Saint Petersburg State University Research Articles

Conceptology of Professor V.V. Kolesov as a synthesising branch of cognitive linguistics (to the 90th anniversary of the birth)

The article briefly outlines the selfless enthusiastic activity of Vladimir Viktorovich Kolesov, a Russian philologist, Professor Emeritus of Saint Petersburg State University. His work resulted in the creation of a new university discipline, namely conceptology. The study reveals the specific features of this synthesising branch of cognitive linguistics (cognitive science). Moreover, it shows the connection between V. V. Kolesov’s concept as a historical cross-section of cognitive science and previous philosophical and linguistic knowledge. The paper emphasises the need to rely on folk mentality when studying particular languages (primarily Russian). It also notes that V. V. Kolesov continued the fruitful Russian linguistic traditions which developed an inherently cognitive approach to linguistic facts. The structure features of the book Fundamentals of Conceptology and the nature of assignments are described. In addition, the study high-lights some concepts which are crucial for conceptology. The article ends with a generalised portrait of a Man, Scientist, and Citizen of his country.

Applied sociological projects in the context of the clinical educational model of the Saint Petersburg State University

Applied sociological projects can play an important role in reducing the gap between higher education and labor markets, but for this educational organizations need to develop a mechanism for interaction between students and employers. The article presents the clinical model used at the Saint Petersburg State University as a tool for organizing applied sociological projects as a part of the educational process. The authors describe the features of the Sociological Clinic of Applied Research of the Saint Petersburg State University, the results of its work and the directions of its development, providing some practical recommendations for introducing a clinical training infrastructure in educational programs in sociology. These recommendations may be useful for universities that want to improve their interaction with the labor market and their quality of education. The development and assessment of forms for integrating employers’ requests into educational institutions are current methodological tasks, and solutions developed and tested by the Saint Petersburg State University, namely the clinical approach, may be interesting for all participants of the education market. Its uniqueness is determined by the flexible organizational model which focuses on characteristics of different educational areas. Over a five-year period, the Sociological Clinic of Applied Research has become an educational form that successfully combines classical education with project-based activities, giving students the opportunity to include in-demand cases into their portfolios and establish relationships with representatives of local communities. This experience will be useful for improving the quality of education in sociology-related areas.

Модернизация интегратора R0 для вычисления эфемерид астероидов: учет релятивистских и негравитационных эффектов

Currently, there are many tools for calculating the trajectories of asteroids, comets, and meteor particles in the Solar System. However, only a portion of them are available to the astronomical community. Many of them do not always meet the requirements for accuracy and calculation speed. Since there is no universal solution here, the development of new methods that combine speed and accuracy following specific problems of celestial mechanics does not lose its importance. There is an attempt to combine the advantages of two trajectory calculation methods in this work. The first of them was developed at Saint Petersburg State University to quickly calculate the trajectories of a large number of particles and was implemented as a program R0. A significant disadvantage of this R0 realization is relatively low accuracy. The second one is designed to calculate the trajectory with maximum accuracy and is implemented in the form of the ASSIST software package. However, it provides lower performance. One of the reasons is the usage of complex motion equations. Some simplified models are compared with data obtained using NASA services. An assessment of the applicability of the upgraded R0 program is given. However, only part of them are available to the astronomical community. Many of them do not always meet the requirements for accuracy and calculation speed. Since there is no universal solution here, the development of new methods that combine speed and accuracy following specific problems of celestial mechanics does not lose its importance. There is an attempt to combine the advantages of two trajectory calculation methods in this work. The first of them was developed at Saint Petersburg State University to quickly calculate the trajectories of a large number of particles and was implemented as a program R0. A significant disadvantage of this R0 realization is relatively low accuracy. The second one is designed to calculate the trajectory with maximum accuracy and is implemented in the form of the ASSIST software package. However, it provides lower performance. One of the reasons is the usage of complex motion equations. Some simplified models are compared with data obtained using NASA services. An assessment of the applicability of the upgraded R0 program is given.

