General Method Research Articles

Cobalt-Catalyzed Syntheses of Esters and Carboxylic Acids from Alkenes Promoted by Light.

Alkoxy- and hydroxycarbonylations of alkenes are widely useful transformations for the preparation of esters and carboxylic acids, respectively. Catalytic systems using earth-abundant, first-row metals hold significant promise in increasing the scope and sustainability of these processes, but general methods remain virtually undeveloped. Herein, we report alkene alkoxycarbonylations and hydroxycarbonylations catalyzed by unmodified, inexpensive cobalt carbonyl under mild conditions and under low pressure promoted by light. These reactions display a broad substrate scope with respect to the alkene and alcohol components, with alkoxycarbonylations proceeding efficiently with 1 equiv of both partners, enabling coupling of complex substrates. A successful alkoxycarbonylation was performed even in the absence of solvent, displaying a remarkably low E factor for the hydrocarbonylation process.

Оценка уровня профессиональной подготовки тренеров в фитнес-индустрии

The purpose of the study is to identify the level of professional training of a modern specialist in the field of the fitness industry. Research methods and organization. Methods of analysis and generalization of statistical data and special literature, as well as methods of mathematical statistics, were used. A statistical analysis of data obtained by the research company FitnessData based on a survey of Russian fitness facility operators conducted in February-March 2024 was carried out in the study. Research results and conclusions. The analysis of official statistics allowed for the identification of the main areas of specialized professional training for coaches in the fitness industry.

Цифровые технологии в условиях трансформации процесса спортивной подготовки по спортивному ориентированию

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness in the formation of technical and tactical skills in orienteering athletes at the stage of initial sports training using the Virtual-O computer simulator. Research methods and organization. Methods of analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical experimentation, and methods of mathematical statistics were employed. The developed course of technical training with the computer simulator Virtual-O was tested during the initial sports training phase (sports orientation) at Irkutsk State University. Research results and conclusions. The reliable increase in the effectiveness of the technical and tactical skills development of orienteering athletes identified during the study indicates the positive impact of the systematic application of computer technologies in conjunction with traditional methods of sports training. The results obtained allow for the conclusion regarding the feasibility of implementing digital technologies (Virtual-O simulator) in the technical and tactical training of orienteering athletes.

Исследование уровня развития смысложизненных ориентаций студентов вуза физической культуры

The purpose of the study is to identify the level of life meaningfulness formation among students of a physical education university. Research methods and organization. Methods of analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, surveys, and mathematical data processing were employed. To determine the meaning of life, the "meaningful life orientations or guidelines" test was utilized. Research results and conclusions. Students of a physical education university, being highly qualified athletes, demonstrate elevated levels of life meaning orientations. This situation highlights the necessity to focus students' attention on the meaning and paths of further professional self-development, as inflated perceptions of oneself and one's abilities, shaped against the background of sports activities, may negatively affect current educational success and future professional activities and the process of self-development.

Значение показателей биомеханических характеристик движений, способствующих эффективному развитию скоростно-силовых способностей в системе подготовки баскетболисток

The purpose of the study is to find and determine the most effective means of impact based on the use of exercises in various conditions of their execution within the training system for female basketball players. Research methods and organization. Methods of analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical experiment, and methods of mathematical statistics have been employed. The developed methodology using various means of influence has been tested in the training process of university female basketball players. Research results and conclusions. All developed tools, methodological techniques, environmental conditions, and methods have different preferential impacts on the motor activities of athletes and allow for the realization of the existing potential in competitive activities.

Проблемы и перспективы организации соревнований по мас-рестлингу в Республике Саха (Якутия)

The purpose of the study is to identify key problems and barriers that hinder the successful organization of events, as well as to develop recommendations for its improvement. Research methods and organization. Methods of analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature have been employed, along with comparison, surveys, and questionnaires. The validation of the research results was conducted among experts, coaches, and organizers of mas-wrestling at the "Modun" sports complex. Research results and conclusions. Recommendations have been formulated to enhance the quality of the organization of competitions. The results obtained demonstrated an undeniable potential for the development of mas-wrestling in the region and the necessity of comprehensive efforts to improve the quality of organizing mas-wrestling competitions.

How a nation's well-being influences its health profile: an analysis of critical indicators.

