Integral Profiles Research Articles

Bacterial community diversity and underlying assembly patterns along vertical soil profiles in wetland and meadow habitats on the Zoige Plateau, China

Microorganisms are found throughout the soil, however, our understanding of microbial diversity and the underlying assembling patterns is mostly limited to the surface horizons (0–20 cm). In this study, soil samples were collected from a total of 12 integral vertical soil profiles (from the surface layer to the parent material, up to 5 m depth) from two typical alpine habitats (wetland and meadow) in the Zoige Plateau, China. As determined from 16S rRNA sequencing, soil bacterial diversity and community composition were unique to each habitat. Similar decays in bacterial similarity over distance along soil vertical profiles were observed in both habitats, and taxonomic turnover rates were higher than phylogenetic ones. Bacterial distribution greatly depended on soil depth, with most oligotrophic taxa residing in deeper soil layers. Soil macro-nutrients were major factors regulating bacterial assembly, however, in deeper soil layers with lower nutrient effectiveness, minerals such as manganese, potassium, and sulfur were more influential. Along the whole profile, community assembly was driven mainly by deterministic processes (mostly heterogeneous selection) and to a lesser extent by stochastic processes, as shown by both a null model-based β-nearest taxon index and a normalized stochastic ratio. The habitats differed in the importance of these processes, however, with deterministic processes playing a larger role in bacterial assembly in meadows than in wetlands, and with community members in alpine meadows having narrower environmental thresholds and stronger phylogenetic signals. Additionally, bacterial communities in the subsoil exhibited a narrower niche breadth and were susceptible to deterministic processes. This trend was accompanied by the weaker phylogenetic conservation, suggesting their lower adaptation to environmental changes compared to the topsoil. Overall, our study investigated bacterial biodiversity patterns and the potential processes underlying bacterial assemblage along the vertical soil profile, and provided the first data regarding the vertical geography of soil bacterial communities in typical alpine habitats.

Comparative polypharmacokinetics of nine anti-inflammatory components of Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) and Shanyinhua (Lonicerae Flos) in mice with p-xylene-induced ear edema

ObjectiveTo reveal the integral in vivo polypharmacokinetics (PPK) similarity or difference between Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, LJF) and Shanyinhua (Lonicerae Flos, LF), and provide reference for their clinical application. MethodsThe PPK model and its total quantum statistical moment similarity (TQSMS) method were used to compare the integral PPK profiles of nine components with anti-inflammatory efficacy (rutin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, dispsacoside B, macranthoidin B, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C) of LJF and LF. A total of 54 Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) grade Kunming (KM) mice were randomized into LJF group and LF group (n = 27), and each group was divided into nine subgroups (n = 3) according to different time points. Subsequently, mice model of p-xylene-induced ear edema was constructed by oral administration of LJF and LF. The concentrations of the nine anti-inflammatory components in plasma samples of the mice were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). And the pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters of single component and the integral PPK parameters [total quantum statistical moment (TQSM) and TQSMS] of multiple components were calculated by Drug And Statistics (DAS) software and home-brew programs with Excel, respectively. ResultsThere were significant differences in single-component PK parameters between LJF and LF (P < 0.05). Whereas, no significant differences were found in multi-component TQSM parameters, including total quantum zero moment (AUCT0-t, AUCT0-∞) and total quantum first moment (MRTT0-t, MRTT0-∞) for the total quanta (P > 0.05). Accordingly, single-component TQSMS varied from 0.220 4 to 0.968 9, and that for the total quanta was 0.828 4, suggesting no significant differences in the speed and extent of bioavailability between LJF and LF. Furthermore, in light of high TQSMS (0.828 4), the integral PPK profiles of the nine anti-inflammatory components of LJF and LF were similar under 90% confidence intervals. ConclusionThe PPK model and its TQSMS method are appropriate and efficient to compare the similarity or difference of integral PPK profiles of multi-component herbal medicines. It is suggested in this research that LJF can be replaced with LF or vice versa for anti-inflammatory treatment.