Civil identity of students at a military training center: empirical research experience

Importance. One of the urgent tasks of modern Russian higher education is the development of the civil identity of students. Moreover, particular importance acquires the civil identity of students of military training centers, who, along with the civil one, receive a military specialty and must be ready for professional self-realization in both the civil and military spheres. An analysis of scientific publications in recent years shows that there is not enough empirical research devoted to the study of the civil identity of MTC students, which determined the choice of the topic of our research.Research Methods. The main tools of the empirical research are the standardized methods “Value Survey” (M. Rokeach), the LPO method “Life-Purpose Orientations” (D.A. Leontiev), the author’s modification of the “My Choice” questionary (S.S. Grunshpun), as well as the author’s questionary “The Heroic Past and Present of Russia,” reflecting the specifics of the educational activities of the military training center. Research base: Military training center at SPbSUT The Bonch- Bruevich Saint Petersburg State University of Telecommunications. The sample consisted of 400 male students aged 19 to 23 years (200 of the 2nd year students and 200 of the 4th year students).Results and Discussion. A comparative analysis of diagnostics of the civil identity components formedness (motivational, cognitive, behavioral, emotional-evaluative) shows positive dynamics in the change in hedonic motives in the 2nd year to conscious ones in the 4th year. Statistically significant correlations are identified between: “goals in life” scales: the presence of goals that give life meaning and direction and time perspective is associated with cheerfulness (p ≤ 0.05); locus of control – life and controllability of life. The belief that a person (student) is given the freedom to make decisions, control his life, and take responsibility is negatively related to freedom (p ≤ 0.05), positively related to interesting work (p ≤ 0.05); life effectiveness or satisfaction with selfrealization; a change in attitude towards events significant for the state and Russian society, and an awareness of the importance of responsible service to one’s country is identified; increasing the level of knowledge of the history of the Russian state, which is reflected in improving the overall academic performance of students and motivation for further professional self-realization in their chosen specialty.Conclusion. The introduction of a comprehensive program for the development of civil identity of students “To Serve Russia” into the educational activities of the military training center contributes to the development of positive motivation of students to serve the Russian state and society; expanding knowledge and ideas about the heroic past and present of the Russian people; increasing interest in acquiring experience in solving military-professional tasks to ensure the preservation and strengthening of Russian statehood; a positive emotional assessment of events significant for the state and the manifestation of an active civil position in socially significant activities.

A Study of the Values of Student Programmers in the Context of the Ideas of V.P. Tugarinov (to the 300th Anniversary of Saint Petersburg State University)

Introduction. The article deals with the conceptual ideas of V.P. Tugarinov about the unity of knowledge and values, which reflect the integrity of knowledge – evaluation – practice. Within the framework of these theoretical guidelines, the results of an empirical study of the human capital of students are presented.Methodology and sources. The methodological foundations of the study are formed as a synthesis of ideas around the essential characteristics of values expressed by V.P. Tugarinov, provisions of the theory of human capital by G. Becker and methodological guidelines for the strategies of the sociological study of values by V.A. Yadov.Results and discussion. The first result is that students recognize a significant connection between the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired at the university with their system of values, which confirms the hypothesis about the relationship between human capital and personality values. The second result is that students-programmers mainly fix the role and importance of knowledge gained in the study of subjects of the socio-humanitarian cycle, which, in their opinion, play the role of a leading principle in the formation of a system of values. Conclusion. The conducted research shows the relevance of the modern reading of the conceptual ideas of V.P. Tugarinov regarding the connections of knowledge with values and further with productive activity. In the study, such connections are identified and characterized in a number of areas and content elements, it becomes obvious that any cognitive activity stimulates and develops the value system of students.

Risk-reflexive determinants of adaptation under threats: An empirical study

The article considers the specifics and role of risk reflections in the adaptation to new threats and dangers in the contemporary realities. The authors argue that traditional risk-analysis strategies partially reflect the qualitative changes in the impact of the perception of threats by risk consumers, risk producers, risk beneficiaries and risk outsiders on their behavior. The authors emphasize the importance of analyzing the ‘dominant narrative’ of risks for assessing their social acceptability/ unacceptability for various interest groups. The initial methodological provisions of the article are the distinction between “positive and negative privilege” proposed by M. Weber, theoretical and practical explications of the contemporary concepts of choosing reflexive strategies for adapting to threats as a criterion for success or failure in life, and promising strategies for the formation of a positive or negative ‘risk’ identity. The empirical section of the article presents the results of the applied research conducted by the authors on the equipment of the Resource Center of the Science Park of the Saint Petersburg State University “Sociological and Internet Studies” (all-Russian telephone survey and focus groups). The authors conducted qualitative analysis to identify factors affecting the attitudes towards main threats and their influence on the ability to control and prevent risks and on the processes of adaptation and self-preservation. The article stresses the importance of P. Sztompka research program of trust as a means of reducing uncertainty and neutralizing risks (grounds for classifying reflexive strategies for avoiding uncertainty, influence of individual social-demographic characteristics of risk consumers on their choice). The analysis of the empirical data showed that the spread of one or another model of behavior in the risk society is a mobilization resource for strengthening political positions. Therefore, ‘failures’ in risk management determine a special type of social stratification - relationship of risk beneficiaries and risk outsiders, who have specific interests, opportunities and limitations of their adaptation strategies in a situation of threat.