This study examines the impact of macroeconomic well-being indicators-GDP, health spending as a percentage of GDP, and the unemployment rate-on the prevalence of chronic diseases, including circulatory and respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus, across 27 European Union countries over 21 years. Utilizing advanced econometric methods like General Method of Moments, Structural Equation Modeling, and wavelet coherence analysis, the research reveals that higher GDP correlates with increased disease prevalence, while greater health spending reduces it. The unemployment rate significantly affects diabetes prevalence. The study introduces the "Economic Prosperity and Chronic Disease Paradox," theory, which suggests that economic growth, while improving healthcare access and living standards, paradoxically increases chronic disease rates due to lifestyle changes such as unhealthy diets, sedentary behavior, and pollution. This theory highlights the need for strategic public health policies to counteract these adverse effects and promote sustainable health outcomes amidst economic development.

Agency Problem and Mean Field System of Agents with Moral Hazard, Synergistic Effects and Accidents

We investigate the existence of an optimal policy to monitor a mean field system of agents managing a risky project under moral hazard with accidents modeled by Lévy processes magnified by the law of the project. We provide a general method to find both a mean field equilibrium for the agents and the optimal compensation policy under general, sufficient and necessary assumptions on all the parameters. We formalize the problem as a bilevel optimization with the probabilistic version of a mean field games which can be reduced to a controlled McKean-Vlasov SDE with jumps. We apply our results to an optimal energy demand-response problem with a crowd of consumers subjected to power cut/shortage when the variability of the energy consumption is too high under endogenous or exogenous strains. In this example, we get explicit solution to the mean field game and to the McKean-Vlasov equation with jumps.

Повышение физических качеств борцов джиу-джитсу на начальном этапе подготовки с помощью метода синаптической фасилитации

The purpose of the study is to enhance the physical quality of strength in young athletes aged 7-10 in initial training groups through the application of psychological and physical aspects of the synaptic facilitation method. Research methods and organization. Methods of mathematical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, testing, parallel experiment, and pedagogical observation were employed. The developed methodology was tested in the training process of young athletes in jiu-jitsu. Research results and conclusions. The results of the study showed that the synaptic facilitation methodology has a positive effect on the sports performance of young athletes. The improvement in test results and competitions in the experimental group compared to the control group confirms the effectiveness of this methodology for enhancing sports training and performance.

The role of integrated thinking in the corporate governance system and integrated reporting process

Subject. The article considers problems of interaction between the company's structural divisions in the process of solving complex problems and generating corporate reporting. Objectives. The study aims to disclose the essence of integrated thinking, determine stages of introducing integrated thinking into the company's business practice, identify advantages and difficulties associated with this process. Methods. The study employs general scientific methods of research. Results. The paper determined types of capital that can be at the disposal of the enterprise, defined components embraced by integrated thinking that relate to organization’s activities, analyzed the role of integrated thinking in ensuring effective corporate governance and preparation of quality reporting. It reviewed factors influencing the creation and maintenance of enterprise value, unveiled the benefits and challenges associated with the process of implementing integrated thinking. Conclusions. Integrated thinking ensures productive interaction among all structural divisions of the company, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of corporate governance efficiency and improvement of report generation process.

Developing interdepartmental cooperation in the social insurance system

Subject. This article discusses the issues of implementation of the social protection policy at the federal and regional levels. Objectives. The article aims to analyze opportunities to optimize electronic cooperation between government agencies. Methods. For the study, we used the general scientific research methods. Results. Based on the analysis of the current practice of electronic cooperation between the beneficiary and the insurer, the article proposes a mechanism for electronic exchange of documents in the field of enforcement proceedings for withholding alimony from the amounts of assigned benefits for temporary disability. Relevance. The practical application of the results of the study will improve the mechanism of electronic interagency communication in the process of assigning and paying temporary disability benefits, as well as create an effective communication environment between all participants in enforcement proceedings. The proposed approaches to the use of electronic interaction will help form an effective system of information exchange.

Including population and environmental dynamic heterogeneities in continuum models of collective behaviour with applications to locust foraging and group structure.

