Nizhny Novgorod Region Research Articles

Features of chromite-containing placers of the Lukoyanovsky Placer district (Nizhny Novgorod region) and conditions of their formation

Chromites are a common component of the heavy fraction of sedimentary deposits of the cover of the platform areas, while their contents usually do not exceed the first percent. Placers of chromites of economic importance, as a rule, are formed in close connection of indigenous sources. Within the Lukoyanovsky placer area (Nizhny Novgorod region), high chromite contents (up to 100 kg/m3) were found in complex coastal-marine rare metal-titanium placers of the Middle Jurassic system, which is of economic importance. Placer bodies are localized on the periphery of the domed structures of the sedimentary cover. A possible source is the Upper Permian and Lower Jurassic sediments, which were eroded in the zone of positive tectonic structures of the cover and foundation of the platform and within the adjacent land. The studied patterns can serve as a basis for forecasting similar deposits within promising areas.

EPOCH-CHF As A Mirror of the Current Problems in Cardiovascular Diseases Treatment in Real Clinical Practice

Aim To analyze the main reasons for the impairment of the life prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in real clinical practice of the Russian Federation.Material and methods Representative samples of the population of the Nizhny Novgorod region (1998, n=1,922) and the European part of Russia followed from 2002 through 2017 (n=19,276), as well as randomly selected medical records of outpatients under the dispensary monitoring for CHF from 19 therapeutic and preventive medical institutions of three constituent entities of the Russian Federation (n=177, 2022) were analyzed for the adherence to therapy and the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, the prevalence, etiology, and prognosis of life of patients with CHF and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) were determined as a part of the EPOCH study.Results The EPOCH-CHF study for the first time determined the true prevalence of CHF in the European part of the Russian Federation (8.2% by soft criteria) and 3.1% (by strict criteria). Furthermore, the prevalence of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (EF) was 0.8%, moderately reduced EF was 0.9%, and heart failure with preserved EF was 1.4% of all studied patients in whom HF was defined by strict criteria. The EPOCH-CHF and EPOCH-Hospital Stage studies confirmed that a long-term exposure of the body to arterial hypertension and ischemic heart disease significantly influenced the development of CHF. At the same time, acute myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus and uncorrected heart defects can induce severe CHF within a short period. The life prognosis of patients both after ADHF and with stable CHF in the Russian Federation is very poor. Within 4 years, 55.2% of patients after ADHF die; no patient with III-IV FC CHF survives longer than 10 years; and patients with I-II FC CHF are at a 75% risk to die after 16 years of follow-up. This is related with an ineffective use of basic drugs and uncoordinated follow-up of patients.Conclusion The analysis of three studies showed a high level of coverage of CHF patients with therapy but a low level of compliance with national guidelines, which is reflected in the use of low doses of drugs, the lack of effective hemodynamic control and, as a consequence, a poor prognosis for CHF patients with CHF, regardless of its stable course or acute decompensation.

Drinking water is the urolithiasis development factor among the rural population of a single region

BACKGROUND: The urolithiasis incidence in the Nizhny Novgorod Region exceeds the national average that determines the importance of analyzing the causes of its development and creating preventive measures. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and drinking water composition consumed by the rural population of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chemical analysis of drinking water was performed in 50 rural districts of the Nizhny Novgorod Region (a total of 61 samples). Water was taken from centralized water supply sources, artesian wells and boreholes, and springs. The relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and chemical composition measures of drinking water was assessed. RESULTS: Differences in the impurity content of drinking water were found between districts with different values of urolithiasis incidence. Exceeding the standard values for impurities specified in the Sanitary regulations and standards (SanPin) was most commonly detected in water from districts with the highest incidence of urolithiasis. An increase in the calcium/magnesium ratio was the most commonly noted in drinking water from these districts. In 41 (67.2%) of 61 samples, an increase of calcium level was detected. The hardness of drinking water was higher than the standard in 33.3–38.8% of samples depending on the water intake source. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water with a high level of hardness and mineralization is one of the etiological factors for the development of urolithiasis in Nizhny Novgorod Region. In rural areas of this region with a high incidence of urolithiasis, the monitoring of the state of central water supply sources and the impurity content in drinking water should be intensified.

