Togliatti State University Research Articles

The project-based learning model of training engineers: exploring opportunities for building an individual learning trajectory from the students’ and instructors’ perspectives

Introduction. The project-based approach into engineering training is an innovative education practice that exemplifies the UNESCO strategy for implementing such practices in education worldwide. The motivation of the study is justified by the fact that the implementation of project-based learning involves building a student learning trajectory, which meets demands for competitive specialists in the automotive industry. The research aimed to investigate opportunities for building students’ learning paths in correlation with the formal performance of the project-based learning model and to elicit issues for its improving. Materials and methods. The study used analysis of previous research and formal performance indicators of the project activity at the Mechanical Engineering Center, where pilot engineering training was launched at Togliatti State University (TSU, Russian Federation). To collect empirical data, an online survey was administered among 118 engineering students (its reliability reached Cronbach’s alpha 0.84), and unstructured and focused interviews among student advisors and project supervisors were conducted. Methods of descriptive statistics and IBM SPSS Statistics 23 package were employed to process the obtained quantitative data. Research results. Quantitative performance indicators of the model demonstrate overall positive dynamics in engineers’ training from 2017 to the present. The study discovered project satisfaction at the Mechanical Engineering Centre (74.1%) and the majority of students (71.9%) evaluate positively project opportunities. The correlation between the project role and the awareness of project opportunities was found (r = 0.23; p < 0.05): all student advisors considered project activity as an opportunity to develop their learning trajectory. However, 14.9% of participants did not consider such project prospects. The focused interview clarified reasons for this choice. Conclusion. The study shows that the correlation between the positive dynamics of formal indicators and assessments of the opportunities of building an individual learning trajectory reveals the need to improve the introduced model in terms of finding the optimal balance between the number of projects and their quality. The study prospects include the formation of students’ readiness and internal motivation for participating in engineering projects. The TSU experience in evaluating the opportunities of forming students’ learning paths through project participation can be helpful for other Russian universities where project-based learning is implemented.

Metal-(Acyclic Diaminocarbene) Complexes Demonstrate Nanomolar Antiproliferative Activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Invited for the cover of this issue are Tatiyana Serebryanskaya, Mikhail Kinzhalov and co-workers at St. Petersburg State University, the Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems, Belarusian State University, Togliatti State University and Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology. The image depicts the shield of Pallas Athena with the structure of a palladium carbene complex that protects against triple-negative breast cancer. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202400101.

Digital Campus as a tool for teaching English in the era of digital education

Introduction. The digital transformation of higher education in Russia has caused the need to revise the approaches to language training of university graduates. Aim. The present research aimed to model a Digital Campus with its services and functions as a tool for language training of students in the era of digital transformation of education. Methodology and research methods. The strategic approach was employed as the leading methodological approach, which in the framework of this study is considered as a potential possibility to implement language education at the university using the “Digital Campus” as an important tool for digital transformation of universities. The research was conducted in three stages, involving 2–3 year students of Togliatti State University (113 participants) and school students of Togliatti (157 participants) from July 2022 to January 2023. Empirical research methods were used: analysis, comparison, generalisation, synthesis, modelling. Stage 1 – collection and analysis of the information presented on the websites of the universities in order to highlight the indicators of the digital development of universities. Stage 2 – a survey of schoolchildren to identify their attitude to university admission; a survey of students to determine their motivation to receive language training through digital tools. Stage 3 – modelling of a Digital Campus, its services and functions for students’ language training. Results. The authors defined the Digital Campus as an environment based on information and educational digital resources and technologies, computer equipment, telecommunication technologies and software, organisational and methodological support, connecting participants in the learning process (teachers, applicants and students, graduates, enterprises/businesses) for distant educational activities and business operations in accordance with personalised request. The data available on universities’ websites were analysed and grouped into seven indicators. The most represented are the services: additional professional education, the use of interactive forms to work with applicants, online support of student and graduate career development, and the project office. Services for the implementation of personalised educational tracks and the digital footprints accumulation during the learning process were less prominent in the course of the research. The results of the survey were the following: there was a general readiness for “applicant – university” interaction through the online environment; a small percentage of divergence of schoolchildren and student opinion regarding their expectations to learn a foreign language online was observed. The Digital Campus and its functions were modelled. Each of the campus services – a student personal account (applicants/students), a teacher personal account, and an employer personal account (enterprises/businesses) – has its own interface and access to the following functional units: “Recruitment and Project System”, “Language Courses”, “Course Designer”, “Resource Management”, “E-Learning System”, “Courses Expertise Centre”. The environment creates unified information and educational space for student language training. Scientific novelty. The approaches to understanding the digital transformation of higher education were systematised, and the indicators of higher education institutions use of digital solutions in the educational process were analytically presented. The article provides the authors’ definition of the Digital Campus. The theoretical significance of the article is in the outline and analytical presentation of existing approaches and trends in the digital transformation of higher education. Practical significance. The Digital Campus is an important tool for the implementation of language training and, unlike the common university website, allows real-time interaction between all participants in the educational process: universities – students – enterprises/businesses. The prospects for the study may be aimed at the development of a Digital Campus for engineering students.