Collective behaviour occurs at all levels of the natural world, from cells aggregating to form tissues, to locusts interacting to form large and destructive plagues. These complex behaviours arise from relatively simple interactions amongst individuals and between individuals and their environment. For simplicity, mathematical models of these phenomena often assume that the population is homogeneous. However, population heterogeneity arising due to the internal state of individuals can affect these interactions and thus plays a role in the dynamics of group formation. In this paper, we present a partial differential equation model that accounts for this heterogeneity by introducing a state space that models an individual's internal state (e.g. age, level of hunger) which affects its movement characteristics. We then apply the model to a concrete example of locust foraging to investigate the dynamic interplay of food availability, hunger, and degree of gregarisation (level of sociability) on locust group formation and structure. We find that including hunger lowers group density and raises the percentage of the population that needs to be gregarious for group formation. Within the group structure itself we find that the most gregarious and satiated locusts tend to be located towards the centre with hunger driving locusts towards the edges of the group. These two effects may combine to give a simple mechanism for locust group dispersal, in that hunger lowers the group density, which in turn lowers the gregarisation, further lowering density and creating a feedback loop. We also note that a previously found optimal food patch size for group formation may be driven by hunger. In addition to our locust results, we provide more general results and methods in the attached appendices.

Methods of increasing the efficiency of military-industrial complex enterprises in unstable economic and political environment

Subject. The article addresses methods of increasing the efficiency of enterprises of the military-industrial complex. Objectives. The purpose is to build a development model that includes parameters having a critical impact on the structure of the military-industrial complex enterprise. Methods. The study employs general scientific methods. The model of development of the military-industrial complex enterprises was built on the basis of the model-oriented system engineering. Results. The paper presented the key values of industrial production, the advantages gained by the State from the growth of industrial enterprises, and the differences between commercial enterprises and military-oriented enterprises. Using the technical approaches of model-oriented system engineering, it identified factors influencing the economic growth of industrial enterprise. This enabled to design the most effective model for the development of defense industry enterprises. Conclusions. The military-industrial complex is expanding its production units, increasing the volume of production of military equipment and ammunition. There is a need to attract a large number of qualified personnel.

Assessing the volume and effectiveness of tax support for science and innovation in the Russian Federation: The value added tax case

Subject. The article addresses instruments of tax incentives for science and innovation development. Objectives. The aim is to elaborate recommendations for improving the mechanism of taxation of value added created in the innovation sphere. Methods. We applied general scientific methods of research. Results. The paper identified impracticality of using value-added tax exemptions to reduce the tax burden on economic entities engaged in the innovation sector. The specific features of applying the offset mechanism in calculating value-added tax as an indirect tax lead to a lack of stimulating effect, if the exemption is granted at certain stages of the production cycle. In this case, the taxpayer allocates the "input" value-added tax to the cost of the produced goods, increasing production costs and the selling price of the goods. Conclusions. It appears more acceptable to reduce the tax rate on value-added tax for entities engaged in innovative activities. The greatest effect of introducing a preferential value-added tax rate can be achieved when it is utilized by all participants in the cycle of production and sale of innovative products. It should be ensured that all other elements of the tax remain unchanged.

Basic prerequisites for the electric-power industrial cooperation between Russia and some African countries

Subject. This article discusses the issues of strengthening of Russia's foreign economic relations. Objectives. The article aims to analyze prospects for the development of electric power industrial cooperation between Russia and African countries. Methods. For the study, we used the general scientific research methods. Results. The article defines the primary areas for the development of cooperation between Russia and African countries (Egypt, Morocco, South Africa) in the field of electric power in the context of ensuring energy security. Conclusions. The practices of Russian companies to use natural resources and develop renewable energy will contribute to reducing the negative impact of electric power on the environment, providing new opportunities for the development of environment friendly technologies. Regular Russia-Africa summits can play an important part to strengthen cooperation between Russia and African countries in the electric power sector.

The role of households in the Russian economy

Subject. The article deals with households in the Russian economy. Objectives. The aim is to identify the role of households in the Russian economy. Methods. The study rests on general scientific methods, primarily data analysis and synthesis, and special economic and mathematical methods, like correlation and regression analysis. Results. The study identified significant savings of the population in various forms – deposits, cash, quoted shares and units, shares of investment funds, established dominance of residential mortgage loans in the structure of financial obligations of households, and an increase in financial activity of the population through the use of complex financial instruments. It demonstrated that a volatile increase in deposit interest rates caused by an increase in the key rate forces the population to pay attention to short deposits, making deposits unstable for savings. Conclusions. The revealed role of the household in the Russian economy as an actor in the securitization of distressed assets indicates to the expert community the risks associated with limited disposal options for a dynamically inflating "money bubble" through a wide variety of types of structured financial instruments, the high key interest rate, and interest rates on deposits.