The influence of internet sources on the patient's trust in the doctor (based on a survey of doctors and patients in the Nizhny Novgorod region)

BACKGROUND: Modern society is characterized by a tendency of a sharp increase in the influence of Internet sources on the interaction of subjects of the social institute of medicine. AIM: to assess the degree of influence of Internet sources on the patient's trust in the doctor. METHODS: The study was conducted in medical organizations of the Nizhny Novgorod region by means of a questionnaire survey of patients and doctors using author's questionnaires. The study involved 521 patients and 240 doctors. RESULTS: 32.3±2.1% of respondents almost never search for and recheck a diagnosis and doctor's appointments in Internet sources, and 32.5±2.1% do this rarely, 25.9±1.9% search for a diagnosis on Internet sites and recheck doctor's appointments from time to time, and only 9.2±1.2% do it all the time. At the same time, 82.8 ± 1.6% of patients declared priority trust in the doctor, rather than recommendations received on Internet sites. 61.5±3.1% of doctors from time to time face the fact that patients have a clear opinion about their diagnosis obtained from Internet sources, 15.0±2.3% of doctors face this constantly, 17.5±2.5% of doctors rarely, and only 6.0±1.5% of doctors never face it. 51.7±3.2% of the surveyed doctors do not feel well about the fact that patients double-check the criteria for diagnosis and doctor's appointment on Internet sites, 24.9±2.3% support the activity of patients and the study of information about their disease, and 23.4±2.7% are indifferent to such a phenomenon. According to 87.8±2.1% of doctors, patients trust information received from a doctor more than online sources. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the study, 67.6±2.1% of patients access Internet sites in order to verify the correctness of medical opinions, but at the same time, according to 82.8± 1.6% of patients and 87.8±2.1% of doctors, information received from a doctor is of priority importance for patients, compared with the Internet sources.

PROBLEMS OF POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL HEALTHCARE (based on materials from the administrative department of Gorky Regional Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks))

The article reveals health problems in the City of Gorky and Gorky Region in the period of 1945 – early 1950s. Topicality of the study is connected, first of all, with the insufficient development of this topic in historiography. On the other hand, the secrecy of a number of archival funds and the gradual work on declassifying socially significant documents require their timely involvement in scientific circulation. The source base is the materials of the State Socio-Political Archive of Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Central Archive of Nizhny Novgorod Region. The City of Gorky and the regional centres of Gorky Region, especially Dzerzhinsk, were important industrial centres in the post-war period. Gorky was also one of the major transport hubs. The article notes that these factors directly influenced the development of regional medicine. With the outbreak of the Cold War, medical documentation became closed. The author focuses on the analysis of medical documents of the administrative department of Gorky Regional Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. Data on the state of health care in the region is just at the moment being introduced into scientific circulation. The research is based on the principles of historicism, scientific objectivity, and determinism. Methods of analysis, synthesis, comparative historicism, chronology were used. The novelty of the research lies in obtaining new knowledge about the conditions of the state, functioning and reform of the health care system of Gorky Region, as well as about the organisation of fighting social diseases, such as venereal ones and tuberculosis, in the post-war period. The author highlights the main problems of regional medicine of the period under study and the proposals of Party bodies to resolve socially significant issues.

Analysis of appeals of the population of the Nizhny Novgorod region to the territorial health management authority during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. Appeals of the population are important indicators of the realization of patient rights. Therefore, the Ministry of Health of the Nizhny Novgorod region pays great attention to the analysis of their causes. The purpose of this study was to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number and reasons for written appeals from the population to the territorial health authority of the Nizhny Novgorod region regarding the medical care provided. The materials were 37,898 citizens’ appeals over 2019–2021. Results. The number of written appeals in 2109 was 4916, in 2020 — 14832, in 2021 — 18150. The share of complaints in the structure of appeals decreased from 10,5 ± 0,4% for 2019 to 6,0 ± 0,2% in 2020 and 4,6 ± 0,2% for 2021. Reasons for writing complaints included the quality of medical care (32,9 ± 2,1% during 2019, 34,2 ± 1,6% during 2020, 22,6 ± 1,4% during 2021); refusal to provide medical care (20,5 ± 1,8% in 2019, up to 15,7% ± 1,2% over 2020 and 11,5 ± 1,1% over 2021); violations of ethics and deontology (18,8 ± 1,7% for 2019, 15,8 ± 1,6% for 2020 and 15,3 ± 1,2% for 2021); problems with access to medical care (12,0 ± 1,4% during 2019, 15,2 ± 1,2% during 2020, 19,2 ± 1,4% duirng 2021 year). Research limitations. Repeated requests were excluded. Conclusion. The example of the Nizhny Novgorod region demonstrates the openness of the Ministry of Health, the formation of feedback channels with patients to help to effectively mobilize resources to promptly address issues of providing medical care to the population in an emergency situation.

