Natalia Bobrova - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Natalia Bobrova

Research paper thumbnail of Leading Provisions of the Digitalization, Law, and Science

Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Social, economic, and academic leadership (ICSEAL-6-2019), 2020

This paper analyses the digital economy, digital science, and the digital criteria for measuring ... more This paper analyses the digital economy, digital science, and the digital criteria for measuring scientific results, as well as their importance in the fight against corruption. Dialectical methods of paired categories are used: essences and manifestations, content and form, transfer quantity to quality, unity and the struggle of opposites, etc. The term "digital economy" contains a dialectical contradiction. On the one hand, the economy demands freedom of development and tends towards liberal-market methods, avoids administrative methods. On the other hand, the transition to the digital economy is a managed process, contributing to the country's transition to the new technological order. The purpose of the article is to analyse this contradiction and emerging problems. The fight against corruption by the methods of the digital economy involves the process of embedding the digital economy in public administration and, conversely, the embedding of public administration in the digital economy. This means a cardinal, revolutionary renewal of the relationship between the government and the people. It is necessary to determine the legal status of the subjects of the digital economy, as well as the legal regime of the relations objects arising in the digital economy. A federal law should be adopted, this law should regulate. Togliatti State University is a perfect example of the scientific work of teachers and is also a leader in distance education (primarily the Institute of Law).

Research paper thumbnail of State Responsibility for the Quality of Digital and Distance Education

Proceedings of the 1st International Scientific Conference "Legal Regulation of the Digital Economy and Digital Relations: Problems and Prospects of Development" (LARDER 2020), 2021

This article analyzes the opposing views of scientists on the problem of digital education and di... more This article analyzes the opposing views of scientists on the problem of digital education and digitization in education. One can see that digitalization is accompanied by commercialization of education and other negative aspects related to the mental health of the younger generation. These aspects are highly controversial. Dialectical methods of paired categories are used: essences and manifestations, content and form, transfer quantity to quality, unity and the struggle of opposites, etc. The term "digital economy" contains a dialectical contradiction. On the one hand, the economy demands freedom of development and gravitates towards liberal-market methods, avoids administrative methods. On the other hand, transition to the digital economy is managed process, contributing to the country's transition to the new technological order. The purpose of the article is to analyze this contradiction and emerging problems. The arbiter of all disputes around education is the sta...

Research paper thumbnail of Problems of Preschool Education in the Russian Federation in the Context of the Digital Economy

Proceedings of the 1st International Scientific Conference "Legal Regulation of the Digital Economy and Digital Relations: Problems and Prospects of Development" (LARDER 2020), 2021

This article analyzes approaches to implementation of national projects in the area of preschool ... more This article analyzes approaches to implementation of national projects in the area of preschool education in the context of digital economy. We show that declaration of ideas, goals and objectives at the federal level of government does not match with the methods of implementation on dreams level (at the level of the regional, local authorities). Such approaches, which have no general relationship with reality at the local level, distort the obtained result and result in ineffective spending of budget funds. Digitalization might become a solution to this by offering transparent and clear framework for funding and supporting preschool education. The private sector in the field of preschool education has significant weight in the quality of education received by preschool children. Citizens are in unequal conditions when they receive education in private educational institutions for a fixed fee. We are talking about violation of the constitutional right of citizens to free education,...

Research paper thumbnail of Drinking non-beverage (surrogate) alcohol: a qualitative study in Novosibirsk, Russia

European Journal of Public Health, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Concepto de relaciones jurídicas y delitos

Dilemas contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores, 2019

La principal disputa en la literatura jurídica sobre las relaciones jurídicas radica en dos aspec... more La principal disputa en la literatura jurídica sobre las relaciones jurídicas radica en dos aspectos: las relaciones jurídicas y si éstas son como relaciones públicas en sí mismas o si esta forma jurídica está regulada por las normas de la ley de relaciones públicas. El surgimiento y la mejora de nuevas relaciones sociales y legales en Rusia continúa, y el sistema de relaciones públicas incluye cada vez más componentes virtuales que han aparecido en respuesta a los desafíos del progreso científico y tecnológico. En la literatura legal moderna hay definiciones, a menudo no coincidentes, de un delito. Un delito no es solo el comportamiento antisocial, sino también el comportamiento antisocial más dañino prohibido por la ley. El autor ofrece definiciones de los conceptos de "relación jurídica" y "delito".

