises. The active industrial development of the country and its individual regions has been arousing increased interest among researchers, including the issues of capital investment and new construction. However, many aspects of the problem have not been touched upon, or have been treated superficially. Using the materials of the 1932–1933 industry conferences, the Second Five-Year Plan, and statistical data, the author has conducted an analysis of the problems of financing and siting timber enterprises. The article contains conclusions on the continuity of the policy of the country's party and state bodies with regard to the timber industry: the development of forest resources of the northern and eastern regions of the country remained a priority. The organizational basis for the development of the industry underwent changes. The timber industry and forestry were merged, the main attention was given to timber processing, which allowed to satisfy the domestic demand for timber products and reduce the volume of wood cutting, and to the construction of combined enterprises and large-scale mechanization of the forest resources harvesting area. In the course of the Second Five-Year Plan the growth rate of timber production was quite high, although most of the goals were not achieved.
Merchants of the Middle Urals in the Socio-Economic Development of Russia
Authors: Stozhko Konstantin , Stozhko Dmitry
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study is to assess the place and role of the Middle Urals merchant class in the socio-economic and socio-cultural life of Russia. The authors define the features, character and status of the merchant class, reveal the history of its emergence in the Urals, the specifics of its activities at different stages of the country's historical development. The participation of the Middle Urals merchants in world economic relations since the early Middle Ages has been proven by numerous finds of Iranian silver and various monetary instruments (eastern Dirhams, European Dinars, Volga-Bulgar coins, etc.) on the territory of the Urals. The article reveals the structure of the merchant class and the various practices of the Urals merchants, including the organization of trade, transport communications, crafts, large-scale production, insurance, and charitable activities. The authors advance a thesis about the continuity between the merchants of the Middle Urals and those of Novgorod, who originally developed the Northern and Middle Urals. The article studies the development of the Middle Urals “provincial merchant class”, its dynamics and composition in the ХVII–ХIХ centuries. On the example of merchant dynasties of the Middle Ural towns of Yekaterinburg, Irbit, Kungur, Nizhny Tagil, Perm and others, the authors reveal the contribution of merchant dynasties to the development of domestic and foreign trade, specific sectors of urban economy. They also put forward and argue the thesis of the steady development of trading capital in the Middle Urals and its merger with industrial capital on the basis of large industrial enterprises (manufactories, factories, plants).
History of Kyakhta Trade and Russian Merchants in Research Works of Zhargal Z. Tagarov (1952–2020): Commemorating the 70th Anniversary of His Birth
Authors: Kuzmin Yuriy , Kozyrskaya Irina , Tagarov Bato
Published: November 2023

The article is dedicated to the pioneering contribution of the Irkutsk scholar, associate professor of Baikal State University, Zhargal Z. Tagarov, to the study of the Kyakhta trade phenomenon and the Russia-Mongolia-China trade relations in the XVIII–XX centuries. The Irkutsk school of Oriental and Mongolian Studies has deep scientific traditions, laid down by the first Irkutsk translators and interpreters, who conducted complex negotiations with the officials of the Qing Empire and Outer Mongolia back in the XVII century. Irkutsk, due to the geographical and historical reasons, became the place of the making of the first Russian experts in Mongolian and Chinese studies, experts in the Chinese, Manchu and Mongolian languages. Providing Zhargal Z. Tagarov’s research works as an example, the authors make an attempt to show the contribution of the Irkutsk school of Mongolian Studies of the last quarter of the XX century to the research studies of complicated processes of economic and trade interaction between Russia, Outer Mongolia and the Qing Empire.
The Ecological Paradigm of Development in the Twenty-Fourth Issue of the Irkutsk Historical and Econo­mic Yearbook
Authors: Shalak Alexandr
Published: November 2023