Integrated foreign languages teaching: development of learning outcomes for IT majors

Introduction. Design of descriptors for achieving objectives of foreign language education in case of non-language majors at tertiary level on the basis of the existing scales of the Common European Competences in Foreign Language (CEFR) promotes the policy of cultural diversity and multilingualism implemented by the Council of Europe. The motivation for the research lies in the fact that Russian universities lack a clear and transparent system of criteria that can be used for planning and assessing foreign language competences for non-language majors. The paper presents a developed scale of descriptors for planning learning outcomes and assessing language proficiency of undergraduate students majoring in information technologies in the context of Russian education at tertiary level. With regard to federal state educational standards for higher education, foreign language competence is described as integrative foreign language professional communicative competence which combines professional and linguistic constituents. Materials and methods. The exploration adopted combined methods of analysis of previous studies, CEFR descriptors, interviews with master and bachelor students of IT majors (Togliatti State University, Russia), and foreign language communicative needs analysis in the IT industry. The obtained data were then processed in the backward design of targeted learning outcomes following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages format. Research results. The study elicited cross-cultural communicative needs in the industry in question, and then there were selected appropriate CEFR descriptors for their subsequent modification. The choice of the CEFR format was justified by its high adaptability and the author’s previous successful experience of elaborating such scale descriptors for automotive engineering majors. The author designed a scale for A2, B1 and B2 levels, where learning outcomes are presented as descriptors of communicative language activities with CEFR level distinctions being combined with activities involved in on-the-job cross-cultural communication. Conclusion. The initiated research should be helpful to investigate ways of devising and testing adequate sets of CEFR-based descriptors to improve the quality of university syllabi. The proposed scale of descriptors has certain limitations, therefore, further exploration directions are outlined. Keywords: integrative foreign language professional communicative competence, learning outcomes, CEFR-based descriptors, assessment, IT majors

The English language textbook for future automotive engineers: a case of assessment and self-assessment

Introduction. Over decades, the profession-oriented foreign language textbook has been in the focus of researchers’ attention. In this regard, we carried out research to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of a previously elaborated concept of the profession-oriented textbook, which was based on the competency approach, taking the example of the author’s textbooks and using procedures of assessment and self-assessment. Materials and methods. Instructors, pre-service teachers and 1st-4th year engineering students of Togliatti State University (the Russian Federation) participated in the testing of pilot versions of English textbooks. For obtaining empirical data, the research adopted methods of interviews and an anonymous Likert scale survey. The data obtained from the procedure of assessment were then processed using analysis of interview recordings and texts of peer-reviews as well as a method of descriptive statistics. A procedure of self-assessment of textbook materials was also carried out to evaluate the realization of the concept of a profession-oriented textbook. Research results. Results of the survey indicate the success of the implementation of the concept of a profession-oriented textbook: 92 % of 56 questionnaires contained only positive responses. At the same time, the survey shows that the content of the textbooks meets students’ expectations (96 %), correlates with the content of their training (98 %) and the level of English proficiency (92 %). 94 % of respondents would like to recommend the textbooks for mastering professional communication. All the instructors and a reviewer also praised the quality of the textbooks. Conclusion. Assessment and self-assessment procedures allowed to effectively evaluate the quality of the textbooks, to receive students’ feedback and to identify ways of improving textbooks for engineering universities. The findings can be used in the development and evaluation of foreign language textbooks for other non-language majors.