Third International Conference “Genetically modified organisms: the history, achievements, social and environmental risks”

Third international conference “GMO: history, achievements, social and environmental risks” was held on October 3–5, 2023 in Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia in mixed format (on-site and on-line). The conference was attended by researchers from Russia, China, Germany, Spain, India, Moldova, Tadjikistan, Belarus. They discussed new genetic engineering methods, promising results and their promotion in society. A lot of interest was attracted to the sections devoted to the genome editing of various organisms and genetic engineering in agriculture. A number of reports aimed to study the fundamental problems of biology and medicine using genetically modified microorganisms and animals. The whole section was traditionally devoted to environmental studies, involving transgenic organisms, natural GMOs that arose without human intervention. Discussion of society’s attitude towards GMOs concluded the conference, where the importance of improvement of GMO diagnostics, as well as closer interaction between biologists and lawyers for improving legislation in the field of GMOs was noted.
 The conference was held with support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in accordance with agreement No. 075-15-2022-322 date 22.04.2022 on providing a grant in the form of subsidies from the Federal budget of Russian Federation. The grant was provided for state support for the creation and development of a World-class Scientific Center “Agrotechnologies for the Future”. The conference organizing committee expresses gratitude to the sponsors: companies Helicon and Synthol.

Development of the Cas12a-based microdeletion and microinsertion detection system

CRISPR/Cas-based systems are widely used as genome editing systems, nucleic acid detection systems and molecular visualization instruments [1]. In our laboratory using CRISPR/Cas9 technology we have obtained several KO mouse lines harboring deletions ranging from 2 to 20 base pairs. While 20 bp deletions are easily PCR-detected, when it comes to 2 bp deletions it is essential to genotype numerous mice using time-consuming Sanger sequencing. We propose a microdeletion/microinsertion detection system based on Cas12a nuclease fromLachnospiraceaebacterium (LbCas12a). Its active complex consists of the Cas12a enzyme and one crisprRNA [2]. A special sequence called protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) is required for target recognition by LbCas12a. In our laboratory we have discovered new PAM TTAA recognized by LbCas12a [3]. Via agarose electrophoresis and fluorescent analysis using FAM-labeled probes we have shown that new PAM allowed detection of 1 bp substitutions in target DNAin vitro. Also we have tested different FAM-labeled probes and have shown that AT-rich probes longer than 10 bp are cleaved most effectively. Finally we have used our system for detecting 2 bp deletions in Pde6b-KO mice and Grin3A-KO mice and successfully distinguished these mice from wild type mice.
 In conclusion, new PAM TTAA greatly increases specificity of DNA cleavage allowing to use this system as an instrument for rapid detection if microdeletions in mice.
 This work was supported by a Saint Petersburg State University grant for the development of scientific research (ID 94030690) and the Genome Research Centre development program “Kurchatov Genome Centre–PNPI” (agreement No. 075-15-2019-1663)

INTRALINGUAL INTERFERENCE IN THE PROCESS OF STUDYING FOREIGN LANGUAGES: SOURCES AND CASES (ON THE BASIS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE)

This article is devoted to the analysis of intralingual interference cases shown by learners who study English as their first foreign language. The paper considers the main concepts and classifications related to the phenomenon of intralingual interference. The author also provides examples of intralingual interference obtained through pedagogical observation at the Foreign Languages Center for Children at Saint Petersburg State University.

Rigid-Body Dynamics from the Euler Equations to the Attitude Control of Spacecraft in the Works of Scientists from Saint Petersburg State University. Part 1

Rigid-Body Dynamics from the Euler Equations to the Attitude Control of Spacecraft in the Works of Scientists from Saint Petersburg State University. Part 1

Tension-free thyroidectomy (medial thyroidectomy)-a prospective study: surgical technique and results of 259 operations.