Research paper thumbnail of The idea of the bill as a hidden element of legislative technique (as an example of local government reform in 2014—2015)

Legal Science and Practice: Journal of Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, 2020

The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of... more The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of the Russian Federation implements a constitutional authority to determine the main directions of the state’s domestic and foreign policy. It is proven that the idea and concept of the draft law — it’s not the same thing: the idea of many legislative novels is initially hidden, not indicated in the concept of the bill. The concept of the bill is always positive, aimed at the future, even if the reform is unpopular. The concept of federal government reform in 2014, relying solely on democratic rhetoric, it allowed not to expose or even hide the main idea of this reform. Federal law of May 27, 2014 no. 136-ФЗ — example of legally jewelry reform, the real (hidden) idea of which differs from the concept of the law, and is also different from the rhetoric of its initiators. Local government has become an extension of state power, which is a hidden idea of reform. The stated concept of reform ...

Research paper thumbnail of Legal nature of the positive constitutional responsibility

Law Enforcement Review, 2017

The subject of the paper is theoretical justification of legal nature of positive constitutionalr... more The subject of the paper is theoretical justification of legal nature of positive constitutionalresponsibility legal institute. The evolution of views on the institution of positive constitutionalresponsibility from the first works on it (S.A. Avak`yan, Yu.P. Eremenko, F.M. Rudinsky, N.A. Bobrova) to the present time is analyzed.The purpose is to clarify its role in establishment and maintaining the regime of constitutionallegality.The results, scope of application. Doubts about the legal nature of positive constitutionalresponsibility up to its complete denial are identical with doubts about the legal nature ofmany constitutional norms, the denial of their direct action. These disputes will last forever.Direct service of constitutional and legal responsibility to the quality of governance is a featureof this type of legal responsibility along with its pronounced political character, as wellas the specific guilt of the subject of constitutional tort (liability not only for their act...

Research paper thumbnail of HIV in people who use drugs 1 HIV and risk environment for injecting drug users: the past, present, and future

Lancet 376 268 284, Jul 24, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Obstacles in provision of anti-retroviral treatment to drug users in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia: A regional overview

International Journal of Drug Policy, 2007

Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia is currently the region with the fastest growing HIV ... more Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia is currently the region with the fastest growing HIV epidemic, mainly among injecting drug users (IDUs). This study explored access to anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment among IDUs and evaluated obstacles to gaining access to treatment. Semistructured questionnaires were collected from 21 countries from agencies which deliver services to IDUs (N = 55), including AIDS centres, drug treatment institutions and Non-governmental Organisations. Results showed that there was poor access to ARV treatment for IDUs. The major obstacles reported were: limited range of institutions for the provision of ARVs, lack of treatment due to high cost of ARVs, lack of clear policies and regulations in providing treatment for IDUs, lack of infrastructure and trained staff to provide treatment, and in some countries, absence of mechanisms such as methadone substitution programmes to support IDUs receiving ARV. There is a need for human and capital resources to bring ARV treatment to IDU populations in the region. Regulations and treatment protocols need to be developed to address this particular group of HIV positive clients to insure better adherence and monitoring of clients with HCV co-infection. Integration of provision of ARV treatment with drug treatment and low-threshold services is advised. Substitution therapy should be advocated for in countries where it is not available or where access is limited. Finally, more research needs to be conducted to understand what will work best in each country, region or setting.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV infection and risk behaviour of primary fentanyl and amphetamine injectors in Tallinn, Estonia: Implications for intervention