Students' readiness to online English language self-learning module and approaches to its integration into the educational process

Introduction. The transition to blended learning in higher education has led to an increase in the share of self-learning and personalized education, which demands taking into account the students' opinions about the variety of teaching methods. The purpose of the article is to analyze the students’ readiness to the integration of the “Online Self-Learning Module”, when learning English and to its implementation approaches. Materials and methods. The main research method is a survey of the 2-3-year students of non-linguistic majors conducted at Togliatti State University (September – November 2021). The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions in three blocks: “Personal goals for self-learning”, “Self-directed learning skills” and “Monitoring of online self-learning process/ Feedback”. Survey results reliability evaluation was carried out using Fisher criterion (φ*-criterion) (p < 0,01). The results. The survey revealed a positive attitude of students to its integration: desire of extra curriculum English training (77%) φ*exp. = 8.068; need for skills of professional texts independent study (65%) φ*exp. = 4.306, personal pace and achievements (67%) φ*exp. = 4.907 Weaknesses, according to the students, include: nonawareness of the teacher-students interaction algorithm (82%) φ*exp. = 9.822; the need for self-assessment and reflection (68%) φ*exp. = 5.204. We determined a new approach to students' self-learning: extra curriculum online task with its modular approach, structurally and thematically correlated with offline learning; the availability of the students’ guidelines and the tasks fulfillment algorithms, the sample for the final answer, and automated evaluation of the assignment assessment. Conclusion. Students identified the “Online Self-Learning Module” for English as a positive trend that will allow them their personalized English learning, to be autonomous in choosing language content, not to depend on the teacher’s direct control, and to increase their self-organization and self-reflection. Integration of “Online Self-Learning Module” involves the educational technologies modernization and serves as a response to the current challenge of the education.

Формирующее оценивание внеучебной деятельности студентов в условиях реализации апостериорной модели профессиональной подготовки

The paper discusses the experience of introducing formative assessment of future teachers’ extracurricular activities in the process of professional training at university. The study aims to substantiate and carry out a practical evaluation of the methodology for formative assessment of teacher trainees’ extracurricular activities in the practice of higher education. The work provides detailed insight into the content, organisational and practical components of the developed methodology for formative assessment of higher education students’ extracurricular activities. Experimental work on a practical evaluation of the methodology took place at Togliatti State University and made it possible to assess the level of personal and professional development of students of a pedagogical brigade, to give recommendations for further improvement of teacher trainees’ extracurricular activities. Scientific novelty of the study lies in using the case method as a tool for formative assessment of the results of higher education students’ extracurricular activities. As a result of the study, it has been proved that the introduction of the formative assessment procedure into the process of students’ professional training has a positive impact on the development of self-assessment of personal achievements, helps to find “educational deficits”, to outline ways to eliminate them, which ensures students’ professional formation.

Challenges of Applying Distance Technology to the Study of History (based on the results of a sociological survey of students in Togliatti)

The article discusses the problems of distance learning. They are relevant due to the increase in the demand for continuing education, the development of teaching methods for humanities, particularly history. Distance learning in history is related to the task of shaping historical thinking. The purpose of the article is to study the attitude of university lecturers and students towards distance learning in history classes. The empirical basis of the article was the results of a sociological survey conducted among the students of Togliatti State University in 2021 (N=287).The analysis of the survey results shows that the students’ views on distance learning in history are divided. About half of the students are positive about this mode of study, and the other half are negative. There were more respondents among young males, as well as technical students, who described the history distance learning sessions positively. The students are attracted by the extensive use of Internet sources and visual materials. Among girls, as well as humanities students, there are more of those who have a negative attitude towards distance learning in history. The negative aspects are related to technical problems, as well as the lack of direct communication with the teacher. The respondents who do not have a high level of interest in studying history are more likely to express a positive attitude towards distance learning. In contrast, the respondents who are interested in history are more likely to have a negative attitude towards this form of training.