Thyroid surgery is associated with a number of surgical complications including recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury and hypoparathyroidism. The existing methods share the same principle-the mobilization of the thyroid from the lateral side. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of a novel technique of thyroidectomy-tension-free thyroidectomy (TFT) based on the medial approach to the laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands (PTGs). The study was conducted between August 2021 and July 2022 in Saint Petersburg State University Hospital. A total of 261 patients with thyroid diseases were enrolled in the study and operated on using the TFT technique. The operations with the use of TFT technique were completed in all but two cases which required the conversion to the standard lateral approach. Of 259 TFT cases unilateral laryngeal paresis was registered in 6 (2.3%) cases or in 1.7% of the number of RLNs at risk. In all but one case the vocal fold function recovered in less than 6 months of the follow-up. Among 87 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy transient postoperative hypoparathyroidism was found in 10 cases (11.5%), rate of persistent hypoparathyroidism was 0%. One case of postoperative bleeding was recorded (0.4%). The TFT technique demonstrated high safety and several advantages over the traditional method of performing operations on the thyroid gland.

Minerals Named in Honor of Alumni and Staff Members of the Saint Petersburg State University (to the 300th Anniversary of Saint Petersburg State University)

Minerals Named in Honor of Alumni and Staff Members of the Saint Petersburg State University (to the 300th Anniversary of Saint Petersburg State University)

THE ROLE OF INTERLINGUAL AND INTRALINGUAL INTERFERENCE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING

This article is devoted to the study of language interference cases shown by learners who study a foreign language. The paper considers the phenomenon of interlingual and intralingual interference, analyses the types and sources of interference phenomena. The paper also provides examples of interlingual and intralingual interference influence obtained in terms of pedagogical observation at the Foreign Languages Center for Children at Saint Petersburg State University.

Обзор Международной научно-практической конференции «Современная онтология – XI: онтология и религия» (Санкт-Петербург, Волгоград, 26–30 июня 2023 г.)

The review of the international scientific and practical conference "Modern Ontology – XI: Ontology and Religion", which took place from June 26 to June 30 at the Saint Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation and Volgograd State University, is presented. The speeches of the conference participants were devoted to several significant topics on the stated issues. The first thematic block consisted of theoretical issues of the relationship between ontology and religion. Within the framework of this topic, the plenary report of P.M. Kolychev's "Ontology and religion", in which theology was considered as part of ontology became the key one. The second thematic block included the problems of human existence in the context of religion. Within the framework of this topic, S.B. Tokareva in the plenary report "Ontological consequences of human and angelic freedom: a modal approach" examined the interpretations of the real, possible and necessary, analyzed the ontological consequences of human and angelic freedom. Within the framework of the third thematic block, in which the problems of the relationship between ontology and religion were discussed in a historical and philosophical retrospective, the most interesting was the plenary report of I.I. Evlampiev "The problem of creation and the status of nothing in the metaphysics of mystical Pantheism", which presented an original view on the development of the concepts of creation in the history of Christian thought. The fourth thematic block covered the problems of theory and practice of ontology. Within the framework of the conference, a fruitful discussion was held on the topic "What kind of philosophy do we need?", dedicated to the problems of teaching philosophy for non-philosophical specialties. Most of the participants supported the idea of developing a unified program of a general philosophy course based on the domestic (including Soviet period) experience of teaching this discipline. The following structure of the philosophy course is proposed: 1) ontology; 2) philosophy of natural science; 3) philosophy of socio-anthropological reality; 4) philosophy of religion.

Osteoderm Development during the Regeneration Process in Eurylepis taeniolata Blyth, 1854 (Scincidae, Sauria, Squamata).

Osteoderms are bony structures that develop within the dermal layer of the skin in vertebrates and are very often found in different lizard families. Lizard osteoderms are diverse in topography, morphology, and microstructure. Of particular interest are the compound osteoderms of skinks, which are a complex of several bone elements known as osteodermites. We present new data on the development and regeneration of compound osteoderms based on the results of a histological and Computed Microtomography (micro-CT) study of a scincid lizard: Eurylepis taeniolata. The specimens studied are stored in the herpetological collections of the Saint-Petersburg State University and Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences located in St. Petersburg, Russia. The topography of osteoderms in the integuments of the original tail area and its regenerated part was studied. A comparative histological description of the original and regenerated osteoderms of Eurylepis taeniolata is presented for the first time. The first description of the development of compound osteoderm microstructure in the process of caudal regeneration is also presented.

