Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation Research Articles

The impact of financial policy on the sustainable development of business entities in post-pandemic Georgia

Financial institutions form a strong link in the chain of business operations of the modern world; in addition, they may also be thought of as a binder. During the Covid -19 pandemic the financial institutions all over the world, and in Georgia as well, faced a number of problems and challenges: on one hand, there was a large number of consumers and mortgage loans to individuals, and on the other hand, loans issued to business entities for working capital and fixed assets, real estate purchase and other purposes turned out to form the major part of their loan portfolio. The pandemic has led the natural persons, as well as legal entities into a force majeure situation, while the decisions of financial institutions were crucial for their viability. However, the purpose of the study is to consider the impact of lending policies on business entities and their development processes. The paper discusses the policies of financial institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic period, the chronology of the decisions made and the outcomes of such decisions based on available official data, also the impact of lending on business entities and identifies modern trends and challenges. The research methodology was determined based on the research objectives and included the following methods: the paper analyzes the decisions made by the National Bank of Georgia before and after the pandemic, in relation with the official data on loans and financial transactions that the National Bank generated. Within the framework of the research, in order to determine the level of influence of the financial institutions on current economic processes in Georgia, the paper analyzes the results of their activities, which are based on official data from the National Bank of Georgia and empirical material collected. Keywords: Financial institutions; Lending policy; National Bank of Georgia; Post-pandemic economic policy; JEL Classification: G2; G21; E5; E58; E6; Acknowledgement: „This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia, (SRNSFG) Grant number YS-22-548, Project title - “The crisis of small and medium business subjects and its prevention in the post-pandemic period in Georgia“.

Effect of new probiotic of spore-forming Bacillus Subtilis, cultivated on a local agro-industrial waste, on rabbit productivity and meat quality

The aim of the research was to develop a low-cost, innovative and competitive methodology of production of spore-forming probiotics, demonstrating effectiveness as an alternative to antibiotics, by controlling and preventing gastrointestinal diseases in rabbits, improving their productivity and the quality of manufactured products, achieving economic well-being. A number of scientific and technological tasks were implemented in order to achieve this goal. Probiotic preparations and confirmation of their best effect was carried out in the rabbit enterprise “Organic Solution" LLC. As a result of the conducted 6 experiments, it was determined that the optimal dose of adding new spore-forming Bacillus subtilis probiotics to the feed of the rabbit is 0.04%. In the spore-forming probiotic material made from local agro-industrial raw materials, the spores retain their viability to an equal degree, so their storage in dry ground form is important from the point of view of practical use; The number of spores of the spore-forming probiotics of the fresh preparation mixed with granulated feed and stored for 6 months is unchanged and successfully maintains its activity. The research was carried out with the financial support of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (grant project CARYS-19-2268)

Study of phenolic content using LC–MS/MS technic in Saperavi grapevine shoots growing in Georgia

Georgia is one of the world's oldest wine areas. Interest to by-products of vine processing is rising because they may be exploited as source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes, rather than being discarded. The aim of the present research was to study polyphenolic compounds content in Saperavi grapevine shoots extract. Shoots of Saperavi grapevine were collected in Kakheti, Georgia. Extract was preliminary prepared and concentrated 4-fold. Polyphenols were extracted using Methanol and total phenolic content (TPC) was measured with Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) reagent in terms of Gallic acid. The qualitative composition and content of phenolic compounds was studied with Liquid Chromatography - tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The identification was achieved by comparison of the retention times (tR) and spectra characteristics of individual compounds with those in data library. As a result, 14 different phenolic compounds were isolated. Received results demonstrated possibility of using Georgian Saperavi grapevine shoots as a source of biologically active ingredients, for which studies should be proceeded accordingly. This research № PHDF-21-1607 has been supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSFG).

Challenges on the Way to the Revival of Icon Painting – on Certain Aspects of the Canonical Norms