Discovering Hair Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics

Hair may be a potential biospecimen to discover biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) since it reflects the integral metabolic profiles of body burden over several months. Here, we described the AD biomarker discovery in the hair using a high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based untargeted metabolomics approach. A total of 24 patients with AD and 24 age- and sex-matched cognitively healthy controls were recruited. The hair samples were collected 0.1-cm away from the scalp and further cut into 3-cm segments. Hair metabolites were extracted by ultrasonication with methanol/phosphate-buffered saline 50/50 (v/v) for 4 h. A total of 25 discriminatory chemicals in hair between the patients with AD and controls were discovered and identified. The AUC value achieved 0.85 (95% CI: 0.72~0.97) in patients with very mild AD compared to healthy controls using a composite panel of the 9 biomarker candidates, indicating high potential for the initiation or promotion phase of AD dementia in the early stage. A metabolic panel combined with the nine metabolites may be used as biomarkers for the early detection of AD. The hair metabolome can be used to reveal metabolic perturbations for biomarker discovery. Investigating perturbations of the metabolites will offer insight into the pathogenesis of AD.

Представление о ценностных ориентациях незнакомого человека в зависимости от способа изображения его лица

The observers’ ideas about the value orientations of visual communicants were experimentally studied. The subjects were sequentially presented in random order with the faces of people depicted in photographs and artistic portraits. It was required, on the basis of a list of terminal and instrumental value orientations (M. Rokeach), first to evaluate one’s own beliefs, then the demonstrated characters. It is shown that the integral profiles of value ideas about personalities depicted in portraits and photos are well matched, have a similar structure and similar scores. The beliefs of characters in portraits are statistically higher than those in photographs. The effect is preserved when the values are differentiated by categories. Significant differences were obtained in relation to the following values: terminal values — Cognition, Mature love, Material wellbeing, Beauty, Happy family life, Pleasures; instrumental — Goodupbringing, Education, Diligence, Tolerance, Sensitivity, Cheerfulness. The observers’ ideas about their own values differ significantly from the value orientations of the depicted people and have little effect on their assessments.

A divergence-free inflow turbulence generator using spectral representation method for large-eddy simulation of ABL flows

The generation of inflow turbulence is the first necessary step to conduct a successful large-eddy simulation (LES) of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flows. It is required that the generated inflow turbulence is divergence-free and satisfies essential target statistical properties, including the two-point statistics of the flow described by the coherency function and the spatial correlation. In this paper, a computationally efficient synthetic inflow turbulence generation technique with explicitly defined two-point flow statistics is proposed based on the spectral representation method. The divergence-free condition is imposed on the generated turbulence through a posteriori procedure embedded in the Pressure-Implicit with Splitting of Operators (PISO) solver of OpenFOAM. The efficacy of the proposed method to represent one-point and two-point statistics is demonstrated by comparing the generated turbulence with wind field measurements taken at the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory of Western University. The proposed method is then applied to LES of ABL flows for three exposure conditions, and the wind profiles downstream of the inlet are examined. The mean velocity, turbulence intensity, integral length scale profiles, and the velocity spectra are in good agreement with the target experimental data, thus, indicating the potential of the method for computational wind engineering applications such as wind load evaluation studies. The implementation of the proposed method is available at https://github.com/GBitsuamlak/DFSR.

Temporal profiling of uplift rate along an active fault using river long profile in the Kuchchh region, Western India

River long profiles are widely used as tectonic event markers. Incision/uplift rate estimations based on the dating of river terrace or exposed scarp sediment give long-term averaged uplift rate values with the limitation of not giving the intermediate phases of highs and lows. On the other hand, GPS based estimates provide only decadal-scale uplift rate estimates. In our study, we adopted the long profile inversion methodology to obtain a temporal profile of uplift rate history (over the Late Pleistocene-Holocene time period) along an active fault (the Kuchchh Mainland Fault) in Kuchchh region, western India, which has experienced several large magnitude earthquakes in recent past. We also used long profiles analysis to quantify the transient response of Kuchchh landscape to uplift activity along the Kuchchh Mainland Fault. Steepness index and chi profiles were estimated to display the spatial variability in landscape disequilibrium. Integral method-based chi profiles were used to obtain the optimum value of basin area exponent of the Stream Power Incision Model (SPIM). Our estimates provide a mean uplift rate value of 1.1–1.4 mm/yr along the Kuchchh Mainland Fault during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene period, which matches with the average uplift rate derived from other independent observations in this region. Further, a chronology of major tectonic phases from the estimated uplift rate time series also corroborates with field-based estimates of major incision events in Kuchchh region. We also tested the robustness and sensitivity of our uplift rate estimates to model parameters. Such data can be complementary to the existing sparsely (both spatially and temporally) distributed uplift rate database, which is imperative to seismic hazard assessment.

