Belgorod National Research University

This study examined the effect of friction stir processing (FSP) on the microstructure and properties of a novel Cu-Cr-Zr-Y alloy. In addition, the microstructural aspects of doping Cu-Cr-Zr bronze with yttrium were considered. It was found that owing to the extremely low solubility of yttrium in copper, this alloying element was primarily concentrated in a secondary phase. Owing to the low melting point of the Y-rich phase, it precipitated as coarse inclusions and thus exerted only a minor influence on the material behavior. In contrast, FSP was found to be quite feasible for the thermomechanical processing of the Cu-Cr-Zr-Y alloy. Specifically, a single FSP pass resulted in a more than three-fold increase in strength characteristics and simultaneously provided a substantial enhancement in electrical conductivity. This effect was attributed to the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure and the precipitation of Cr-rich dispersoids within the stir zone. • Formation of triple-eutectic structure with low melting point in Cu-Cr-Zr-Y alloy. • Effective grain refinement and fragmentation of eutectic inclusions via FSP. • Low-temperature FSP promotes nanoscale Cr particle precipitation. • Threefold increase in strength and electrical conductivity after single FSP pass.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of beta-amyloid and impaired cognitive function. Existing treatments are not effective enough, it’s necessary to search for new therapeutic strategies targeting key pathogenetic mechanisms. The aim. To investigate the therapeutic potential of intracellular and extracellular forms of heat shock protein HSP70 for correcting cognitive deficits and reducing amyloid load in AD. Materials and methods. The study was performed on APPswe/PS1dE9/Blg transgenic mice, modeling AD, and lines created on their basis expressing intracellular (Tg_h) or extracellular (Tg_h_mod) forms of human HSP70. Behavioral tests were used to assess cognitive functions: Open Field, Novel Object Recognition, Y-maze, Barnes Maze. Amyloid load was assessed by histological method. Results. The extracellular form of HSP70 (Tg_h_mod) significantly reduced amyloid load by 37% ( p = 0.0033) and demonstrated marked cognitive improvement — by 40–45% in the Y-maze and Barnes Maze tests, whereas the intracellular form (Tg_h) reduced amyloidosis by 23.6% ( p = 0.0273) but did not show significant memory recovery. The results indicate that the neuroprotective effect of extracellular HSP70 is likely mediated not only by chaperone activity but also by additional mechanisms critical for synaptic function. Conclusion. A comparative study of the effectiveness of intracellular and extracellular forms of HSP70 in correcting both molecular and behavioral disorders in an AD model was conducted for the first time. It was found that the modified form of HSP70 has therapeutic potential. HSP70, especially its extracellular form, is a promising target for the development of AD therapy, providing a comprehensive effect on amyloid pathology and cognitive functions.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), a valuable essential oil plant, is cultivated mainly in the south of Russia. A comparative analysis of productivity parameters and biochemical indicators of 'Mertsishor' and 'Oksamit Cryma' fennel cultivars bred by the Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea was conducted in the conditions of the Crimean piedmont and Belgorod region from 2022 to 2024. The aim of the research was to investigate prospects of fennel cultivation in Belgorod region. Analysis of main indicators was carried out according to the developed methodologies in a small-plot experiment (plots were three-row, row length – 5 m, row spacing width – 0.7 m, plot area – 9 m², with three replications). On average over the years of the research the yield of the 'Mertsishor' and 'Oksamit Cryma' cultivars in the first year of vegetation was significantly lower under conditions of Belgorod region (0.22–0.28 t/ha) than in the piedmont zone of Crimea (0.55–0.42 t/ha, respectively). Average essential oil content in fruits of both cultivars in most cases did not differ significantly between regions, nor did content of the main essential oil components – anethole (68.1–71.5 %) and fenchone (11.7–15.6 %) which meets requirements of GOST 3902-82. However essential oil yield of the 'Oksamit Cryma' and 'Mertsishor' cultivars was significantly lower (1.6 and 2.9 times, respectively, P ≤ 0.05) in Belgorod region (12.8–15.2 kg/ha). Comparative data on productivity of the second-year plants across two ecological locations could only be obtained for a single test year as plants in the Belgorod region perished during winter of 2022-2023. Fruit yield of the studied cultivars in 2024 (0.51–0.72 t/ha in the Crimean piedmont and 0.90–0.92 t/ha in Belgorod region) as well as essential oil yield (31.6–38.5 and 44.4–51.6 kg/ha, respectively) were higher in two-year-old plants. Results of the ecological trials for these fennel cultivars do not support their recommendation for cultivation in Belgorod region due to a high probability of plant loss during winter and low first-year productivity

Aim is to analyze the specifics of English language nativization in post-colonial countries and to identify key nativization processes in a bilingual environment based on English-language Nigerian media. Methodology. The study presents approaches of Russian and international linguists to defining the phenomenon of “nativization”. The linguistic characteristics of the bilingual environment and the mechanisms of language interference are identified. Results. The research establishes the phonetic, grammatical, and lexico-semantic specifics of English language nativization. Research implications. The study clarifies and expands scientific understanding of the nativization of English in a bilingual context. The results may be applied in the study and teaching of courses related to contact linguistics and English language variation, as well as in the preparation of academic and teaching materials in the fields of socio- and media linguistics.

The article presents the results of the analysis of the variability of the level of random inbreeding and the “family portrait” of the population of Belgorod oblast from 1999 to 2019. A decrease in the population (over 18 years old) of Belgorod oblast (by an average of 12%), the number of surnames (by an average of 34%), and the migration influx of population (by an average of 4.8 times) was established with an increase in the level of random inbreeding (on average from 0.00044 to 0.00054) over 20 years. There is a tendency towards increasing internal subdivision and uniqueness of the “family portrait” of districts located on the outskirts of the oblast. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increase in the dependence of the Fst level of the population of Belgorod oblast on such population parameters as the number of surnames (by 2.8 times), the level of migration influx of population (by 1.2 times), and the degree of development of the transport network (by 1.6 times), while the connection with the geographical distance from the regional center has been leveled out.

The article analyzes modern digital solutions used in the marketing of fit-ness clubs and their impact on the development of the industry. The relevance of this study is due to the rapid digitalization of the service sector and changes in consumer behavior, especially after the pandemic restrictions that have led to transition to online classes. The purpose of this work is to identify new marketing opportunities in the fitness industry by using mobile apps, VR/AR technologies, CRM systems, hybrid classes, omni-channel communication, and artificial intelligence tools. The study used the industry statistics, reports from the National Fitness Community, and relevant scientific publications, including the Russian and foreign sources. The findings demonstrate that the integration of digital technologies – from mobile platforms for customers to virtual training and big data analytics – increases marketing efficiency of fitness clubs, expands the audience reach and enhances customer engagement. The practical examples of successful use of digital tools (e.g. mobile apps for recording and online training, VR programs, CRM for personalized communications) are dis-cussed, and emerging challenges are identified – the need for an omni-channel strategy, ensuring loyalty and adapting staff to new technologies. It is concluded that digital solutions are becoming a key factor in competitiveness in the fitness market, allowing for a unique consumer experience and sustainable customer relationships.

This article discusses the results of the author’s study to determine fourth-grade students’ proficiency in the concept of “pronouns” and their ability to use this part of speech while completing various practical tasks. The difficulties students encounter are analyzed, and examples of errors they make when working with pronouns are provided. The theoretical section of the article examines the specifics of pronouns as a part of speech, identifying key characteristics that lead to errors in the use of pronouns by younger schoolchildren.