The article presents results of the research undertaken within the framework of the project #PHD-21-403 financed by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG). Revival of the modern Georgian icon painting started from the seventh decade of the 20th c. From the very beginning, national artistic form was a priority both in visual and musical ecclesiastic art; however, on the turn of the 20th to the 21st cc., general attitude towards national form proved to be quite critical. The problem emerged – which chanting and what icon painting is canonical for the Orthodox Church. Holy Synod of the Church of Georgia sanctioned Georgian polyphonic chanting. From the 17th c. onwards, canonical norms of the Georgian icon painting were influenced by the Church of Russia. Norms established there were obligatory for Georgian icon painting, as well as the norms of Russian church service. At present, widespread practice links norms of the canonical icon painting with the particular Russian and Byzantine style. Such an approach hinders development of the icon painting and, in its own turn, does not correspond to the world church law. As decreed by the Seventh Ecumenical Council, the main purpose of the icon painting is visualisation of the Gospel truth in such a way that the represented is perceptible, can serve as a model and should be venerated. Viewpoint of various famous icon painters concerning this issue coincides with that expressed in Georgia – development of modern icon painting requires establishment of the true criteria of the canonical norms; they should be linked with the theological purpose and not with any particular artistic style. This is the attitude of the Orthodox Church and the goal of the icon painting is striving for the modern ecclesiastical artistic language.

241.3: Generation of Prevascularized Endocrine Constructs to Treat Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: The goal of our study was to generate a functional, prevascularized endocrine constructs utilizing amniotic membrane derived hydrogel, islets and blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) to be transplanted in diabetic hosts. Methods: Human amniotic membranes were dissected from placentas decellularized, lyophilized, and solubilized to obtain hydrogels. DNA quantification and scanning electron microscopy showed complete removal of cellular components and preserved extracellular matrix. Characterization studies demonstrated widespread distribution of all essential structural proteins, including collagen, GAGs and laminin. The islets and BOECs were admixed in amnion derived hydrogels and cultured in specially designed media to enhance endothelial cell assembly into tubular, vascular-like structures. Constructs were kept under culture for 3 days. Glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) tests showed an adequate insulin secretion in response to high glucose stimulation, confirming the functional activity of the prevascularized endocrine constructs. Results: To test in vivo biocompatibility and function, the vascularized constructs generated from 500 IEQ rat islets and 2× 105 human derived BOECs were implanted under the skin of the diabetic NSG mice. Transplantation of the constructs led to rapid and long-term (90 days) normalization of blood glucose levels. Removal of the grafts led to recurrence of hyperglycemia within 24 hours, indicating that the transplanted constructs was responsible for normalized glucose levels. Histological analysis of the explanted grafts revealed healthy islet morphology and perfect revascularization. Grafts stained positive for insulin and human specific CD 31 indicating presence of human endothelial cells in newly formed intra-islet micro vessels. Conclusion: Our findings show that amnion derived hydrogel seeded with endocrine pancreatic tissue and endothelial cells could be used for functional, preveascularized endocrine construct bioengineering. This work is supported by grants from the European Commission (Horizon 2020 Framework Program; VANGUARD grant 874700), the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF; grant 3-SRA-2020-926-S-B) and the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (grant FR-19-19760).

ARTISTIC RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY AND GEORGIA

Artistic research studies the creative process that leads to an artwork. The aim of artistic research is to produce knowledge on the basis of research outcomes and thus to contribute to development of various disciplines of culture. The idea of artistic research is quite new and it is no surprise that the field is still unexplored in Georgia. Though, artistic research has its historical background in the academic field of the country. The authors of the present article were given a unique opportunity to actively participate in the formation of a new research form and to contribute to its development at the international level as their fundamental research “Development of Artistic Research Methodology on the Example of Exploration of the Piano of the 21st Century and its Future Perspectives” was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia. Within the project, they carried out the first research in the field of Georgian academic music which was conceived as purely artistic research. At the same time, having studied and analysed the methodology of artistic researches conducted in different countries worldwide they came to conclusions that form the basis of the philosophy of artistic research. The article presents the essence and philosophy of artistic research formulated by Georgian artistic researchers on the background of historical precedents of art-based research in Georgia. The fact that the researchers were raised in a country with the totalitarian past influenced their view of artistic research as a symbol of freedom of expression. The authors hope the article demonstrates the necessity of developing the artistic research in the fields of art and art education both in Georgia and worldwide.

ON THE USAGE OF OLD AND MODERN TECHNOLOGIES FOR ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

Research covers the study of old technologies and approaches towards sustainable building, plant/tree medicines and non-timber forest products, ways of maintaining water purity and harvesting rainwater, urban farming and energy efficient lifestyle. Implementing these techniques into the framework of our society, will cause an economic awakening. A shifting to new realizations that the current stream contains much waste and unproductivity, which can change by harmonizing old and new technologies. Knowing how to apply these in modern life, is essential for the ecological economic growth of the future. It is a way of thinking, within all sectors, to enhance not only peoples’ daily lives and atmosphere, but the self-reliance and health of the nation itself. The study highlights the importance of the art of building with stone for sustainable housing and tourism development; while the usage of trees and herbs provides not only healing benefits but also business opportunities. The health of the country is as good as the purity of its water, in so many places there is little or no water, when the rain water provides an abundance of this vital source, but only when it can be collected and stored by proper facilities. Urban farming connects the new generation back to nature and gives knowledge of food production within industrialized society. With the mentioned tools, we can set an ever-increasing long-term goal to sustainable economic growth. This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF) (PHDF-18-627, Spatial-Territorial Planning and Economic Development Opportunities of Regions).