This book review is the analysis of the articles of the twenty-fourth issue of the Irkutsk Historical and Economic Yearbook. The main attention is paid to the studies in the history of traditional economies of indigenous peoples of Siberia. Environmental traditions and ecological consequences of the economic development of Siberia have for many years been the subject of historical research on the pages of the yearbook. The comprehension of the accumulated experience makes it possible to define a number of important methodological approaches to understanding the role of traditional economies in greening the economic development. Conformity to natural laws should be perceived as compatibility of material and spiritual practices of man with the objective laws of nature. Traditional economies focused on harmony with nature should play a key role in restoring natural links of society and nature. The authors hold up modern practices implemented in the Baikal region as an example of an ecological model of economic development. They are related to greening the trade, development of landscape design, environmental activities of the local population within municipalities, eco-tourism, forms of outdoor recreation and healing, etc. From the authors' point of view, it is the uniqueness of Lake Baikal that creates in the region not only an opportunity, but also the need to establish such an economy. After numerous experiments with nature it is necessary to return to the mode of interaction of society and nature that is based on nature-saving technologies, the mode that was typical of small indigenous peoples in many respects.
From Family Household Economics to the Economic Theory of the Modern Family: Sesquicentennial Shifts in Ontology and Epistemology
Authors: Latov Yury , Latova Natalia
Published: November 2023

The article is dedicated to the evolution of institutions of the household and the family, as well as their perception in economics from the nineteenth century to the present day. Modern academic literature largely preserves the notion of an undivided unity of family and household, which is inherited from the 19th century neoclassical economic thought and reflects the socio-economic realities that existed a century and a half ago. However, following the active emancipation of individuals from the traditional family in the West in the first half of the 20th century, the process of gradual disappearance of family households as one of the three major (along with the firm and the state) economic actors began. In modern western countries, the decision makers in the markets of labour, capital and consumer goods are no longer families, but independent individuals. Families do not disappear, but in western countries they are transformed into a kind of partner firms, whose members freely choose/change partners according to changing personal needs. This qualitative change in the nature of family unions was reflected in the 1980s in “the economic theory of the family” based on the approaches of Gary Becker and Robert A. Pollak, where the behaviour of sexual / marital partners is consistently likened to market behaviour. These trends of changing ontology and epistemology of the family as an economic entity are very important for understanding the capabilities and limitations of traditional family support policies manifested in modern Russia.
The Transit Part of the Commercial Port of Vladivostok: Its Role and Significance in the Region's Economy, the 1920s
Authors: Belyaeva Natalia , Gudkov Ilya
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to a little-studied chapter of the economic history of the Soviet Far East in the early 1920s, directly related to the history of Russia's largest port on the Pacific Ocean. The authors examine the measures taken by the Center and the regional government body — the Dalrevkom — to return Vladivostok the role of the most important transport and logistics hub. The Transit Part of the Commercial Port of Vladivostok was a means of solving this problem. It was based on the pre-revolutionary experience of the 'Manchurian Transit' that made Vladivostok the main port not only for Priamurye, but also for north-eastern provinces of China (Manchuria). The article is based on archival documents, some of which are introduced by the authors into scientific circulation for the first time. The focus is on the period of formation of the Transit Part in 1924–1928. The authors show the process of formation of the regulatory framework and draw attention to the interaction of central and local authorities in the organization of the Transit Part of the Port of Vladivostok. The researchers come to the conclusion that the project implemented in the mid-1920s was based on a generalization of the already existing successful experience in organizing 'interim warehouses' at Egersheld (Vladivostok) owned by the Chinese Eastern Railway, as well as on the ideas underlying the unrealized project of Free Port of Vladivostok. The prospects for studying the topic are connected with further development of the problem in the framework of an independent research project.
The Russo-Chinese Bank as an Instrument of Russian Eastward Expansion (at the Turn of the XX Century)
Authors: Shirapov Aldar , Plekhanova Anna , Kalmina Lilia
Published: November 2023