Guizhou Ethnic Groups in the Qing Dynasty Miao Albums: Miao, Yizu, Gelao

This paper aims to evaluate textual descriptions of Guizhou ethnic groups found in the Qing dynasty Miao albums as  a source for the study of history of large ethnic groups such as Miao, Yizu and Gelao. Two Miao albums about ethnic groups of Guizhou are housed at the library of Saint Petersburg State University, one of them has 72 descriptions with hand-drawn plates, only 28 out of 40 descriptions with plates remain in the other one. Among them are dozens of descriptions of Miao groups, several groups of Yizu, Buyi and Gelao, mainly with information on their costume and customs. Scarce information on history is found only in the descriptions of Yizu, since Yizu had been holding positions of local tusi chieftains and had established their own polities which the Chinese empire was forced to interact with. Rare descriptions of Miao have mentions of historical events. This study traces the historical sources, starting from the Han dynasty, where information was borrowed from, for the Miao albums. The paper restores these pieces of information and provides a commentary. Apparently, the value of Miao albums is presented by their visual images of Guizhou people together with accompanying ethnographic notes rather than the historical accounts. 

Laboratory Student Workshop: Experience with Darboux Mechanism

One of the mechanisms from the museum of History of Saint-Petersburg State University is being analysed. This mechanism is named after the French mathematician and mechanician, supposedly the creator of this design, Jean Gaston Darboux. There is little description of such a mechanism in the literature on the theory of machines and mechanisms. Its properties need to be studied. At the laboratory workshop, simple formulas are found for the implementation of the animation of the movement of this mechanism. This model for the mechanism of the 19 century is created during the student workshop.

The Adaption to Online Synchronous Teaching and Voice Fatigue: Acoustic and Clinical Data.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, educators around the world suddenly shifted to online teaching., In 2021, we presented research on the impact of this new professional reality on the vocal load of Saint Petersburg State University professors. The online synchronous teaching caused the significant increase in the vocal fatigue in university professors in comparison with the prepandemic studies. We continued our study during the postpandemic semester (winter-spring 2022). The goal of this study was to find out whether adaptation mechanisms during the pandemic period were developed to adjust to the different types of teaching modes. The acoustic and clinical data from the pre/post comparative study are now presented.

The Department of clinical diagnostics in Saint-Petersburg State University of veterinary medicine - 100 years

The article traces information about the staff of the Department of Clinical Diagnostics from the moment of its formation in 1922 to the present. The main scientific achievements that are important for veterinary medicine of productive and domestic animals are reflected.Continuing the traditions of the department, employees solve the problems of diagnosis, clinic and treatment of animals with pathology of non-contagious etiology. Work is underway to develop methods of adequate therapy, new methods of drug and non-drug treatment of sick animals are being introduced. Along with the traditional areas of educational and scientific activity, research has intensified on the characteristics of metabolic disorders, anemia and therapeutic assistance in small cattle in industrial enterprises. 

Vision of the third mission in Saint Petersburg State University and the universities of the Republic of Korea

In the 21st century researchers redefine the role of universities in the life and development of society. Activities in this area have become so important that they are considered as a special mission along with the traditional educational and research missions. At the same time, no consensus has been formed yet on which areas of university activities should be in the centre of the third mission. Experts from Western universities put emphasis on the commercialization of the products of educational and especially research missions in the interests of the society. Our study examines the vision of the third mission at St. Petersburg State University, as well as at universities in the Republic of Korea. The material for the study make the speeches of the participants of the 9th Forum of Rectors of the leading Universities of Russia and the Republic of Korea as well as a wide range of information on this topic on the St. Petersburg University portal. The analysis showed the similarity of the approaches of St. Petersburg State University and Korean universities to interaction with society and industry. St. Petersburg State University meets the society’s expectations about education and development. Representatives of employers are involved in the development of specialized programs and evaluation of learning outcomes. Internships in research institutes and enterprises provide students with employment and future career growth. University pays a special attention to creating comfortable working conditions at the university, in which students and teachers are part of the local society. In addition, access to the university’s cultural and museum resources is open to all citizens.