BEETLES (INSECTA: COLEOPTERA) IN UNDERSNOW UNINHABITED NESTS OF COMMON VOLE MICROTUS ARVALIS PALLAS, 1778 SENSU LATO (RODENTIA: CRICETIDAE) FROM SARATOV OBLAST

This article provides information about entomological monitoring of common vole’s ( Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1778 sensu lato) uninhabited nests under snow, during expedition around Khvalynsky District of Saratov Oblast in May of 2021 year. During the survey of nests had been discovered 22 beetle species from 10 families. Species Atomaria apicalis Erichson, 1846 is recorded for Saratov Oblast for the first time.

Demographic situation in Saratov oblast

The article summarizes the results of the reproduction and migration development of Saratov oblast n in the 20th — early 21st centuries. The origin of demographic waves in the age and sex structure of the population of the region over a century is substantiated. It is shown what demographic and social consequences led to such development of the region, in which depopulation has not stopped since 1992. There are identified the features of the current migration situation in Saratov oblast. The circle of close migration partners of the region and changes in its migration ties over 50 years is revealed. The character of the exchange of population with other regions of Russia is examined. The main factors of the negative demographic situation in the region are considered. The primary factor is the low level of socio-economic development, wages and incomes of the population. As a consequence, together with high proportion of the urban population and poor ecology this results in a low birth rate and a higher mortality rate than the national average. The latter factor is associated not only with the more "old" (than in the Russian Federation as a whole) age and sex structure of the population of the region. The unfavorable socio-economic situation in the region also generates an increased mortality rate for separate classes and causes of death. Indirectly, this is evidenced by a significantly higher (than in the Russian Federation as a whole) mortality of the population of Saratov oblast from diseases of the digestive system and from alcohol poisoning. In addition, the outflow of young people to economically more developed regions of the country and the decline in fertility leads to a decrease in the proportion of women in the most active childbearing age, which causes an even greater decline in the birth rate. And decrease in the share of young people as a whole leads to an increase in the pension burden on the able-bodied population and to a further decrease in the incomes of the entire population of the region. A general conclusion is made that it is necessary to more actively and effectively pursue a policy of equalizing the socio-economic and demographic development of the regions of Russia. It is necessary to create zones of advanced development not only in the Far East or in the Arctic. It is necessary to develop the economy and the social sphere in all underdeveloped regions of Russia at a faster pace.

Developing a regional milk processing market: A competitive aspect

Subject. This article examines the impact of competition in the dairy industry on the formation of the regional milk processing market structure. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the risks and threats to the economic security of the region arising from the creation of competitive advantages by different types of dairy enterprises. The Saratov Oblast is considered as a case study. Methods. For the study, the neoclassical Structure–Conduct–Performance (SCP) paradigm is used, which is explained through the market positioning theory, resource-based view (RBV), and the transaction approach. Results. The article notes that a moderately concentrated structure of the milk processing market has been formed in the Saratov Oblast. There are two leading enterprises that are able to influence not only the less strong local processing factories and producers of raw milk, but also the Oblast's economic security. Conclusions. Leading dairy companies of the region, following industry leaders, are seeking to expand their competitive position in inter-regional markets. The needs of processors in raw milk constantly exceed the production capacity of dairy farming, and market power enables them to displace local processors from the market and contributes to the reduction of the number of market participants in the dairy industry. The consequences of these actions go beyond antitrust policy and relate to the broader regulation of agri-food markets.

Historical Studies of Pesochnoe Settlement in Saratov Oblast (the issue of the significance of the ceramic complex in the study of the rural settlements of the Golden Horde)

The paper features the first results of the latest archaeological study investigations in 2020 were conducted at the Pesochnoe settlement located within the city boundaries of the Leninsky District of Saratov and was part of the medieval rural district of the Golden Horde city of Ukek. Excavation 1 (size 6×10 m) allowed to examine the cultural layer of the second half of the 13th – 14th centuries. The collection of mass ceramic materials comprised 150 fragments of medieval ceramic vessels. It includes 5 groups of both local and imported origin (Ukek, Northern Black Sea region, Byzantium), which, in addition to import directions, mark the presence of the Russian and Mordovian components among the population of the village. The ceramic collection, despite its small size, demonstrates all archaeological markers characteristic of rural settlements in the Ukek of the Golden Horde regions.

Ultrasonography screening of carotid arteries in asymptomatic patients

Objective: to identify the most important predictors of carotid artery stenosis in ambulatory patients of Saratov and Saratov Oblast, using multivariate analysis, and to specify an ideal patient for ultrasonographic screening. Materials and methods. In 2014-2018, field consultations and ultrasonographic examinations were performed for asymptomatic patients with suspected carotid artery disease at outpatient clinics of Saratov and Saratov Oblast. Such patients were referred for screening by neurologists and general practitioners. The study encompassed 470 medical charts. The multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of carotid artery stenosis of 50 per cent or more. Results. Carotid artery stenosis of ≥30% was detected in 24.5% (i.e., 115 of 470) of study participants; of ≥50% in 10.2% (48 of 470) patients, and of ≥70% stenosis in 2.9% (14/470) of participants. The multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of finding stenosis of ≥50% in patients, selected by neurologists and general practitioners for ultrasonographic screening, were significantly higher in the presence of the following factors: age exceeding 72, male gender, acute cerebrovascular event in anamnesis > 6 months ago, atherosclerosis of leg arteries, and episodes of speech impairment. We developed the point scale for risk assessment. A point scale for risk assessment has been created. In the absence of prognostic factors, the absolute risk of detecting stenosis ≥50% was just 3%, with 1 point it was 16%, and with 4 points it amounted to >50%. Conclusion. Our analysis enabled us to specify the most significant predictors of carotid artery stenosis in patients observed at outpatient clinics of Saratov and Saratov Oblast, and to obtain a patient model helping to optimize optimize selection for ultrasonographic examination.