Features of Chromite-Containing Placers in the Lukoyanov Placer District (Nizhny Novgorod Region) and Their Formation Conditions

Features of Chromite-Containing Placers in the Lukoyanov Placer District (Nizhny Novgorod Region) and Their Formation Conditions

Network Integration as a Tool for Sustainable Business Development

Business enterprises are required to adopt new economic models and business strategies in line with global trends such as the green agenda, the shortening of innovation cycles, digitalization (networking platforms) and socio-economic security. The models of network integrations (clusters, industrial symbioses, innovation ecosystems, etc.) are developing faster than other business models. Networking allows businesses to synergetically, based on the principles of collaboration, trust and self-organization, increase intellectual, innovative, social, and environmental values, which leads to economic growth and sustainable development. Through networking integration, the business performance of all participants in multi-company projects can be improved, regardless of their size and activities. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological framework for assessing the synergistic effect and the level of collaborative maturity of participants in network industrial integration. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of network business integration efficiency. The authors’ methodology is based on the AHP hierarchy method, expert evaluation and Harrington’s level of desirability. The methodology is validated on Russian industrial integrations: industrial cluster of Nizhny Novgorod region; pipeline valve manufacturing cluster; South Ural industrial cluster producing spare parts and assembly units for roadbuilding, construction and agricultural vehicles. The results show that the level of collaborative maturity of business partners and the synergies from network integration effect the sustainability of business development. Recommendations for businesses are provided to improve their network integration and collaborative maturity. Furthermore, the findings allow the authors to define directions for further research, considering the interests of the business community, regional authorities, and financial institutions, and provide a framework for researchers to investigate the link between industrial network integration and economic growth.

Features of the implementation of the project of holding a mass sports event at the regional level (using the example of the Nizhny Novgorod region)

the article raises the urgent problem of organizing and implementing sports and mass events at the regional level. In the process of studying scientific and methodological literature and regulatory legal acts, the place of mass sports among the values of modern society and personality is determined, the possibilities of realizing the humanistic potential of modern mass sports, as well as the most significant problems of its development in the context of globalization of modern society are revealed. The need for organizing and holding sports and mass events in the regions is shown, with the purpose of agitating and involving the general population in a healthy lifestyle and regular physical education, sports and exercise. The analysis and theoretical aspects of the development of mass sports in the Nizhny Novgorod region are analyzed and studied. Practical recommendations for holding sports and mass events are developed using the example of the developed project in order to popularize cycling among the general population, using the example of the Nizhny Novgorod region. It is suggested that the implementation of the developed project of the sports and mass event in cycling among amateurs and professionals in Nizhny Novgorod will lead to a significant increase in the participation of the population in mass sports events. The conducted studies allow us to find an approach to the analysis and development of mass sports not only in the Nizhny Novgorod region, but also in other regions of the Russian Federation, taking into account modern challenges and demands of society. The theoretical significance of the study lies in the fact that it contributes to the development of a scientific understanding of mass sports as a complex socio-cultural phenomenon, and the practical one is aimed at improving the organization and support of mass sports in the region, as well as increasing its role in the formation of a healthy lifestyle and social activity of the population. в статье поднимается актуальная проблема организации и реализации проведения спортивно-массовых мероприятий на региональном уровне. В процессе изучения научно-методической литературы и нормативных правовых актов определено место массового спорта среди ценностей современного общества и личности, раскрыты возможности реализации гуманистического потенциала современного массового спорта, а также наиболее значимых проблем его развития в условиях глобализации современного общества. Показана потребность в организации и проведении спортивно-массовых мероприятий в регионах, с целью агитации и приобщения широких слоев населения к здоровому образу жизни и регулярным занятиям физической культурой, спортом и физическими упражнениями. Проведен анализ и изучены теоретические аспекты развития массового спорта в Нижегородской области. Разработаны практические рекомендации проведения спортивно-массовых мероприятий на примере разработанного проекта с целью популяризации велосипедного спорта среди широких слоев населения, на примере в Нижегородской области. Выдвинуто предположение, что внедрение разработанного проекта спортивно-массового мероприятия по велосипедному спорту среди любителей и профессионалов в г. Нижнем Новгороде приведёт к значительному росту участия населения в массовых спортивных мероприятиях. Проведенные исследования позволяют найти подход к анализу и развитию массового спорта не только в Нижегородской области, но и других регионах Российской Федерации учитывая современные вызовы и требования общества. Теоретическая значимость исследования заключается в том, что оно вносит вклад в развитие научного понимания массового спорта как сложного социокультурного явления, а практическая – направлена на улучшение организации и поддержки массового спорта в регионе, а также на повышение его роли в формировании здорового образа жизни и социальной активности населения.