Comparative Evaluation of General and Regional Anesthesia Methods in Trauma Surgeries

The risk of complications of anaesthesia is significantly increased in some circumstances specific to emergency patients with pelvic and lower limb injuries. Therefore, in recent years, anaesthesiologists have given preference to regional anaesthesia in operations on pelvic organs and lower extremities.AIM OF THE STUDY. Comparative evaluation of the methods of general and regional anaesthesia in operations for pelvic and lower limb injuries.MATERIAL AND METHODS. The data of 101 patients aged from 21 to 78 years, operated in the early posttraumatic period, were included in the study. In group 1 (27 patients) multicomponent endotracheal anaesthesia was used, patients of group 2 (16 patients) were operated under epidural anaesthesia. Patients of the 3rd group (36 patients) underwent surgical intervention under subarachnoid anaesthesia. Group 4 (22 patients) included patients operated under spinal anaesthesia — bupivacaine combined with morphine hydrochloride in a dose of 0.07–0.08 mg.RESULTS. The most adequate method of postoperative analgesia was the method used in patients of group 4. A single injection of bupivacaine 10–15 mg in combination with morphine (0.08–0.1 mg/kg) provided rapid-onset, adequate, long-lasting (24–72 hours) analgesia without hemodynamic depression. Respiration and SpO2 were adequate, patients were in a light sedation (level II) and a state of emotional calm and comfort.CONCLUSION. Spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine combined with morphine hydrochloride at a dose of 0.07–0.08 mg is the method of choice of anaesthetic aid in orthopedic trauma surgeries, which provides good analgesia and hemodynamic stability with adequate spontaneous breathing of the patient during surgery.

General Synthesis of Wurtzite Cu-Based Quaternary Selenide Nanocrystals via the Colloidal Method.

Cu-based multinary selenide nanomaterials have garnered significant attention in photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications, owing to their unique electronic and optical properties. However, the high-yield and scalable synthesis of wurtzite colloidal Cu-based multinary selenide nanocrystals via a versatile and simple colloidal method has not yet been achieved. In this work, we report a general hot-injection colloidal method for the high-yield synthesis of a diverse library of wurtzite Cu-based quaternary selenide nanocrystals, including Cu2CdSnSe4, Cu2ZnSnSe4, Cu2FeSnSe4, Cu2CoSnSe4, Cu2MnSnSe4, Cu3InSnSe5, Cu3GaSnSe5, CuZnInSe3, CuZnGaSe3, CuCdInSe3, and Cu(InGa)Se2. As a proof of concept, the wurtzite Cu2CdSnSe4 nanocrystals are used as photocatalysts for solar-to-hydrogen production, displaying a good photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance. Moreover, this approach has broad applicability for the high-yield synthesis of other wurtzite nanomaterials, which show significant potential for a wide range of applications.

A design method for tendon-driven serial manipulators using controllable block triangular form of structure null space matrix

Abstract This paper proposes a generalized method for designing tendon-driven serial-chained manipulators with an arbitrary number of tendon redundancy. First, a special class of tendon-driven structures is defined by introducing the controllable block triangular form (CBTF) of a null space matrix and its complementary CBTF of a structure matrix, satisfying physical constraints related to the minimal connection of tendons and to the placement of actuators. Then it is shown that any general design of tendon-driven serial manipulators can be reduced to the design of such a special class of tendon-driven structures. Two associated design problems are derived and solved. The first design problem is about finding a complementary CBTF structure matrix for a given CBTF null space matrix using algebraic relations, whereas the second one seeks the both matrices that optimize the wanted structural characteristics based on the result of the first design problem. Numerical design examples are provided to show the validity of the proposed method.

Wages to woes: examining the relationship between real wage and conflict in Africa

ABSTRACT This study examines the real wage on internal conflict in 20 African countries from 1990 to 2021. The analysis includes a composite internal conflict measure as well as its subcomponents, which include civil wars/coup d’état, political violence/terrorism, and civil disorder. Economic frameworks include method of moment quantile regressions, fixed-effects, and the two-step dynamic generalised method of moment. Quantile regressions decreases in the real wage across different levels of internal conflict. The findings reveal that a decrease in real wages significantly increases the risk of internal conflict, especially in countries experiencing elevated levels of conflict. Therefore, in these cases, a decline in the real wage may fan the flames of conflict. Conversely, increases in real wages do not consistently reduce conflict, except in scenarios with heightened political violence/terrorism and civil disorder. A robustness test with the use of the World Bank’s political stability and absence of violence confirms the consistency of results. This study also finds real wage decreases are more predictive of smaller-scale conflicts than severe conflicts, like civil wars.