Use of the autism spectrum screening questionnaire for identification of autism spectrum disorders in 8-10 years old georgian children*

IntroductionRising prevalence of autism spectrum disorders highlights importance of research priority of development of effective screening procedures for schoolage children.ObjectivesThe study aimed to identify the prevalence of ASD among 8-10 y old schoolchildren in Republic of Georgia.MethodsIn 2019 a cross sectional survey in four main cities of Republic of Georgia was conducted, totally 3rd and 4th grade (8-10 y old) 16654 children from 211 public schools were included. The Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), completed by parents and teachers, was used to determine children at risk for ASD.Results16654 (response rate 74%) parents were agreed to participate in the study. Parents and teachers rated 770 (5.0%) and 669 children (4.9%), respectively, as screen positive (in top five percentile). Cut-off scores for 99-95 percentiles (top 1-5%) was defined. Boys were more likely to be rated screenpositive than girls. Share of boys rated in the top 5% by parents is 5.6% compared to 4.3% of girls. Teachers place boys in the top 5% even more frequently – 6.4% versus 3.4% girls. Pairwise correlation coefficients (0.53) revealed moderate correlations between scores and according to p-values (< 0.05) all correlations were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe study defined the cut-off scores of ASSQ for 8-10 y old Georgian children and gender difference in prevalence of risk for ASD. Using the ASSQ was an effective instrument and could be used in school settings to identify children with special needs. *This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG), grant - FR-18-304.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Estimation of prevalence of mental health problems in 8-10 years old georgian children by using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire*

IntroductionMental health problems are frequent among children and seems to predict mental disorders in adulthood.ObjectivesThe study aimed whether the gender differences affects the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) assessments performed by parents and teachers in Republic of Georgia.MethodsIn 2019 a cross sectional survey in four main cities of Georgia was conducted; Totally 8-10 y old 16654 children from 211 public schools were included. SDQ completed by parents and school teachers was used to determine emotional and behavioral problems among Georgian children.Results16654 (74%) parents out of 22553 were agreed to participate in the study. 1565 (9.39%) children were rated screen positive in top five percentile by either parent or teacher or both of them. Cut-off scores for 99-95 percentiles (top 1-5%) was defined. Boys were more likely to be rated screen positive than girls, especially by teachers: parents rated screen positive 7.5% of females, teachers - 7.2%, while males 9.4% and 11.5% respectively. Pairwise correlation coefficients (0.53) revealed moderate correlations according to p-values (< 0.05) between scores and all correlations were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe study defined the cut-off scores of SDQ for 8-10 y old children and a gender differences in prevalence of mental health problems in Georgia. SDQ could be used in primary healthcare and school settings to identify children with special needs. This work was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG), grant - FR-18-304.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Wilsonian Renormalization Group and the Lippmann-Schwinger Equation with a Multitude of Cutoff Parameters**Supported in part by BMBF under Grant No. 05P2015 – NUSTAR R&D), DFG and NSFC through Funds Provided to the Sino- German CRC 110 “Symmetries and the Emergence of Structure in QCD”, National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 11621131001, DFG Grant No. TRR110, the Georgian

The Wilsonian renormalization group approach to the Lippmann-Schwinger equation with a multitude of cutoff parameters is introduced. A system of integro-differential equations for the cutoff-dependent potential is obtained. As an illustration, a perturbative solution of these equations with two cutoff parameters for a simple case of an S-wave low-energy potential in the form of a Taylor series in momenta is obtained. The relevance of the obtained results for the effective field theory approach to nucleon-nucleon scattering is discussed.