Patterns of animal rabies in the Nizhny Novgorod region of Russia (2012-2022): the analysis of risk factors.

Animal rabies is a viral disease that poses a significant threat to domestic and wild animal populations, with devastating consequences for animal health and human life. Understanding and assessing the risk factors associated with the transmission and persistence of the rabies virus in wild and domestic animal populations is crucial for developing effective strategies to control and mitigate cases. Studies of the spatial and temporal distribution of rabies cases in the Nizhny Novgorod region during 2012-2022 provided epidemiological evidence of the circulation of infection between animals in the presence of vaccination. Among the wild animals in the area, red foxes play a major role in the spread of rabies, accounting for 96.4% of all wild animal cases. We used spatiotemporal cluster analysis and a negative binomial regression algorithm to study the relationships between animal rabies burden by municipality and a series of environmental and sociodemographic factors. The spatiotemporal cluster analysis suggests the concentration of wild animal rabies cases in the areas of high fox population density and insufficient vaccination rates. The regression models showed satisfactory performance in explaining the observed distribution of rabies in different animals (R 2 = 0.71, 0.76, and 0.79 in the models for wild, domestic and all animals respectively), with rabies vaccination coverage and fox population density being among the main risk factors. We believe that this study can provide valuable information for a better understanding of the geographical and temporal patterns of rabies distribution in different animal species, and will provide a basis for the development of density-dependent planning of vaccination campaigns.

BLOOD ANTI-SURFACE PROTEINS ECHOVIRUS 30 (ENTEROVIRUS, PICORNAVIRIDAE) ANTIBODIES IN RESIDENTS OF THE NIZHNY NOVGOROD REGION

Abstract Echovirus 30 (Е30) is an enterovirus that causes severe forms of serous meningitis. Over many years, E30 virus has caused serous meningitis outbreaks all over the world including Russia, but the status of anti-E30 population immunity remains unexplored. In 2022, the average percentage of all pediatric admission enterovirus cases in Russia was 97%; the most severe E30 infection cases were registered in children under 17 years of age. The virus capsid surface contains proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3 with homologous epitopes common to other enterovirus proteins, which allows them to be used as an antigen for antibody detection. The work was aimed at assessing frequency of different antibody classes specific to full-length recombinant E30 VP1, VP2 and VP3 proteins. 331 blood serum samples collected from 2 months-to 61 year-old residents of the Nizhny Novgorod region were used in the study. E30 VP1, VP2 and VP3 proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified chromatographically and used antigenically for detection of IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent immunoassay. Most study subjects had antibodies specific to only one or two of the E30 surface proteins. IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies to three recombinant proteins were detected simultaneously in 0.3%, 4.2% and 2.7% of cases. Totally, anti-E30 protein IgG antibodies were detected in 29.9% of cases. The maximum detection rate of antibodies (50.0%) was recorded in pediatric groups that decreased with age. IgG antibodies were found in 9.3% of the tested individuals. The detection rate (16.6%) peaked in the age group of children from 7 to 11 years. The IgM antibody-obtained data evidence that during the study period, almost one in every ten-study participant was infected with enteroviruses. The results of analyzing long-term immunity specific to enteroviral proteins showed the highest frequency of detected IgG antibodies in children that tended to decline with age as well as about continued E30 virus circulation in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Шкала родительского стресса: адаптация на русскоязычной выборке матерей школьников