Developing creative activity abilities of students in higher educational establishments

The article discusses methods for solving geometric problems with the active use of methods such as analysis and synthesis, analogy and generalization, based on theoretical thinking on the principle of ascent from simple to complex in order to develop students' ability to creative activity. The authors have developed systems of problems, focused on the formation of their ability to "make" independent discoveries both in the process of solving a problem and at the stage of researching the result of the solution. The developed system of problems is aimed at finding a way to solve a more complex problem, after a similar method has been used in relation to another simpler or particular problem. The participants in the experiment are future masters of pedagogical education (profile "Mathematical Education") at Togliatti State University. The article shows that the most effective methods of preparing future masters of mathematics education for creative professional activity can be such methods of scientific knowledge as analogy and generalization. It was revealed that in the process of learning to solve geometric problems included in the developed system, students demonstrate higher indicators of the level of formation of creative activity, as a result of the development of the ability of the future master of pedagogical education (profile "Mathematical Education") to analogy and its application in specific situations, his ability to use the established properties, skills and abilities formed, techniques and methods of action in relation to another object in new conditions and for new purposes, the use of mathematical concepts and theorems in more and more diverse specific problems.

Video podcast technology for distant ESP teaching in team work

Introduction. The current situation in the higher education system is characterized by a rethinking of the applied learning technologies and forms of interaction of its participants. The purpose of this study is the theoretical validation and empirical evaluation of the video podcast technology reliability in distance Learning, the central idea of which is the thematic video podcasts creation by students in team work with the teacher’s tuition in the LMS Moodle, H5P. Materials and methods. The study involved 100 students of Togliatti State University majoring 23.05.01 "Land transport technological complexes" (level of specialist). Main research methods: the method of theoretical analysis and modeling, experimental training, the method of mathematical statistics and graphical representation of data. Evaluation of the reliability and the effectiveness of the developed technology were carried out using the Wilcoxon T-test. Results of the study. This technology includes a set of psychological and pedagogical principles; a bank of interactive tasks and methodological recommendations for students to create a video podcast; technical equipment for feedback and online teacher-students interactive team work. Referring to the CEFR, we have developed the Scale of controlled skills: linguistic aspect (Range, Accuracy, Coherence), pragmatic aspect (Interaction, Technical skill, Timemanagmen skill), sociolinguistic aspect (Fluency, Mediation) mastered with the Video podcast technology in distance ESP teaching, and designated their descriptors. The semester experimental training showed: linguistic skills of students increased by 38 %; pragmatic skills by 58%, sociolinguistic skills by 42%. The application of the Wilcoxon T-test under the condition p < 0,05 and Texp < Tcr (in our case Texp= 2,5, Tcr = 3, i.e. Texp < Tcr) proves the obtained results reliability and indicates the technology effectiveness. Conclusion. The developed technology is applicable at any stage of ESP teaching and enhances the organization process of the students’ activities in a distance education.

1951–1958 ГОДЫ – ВРЕМЯ ПЕРВЫХ: У ИСТОКОВ СОЗДАНИЯ МАТЕРИАЛЬНОЙ БАЗЫ ФИЛИАЛА КУЙБЫШЕВСКОГО ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНОГО ИНСТИТУТА ПРИ КУЙБЫШЕВГИДРОСТРОЕ В СТАВРОПОЛЕ (ТОЛЬЯТТИ)

The paper analyzes the role of the city forming construction of the Kuibyshev hydroelectric power station (KGS) on the Volga and opening in a small town of Stavropol a branch of Kuibyshev Industrial Institute (KII) affiliated to Kuibyshevgidrostroy (since 2001 – Togliatti State University). The research is focused on historical and pedagogical analysis of the processes which influenced the university formation and development, its facility development in the first years of the university history. The paper considers the aspects of the planned construction of the university buildings in the Central District in the new town of Stavropol, and the projects that were not implemented, or built and functioned for a short time. The analysis is focused on the initial stages of the improvement of university premises and territory. Based on the analysis of archival data and museum expositions an imaginary route of an excursion over the territory of the university of that period was recreated. For the first time, two-stage plan for the reconstruction of the compact accommodation for students of the KII branch is published. The first stage of the study covers the period from 1951 to 1953, during which the infrastructure of the university was created for its temporary operation until the city of Stavropol was totally flooded. The results of the second stage of the study (the period of the construction of the hydroelectric power station from 1954 (after the flooding of the historical territory of the city of Stavropol) till 1958) made it possible to reconstruct the university infrastructure in the new territory of the city. The original buildings were almost completely lost – buildings for a different use were erected in their place. Therefore, recognition of the earliest existing territories that are part of the university infrastructure is of particular value. It has been established that an important role in the creation of the university facilities was played by the government, city authorities and the management of the construction site of the Kuibyshev hydroelectric power station. The formation of the first higher school in Stavropol, which later grew into Togliatti State University, contributed to the rapid development of the entire urban infrastructure. It was revealed that for the period of the KGS construction the university facilities and resources provided the opportunity for high-quality training of engineering personnel that met international standards.