TGA coupled with FTIR gas analysis to quantify the vinyl alcohol unit content in ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer

Thermo-gravimetric analysis coupled to time/temperature-resolved FTIR spectroscopy of evolved gases was used to measure the vinyl alcohol units content in EVOH copolymer. Pure homopolymers were used as references. The quantitative analysis here proposed is based on the calculation of integral profiles relative to FTIR signals of water molecules evolved during the thermal degradation (pyrolysis) of vinyl alcohol units.

Experimental and Monte Carlo characterization of a dynamic collimation system prototype for pencil beam scanning proton therapy

There has been a growing interest in the development of energy-specific collimators for low-energy pencil beam scanning (PBS) to reduce the lateral penumbra. One particular device that has been the focus of several recent published works is the dynamic collimation system (DCS), which provides energy-specific collimation by intercepting the scanned proton beam as it nears to target edge with a set of orthogonal trimmer blades. While several computational studies have shown that this dynamic collimator can provide additional healthy tissue sparing, there has not been any rigorous experimental work to benchmark the theoretical models used in these initial studies. Therefore, it was the purpose of this work to demonstrate an experimental method that could integrate an experimental prototype with a clinical PBS system and benchmark the Monte Carlo methods that have been used to model the DCS. An experimental DCS prototype was designed and built in house to actively collimate individual proton beamlets during PBS within a well-characterized experimental setup. Monte Carlo methods were initially used to assess construction tolerances and later benchmarked against measurements, including integral depth dose and lateral asymmetric beamlet profiles. The experimental apparatus and measurement geometry were modeled using MCNP6 benchmarked from measurements performed at the Northwestern Chicago Proton Center. Gamma analysis tests were used to evaluate the agreement between the measured and simulated profiles with a strict 1mm/1% criteria and 5% dose threshold. Excellent agreement was observed between the simulated and measured profiles, which included 1mm/1% gamma analysis pass rates of at least 100% and 95% for the integral depth dose (IDD) profiles and lateral profiles, respectively. Differences in the relative profile shape were observed experimentally between beamlets collimated on- and off-axis, which was attributed to the partial transmission of the beam through an unfocused collimator. Exposure rates resulting from the activation of the device were monitored with survey meter measurements and were found to agree with Monte Carlo estimates of the exposure rate to within 20%. A DCS prototype was constructed and integrated into a clinical dose delivery system. While the results of this work are not exhaustive, they demonstrate the effects of beam source divergence, device activation, and beamlet deflection during scanning, which were found to be successfully modeled using Monte Carlo methods and experimentally benchmarked. Excellent agreement was achieved between the simulated and measured lateral spot profiles of collimated beamlets delivered on- and off-axis in PBS. The Monte Carlo models adequately predicted the measured elevated plateau region in the integral depth-dose profiles from the low-energy scatter off the collimators.

Graduation Profiles of Pedagogy Programmes According to the Current Educational Policies

The research analyzes the graduate profiles of pedagogical careers belonging to the universities of the Valparaíso region, Chile. For this purpose, a metrically consistent instrument has been proposed and created, according to the main Education Policies of the country that is called as an integral profile, which includes aspects with which Chilean teachers are evaluated, plus indicators of inclusion and citizen education. These Policies are not always measured, that’s why universities give such importance to these three educational policies. For these reasons, the objective of this article is to analyze, based on quantitative techniques, the relation of similarity between graduation profiles and educational policies, contributing to empower the descended aspects and to visualize the importance that the universities grant to train students with an integral profile. The results of this research invite to promote the Educational Policies related to the exit profiles of the pedagogical careers, since having integral profiles contributes to form a model of teacher training for the country, especially in those with emerging economies, such as those of Latin America.