The article attempts to define the role of the Russo-Chinese Bank in strengthening Russian influence in one of the regions of Qing China - Mongolia. Russia, which earlier practiced military and diplomatic methods to control territories in the sphere of its influence, in the late 19th century realized that the former ways of expansion did not meet the needs of the time. The Qing Empire, which was in political and economic crisis after its defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, was seen by the Tsarist autocracy as the most attractive location for capital. The main mechanism for incorporating Mongolia into the orbit of Russian influence was the Russo-Chinese Bank, which was established as Russia's financial intermediary in Asia. The Russian Empire's goals were political in nature: Mongolia was seen as a potential theatre of military action in a possible clash with China. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the process of Russia's development of a banking network in Mongolia during the industrial boom of the empire at the turn of the 20th century. The analysis of documents preserved in the funds of the State Archives of the Republic of Buryatia and the business correspondence of the military governor of the Transbaikal Region showed that the appearance of the Russo-Chinese Bank in the Mongolian financial market contributed to the development of Russia-Mongolia relations, the growth of trade and industrial production in Mongolia and the frontier areas and the making of the credit and financial system of Mongolia. The Russian banking institution also accomplished its political mission of allying with the ruling circles of the empire and facilitating Russian economic expansion in Inner Asia.
Bigen Africa Services v City of Cape Town: Audit Culture and State Self-Review in the Water and Sanitation Sector
Authors: Field Tracy-Lynn , Rodda Nino
Published: November 2023

In Bigen Africa Services (Pty) Ltd v City of Cape Town (WC) (unreported) case number 18681/2020 of 1 June 2021, the Western Cape High Court found that the inclusion of a local office as a pre-qualification criterion in tenders for professional water and sanitation services fell afoul of section 217(1) of the Constitution. This provision requires all organs of State to contract for goods or services in accordance with a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. The court's reasoning on this point can be critiqued on the basis that it conflated distinct tests for determining the materiality of a deviation. However, the case raises broader concerns around the pre-eminence of audit over operational logic in the water and sanitation sector, and the use of state self-review to resolve the conflict.
Elution of nasal lining fluid collected via nasosorption v1
Authors: Montgomery Samuel
Published: November 2023

This procedure outlines the materials and processes for eluting nasal lining fluid collected using a Mucosal Diagnostics FX-i nasosorption device. This protocol has been successfully used to elute nasal lining fluid for both DNA extraction for 16s rRNA sequencing & metagenomics, and for proteomics using the SomaScan assay.
MRI Imaging of the Gut v1
Authors: Unda Santiago , Retik Rachel , G. Kaplitt Michael
Published: November 2023

This test is used measure peristaltic activity in the upper portion of the gut.
ASSESSMENT OF THE POSSIBILITY OF REGULATING THE WATER REGIME OF CERTAIN TERRITORIES OF THE CHERNOBYL EXCLUSION ZONE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Grebin V.V. , Hinchuk T.V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: November 2023

The characteristics of the natural features of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ), in particular the nature of the relief, soil cover, main plant groups, and landscape characteristics, are provided. The hydrographic network of the region is detailed, represented by rivers, lakes, ponds, dams of the Pripyat and Uzh rivers, the reservoir of the Kyiv HPP, reclamation channels, water mirrors in front of filtration dams. It was noted that the main processes that form the current level of radioactive contamination of water systems in the CEZ are natural processes of radioactive decay, vertical sinking and geochemical fixation of radionuclides. Analysis of water pollution monitoring data in rivers and canals of the exclusion zone shows that by regulating water levels in most areas of the catchment areas of the CEZ, it is impossible to significantly influence the reduction of water pollution in them compared to the effects of their natural self-purification. Therefore, it is impractical to continue large-scale works on water flow regulation by hydrotechnical structures in order to minimize the removal of radioactive substances beyond the exclusion zone. It is advisable to leave in operation only those systems that allow maintaining increased moisture in peatlands, reducing the risks of fires. The studies carried out on the reclamation system “Buryakivka” in the basin of the Sakhan River, as an experimental training ground for the regulation of the regime of floodplains of the CEZ, are covered in detail. The use of the method of remote sensing of the Earth (DSS) to control the water regime and monitor the transformation of reclamation systems into wetlands is substantiated. In particular, spectral analysis of image pixels in different parts of the spectrum using vegetation indices. A positive nature protection effect from the increase in the area of wetlands in the Exclusion Zone was noted in the context of the prospects of climate change and in the context of the probability of increasing cases of dry periods in the territory of Polissia.
Application of the K-Means Clustering Algorithm to Determine Student Academic Ability Levels during Covid-19
Authors: Bustami  , Nurdin  , Taufiq  , Fajriana  , Muhammad Khatami
Published: November 2023