International Journal of Drug Policy, 2010

Background: Following a heroin shortage, fentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl, known as "China White" an... more Background: Following a heroin shortage, fentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl, known as "China White" and "White Persian", have become the most widely used drugs, along with amphetamine, among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tallinn, Estonia. Methods: In order to assess the relationships between the injection of fentanyl and amphetamine, and levels of HIV prevalence and risk behaviour, 350 current IDUs were recruited using respondent-driven sampling for an interviewer-administered unlinked cross-sectional survey and HIV testing. IDUs were categorised into groups based on self-report of the main drug used within the last 28 days. Results: 77% (256/331) of participants reported fentanyl and 23% (75/331) amphetamine as their main drug of injection. HIV prevalence was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.45-35.51) and 62% (95% CI: 56.97-67.03) among amphetamine and fentanyl injectors, respectively. After adjustment, fentanyl injectors had three times the odds of being HIV positive (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.55-5.39). They also had higher odds for injecting in the street with a previously used needle/syringe (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.14-5.04) and sharing a needle/syringe with somebody known to have HIV (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.33-6.79). Fentanyl injectors also had higher odds for lifetime overdose (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.65-5.54). Conclusion: The injection of fentanyl is associated with elevated injecting risk behaviour derived from injection practice and situational risk factors, and needs urgently targeted interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Drinking Alcohol Surrogates Among Clients of an Alcohol-Misuser Treatment Clinic in Novosibirsk, Russia

Substance Use & Misuse, 2009

A pilot study was conducted in the Russian city Novosibirsk during 2006-2007 with 40 participants... more A pilot study was conducted in the Russian city Novosibirsk during 2006-2007 with 40 participants sampled from clients admitted to health services for drinking-related problems to explore surrogates for alcoholic beverage drinking using semistructured interviews. Types of surrogates consumed and reasons for their consumption were investigated. Results revealed that the most prevalent reported surrogate used was industrial spirit. The main reasons for drinking surrogates were the high affordability and physical availability of surrogates combined with the need to relieve severe withdrawal symptoms. The study limitations are described, and suggestions for future research are made.

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in Providing Drug User Treatment Services in Russia: Providers' Views

Substance Use & Misuse, 2008

The estimated number of opiate users in Russia is 2,000,000 and heroin consumption is continuing ... more The estimated number of opiate users in Russia is 2,000,000 and heroin consumption is continuing to increase. The Russian government is discussing the initiation of compulsory treatment to bring illegal drug users to the treatment services. At the same time, there is no access to the evidence-based treatment for opiate addiction such as methadone and buprenorphine maintenance programs. Qualitative interviews were conducted with drug user treatment service providers (N = 35) in Barnaul, Volgograd, and Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2003-2004 to examine their views on drug user treatment services in Russia. The framework approach was used in data collection and analysis. Study participants identified major challenges in service provision for drug using population, including lack of resources, rehabilitation programs, and social support. It also depicted ambivalent attitudes toward compulsory treatment and clients' registration. The Russian drug user treatment system desperately needs resources allocation to provide quality care and diversify in its services in order to achieve long-term recovery. At this stage, it seems unreasonable to initiate compulsory treatment as is advocated by some government officials.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV and risk environment for injecting drug users: the past, present, and future

The Lancet, 2010

See Comment pages 207 and 208 See Perspectives page 225 This is the fi rst in a Series of seven p... more See Comment pages 207 and 208 See Perspectives page 225 This is the fi rst in a Series of seven papers about HIV in people who use drugs

Research paper thumbnail of Methods to Recruit Hard-to-Reach Groups: Comparing Two Chain Referral Sampling Methods of Recruiting Injecting Drug Users Across Nine Studies in Russia and Estonia

Journal of Urban Health, 2006

Evidence suggests rapid diffusion of injecting drug use and associated outbreaks of HIV among inj... more Evidence suggests rapid diffusion of injecting drug use and associated outbreaks of HIV among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Russian Federation and Eastern Europe. There remains a need for research among non-treatment and community-recruited samples of IDUs to better estimate the dynamics of HIV transmission and to improve treatment and health services access. We compare two sampling methodologies Brespondent-driven sampling^(RDS) and chain referral sampling using Bindigenous field workers^(IFS) to investigate the relative effectiveness of RDS to reach more marginal and hard-to-reach groups and perhaps to include those with the riskiest behaviour around HIV transmission. We evaluate the relative efficiency of RDS to recruit a lower cost sample in comparison to IFS. We also provide a theoretical comparison of the two approaches. We draw upon nine community-recruited surveys of IDUs undertaken in the Russian Federation and Estonia between 2001 and 2005 that used either IFS or RDS. Sampling effects on the demographic composition and injecting risk behaviours of the samples generated are compared using multivariate analysis. Our findings suggest that RDS does not appear to recruit more marginalised sections of the IDU community nor those engaging in riskier injecting behaviours in comparison with IFS. RDS appears to have practical advantages over IFS in the implementation of fieldwork in terms of greater recruitment efficiency and safety of field workers, but at a greater cost. Further research is needed to assess how the practicalities of implementing RDS in the field compromises the requirements mandated by the theoretical guidelines of RDS for adjusting the sample estimates to obtain estimates of the wider IDU population.