Расчетное исследование характеристик потока в воздухозаборнике модельного осевого компрессора с учетом различных вариантов граничного условия «активный диск»

Aerodynamic interaction between the compressor (fan) and the air intake is a characteristic feature of modern turbojet engines of civil aviation. An approach based on unsteady three-dimensional modeling of the flow taking into account full blade rows is necessary for analysis but is too resource-intensive for design. In some cases, an approach based on the “active disk” boundary condition can be successfully used to analyze aerodynamic interference of the engine with airframe elements. In the present work, the flow characteristics in the air intake of a model axial compressor JT8D are studied and different variants of the “active disk” boundary condition that can replace the compressor in the air intake are compared. The results of the computational study of characteristics of the axial compressor model in nacelle based on a pre-validated technique are presented. An analysis of integral characteristics and profiles of variables in different cross-sections at rotational speeds constituting 70, 80 and 90 % of the design value is performed. The results obtained using different variants of the “active disk” boundary condition are compared, and a preferred variant is selected. For the configuration in question, the method has proven to be efficient and accurate.

Direct numerical simulation of droplet deformation in turbulent flows with different velocity profiles

The deformation and fragmentation processes of single droplet in turbulent velocity flows are compared with the continuous uniform velocity inlet profile flows. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) coupled with volume of fluids (VOF) method is adopted to solve the flow equations and track the liquid–gas interfaces. By varying the turbulence integral length scales, different inlet velocity profiles are generated. Meanwhile, the inlet velocity magnitude changes in a wide range to present the turbulence and Weber number effects on droplet deformation. The temporal and spatial evolution processes of the droplet are taken into consideration. After analyzing the velocity distribution, the motion of the turbulent flow fronts and the scales of the turbulent vortices, the deformation differences between the uniform and turbulent fields are clearly explained. Different from uniform velocity profile, droplet shows an unsteady and unsymmetrical deformation in the turbulence fields. In the later stage, the droplet breakup in the turbulent fields is more intensive and thorough. Due to the velocity fluctuations, the pressure around the droplet is abruptly distributed which causes the droplet to be turned, rotated and side-squeezed. The droplets tend to be turned up and down with the Half integral scale profiles, be turned and rotated with the Quarter while be squeezed sideways with the Tenth. This asymmetrical deformation tendency may stimulate or counteract the transport process. This will help improve the comprehension of the droplet breakup in internal combustion engines and other industrial activities.

IMPROVEMENT OF DOWNHOLE FLOWMETERS TO INCREASE THE GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCHES ACCURACY

Background Solving the problem of multiphase flow metering is one of the most important tasks in oil production. In article the method for improving the accuracy of downhole fluid flow rate measurement on the basis of turbine sensors by means of different types of its modernization is considered. Aims and Objectives Improving the downhole consumption accuracy based on the conversion range scaling in the digital intermediate transducer of the sensor while adjusting its sensitivity threshold. Methods System Technician, Theory Errors and Metrology Securing of Multiface Flowmetering. Results It is shown that with constructive improvement, it is possible to measure the integral flow profiles with regulation of the sensitivity threshold of the flow rate £ 0.1 m3 / h. The scaling of the conversion range from 1 to 100 m3 / h and more is accomplished by the manipulation of the weights of their codes in the digital intermediate transducer of the sensor. With a total error of the sensor of £ 0.1%, it is possible to control only the magnitudes of the consumption quanta ≃ 3 m3 / h. When using more accurate ground flow measurements of injected fluids at the mouth of an injection well with an error £ 0.04%, it is possible to measure depth charges in the perforated zones with an error ≃ 0.06%. Such studies are sufficient to control expenditure quanta to1 m3 / h and less.

Toward a novel dosimetry system using acrylic disk radiation sensor for proton pencil beam scanning.