Problems of informatization of higher school in the perception of subjects of the educational process

The relevance of the topic is due to the widespread use of information technology in higher educational institutions. This trend has conflicting and ambiguous consequences. On the one hand, the use of information technology increases the accessibility of education, makes the educational process flexible, and expands the possibilities of using visual materials. On the other hand, problems arise in the development of teaching methods that are necessary to stimulate the learning activity of students. To study the attitude of teachers and students to the problems of using information technology in higher education, the scientific publications of foreign and Russian scientists were analyzed. The purpose of the research is to study the peculiarities of perceiving the problems of informatization of the educational process by teachers and students of higher educational institutions. The empirical basis of the study was the materials of a sociological survey conducted among students of Togliatti State University in 2014 (N=359) and in 2019 (N=353). Comparative analysis of the results shows that within five years the number of students who are interested in using information resources in the educational process has significantly increased. A similar trend can be traced in the interest in using educational programs and simulators. From 2014 to 2019, the number of students who would like to receive supplementary training in information technology has doubled. The growing interest of students in the use of information technology necessitates the development of modern teaching methods, changes in the forms of interaction between students and teachers in the educational process. The solution to these problems at the present stage is associated with the search for the optimal combination of information and interactive technologies in the educational process.

Applying Blended Learning Approach to Teaching English to Master's Students

The article focuses on the teaching English to Master's students using blended learning approach. To meet the demand of professional standards teachers at Togliatti State University are to form foreign language communicative competence having just a few academic hours for oral communication. The suggested Project-Based Blended Learning Model is considered to be a solution to this problem. This Model consists of four basic elements: face-to-face learning, a Web 2.0 application LearningApps, MOOC Coursera and Reading Science. The way to implement the Model into educational process is shown. The paper is based on the own unique survey that yields some interesting results which prove the effectiveness of this Blended Learning Model. It gives the opportunity to create the environment for providing a learning pathway and the learning process control.

Thesaurus as a Tool for Teaching Abstract Writing to Graduate Students

This study, grounded on the need in the permanent development of competences formation methodologies to meet employers’ demand, presents an effective didactic tool for teaching ESP to graduate students. The paper describes thesaurus modelling principles applied to teaching foreign language terminology to students of Welding Production Technology and Equipment at Togliatti State University. It was discovered that semantic relations between thesaurus items correlate with relations between research methodology components. Then the authors propose three stages which enable educators both to organize their term management work and to train a metalinguistic competence in scholarly abstract writing. The first stage contains two algorithms of building a thesaurus based on inductive and deductive methods of thinking accordingly. At the second stage the semantic relations between thesaurus items are used to determine methodology components of a bachelor’s thesis by means of correlating these semantic relations to the relations between research methodology components. At the final stage common cliches for abstract writing are introduced to students.

MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES FOR PEDAGOGICAL STAFF TRAINING

Introduction . At the present time much attention of the society is fixed more and more to the problem of qualification improvement of pedagogical staff on account of total informatization of society, cardinal technological changes, becoming stronger interrelation of education, science and production, and active introduction in practice of professional standards. The existing system of professional development of pedagogical staff stands in need of reorganization and modernization. The search of the formats corresponding to modern realities, models and technologies of continuous training and retraining of education experts is becoming urgent today. The aim of the article is to show the possibilities of innovative forms of distance learning, realized in the form of a massive open online course (MOOC), for the training and continuous training of pedagogical staff. Methodology and research methods . The methods involve system-based analysis, synthesis, and generalization. Results and scientific novelty . The concept «mass open online course» (MOOC) is clarified. MOOC is considered as a form of electronic distance training carried out on the basis of educational multimedia content, and wherein a large number of participants are involved online. The advantages of MOOC in the organization of hybrid forms of distance learning are shown: these online courses enable to combine planned online interactions of students with lecturers and tutors; mass discussions on topical professional subjects; offline study of records of training materials, and independent participants’ online coursework. The model of professional development of pedagogical staff on the basis of MOOC and realization of the principles of open education is presented: open platform, open schedule, open training, and open certification. The main approaches to the formation of new educational environment based on MOOC are designated as an innovative platform of preparation and professional development of pedagogical staff. The experience of Togliatti State University of MOOC approbation is briefly summarized. Practical significance . The authors consider MOOC as a future-oriented form of e-learning in network professional communities. The proposed innovative model of professional development of pedagogical staff allows to quickly realize the progressive pedagogical ideas, and to apply the tutorials created on the basis of modern information and communication tools. This model can be used by managers of inter-industry institutes of professional development and professional retraining of personnel.