Research paper thumbnail of Injection drug users' perceptions of drug treatment services and attitudes toward substitution therapy: A qualitative study in three Russian cities

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2007

This study explored injection drug users' (IDUs) perceptions of drug abuse treatment and treatmen... more This study explored injection drug users' (IDUs) perceptions of drug abuse treatment and treatment providers in three Russian cities as well as their attitudes toward opiate substitution therapy, which is currently not available in Russia. Data were collected from 121 qualitative interviews with IDUs conducted in 2003-2004. Negative perceptions of available treatments were related to poor treatment outcomes, judgmental service providers, lack of psychologic services, and short lengths of stay in treatment. Positive perceptions were associated with receiving psychosocial care and nonjudgmental attitudes from providers. Most participants had heard about opiate substitution therapy, and some had treated themselves using methadone from the black market. Although respondents had doubts that opiate substitution therapy could work effectively in Russia, most agreed that this type of treatment would help IDUs function better in the society.

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers to accessing drug treatment in Russia: a qualitative study among injecting drug users in two cities

Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2006

Objectives: To assess factors influencing access to drug treatment among injecting drug users (ID... more Objectives: To assess factors influencing access to drug treatment among injecting drug users (IDUs) in two Russian cities. Methods': Eighty-six qualitative interviews were conducted with IDUs in Volgograd and Barnaul in 2003. IDUs were recruited through local drug treatment services, needle exchanges, and drug user networks. Results': Three main barriers to treatment access were identified: financial constraints, fear of registration as a drug user, and perceived low efficacy of available treatment services. Registration of drug users was associated with loss of employment, breaches in confidentiality, and stigma. Some participants did not think that drug treatment services could respond appropriately and effectively to their treatment needs. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in mediating IDUs' access to drug treatment, which might suggest the need for social and structural interventions. Access to drug treatment services should be enhanced by reducing the financial burdens of drug treatment and minimizing the stigma associated with drug user registration. Russia should shift from a highly medicalised model of treatment toward a more holistic approach that recognises the diversity of treatment needs among IDUs. These priorities are especially timely given the urgent need to integrate drug treatment as part of wider HIV prevention responses in Russia.

Research paper thumbnail of Gender Differences in Drinking Practices in Middle Aged and Older Russians

Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2010

The study investigated gender differences in drinking patterns and the reasons behind them among ... more The study investigated gender differences in drinking patterns and the reasons behind them among men and women in the Russian city of Novosibirsk. Methods: A mixed method, combining quantitative and qualitative data, was conducted based on the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe cohort study. The quantitative study included 4268 men and 5094 women aged 45-69 years; of those, 20 men and 24 women completed an in-depth interview. Results: The quantitative data revealed a large gap in drinking patterns in general between genders. Women drank less often and much smaller quantities than that of men. For example, 19% of men, vs. 1% of women, were classified as problem drinkers (two or more positive answers on the CAGE questionnaire). These differences were not explained by socioeconomic factors. Qualitative data have shown that gender roles and a traditional culture around women's and men's drinking were the main reasons for the reported drinking behaviour, whereby women were consistently expected to drink much less than men in terms of preference for strong beverages, drinking frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed. Conclusion: The study confirmed that large differences exist between Russian men's and women's drinking; these differences may be largely explained by gender roles.