Fabricate an acrylic disk radiation sensor (ADRS) and characterize the photoluminescence signal generated from the optical device as basis for the development and evaluation of a new dosimetry system for pencil beam proton therapy. Based on the characteristics of the proposed optical dosimetry sensor, we established the relation between the photoluminescence output and the applied dose using an ionization chamber. Then, we obtained the relative integral depth dose profiles using the photoluminescence signal generated by pencil beam irradiation at energies of 99.9 and 162.1 MeV, and compared the results with the curve measured using a Bragg peak ionization chamber. The relation between the photoluminescence output and applied dose was linear. In addition, the ADRS was dose independent for beam currents up to 6 Gy/min, and the calibration factor for energy was close to 1. Hence, the energy dependence on the optical device can be disregarded. The integral depth dose profiles obtained for the ADRS suitable agreed with the curve measured in the Bragg peak ionization chamber without requiring correction. These results suggest that the ADRS is suitable for dosimetry measurements in pencil beam scanning, and it will be employed as a low-cost and versatile dosimetry sensor in upcoming developments.

Morphology and channel characteristics of an equatorial tropical river in Malaysian Borneo: a detailed evaluation through spatially explicit geomorphometric modelling

Geomorphic and morphodynamic characteristics of Akah River in Sarawak, Malaysia in north-western Borneo were modelled using geographical information system assisted techniques and geomorphometric indices. Stream properties such as longitudinal profile, stream length gradient index (SL), channel slope, hypsometric curve, hypsometric integral, sinuosity index and channel cross profiles were analyzed. Morphological features such as meander and channel bar characteristics were evaluated and compared to classify the river and to identify the processes responsible for its present nature. The longitudinal profile, SL index and channel slope indicate the presence of multiple knick points in the channel, which may be indicative of changes in the base level characteristics of the river or lithological differences. The characteristic convex shape of hypsometric toe indicates late stage of deposition due to diffusive processes and the hypsometric integral identifies the geomorphic evolution as in the advanced stage i.e. erosion is significant. The sinuosity index classifies the entire river as meandering and some segments as tortuously meandering with varied stream valleys. Numerous channel bars of various dimensions are found in different reaches of the stream indicating varying channel bottom characteristics and flow mechanism due to the influence of geological process. The information generated from spatial modelling of different geomorphic indices (different terrain variables) and channel characteristics classifies the Akah subwatershed with slope (diffusive) and fluvial dominated geomorphic process having highly meandering channel and showing anomalous characteristics in some segments. These findings will serve as baseline information, while considering the region for hydrological development activities which include check dams, mini hydroelectric projects.

CHARACTERIZATION OF FLUORESCENT NUCLEAR TRACK DETECTORS AS CRITICALITY DOSIMETERS II.

Fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTDs) as criticality dosimeters for both neutrons and gamma are further characterized in terms of angular dependence and quick dose assessment. The power spectrum integral depth profiles obtained from stacks of fluorescent images acquired within FNTDs exposed to a broad spectrum neutron field at various angles are analyzed to determine a calibration curve for angular dependence. MCNPX simulations were shown to be in good agreement with experimental results. A prototype triage reader was also designed and tested for quick assessment of dose. An unfolding technique incorporating both energy dependence and angular dependence is discussed. The advantages and shortcomings of using FNTDs in the event of a criticality excursion accident are analyzed.

Extended Synthetic Turbulence Inflow Generator within a Hybrid LES–URANS Methodology for the Prediction of Non–Equilibrium Wall–Bounded Flows

The objective of the present paper is the fusion of a proper synthetic turbulence inflow generator with an unified hybrid LES–URANS method. The hybrid approach relies on an explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model within the unsteady Reynolds–averaged Navier–Stoks (URANS) mode. To extend the application area of the hybrid method, the digital filter concept by Klein et al. (J. Comp. Phys. 186, 652–665, 2003) is employed. Due to the application of the inflow generator within the hybrid simulation, an additional formulation for the modeled turbulent kinetic energy is necessary to ensure a reasonable inflow profile for this quantity. The required integral time scale and the two integral length scales are presently determined based on pre–simulations applying periodic boundary conditions but can also rely on other sources such as experimental data. With the aid of these integral scales and reference profiles of the mean velocity and the Reynolds stress tensor instantaneous inflow velocity profiles are generated. The integral scales are evaluated for the plane channel flow (Re t = 590) as well as the periodic hill flow (Re b = 10,595). The generated inflow data are used for these test cases and extensively evaluated. Besides the analysis of the adaptation length for both benchmarks, the mean profiles of the velocity as well as selected second–order moments of the simulations applying the synthetic inflow profiles are compared with reference data and results of hybrid simulations applying periodic boundary conditions. Furthermore, the influence of the grid resolution is analyzed.