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective. </strong>Adaptation of the Parental Stress Scale by J. Berry and V. Jones on a sample of mothers of Russian schoolchildren – first and fourth grade students of elementary schools in Nizhny Novgorod and the Nizhny Novgorod region. <br><strong>Background. </strong>Modern parenting research highlights the complex nature of parenting experiences, the diversity of parental practices, the changes associated with the child's upbringing and the dynamics of the family system, and the combination of both positive and negative emotions in parenting. However, there is a noticeable shortage of tools in the Russian-language literature to measure both parental satisfaction and parental stress. <br><strong>Study design. </strong>The study was conducted using an online survey within the “Longitudinal study of factors of school failure”, implemented in Nizhny Novgorod and the Nizhny Novgorod region. <strong>Participants. </strong>The study included a sample of 900 mothers of fourth grade and 1120 mothers of the first grade school students. <strong>Measurements.</strong> Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and McDonald's Omega coefficients were used for psychometric data analysis. The PERMA Profiler questionnaire and correlation analysis were used to assess validity based on convergent and discriminant evidence. The data was analyzed in the Jamovi 2022 and R programs. <br><strong>Results. </strong>Factor analyses of the internal structure suggest two factors, including 8 items each. The subscales “Parental stress” and “Parental satisfaction” demonstrate a high level of internal consistency. The assessment of validity based on the convergent and discriminant evidence confirms the reliability and validity of the instrument. <br><strong>Conclusions. </strong>The scale demonstrates good psychometric properties and can be used for parenting research, as well as in applied projects to improve parental competence and emotional support for parents.</p>

Management of scientific and technological regional development in the Volga Federal District: review of government programs

Relevance. In light of the growing interest in the scientific and technological development of regions, setting goals for scientific and technological advancement at the national level, the issue of developing programs for the development of science and education leading to the technological sovereignty of the country becomes relevant.The purpose is to analyze the ongoing programs for scientific and technological development of the regions of the Volga Federal District, as well as individual indicators characterizing the dynamics of the scientific and educational sector of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.Objectives: conduct an economic and statistical analysis of the main indicators characterizing the scientific and technological progress of the regions of the Volga Federal District; identify regions of the Volga Federal District in which state programs for scientific and technological development have been developed, and consider their features.Methodology. The study used methods of economic-statistical and comparative analysis.Results. A review of state programs for scientific and technological development shows that four pilot regions of the Volga Federal District (Nizhny Novgorod region, Republic of Tatarstan, Republic of Bashkortostan and Republic of Mordovia) have already developed corresponding programs, and two regions (Orenburg region and Perm Territory) are under development. The remaining regions either have state programs that indirectly indicate the development of scientific and technological potential, or they do not exist.Conclusions. Scientific and technological development programs represent an important document that defines strategic guidelines for the development of science, technology and higher education. Regions that have already developed state programs for scientific and technological development have a high scientific reserve and are located in the top positions in the National Rating of Scientific and Technological Development of Regions. Such regions show strong results in the scientific and educational sector, which contributes to improving the economic and social development of the region. A systematic analysis of these programs makes it possible to identify their impact on various aspects of social life, as well as determine the effectiveness of the measures taken and mechanisms for achieving the set goals. It is important to take into account the variety of approaches to the development and implementation of strategic programs, which should be aimed at the unique characteristics of the country’s regions, their bottlenecks and development prospects, taking into account an assessment of their potential.

NEW AND INTERESTING RECORDS OF FLIES (DIPTERA) IN THE REGIONS OF EUROPEAN RUSSIA

An annotated list of 84 species from 21 families of Diptera is given, of them 41 species are recorded from the Republic of Mordovia for the first time, 27 species – from the Ryazan Region, 14 species – from the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 3 species – from the Voronezh Region, and 3 species – from the Penza Region. Seven species are new for the fauna of Russia: Dicranomyia (Dicranomyia) affinis (Schummel, 1829) (Limoniidae), Clytocerus (Boreoclytocerus) longicorniculatus Krek, 1987, C. (B.) ocellaris (Meigen, 1804), C. (B.) splendidus Ježek et Hájek, 2007, Seoda labeculosa (Eaton, 1893), Trichomyia kostovi Ježek, 1990, and Trichopsychoda hirtella (Tonnoir, 1919) (Psychodidae).