Психологическое сопровождение профессионального становления студентов-психологов

Introduction. The article discusses the problem of psychological support of psychology students’ professional formation on example of Togliatti State University students. The system approach in current domestic research considers professional formation as a process and integral phenomenon of mutual influence of a human and professional activity.
 Methodology. The purpose of the study is to explore psychological support as a factor of psychologists’ professional formation while studying at university. The paper (a) presents an empirical confirmation of the effectiveness of the author’s approach to the development and implementation of the program of psychology students’ psychological support; (b) discusses structural, functional, and methodical aspects of this program.
 Results. The paper describes three stages of the experimental study. The first stage of the study explored a socio-economic situation, the demand for psychology specialists, job functions and responsibilities of psychology specialists. The second diagnostic stage analyzed requirements for psychologists in various fields, students’ representations about the profession, as well as difficulties for beginning psychologists. The problems highlighted by beginning psychologists were divided into categories. The psychological support of TSU psychology students in training and educational activities for their future successful job placement was implemented at the third stage.
 Discussion. The content of the program included personality-focused techniques of professional development for implementing functions and goals of psychological support of students’ professional formation. The program of psychological support aimed at personal professional development and formation of future specialists gained appraisal. The system of psychological support contributes to students’ professional development while studying at university.

ВХОДНОЕ ТЕСТИРОВАНИЕ ПО АНГЛИЙСКОМУ ЯЗЫКУ СТУДЕНТОВ НЕЯЗЫКОВЫХ СПЕЦИАЛЬНОСТЕЙ КАК ФАКТОР ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ОБУЧЕНИЯ

Vocational university training requires graduates’ mastering not only professional competencies but also other competencies that provide adequate communication and IT literacy. However, the ability of Russian university graduates to use a foreign language leaves much to be desired. The quality of language training at a university can be increased by means of grouping the first-year students according to their level of a foreign language, which can create relatively equivalent conditions for acquiring the language and most effectively develop communication skills in accordance with the language abilities of the students. The aim of this paper is to analyze and describe the existing systems of placement testing including the authors’ test based on international language testing system TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication). The paper studies such concepts as “test” and “pedagogical testing” and explains the general structure of a test. The authors consider the concept “placement test” which implies stratification into levels. The levels described are based on the European scale CEFR. Besides, the authors analyze the existing systems of placement testing, i.e. Oxford Placement test, EF test, etc., and specify advantages and disadvantages of their use in Russian universities. Finally, the authors give a detailed description of the Placement Test developed for Togliatti State University students and interpret the experience of using the testing in 2016. The results of the research and the test approbation prove the reliability and veracity of the suggested method of language skills level assessment.

РАСШИРЯЕМЫЙ САМОБЛОКИРУЮЩИЙСЯ ИНТРАМЕДУЛЛЯРНЫЙ СТЕРЖЕНЬ ОСТЕОСИНТЕЗА

The application of extensible rods while carrying out the intramedullary osteosynthesis minimizes surgical intervention and secures high level of operation and minimum time for the patient’s rehabilitation. Nowadays, medical practice uses the extensible Fixion rod (Israel), which is a circular tube with a guiding and a nipple handipieces and four strengthening ribs. The risk of guiding handipiece damage caused by the peculiarities of its structure, high probability of the bone soft tissue traumas due to the complex kinematics of the ribs movement during the rod usage and high ex-works price limit the application of this rod. Creation of the design eliminating all the above disadvantages is relevant for modern medical industry.The paper describes the extensible intramedullary rod developed in Togliatti State University in cooperation with Samara State Medical University and the Clinical Hospital №5 of the city of Togliatti.The rod is a trigonous tube with three welded on strengthening ribs, guiding and nipple handipieces. Before emplacement into the intramedullary (marrowy) canal, the rod is constricted. During the emplacement process, when NaCl solution is being delivered to the rod intracavity under pressure, the rod expands up to its operative condition. A rigid biomechanical system is being formed due to the support of external (contact) surfaces of the ribs as to the mating surfaces of the bone.The developed rod is secured by the patents and has a number of advantages determined by the structure and proved experimentally. The weight of this rod is on an average 10-15% less than its analogue of the same typical size. The progressive motion of the ribs during the rod expansion process promotes intramedullary tissue minimum traumatization of intramedullary tissue. The risk of guiding handipiece damage is eliminated due to its integral design. The reduction of the number of ribs has caused the reduction of welding seams length and the considerable reduction of the rod production cost.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ЛАЗЕРНОЙ СВАРКИ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ ИНТРАМЕДУЛЛЯРНОГО РАСШИРЯЕМОГО СТЕРЖНЯ ЗА СЧЕТ ОПТИМИЗАЦИИ ГЕОМЕТРИИ РЕБЕР