COMPARATIVE DESCRIPTION OF POPULATION PARAMETERS OF THE LIFE QUALITY OF INHABITANTS OF DAKHADAEV DISTRICT, REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN

The study presents the population indices of the life quality of inhabitants of Dakhadaev district, Republic of Dagestan. The study was conducted using a questionnaire SF-36. The regularities of the age-and gender changes of parameters of the life quality were identified. The highest rate in the analyzed settlements was marked on a scale of social functioning, the lowest – on the scale of overall health. The integral indexes of men were higher in all age groups than those of women. The highest parameters of the integral index of the male and female population were fixed in the age-group to 35. The most gender differences are noted on the scale of the role-physical functioning, the least on the scale of social functioning. In whole with age increasing we saw lowering parameters of indices of the life quality as in male group, so in female one. Besides the most changes in indices of the life quality were on the scale of role-physical functioning. Minimal differences in age groups were observed on the scales of social functioning and mental health. Women have more age lowering of indices of the life quality than men exceptthe role-physical functioning and social functioning. The highest parameter of the integral index of the life quality was observed in Zilbachi administrative settlement, the lowest one – in Kharbuk settlement of Dakhadaev district, Republic of Dagestan. The data of population study of the life quality give the information about indices of the life quality of population, reflecting in such a way the degree of its physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This information allows to estimate the efficiency of realization different medical and social and economic programs, aiming to improvement of the life quality of the population, rising the level of its wellbeing. Aim. The aim of this work was a pilot study of population indices of the life quality of inhabitants of Dakhadaev district, Republic of Dagestan. Location. Dakhadaev district, Republic of Dagestan. Methods. The study was conducted using a questionnaire SF-36 in accordance with the requirements of the International project of evaluation of life quality (IPELQ). Data was collected by questionnaire on the basis of direct survey respondents. Statistical processing of the data obtained from surveys of the quality of life based on the general principles of statistics and conducted using the package of applied programs STATISTICA and Excel. Results. Population indices of the quality of life of the residents in some rural settlements in Dakhadaev district of Republic of Dagestan were received. Average indicators of the life quality of residents for 8 scales of the questionnaire SF-36 range from 58,5 (scale of the overall health) to 76,3 (scale of social functioning). The study of gender differences in population indices of quality of life showed that the parameters of the life quality of the male population in all scales of the questionnaire significantly higher than those in women. A similar trend was observed in all age groups, that is, in general, indicators of physical, mental and social functioning of the female population of the studied territories were lower than of men. Indicators of the life quality in the analyzed settlements are decreasing in both men and women. Main conclusions. The results of population studies of quality of life in general indicate that the environmental component, understood in the framework of 3-defining model of sustainable development (economy, social sphere, ecology), makes a great contribution to the integral profiles quality of life of the rural population. Although the countryside is traditionally considered to be ecologically safe, in our study the numeric parameters of the quality of life have the same dynamics as in studies of population in large, industrialized cities, reflecting the specific problems of the environment.