Triviality of Quantum Electrodynamics Revisited**Supported in part by DFG and NSFC through funds provided to the Sino-German CRC 110 “Symmetries and the Emergence of Structure in QCD” National Natural Science Foundation of under Grant No. 11621131001, DFG under Grant No. TRR110, the Georgian Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (Grant FR/417/6-100/14) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences President’s International Fellowship Initiative

Quantum electrodynamics is often considered to be a trivial theory. This is based on a number of evidences, both numerical and analytical. One of the strong indications for triviality of QED is the existence of the Landau pole for the running coupling. We show that by treating QED as the leading order approximation of an effective field theory and including the next-to-leading order corrections, the Landau pole is removed. We also analyze the cutoff dependence of the bare coupling at two-loop order and conclude that the conjecture, that for reasons of self-consistency, QED needs to be trivial is a mere artefact of the leading order approximation to the corresponding effective field theory.

Classification of soils on sediments, sedimentary and andesitic rocks in Georgia by the WRB system

Abstract We used basic soil data of Georgia for testing their effectiveness for correlation with the World Reference Base of Soil Resources (WRB), supported by the project grant “Creation of the national soil atlas of Georgia” (№ FR/191/10-105/14; financed by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation). In the same way we used the materials elaborated by the international conference on. Actual problems of soil” classification” during which the WRB was tested in 2014, also supported by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation and in which known foreign and local soil scientists took part.

Localized boundary‐domain singular integral equations of Dirichlet problem for self‐adjoint second‐order strongly elliptic PDE systems

This research was supported by the grants EP/H020497/1: "Mathematical Analysis of Localized Boundary-Domain Integral Equations for Variable-Coeff cient Boundary Value Problems" and EP/M013545/1: "Mathematical Analysis of Boundary-Domain Integral Equations for Nonlinear PDEs", from the EPSRC, UK, and by the grant of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation FR/286/5-101/13, 2014- 2017: "Investigation of dynamical mathematical models of elastic multi-component structures with regard to fully coupled thermo-mechanical and electro-magnetic fields".

Malfunctioning of brain muscarinic cholinergic system in the period of early postnatal development leads to behavioral and sleep disturbances in adult age rats and changes in density of M2/M4 muscarinic receptors

Introduction The goal of this work is to develop an animal model of depression through a methodical approach of inducing malfunctioning of the Muscarinic Cholinergic System (MChS) in rat pups during early postnatal period. We believed that experimentally induced early post-natal deficiency in MChS functioning would produce lasting super-sensitivity of MChS in adult age. We studied behavioral and sleep disturbances, as well as changes in the rate of M2/M4 muscarinic cholinoreceptors in neocortex and hippocampus of adult rats exposed postnatally to Atropine (Atr) and/or Scopolamine (Scop). Materials and methods Rat pups ( n = 30) received subcutaneously Atr and/or Scop (15 mg/kg) injections daily for 2 weeks starting at postnatal days 7 (P7) and/or at P14. Adult control rats received saline injection during the same period of postnatal development. After discontinuing the drugs, rat pups were maintained in home cages under special care. Staring 8–12 weeks after treatment, EEGs, conducted for 10 h daily over 7 consecutive days, recorded the sleep cycles. Assessments of behavioral changes were take by open filed test, and forced swim. Density of M2/M4 Muscarinic Cholinoreceptors in synaptic membranes of the Hippocampus and Neocortex were measured by Western Blotting through the use of specific antibodies. Statistical processing was made by Students’ t -test with computer program ”Farm”. Results Adult rats exposed post-nataly to anticholinergic drugs showed motor retardation in open field, increased immobilization time, ”behavioral despair” in forced swim condition, and signs of anhedonia assessed by sucrose preference test. Slow wave sleep became fragmented and superficial. REM latency appeared four times shorter than in control rats. Sleep was frequently started by REM episodes. REM incidence was significantly more frequent and REM total time was increased for three times. The rate of M2/M4 sub-types of muscarinic cholinoreceptors appeared significantly higher in hippocampal plasma membranes in rats with postnatal exposure to muscarinic antagonists. Conclusion Malfunctioning of brain MChS in early period of postnatal development leads to adult age MChS super sensitivity, behavioral and sleep disturbances similar to depression, and significant up-regulation of M2/M4 cholinoreceptors. Interrelationship between up-regulation of M2/ M4 Cholinoreceptors and pathogenesis of depression is supported. Acknowledgements Supported by Science and Technology Center in Ukraine and Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation , Grants # 545 and 6-465.

