Plutella xylostella (L.) population control in sowings of spring rapeseed using pheromones

The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) is a common pest of rapeseed and other crops of Brassicaceae family. Annual yield losses and costs of pest control worldwide are estimated at $ 4-5 billion. The pest has an increased tendency to develop resistance to insecticides. The use of traps with synthetic sex pheromone is a modern instrumental method of monitoring P. xylostella. The use of the mating disruption method will effectively decrease pest numbers and reduce the application of insecticides. In 2017-2020, we researched the pheromone activity and evaluated the mating disruption method in the sowings of spring rapeseed at V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops (VNIIMK) (Krasnodar). We established that P. xylostella males were caught in traps with all tested dispenser types. The pheromone showed the greatest activity on the foil-film dispenser (F). The mating disruption method effectively decreased P. xylostella population in rapeseed sowing; the disruption effect by the end of crop vegetation was high and reached 82.5 %.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Literature Review and Demonstration of Own Observations

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a severe disease that develops mainly in patients without obvious immune disorders. Computed tomography is the main instrumental method in the diagnosis of CPA, which is necessary to determine the form of the disease, to choose treatment policy, to combat complications, and to monitor therapy. This makes it important for a radiologist to understand the main aspects of timely and differential diagnosis. There are insufficient Russian studies on this problem. This paper analyzes the 2014–2020 Russian and foreign publications available in PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, and eLibrary electronic databases. When searching for information, the following keywords were used: “computed tomography”, “chronic pulmonary aspergillosis”, “aspergilloma”, “air-crescent symptom”, “differential diagnosis”.

Identification of cinnabar existing in different objects using portable coupled XRF-XRD, laboratory-type XRD and micro-Raman spectroscopy: comparison of the techniques

Cinnabar (α-HgS) is a common mineral used in various fields. The identification of cinnabar can be achieved by classic mineralogical methods and instrumental methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is the most reliable instrumental method for identifying material phases, but the sampling process and the immovable instrument limit its wider application in the cultural heritage field. The occurrence of Assing S. p. A. Surface Monitor, a portable system integrating X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and XRD, provides researchers with a new solution. Raw mineral, polished gemstone, pigment powder and Chinese ink stick claimed to be composed of cinnabar were measured by the system as well as laboratory-type XRD and micro-Raman techniques in this study. The qualitative XRF results were applied to determining the elements existing in the samples and thus defining the range of possible phases. Patterns obtained were compared carefully with the characteristic lines to determine the most likely phases, while the pattern appearances were compared in order to recognize the different states of cinnabar and generalize the experience for identifying cinnabar by the system. The Raman spectra obtained were compared and analyzed in order to learn the best parameters and determine the real composition of each sample. The results indicate that the XRF detector is sensitive enough to distinguish cinnabar from another red pigment, minium (Pb3O4), without destructive preparation provided that the desired phases occupy a major content in the sample, while the laser micro-Raman is even better in application range and measurement speed but correct analysis of the spectra is highly dependent on experience and literatures. The portable coupled XRF-XRD system and the micro-Raman provide researchers with convenient and efficient options to preliminarily identify minerals like cinnabar, which is significantly meaningful to several research fields including mineralogy, heritage science, material science, etc. Article highlights Two efficient and non-destructive methods for the preliminary identification of minerals like cinnabar were developed. The optimum instrument parameters for the effective measurement of different cinnabar samples were given in detail. The study provides useful data for various fields including analytical science, material science, heritage science, etc.

Improvement of sports duel of kickboxers-juniors due to development of specific perceptions

Purpose: improve the methodology for preparing junior kickboxers for sports fights due to the development of specific perceptions. Material and methods. The following scientific methods were used in this study: theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observations; instrumental method; pedagogical testing; pedagogical experiment; mathematical and statistical research methods. Results: а set of tests for tablet computers (Ashanin V.S., Romanenko V.V., 2015) was used to test specific perceptions, such as «Sense of pace», «Sense of change in the size of the object», «Accuracy of reproduction of a given line». An instrumental method, namely video computer analysis, was used to estimate time slots. To determine the time intervals, as a parameter that displays the quality of the equipment, it was proposed to perform a technical-tactical combination (TTC): «Jeb» (direct hand, near) - «Punch» (direct hand, far) - «Side-kick» (side kick). Based on the study of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical observations, conversations with trainers, pedagogical tests were selected to evaluate the investigated indicators and a set of special exercises was developed to improve the quality of sports duels of junior kickboxers. The results of the pedagogical experiment indicate that the use of the exercises of the proposed complex of special exercises positively affects the development of specific perceptions such as a feeling of pace, a feeling of distance, an opponent's feeling, a feeling of impact, etc. Increasing the level of manifestation of specific perceptions positively affects the quality of technical and tactical actions, which allows you to receive winning points in a sports match. Conclusions. It was determined that at the end of the pedagogical experiment, the time intervals of athletes of the experimental group are statistically significantly shorter (p<0,01) than the time intervals of athletes of the control group. The difference between the indicators of special physical fitness in athletes of the study groups at the end of the pedagogical experiment is not statistically reliable (p>0,05). Analysis of the results of determining the sense of pace indicates that the indicators of athletes of the experimental group are statistically significant (p<0,01) different from those of athletes of the control group. Statistically significant improvement of tempo sense (p<0,01) and accuracy of reproduction of a given line (p<0,05) is the cause of positive changes in sensory, motor mechanisms of motion control. These changes caused a decrease in time intervals and improved accuracy of striking in a technical and tactical connection. A comparative analysis of the results of control fights showed that athletes of the experimental group performed technical and tactical actions better and earned more winning points than athletes of the control group (W=29,5; p<0,05). Keywords: kickboxing, specific perceptions, technical and tactical compounds, competitions, fight.