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge of HIV serostatus and risk behaviour among injecting drug users in Estonia

AIDS Care, 2009

Page 1 of 16 http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ac-phm-vcy Health Sciences * adjusted for site, gend... more Page 1 of 16 http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ac-phm-vcy Health Sciences * adjusted for site, gender, age, ethnicity, frequency of injection, jailed in the past, age at IDU initiation ** ref group is HIV-positive aware of serostatus * adjusted for site, gender, age, ethnicity, frequency of injection, jailed in the past, age at IDU initiation ** ref group is HIV-negatives

Research paper thumbnail of High HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in Estonia: implications for understanding the risk environment

AIDS, 2006

We found a high prevalence of HIV among injecting drug users (IDU) 54% in Tallinn and 90% in Koht... more We found a high prevalence of HIV among injecting drug users (IDU) 54% in Tallinn and 90% in Kohtla Jarve, Estonia. Risk factors for HIV in Tallinn included use of the drug 'china white', being registered as an IDU at a drug treatment clinic, and sharing injecting equipment with sex partners. Differences existed in risk behaviour between the cities. An urgent scale-up of HIV prevention is needed. It is also important to explore how local 'risk environments' mediate the risk of HIV transmission.

Research paper thumbnail of The idea of the bill as a hidden element of legislative technique (as an example of local government reform in 2014—2015)

Legal Science and Practice: Journal of Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, 2020

The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of... more The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of the Russian Federation implements a constitutional authority to determine the main directions of the state’s domestic and foreign policy. It is proven that the idea and concept of the draft law — it’s not the same thing: the idea of many legislative novels is initially hidden, not indicated in the concept of the bill. The concept of the bill is always positive, aimed at the future, even if the reform is unpopular. The concept of federal government reform in 2014, relying solely on democratic rhetoric, it allowed not to expose or even hide the main idea of this reform. Federal law of May 27, 2014 no. 136-ФЗ — example of legally jewelry reform, the real (hidden) idea of which differs from the concept of the law, and is also different from the rhetoric of its initiators. Local government has become an extension of state power, which is a hidden idea of reform. The stated concept of reform ...

Research paper thumbnail of Leading Provisions of the Digitalization, Law, and Science

Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Social, economic, and academic leadership (ICSEAL-6-2019), 2020

This paper analyses the digital economy, digital science, and the digital criteria for measuring ... more This paper analyses the digital economy, digital science, and the digital criteria for measuring scientific results, as well as their importance in the fight against corruption. Dialectical methods of paired categories are used: essences and manifestations, content and form, transfer quantity to quality, unity and the struggle of opposites, etc. The term "digital economy" contains a dialectical contradiction. On the one hand, the economy demands freedom of development and tends towards liberal-market methods, avoids administrative methods. On the other hand, the transition to the digital economy is a managed process, contributing to the country's transition to the new technological order. The purpose of the article is to analyse this contradiction and emerging problems. The fight against corruption by the methods of the digital economy involves the process of embedding the digital economy in public administration and, conversely, the embedding of public administration in the digital economy. This means a cardinal, revolutionary renewal of the relationship between the government and the people. It is necessary to determine the legal status of the subjects of the digital economy, as well as the legal regime of the relations objects arising in the digital economy. A federal law should be adopted, this law should regulate. Togliatti State University is a perfect example of the scientific work of teachers and is also a leader in distance education (primarily the Institute of Law).

Research paper thumbnail of State Responsibility for the Quality of Digital and Distance Education

Proceedings of the 1st International Scientific Conference "Legal Regulation of the Digital Economy and Digital Relations: Problems and Prospects of Development" (LARDER 2020), 2021

This article analyzes the opposing views of scientists on the problem of digital education and di... more This article analyzes the opposing views of scientists on the problem of digital education and digitization in education. One can see that digitalization is accompanied by commercialization of education and other negative aspects related to the mental health of the younger generation. These aspects are highly controversial. Dialectical methods of paired categories are used: essences and manifestations, content and form, transfer quantity to quality, unity and the struggle of opposites, etc. The term "digital economy" contains a dialectical contradiction. On the one hand, the economy demands freedom of development and gravitates towards liberal-market methods, avoids administrative methods. On the other hand, transition to the digital economy is managed process, contributing to the country's transition to the new technological order. The purpose of the article is to analyze this contradiction and emerging problems. The arbiter of all disputes around education is the sta...