Дамское отделение Нижегородского попечительного о тюрьмах комитета (конец 1911–1912 гг.): причины создания, функции, историческое значение

The article is devoted to the charitable activities of the «Ladies’ branch of the Nizhny Novgorod prison board», which in late 1911–1912 was headed by Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Khvostova, the wife of Nizhny Novgorod governor Alexei Nikolaevich Khvostov. During the entire existence of the Nizhny Novgorod prison committee (1846–1917) this was the first and only experience of the functioning of the Ladies’ department created under it. The novelty of this article lies in the formulation of the problem, the involvement of new historical sources. The chronological framework is determined by the time of operation of this charity. The main historical source was the Case of the Nizhny Novgorod provincial prison inspectorate “I” Office work. About the correspondence of the Nizhny Novgorod Ladies’ branch of the Society for the care of prisons in 1911. It is stored in the fund 386 Nizhny Novgorod prison inspectorate (1908–1918) of the Central archive of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Unpublished epistolary and clerical materials, reference materials, pre–revolutionary periodical press — the journal Prison bulletin were used. The author came to the conclusion that the main reason for the creation of the Ladies’ department of the Nizhny Novgorod prison committee was the fight against child crime, the need to open special educational and correctional institutions for detained children and juvenile delinquents, who were held mainly together with adult prisoners in prisons of the Russian empire at the beginning of the XX century. E. A. Khvostova was engaged in collecting charitable funds for the opening of a shelter located at the Second Nizhny Novgorod provincial prison, providing assistance to unhappy children. An important result of her work was the appearance of such a shelter with an elementary school, a children’s library, and craft workshops.

Experience in Applying Methodology for Archeological Heritage Sites Delimitation within the Settlements of Kirov and Nizhny Novgorod Regions in 2021-2022. Case Study

The paper is dedicated to methodology for archeological heritage sites delimitation within set- tlements. There are different options to justify borders of archeological heritage sites. These options are caused by significant difficulties in archeological field works in settlements. The difficulties arise due to a high level of economic development, which is represented by residential buildings and outbuildings, roads, pavements, amenities. The authors review how practice combines test-pitting, topographic situation analysis, use of historical and source maps in delimitating discovered archeological heritage sites in Nizhny Novgorod and Kirov Regions in 2021–2022. In particular, the paper describes the cases of discovery of Ancient Settlement Lvovka (1800s – early 1900s) in Lvovka, Bolsheboldinsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Cultural Layer Site in the North-East of Bogorodskoe (1700s – early 1900s) in Bogorodsk, Bogorodsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Cultural Layer Site at the southern edge of Diveyevo (1700s – early 1900s) in Diveyevo, Diveyevsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Bogoslovskoe Cemetery of Khlynov-Vyatka (1700s – 1900s) in Kirov, Kirov Region, Ancient Settlement Pavlovo-4 in Pavlovo, Pavlovsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Region.

Прогнозирование региональной экономики на основе взаимосвязи человеческого капитала и инновационной деятельности

The most important condition for ensuring the competitiveness of the regional economy of a post-industrial society and its transition to an innovative development path is human capital. The authors proposed a method for forecasting the regional economy based on the relationship between human capital and innovation activity. This forecast was based on multivariate linear models. Unlike other methods of forecasting the regional economy, the author's method takes into account the synergistic effect from the possible cooperation of the leading regions. This technique has been tested on the example of forecasting the regional economies of the leaders of the Volga Federal District (the Republic of Tatarstan, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Nizhny Novgorod region) for 2022–2027.

Ectozoans of dogs and cats

The purpose of the study is to analyze the species composition and distribution of ectoparasites of dogs and cats on the territory of the Russian Federation. Research objectives: to study the epizootic situation regarding ectoparasites of dogs and cats on the territory of the Russian Federation. Ectoparasites of dogs and cats are widespread in the Russian Federation and pose the greatest danger as carriers of pathogens of infectious and invasive diseases. Depending on the region, the species composition and abundance of ectoparasites varies significantly. Thus, in Moscow, aphanipterosis (46–62%), otodectosis in cats (34–38%) and demodicosis in dogs (39%) were more often recorded. When examining dogs in Tyumen with diseases of the skin and hair, skin diseases of parasitic etiology were recorded in 33.86% of all examined animals. Aphanipteriosis was detected more often – 28.55%, otodectosis – 21.9%, flea allergic dermatitis – 14.65%, cheyletiosis – 13.2%, demodicosis – 12.6%, sarcoptic mange – 9.1%. A study of dogs and cats in Novosibirsk identified 6 types of parasites: Ctenocephalides canis, Otodectes cynotis, Demodex canis, Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes canis and Cheyletiella jascuri. Among cats and dogs. the most common were: aphanipterosis 4.8%, otodectosis 1.9%, demodicosis 0.23%, notoedrosis 0.14%, sarcoptic mange 0.09% and cheyletiellosis 0.3%. In the Nizhny Novgorod region, dogs and cats were diagnosed with infestation of two types of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis), one type of lice-eater (Trichodectes canis), in addition, the following were found on the animals’ bodies: dog louse (Linognathus setosus), ixodid ticks Dermacentor reticulates, D. marginatus and I. ricinus. Thus, aphanipterosis (4.78–62.0%) and demodicosis (2.52–39.0%) are more often recorded in dogs; trichodectosis (0.64–4.2%) and ixodid ticks (9.75%) are less common. –18.0%), sarcoptic mange (1.0–9.1%), otodectosis (0.17–1.94%), and in cats – otodectosis (34–63%), notoedrosis (0.31–8.9%) and cheyletiellosis (0.27%).