Features of the Application of Instrumental Methods for Lumbosacral Muscle Groups Functional State Assessing

The use of instrumental diagnosis methods is a way to form an individual strategy of rehabilitation treatment and effectiveness monitoring. However, there is a lack of methods for objective assessment of the muscle groups’ functional state in both patients with dorsopathy and healthy individuals, as well as incorrect use of existing diagnostic tools due to the lack of the regulatory framework. The subjects had no complaints on low back pain, and there was no history of pain episodes associated with spinal pathology. All the volunteers were comparable in height and weight before being included in the study. The study was conducted in accordance with the terms of the Helsinki Declaration, all subjects signed an informed consent before the start of diagnostic activities. Aim. To determine the normative values of the strength of the flexor muscle group (FM) and extensor muscles (EM) of the lumbosacral spine and to establish the ratio of the obtained results to the automatic hardware norm. Material and methods. The present clinical study included 22 healthy volunteers aged 23 to 61 years (the average age was 38.4±12.8 years), including 14 women (63.6%) and 8 men (36.4%). Results and discussion. The results obtained demonstrate that the real normative indicators for MS and MR in healthy individuals can vary in the range from the hardware norm value calculated automatically by the device to a value of 20% lower. Exceeding this parameter is not a pathological deviation. When assessing the muscle strength, a decrease in this indicator is of physiological and clinical significance, since it reflects the dysfunction of this area and is a predictor of the pain syndrome chronicity. Conclusion. The standard values findings allow us to assess correctly the initial clinical condition and use this instrumental method with biofeedback for patients with degenerative spinal lesion and non-specific pain in the lumbosacral region and patients who have undergone spinal surgery to develop individual rehabilitation programs. As a further prospect for the use of diagnostic systems with biofeedback, it is suggested that the examination plan should include the determination of the ratio of the FM strength to the EM strength, as well as the strength of the muscles involved in the lateral slopes of the trunk.

COLOURSTRINGS METHOD IN VIOLIN EDUCATION

The Colourstrings Method emerged as a teaching material to develop visual and auditory ways of introducing music and violin to the child, based on the principles of Kodaly’s system. It is an instrumental method created in Finland by the Hungarian-born violin pedagogue, Professor Geza Szilvay (b. 1943). The method is a child-centered violin approach that aims to educate the child as a whole with their cognitive, affective and psychomotor behaviors and to develop their critical thinking skills and creativity. This study was aimed at describing the Colourstring Method, which has aroused international attention, has become widespread in the world and has been adapted to other string instruments. To this end, the basic principles of Geza Szilvay and the Colourstring method were examined. The study was carried out with qualitative research method, and literature review was done by using multiple data collection means, such as observations, interviews, audio-visual materials, documents and reports. The existing literature on violin education methods provides no studies on the Colourstrings Method. Therefore, the present study is deemed important for enriching the literature and guiding future researchers regarding this particular issue. It is expected that increased knowledge of music educators and prospective music teachers about this method and researchers’ new insight into the method will contribute to the field and future studies will be beneficial. Keywords: Colourstring method, geza szilvay, violin education