Research paper thumbnail of Problems of Preschool Education in the Russian Federation in the Context of the Digital Economy

Proceedings of the 1st International Scientific Conference "Legal Regulation of the Digital Economy and Digital Relations: Problems and Prospects of Development" (LARDER 2020), 2021

This article analyzes approaches to implementation of national projects in the area of preschool ... more This article analyzes approaches to implementation of national projects in the area of preschool education in the context of digital economy. We show that declaration of ideas, goals and objectives at the federal level of government does not match with the methods of implementation on dreams level (at the level of the regional, local authorities). Such approaches, which have no general relationship with reality at the local level, distort the obtained result and result in ineffective spending of budget funds. Digitalization might become a solution to this by offering transparent and clear framework for funding and supporting preschool education. The private sector in the field of preschool education has significant weight in the quality of education received by preschool children. Citizens are in unequal conditions when they receive education in private educational institutions for a fixed fee. We are talking about violation of the constitutional right of citizens to free education,...

Research paper thumbnail of Drinking non-beverage (surrogate) alcohol: a qualitative study in Novosibirsk, Russia

European Journal of Public Health, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Concepto de relaciones jurídicas y delitos

Dilemas contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valores, 2019

La principal disputa en la literatura jurídica sobre las relaciones jurídicas radica en dos aspec... more La principal disputa en la literatura jurídica sobre las relaciones jurídicas radica en dos aspectos: las relaciones jurídicas y si éstas son como relaciones públicas en sí mismas o si esta forma jurídica está regulada por las normas de la ley de relaciones públicas. El surgimiento y la mejora de nuevas relaciones sociales y legales en Rusia continúa, y el sistema de relaciones públicas incluye cada vez más componentes virtuales que han aparecido en respuesta a los desafíos del progreso científico y tecnológico. En la literatura legal moderna hay definiciones, a menudo no coincidentes, de un delito. Un delito no es solo el comportamiento antisocial, sino también el comportamiento antisocial más dañino prohibido por la ley. El autor ofrece definiciones de los conceptos de "relación jurídica" y "delito".

Research paper thumbnail of The idea of the bill as a hidden element of legislative technique (as an example of local government reform in 2014—2015)

Legal Science and Practice: Journal of Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, 2020

The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of... more The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of the Russian Federation implements a constitutional authority to determine the main directions of the state’s domestic and foreign policy. It is proven that the idea and concept of the draft law — it’s not the same thing: the idea of many legislative novels is initially hidden, not indicated in the concept of the bill. The concept of the bill is always positive, aimed at the future, even if the reform is unpopular. The concept of federal government reform in 2014, relying solely on democratic rhetoric, it allowed not to expose or even hide the main idea of this reform. Federal law of May 27, 2014 no. 136-ФЗ — example of legally jewelry reform, the real (hidden) idea of which differs from the concept of the law, and is also different from the rhetoric of its initiators. Local government has become an extension of state power, which is a hidden idea of reform. The stated concept of reform ...

Research paper thumbnail of Legal nature of the positive constitutional responsibility

Law Enforcement Review, 2017

The subject of the paper is theoretical justification of legal nature of positive constitutionalr... more The subject of the paper is theoretical justification of legal nature of positive constitutionalresponsibility legal institute. The evolution of views on the institution of positive constitutionalresponsibility from the first works on it (S.A. Avak`yan, Yu.P. Eremenko, F.M. Rudinsky, N.A. Bobrova) to the present time is analyzed.The purpose is to clarify its role in establishment and maintaining the regime of constitutionallegality.The results, scope of application. Doubts about the legal nature of positive constitutionalresponsibility up to its complete denial are identical with doubts about the legal nature ofmany constitutional norms, the denial of their direct action. These disputes will last forever.Direct service of constitutional and legal responsibility to the quality of governance is a featureof this type of legal responsibility along with its pronounced political character, as wellas the specific guilt of the subject of constitutional tort (liability not only for their act...

Research paper thumbnail of HIV in people who use drugs 1 HIV and risk environment for injecting drug users: the past, present, and future

Lancet 376 268 284, Jul 24, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Obstacles in provision of anti-retroviral treatment to drug users in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia: A regional overview