A practical experience of dose modeling for proton pencil beam scanning in KNCC

Dose modeling of proton pencil beam scanning (PBS) in Eclipse V10 (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto) requires absolute integral depth dose (IDD) curves and spot profiles for all energies. IDDs are measured by using a Bragg peak chamber (BPC, PTW; radius: 4.08 cm) and a threedimensional (3D) water phantom (RFA300, IBA, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium). The energy range is 99.3 MeV - 226.9 MeV, and the number of measured beam energies is 133, which corresponds to the number of available energy degrader steps. Relative IDDs are converted to absolute IDDs by measuring the outputs at a shallow depth (i.e., 2 cm) with the calibrated NDWkq of the BPC. In the present study, in-air spot profiles were collected by using a homemade device at 8 different positions, 0 cm,’ 10 cm,’ 20 cm,’ 30 cm and 40 cm, from the isocenter with and without a range shifter (RS). Additional high monitor unit (MU) measurements were performed to acquire a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the low-dose region. Without the RS, the smallest in-air spot size at the isocenter was approximately 4.5 mm for 226.9 MeV, and the largest size was 11 mm for 99.3 MeV. The water-equivalent thickness of the RS is 74.4 mm. At National Cancer Center, Korea, we measured 133 IDDs and 2128 x, y spot profiles from Feb. 2014 to July 2014, which sufficed for dose modeling. This is the first proton pencil beam dose modeling data in Korea. Indeed, our experience should prove useful to other institutions, especially where the IBA proton machine is used with Eclipse.

POPULATION STUDY OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE INHABITANTS OF DAKHADAEV DISTRICT OF REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN

Abstract. The study presents the population indices of life quality of inhabitants of Dibgali, Guladty and Karbuchimakhi rural settlements in Dakhadaev district, Republic of Dagestan. The study was conducted using a questionnaire SF-36. The regularities of the age and gender changes of parameters of quality of life were identified. The highest rate in the analyzed settlements was marked on a scale of social functioning, the lowest on the scale of overall health. Aim. The goal of this work was a pilot study of population indices of the life quality of inhabitants of Dibgali, Guladty and Karbuchimakhi rural settlements in Dakhadaev district, Republic of Dagestan. Methods. The study was conducted using a questionnaire SF-36 in accordance with the requirements of the International project of evaluation of life quality (IPELQ). Data was collected by questionnaire on the basis of direct survey respondents. Statistical processing of the data obtained from surveys of the quality of life based on the general principles of statistics and conducted using the package of applied programs STATISTICA and Excel. Results .Population quality of life of the residents in some rural settlements in Dakhadaev district of Republic of Dagestan were received. Average indicators of the quality of life of residents for 8 scales of the questionnaire SF-36 range from 53,4 (scale of the overall health) to 76.3 (scale of social functioning). The study of gender differences in population indices of quality of life showed that the parameters of the quality of life of the male population in all scales of the questionnaire significantly higher than that in women. A similar trend was observed in all age groups, that is, in general, indicators of physical, mental and social functioning of the female population of the studied territories were lower than of men. Indicators of the quality of life in the analyzed settlements are decreasing in both men and women. Main conclusions. The results of population studies of quality of life in general indicate that the environmental component, understood in the framework of 3-defining model of sustainable development (economy, social sphere, ecology), makes a great contribution to the integral profiles quality of life of the rural population. Although the countryside is traditionally considered to be ecologically safe, in our study the numeric parameters of the quality of life have the same dynamics as in studies of population in large, industrialized cities, reflecting the specific problems of the environment.

Strategic support of the Russian regions: Problems of the assessment of the status of innovative territories

This paper presents an overview of the most well-known domestic and foreign approaches to the development of innovative territories. Qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating the state of innovation in Russian regions are explored. The role of the Association of Russian Innovative Regions AIRR in the development of a new approach to an innovation-based ranking of Russian regions is analyzed. Four major methodological components are introduced: (1) basic conditions affecting the innovative profile of a region and characteristics of innovation creation and application processes, (2) requirements for a preliminary qualification of a region to participate in a competition, (3) quantitative methods applied for the integral ranking of regions based on their respective innovative development status, and (4) principles of expert adjustment of the ranking. Three criteria and a procedure underpinning the provision of federal support to federal subjects, which actively promote an innovation-based economy, are suggested. Each criterion has its own set of indicators. The results of a trial testing of various techniques applied to clarify the integral innovative profiles of regions that apply for federal financial support are presented. Possibilities for improving the existing methodological approaches and the available statistical datasets in order to assess the innovative profiles of regions are presented.