Serial electrical stimulations of hypothalamic Orexin-containing neuronal regions lead to elevation of CSF OrexinA concentration, shorten anesthesia time and fasten recovery of normal sleep cycles from deep anesthesia induced sleep

Introduction The aim of the study was to assess the hypothalamic Orexinergic system as the neuronal substrate for speeding up regulation of disturbed sleep homeostasis and recovery of sleep-wakefulness cycle in different behavioral states from some pathological conditions, namely from deep anesthesia induced sleep. Pre-clinical evidence in relation to this question are very sparse and therefore their investigation is highly topical. Materials and methods In white wild rats ( n = 12) after Surgical implantation of recording electrodes and postoperative recovery deep anesthesia was induced by chloralhidrate and/or sodium ethaminal. EEG registration was started immediately and lasted continuously for 48 h. 10 min after administration of anesthetic drugs serial electrical stimulations (8–12 v, 200 c/s, 0.1 ms) of dorsal, lateral, posterior and perifornical hypothalamic Orexin-containing neurons were started. Stimulations lasted for 1 h with the 5 min intervals between subsequent ones applied by turn to the left and right side hypothalamic parts. CSF OrexinA concentration was measured by ELISA method. Statistical processing was made by Students’ t -test. Results Spontaneous recovery of the first fragments of EEG wakefulness from deep anesthesia-induced sleep required 5.0–5.5 h depending on the depth of narcosis. Serial electrical stimulations of dorsal, lateral, posterior and perifornical hypothalamic Orexin-containing neurons significantly speed up wakefulness recovery from both types of narcotic sleep with the first fragments of wakefulness appearing 3.5–4 h after deep anesthesia. The first fragments of wakefulness were rapid (20–30 min) followed by normal deep slow wave sleep episodes. Especially strong influence of serial electrical stimulations of hypothalamic Orexin neuron containing parts was manifested in the recovery of REM sleep. Spontaneous recovery of this behavioral state took 23–24 h after deep anesthesia but under the impact of electrical stimulations of above mentioned hypothalamic parts REM latency became more than two times shorter. Significant elevation was noted in CSF OrexinA concentration in stimulated animals. Conclusion Serial electrical stimulations of hypothalamic Orexin-containing neuronal regions significantly elevate CSF OrexinA concentration and speed up recovery of normal sleep-wakefulness cycle behavioral states from deep anesthesia-induced sleep. Acknowledgements Acknowledgements. Supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, Grant #11/04.

Serial electrical stimulations of hypothalamic orexin-containing neuronal regions lead to elevation of CSF OrexinA concentration and fasten the recovery of sleep-wakefulness cycle from experimentally induced comatose state

Study is aimed at assessing the Hypothalamic Orexinergic system as the neuronal substrate that increases the speed of regulation of disturbed sleep homeostasis and wakefulness recovery from some pathological conditions, namely from experimental comatose state. Pre-clinical evidences on this topic is sparse and we are studying this question for the first time. Using white wild rats, ( n = 12) modeling of semi-chronic experimental comatose state was induced by kainic and/or ibotenic acid lesion of intra-collicular layers. EEG registration was started immediately, lasting continuously for 72 h. 30 min after comatose state, serial electrical stimulations (8–12v, 200c/s, 0.1 ms) of dorsal, lateral, posterior and perifornical Hypothalamic Orexin- containing neurons began. Stimulation periods, lasting for 1 h, with 5 min intervals between subsequent stimulation, were applied in turn to the left and to the right side hypothalamic regions. CSF OrexinA concentration was measured by ELISA method. Statistical processing was made by Students’ t -test. Kainic and/or ibotenic lesioning of intra-collicular layers wholly disrupts cyclic alternation of sleep-wakefulness cycle (SWC) behavioral states. Isolated forebrain falls into comatose state and pathological pattern of electrical activity (exaggerated spindle activity with strongly desynchronized inter-spindle periods) takes the dominant position in neo- and paleo-cortical structures. Dominance of this pathological pattern of EEG activity takes approximately 30 h and then the first sighns for spontaneous normalization appears. Spontaneous recovery from comatose state starts by restoration of light slow wave sleep EEG picture, taking approximately 40 h after lesioning. Serial electrical stimulations of dorsal, lateral, posterior and perifornical hypothalamic Orexin- containing neurons significantly speed up light slow wave sleep recovery, taking 30–35 h after comatose state. Deep slow wave sleep recovery was speed up by 13–15 h. Acceleration was also noted in forced restoration of passive and active wakefulness EEG picture. Significant elevation was noted in CSF OrexinA Concentration. Serial electrical stimulations of hypothalamic Orexin-containing neuronal regions significantly elevates CSF OrexinA concentration, speed up recovery from comatose state, and manifest in accelerated restoration of sleep-wakefulness cycle behavioral states. Supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, Grant #11/04.