Since the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, various ways and efforts have been made by the government to prevent the spread of the corona virus. One of them is by implementing an online learning system, so that it causes differences in the learning process that is usually carried out by lecturer face to face with students. Changes in the learning process are expected to be carried out effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this research is to find out how the level of students' academic ability is during online learning in the Informatics Engineering study program at Universitas Malikussaleh and aims to produce a system model that can cluster the level of student academic ability using the K-Means Clustering Algorithm. The variables used in this study are 3 parameters, namely the teaching and learning process, facilities and infrastructure and learning outcomes. The stages carried out in this study were collecting questionnaire data filled out by 200 students. The data obtained would be processed using the K-Means Clustering Algorithm and forming 3 clusters, namely low, medium and high. The clustering results of 200 data obtained 27 students having low academic ability levels (Cluster 1), 87 students having moderate academic ability levels (Cluster 2) and as many as 86 students having high academic ability levels (Cluster 3). The contribution of this research is to help the management of the Informatics Engineering Study Program at Universitas Malikussaleh to find out how the level of student academic ability is during the online learning period during the COVID-19 pandemic, so that evaluation of learning can be carried out online.
Different types of Corrective exercises on Correction of Hyper Lumbarlordosis in Females- A Narrative Review
Authors: Thangasheela G Jency , R. VinodhKumar , M. Manikumar , Saju MK Franklin , A. Aroona , Navamani J Macklin Abraham , Krishnan Madhan , Babu Shyamaladevi
Published: November 2023

Back ground: Lumbar curvature carries the upper body weight and transfers it directly to the pelvis, which is of great significance. The structures in the lumbar region are one of the factors that affect the lumbar-pelvic balance, as well as the performance of lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt. Also, weakness of abdominal, dorsal, and lumbar muscles has been considered as the most common factors increasing the lumbar curvature. Excessive lordotic curvature is also called hyperlordosis, hollow back, saddle back and swayback. Common cause of excessive lordosis includes tight low back muscle, excessive visceral fat, and pregnancy. Objectives: This review aimed at finding and analysing different forms of corrective exercises to correct hyper lumbar lordosis in females. Methods: The search was performed through online for English language articles. The databases used were Google ‘corrective exercises’ and ‘lumbar lordosis’. The scientific literature related to physiotherapy management for lumbar lordosis published from 1997 to 2021 was searched. Screening of the reference lists of all the retrieved articles was also done. Through online database search 100 articles were reviewed, 19 articles were included in this study based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria: Based on gender (only female’s participant’s studies). Participants: Studies had included individuals with hyper lumbar lordosis with pain or without low back pain. Conclusion: 16 articles show Corrective exercises plays a main role in reduction of lumbar lordotic curve and functional disability. With the help of corrective exercises (abdominal muscle strengthening exercises, gluteal strengthening exercises hip flexor stretching exercises, back stretching exercises) can maintain the core stability of spinal extensors and flexors, due to this, spinal curvature can be corrected indirectly and the posture is corrected and the spasm get released, pain will be subsided, finally the quality of life will be improved.
Inhibitory Potentials of Kappaphycus Alvarezii on Bacteria Isolated from Clinical Samples
Authors: Deepa VH  , Sivakami R  , Suyambu Rajan
Published: November 2023