Employment and development levels in rural areas of the Russian Federation

The development of agro-industrial complex is important for ensuring national food security and national health. The development of rural areas is subject to the development of agriculture and local infrastructure, as well as the availability of various services. This study selected 15 indicators in 2021 to analyze the employment and development levels in rural areas of 71 regions of the Russian Federation using the analytical grouping method. The results indicated that 20 regions (Group 1) had the highest percentage of rural population (33.10%). The percentage of population engaged in agriculture had the highest value (12.40%) in 31 regions (Group 2). Moreover, 20 regions (Group 3) had the highest investments in fixed assets at the expense of municipal budget (11.80 USD/person). Increasing the investments in fixed assets carried out from the budget of the municipality can improve the employment level in rural areas. Then, we used cluster analysis to divide 14 regions of the Volga Federal District in the Russian Federation into 3 clusters. Cluster 1 covered Kirov Region and Republic of Mari El; Cluster 2 included Ulyanovsk Region, Saratov Region, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Perm Territory, Orenburg Region, Chuvash Region, and Republic of Mordovia; and Cluster 3 contained Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Region, Udmurtian Republic, Penza Region, and Republic of Bashkortostan. Results indicated that the 2 regions of Cluster 1 need to increase the availability of resources and natural gas and improve the investment attractiveness of rural areas. The 7 regions of Cluster 2 needed to develop infrastructure, public services, and agricultural production. We found the highest employment level in rural areas, the largest investments in fixed assets at the expense of municipal budget, the largest residential building area per 10,000 persons, and the largest individual residential building area in the 5 regions of Cluster 3. This study makes it possible to draw up a comprehensive regional development program and proves the need for the development of rural areas, which is especially important for the sustainable development of the Russian Federation.

The influence of cultivation technologies on the contamination of spring wheat crops and yield in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod region

The article presents the results of research of the influence of various cultivation technologies on the contamination of spring wheat crops and its yield for 2022–2023 in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod region on light gray loamy forest soil. There were studied the technologies various in methods of primary soil tillage (traditional, minimal – Mini-till, without tillage – No-till), and intensification level (basic, intensive). Spring wheat of the ʻZlataʼ cultivar was cultivated in the chain of rotation: clean fallow – peas - spring wheat. During the research period, it was established that the No-till technology contributed to an increase in the total contamination of spring wheat crops on an average for two years in the "tillering" phase (before herbicide treatment) to 36.2 pcs/m2 (84.7 % higher than the total contamination of wheat crops when cultivated using Mini-till technology and by 118.1 % –using traditional technology) and in the phase of "full grain ripeness" (before harvesting) up to 30.1 pcs/m2 (110.5 % higher than the total contamination of wheat crops cultivated using Mini-till technology and by 155.1 % according to traditional technology). It has been established that intensification of wheat production (application of mineral fertilizers in a dose of N70P50K50 before pre-sowing cultivation; using fungicide and herbicide in the "tillering" phase) results on average among studied technologies in decreasing the total contamination of crops during the "full grain ripeness" phase on average for two years up to15.7 pcs/m2 which is 38.2 % lower compared to the basic intensification degree of wheat cultivation technologies. It was found that the cultivation of spring wheat using traditional technology and Mini-till technology provides high yields: 3.09–3.43 t/ha, that is 0.63–0.96 t/ha higher than its yield when cultivated using No-till technology. There were no differences in the level of yield of spring wheat over the years of observation when cultivating it using traditional and Mini-till technologies. The intensification of spring wheat production makes it possible to increase the level of its yield for each of the studied technologies.