MONITORING OF SEASONAL OPENING OF CRACKS ON THE EXAMPLE OF SOFIA KYIVSKA NATIONAL RESERVE

An instrumental method for monitoring changes in the width of crack opening in the constructions of the National Reserve "Sofia Kievska" is presented. Due to the uneven sediment of the foundations, causing the appearance of stress and effort in the load-bearing building structures, there is a process of cracking. The process of cracking is one of the manifestations of deformation processes that need to be monitored, and therefore to conduct regular instrumental observations. The urgency of instrumental monitoring is assumed to be a careful attitude to the historical and cultural heritage of Ukraine, in particular the National Reserve "Sofia Kievska". The main task of the publication was to consider the method of instrumental observation of the change in the width of the crack opening using the comparator "SDM 50/500". Investigate the dependence and analysis of seasonal fluctuations in ambient temperature and humidity changes in the width of crack opening based on the results of five years of monitoring of cracks in the structures of St. Sofia Cathedral of the National Reserve "Sofia Kievska". The article presents the results of long-term monitoring by a unique method using the comparator "SDM 50/500" width of cracks in the walls of the historical and cultural monument of architecture and history of Ukraine of St. Sofia Cathedral of National Reserve "Sofia Kievska". The presented monitoring results were collected during five years of work. According to the results of observations, a graph of the development of changes in the width of crack opening over time over 5 years is constructed. The direct dependence on air humidity and the inverse dependence on the ambient air temperature are analyzed with the help of the constructed dependence graphs. The results of the study provided an opportunity to develop clear recommendations for further studies to monitor the development of cracks. The main direction of further research will be to improve the method of surveying the change in the width of the crack opening using a portable comparator "SDM 50/500".

The instrumental machine learning methods for corporate bankruptcy prediction

Subject. It is very important for corporate governance and a choice of partners to evaluate the company’s position. Therefore, bankruptcy forecast methods have been actively studied in theoretical and practical proceedings for a long time. Recurring crises and high market dynamics make the subject especially relevant. Objectives. I develop the instrumental method based on machine learning to predict corporate bankruptcy. The study also reviews data sources, the potential of forecasting models, and chooses inputs for company analysis. Methods. I applied methods of analysis and synthesis, and the systematization, formalization, comparative analysis. I referred to theoretical and methodological principles set forth in national and foreign proceedings on the company analysis and bankruptcy prediction. I investigate issues of data compilation, and building the artificial neural network for teaching the model. Results. I proposed and tested the instrumental method to predict bankruptcy. I suggest using my own sets of indicators for forecasting, which I selected by analyzing key indicators of financial sustainability, efficacy, and key external factors influencing market actors. The article presents a data sample for teaching purposes, which includes both the Russian and foreign companies, thus expanding its size. I devised machine learning models generating high-precision forecasts. Conclusions and Relevance. The findings contribute to bankruptcy prediction methods and can be used for administrative decision-making to automate their own analysis or analyze other entities, which the company cooperates with.

Optimization of Classification Prediction Performances of an Instrumental Odour Monitoring System by Using Temperature Correction Approach

Odour emissions generated by industrial and environmental protection plants are often a cause of nuisances and consequent conflicts in exposed populations. Their control is a key action to avoid complaints. Among the odour measurement techniques, the sensory-instrumental method with the application of Instrumental Odour Monitoring Systems (IOMSs) currently represents an effective solution to allow a continuous classification and quantification of odours in real time, combining the advantages of conventional analytical and sensorial techniques. However, some aspects still need to be improved. The study presents and discusses the investigation and optimization of the operational phases of an advanced IOMS, applied for monitoring of environmental odours, with the aim of increasing their performances and reliability of the measures. Accuracy rates of over 98% were reached in terms of classification performances. The implementation of automatic correction systems for the resistance values of the measurement sensors, by considering the influence of the temperature, has been proven to be a solution to further improve the reliability of IOMS. The proposed approach was based on the application of corrective coefficients experimentally determined by analyzing the correlation between resistance values and operating conditions. The paper provides useful information for the implementation of real-time management activities by using a tailor-made software, able to increase and enlarge the IOMS fields of application.

METHOD DEVELOPMENT FOR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF NITROPROSTON IN BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS AND ITS APPLICATION IN PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY

Nitroproston is an innovation multitarget pharmaceutical based on natural prostaglandin and dinitroglycerol moety. The drug was developed for treatment of obstructive diseases in lungs including asthma and obstructive bronchitis. The goal of the presented study was to develop and validate a method for quantitative analysis of nitroproston and its main metabolites in rabbit’s plasma and its application for pharmacokinetic study of the drug. Sample preparation contained liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. For the instrumental method there was chosen high performance liquid chromatography – mass spectrometric technique that allowed to perform a quantitative analysis of the drug with high rates of accuracy and selectivity. Validation of the developed method was assessed for such parameters as: selectivity, low limit of quantification, linearity, precision and accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability. The method was further applied for study of pharmacokinetic parameters of nitroproston and its metabolites in rabbit’s plasma. For this purpose, six rabbits were intravenously administered with nitroproston in the dose of 25 mg/kg, where other six rabbits represented control group. Plasma samples were taken in 2, 4, 6, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 32 and 60 minutes after. Due to active biodegradation of nitroproston, the method was also validated for main metabolites of the drug that showed high levels of stability. As the result of the conducted validation, it was found that the method in valid for the assessed parameters. At the same time, Pharmacokinetic study of the metabolites showed that reliable profiles were received for 1,3-dinitroglycerol (first phase metabolite) and 13,14-dihydro-15keto-PGE2 (second phase metabolite).