Kappaphycus alvarezii is one of the high stress tolerant sea weed with good biopotentials. This was collected, processed, extracted and subjected to antibacterial activity against MDR UTI isolates. All the isolates were identified using standard biochemicals and other textual procedures along with  16S rRNA sequencing. Antibacterial activity was assessed by disc diffusion method and followed standard textual procedures to assess MIC, MBC, Percentage inhibition, IC50 and LC50. Six different test organisms were used for studying antibacterial activity. Antibacterial activity of all extracts on different extracts were varied from 7.2±0.6mm zone of inhibition. Concentration required to inhibits the growth of the UTI causing test organisms found to varied from 383.3±57.7µg/ml to 1033.0±76.3 µg/ml. extracts inhibited the growth of bacteria especially Staphylococcus aureus var haemolyticus was up to 98.2%. antibacterial substances like flavonoids and phenolic compounds could be responsible for this kind of activity.
Nano-Warriors against Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Unleashing Nanoparticles for Enhanced Treatment
Authors: Ravi Durgadevi , kaliyaperumal Vishwanath , Gunasekar Bhuvaneswari , Babu Shyamaladevi
Published: November 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health crisis, with millions of cases and deaths annually. Drug-resistant strains like multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB further complicate treatment. Conventional TB treatment, reliant on lengthy drug regimens, faces issues of non-compliance, drug resistance, and side effects. Nanoparticles (NPs) offer a promising solution. NPs, with their small size and unique properties, can enhance TB drug delivery. They improve drug solubility and stability, minimize side effects, and enable targeted therapy. NPs encapsulate drugs, shielding them from degradation during delivery and ensuring controlled drug release at the infection site. NPs' controlled release leads to prolonged drug efficacy, reducing dosing frequency and improving patient compliance. Moreover, NPs can encapsulate multiple drugs, a critical advantage in combating drug-resistant TB strains. In conclusion, NPs hold immense promise in TB treatment. They address the limitations of traditional therapies by improving drug delivery, bioavailability, and targeting drug-resistant TB. Ongoing research in nanoparticles-based formulations offers hope for more effective and patient-friendly TB treatments.
Studies on Heterosis and Combiing Ability for Yield and Quality Attributing Traits in Chilli (Capsicum Annum L.)
Authors: Deepthi Tangutur , Saravanan K. R. , Arivin M. , Ranjani P. Siva
Published: November 2023

Seven lines and four testers were crossed in line x tester mating design to evolve twenty-eight hybrids. These hybrids were studied along with their eleven parents for estimation of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for Fruififteen characters. Observations were recorded on fifteen economically important traits viz., days to 50 percent flowering, plant height at maturity, plant spread, fruit length, fruit width, fruit pedicel length, placenta length, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, 1000 seed weight, fruit yield per plant, ascorbic acid content, capsaicin content and capsanthin content. The hybrids L4 x T3 (LCA 625 × G-4) is the best hybrids followed by L7 x T4 (Pant C-1 × LCA 678) and L7 x T2 (Pant C-1 × K1) recorded significant standard heterosis for fruit yield per plant. Selection of hybrids for heterosis breeding based on per se performance, sca effects and standard heterosis will be more effective. It may be concluded that based on all the three criteria, the following three hybrids L4 x T3 (LCA 625 × G-4) and L7 x T4 (Pant C-1 × LCA 678) and L7 x T2 (Pant C-1 × K1) were identified as the superior hybrids, among the twenty-eight hybrids evaluated.
Exploring The Link Between Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Sridevi A , Raghunatha Rao Dharmapuri
Published: November 2023

Albeit the reasonableness of vitamin D supplementation in lessening unmistakable diabetes stays muddled, vitamin D has arisen as a huge indicator of progress in type 2 diabetes. We played out a thorough meta-examination that included hybrid investigations and controlled preliminaries randomly chosen to account for this uncertainty. Our findings add to the ongoing discussion surrounding this issue and provide useful information regarding the possibility that vitamin D plays a role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this systematic review, we wanted to provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent data on the effects of vitamin D on people with type 2 diabetes. We searched multiple databases in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and found 40 relevant studies published between 2015 and 2022. may make the disease more likely to happen to you. However, other considerations, such as one's lifestyle, diet, and genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes, are essential. Conversely, our meta-investigation of randomized clinical preliminaries found that vitamin D supplementation didn't fundamentally lessen the gamble of creating type 2 diabetes. According to these findings, supplementing vitamin D levels may not be sufficient to stop disease progression. The individual and the underlying pathophysiology of the disease may determine how Diabetes type 2 can be fought with vitamin D. Basically the survey takes a better reaching evaluation of the nowadays information on the types of diabetes with the connection. More exploration is expected to all the more likely comprehend the components in question and to investigate extra preventive methodologies and mediations for type 2 diabetes.