The paper considers the problem of assembling the components of the innovative design of intramedullary extensible rod for lockable osteosynthesis, which was developed in Togliatti State University. Nowadays, the medical practice with application of intramedullary extensible rods is one of the most advanced methods of treatment of long bones fractures. The reducing of operating time, patient’s blood loss, and the X-ray dose of radiation of a patient and the staff provides opportunities for wide use of such structures in medical practice. That is why their development is a critical task. While finally assembling the device, one should take into account the rod structure technological characteristics as well as complex specificity of loads during the operational use. While carrying out experimental research, the authors used LKD4-015.150 laser machine for welding the rod components. The welding of the rod was performed in argon at a gas rate of 6 - 10 l/h with the heating zone additional protection. When welding the rod components with different thickness, the conditions of formation and the welding seam quality against the initial (without technological recess) and the proposed (with a technological rectangular recess of the rod rib) options were considered as the factors of variation. The authors measured the microhardness of welding seam and welded elements against the initial and proposed options. When welding according to the initial version, the rod tube melting through occurs. While analyzing microhardness in welding according to the initial version, the significant increase in the welding seam microhardness against the welded components is established. This factor promotes the destruction of welding seam at the rod loading. When analyzing microhardness in welding according to the proposed variant, the author has determined that the value of welding seam microhardness is comparable to microhardness of welded components. In this case, the rod tube melts for 0.1 mm, what allows maintaining its plasticity and ensures the rod efficiency during its loading.

ТЕЗАУРУСНОЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ МЕТАЯЗЫКА СОВРЕМЕННОЙ ЛИНГВИСТИКИ

The article deals with the problems connected with the thesaurus lexicography development. The key point is dedicated to modern linguistics metalanguage the basic component of which is linguistic terminology. The given article considers the thesaurus modelling technology of the linguistic terms semantics viewed in foreign and Russian linguistics. Special attention is paid to the survey of current investigations in the study field found in papers of scholars of the “Theory and Translation practice” Department (Togliatti State University), particularly the thesaurus model of French linguistics metalanguage (Yu.I. Gorbunov) is being analyzed. The current model includes three modules reflecting the basic branches of French linguistics: grammar, phonetics and lexicology. The results of the thesaurus modelling of French sociolinguistic terminology studied by E.Yu. Sennitskaya are being considered. Her scientific research resulted in French-Russian sociolinguistic thesaurus (ideographic type of dictionary) viewed as a lexicographic model of information-semiotic nature of French sociolinguistic metalanguage. The significant part of the article is given to the analysis of the results of the English linguistics metalanguage scientific research. In this perspective the scientific works by E.Yu. Gorbunov are of special interest, suggesting the practical use of the thesaurus technology towards the investigation of the semiotic nature of the English morphology and morphosyntax metalanguage. In her turn Yu.V. Vedernikova refers to the methodology of the thesaurus modelling as well, studying the semantic features of the English cognitive linguistics terminology. Her scientific research resulted in the English cognitive linguistics terminology thesaurus provided with its electronic platform. The scientific research by I.I. Zhuchkova is of special interest implementing the thesaurus modelling technology towards the English text linguistics terminology. The linguistic model built by I.I. Zhuchkova represents in its system-structured view the basic part of the English text linguistics metalanguage. As a result of analysis of current English and French linguistic terminology thesaurus models we may conclude that there is a special need to use them as a lingvodidactic tool of linguistic professional competence formation.