International Journal of Drug Policy, 2007

Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia is currently the region with the fastest growing HIV ... more Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia is currently the region with the fastest growing HIV epidemic, mainly among injecting drug users (IDUs). This study explored access to anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment among IDUs and evaluated obstacles to gaining access to treatment. Semistructured questionnaires were collected from 21 countries from agencies which deliver services to IDUs (N = 55), including AIDS centres, drug treatment institutions and Non-governmental Organisations. Results showed that there was poor access to ARV treatment for IDUs. The major obstacles reported were: limited range of institutions for the provision of ARVs, lack of treatment due to high cost of ARVs, lack of clear policies and regulations in providing treatment for IDUs, lack of infrastructure and trained staff to provide treatment, and in some countries, absence of mechanisms such as methadone substitution programmes to support IDUs receiving ARV. There is a need for human and capital resources to bring ARV treatment to IDU populations in the region. Regulations and treatment protocols need to be developed to address this particular group of HIV positive clients to insure better adherence and monitoring of clients with HCV co-infection. Integration of provision of ARV treatment with drug treatment and low-threshold services is advised. Substitution therapy should be advocated for in countries where it is not available or where access is limited. Finally, more research needs to be conducted to understand what will work best in each country, region or setting.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV infection and risk behaviour of primary fentanyl and amphetamine injectors in Tallinn, Estonia: Implications for intervention

International Journal of Drug Policy, 2010

Background: Following a heroin shortage, fentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl, known as "China White" an... more Background: Following a heroin shortage, fentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl, known as "China White" and "White Persian", have become the most widely used drugs, along with amphetamine, among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Tallinn, Estonia. Methods: In order to assess the relationships between the injection of fentanyl and amphetamine, and levels of HIV prevalence and risk behaviour, 350 current IDUs were recruited using respondent-driven sampling for an interviewer-administered unlinked cross-sectional survey and HIV testing. IDUs were categorised into groups based on self-report of the main drug used within the last 28 days. Results: 77% (256/331) of participants reported fentanyl and 23% (75/331) amphetamine as their main drug of injection. HIV prevalence was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.45-35.51) and 62% (95% CI: 56.97-67.03) among amphetamine and fentanyl injectors, respectively. After adjustment, fentanyl injectors had three times the odds of being HIV positive (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.55-5.39). They also had higher odds for injecting in the street with a previously used needle/syringe (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.14-5.04) and sharing a needle/syringe with somebody known to have HIV (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.33-6.79). Fentanyl injectors also had higher odds for lifetime overdose (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.65-5.54). Conclusion: The injection of fentanyl is associated with elevated injecting risk behaviour derived from injection practice and situational risk factors, and needs urgently targeted interventions.

Research paper thumbnail of Drinking Alcohol Surrogates Among Clients of an Alcohol-Misuser Treatment Clinic in Novosibirsk, Russia

Substance Use & Misuse, 2009

A pilot study was conducted in the Russian city Novosibirsk during 2006-2007 with 40 participants... more A pilot study was conducted in the Russian city Novosibirsk during 2006-2007 with 40 participants sampled from clients admitted to health services for drinking-related problems to explore surrogates for alcoholic beverage drinking using semistructured interviews. Types of surrogates consumed and reasons for their consumption were investigated. Results revealed that the most prevalent reported surrogate used was industrial spirit. The main reasons for drinking surrogates were the high affordability and physical availability of surrogates combined with the need to relieve severe withdrawal symptoms. The study limitations are described, and suggestions for future research are made.

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges in Providing Drug User Treatment Services in Russia: Providers' Views

Substance Use & Misuse, 2008

The estimated number of opiate users in Russia is 2,000,000 and heroin consumption is continuing ... more The estimated number of opiate users in Russia is 2,000,000 and heroin consumption is continuing to increase. The Russian government is discussing the initiation of compulsory treatment to bring illegal drug users to the treatment services. At the same time, there is no access to the evidence-based treatment for opiate addiction such as methadone and buprenorphine maintenance programs. Qualitative interviews were conducted with drug user treatment service providers (N = 35) in Barnaul, Volgograd, and Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2003-2004 to examine their views on drug user treatment services in Russia. The framework approach was used in data collection and analysis. Study participants identified major challenges in service provision for drug using population, including lack of resources, rehabilitation programs, and social support. It also depicted ambivalent attitudes toward compulsory treatment and clients' registration. The Russian drug user treatment system desperately needs resources allocation to provide quality care and diversify in its services in order to achieve long-term recovery. At this stage, it seems unreasonable to initiate compulsory treatment as is advocated by some government officials.

Research paper thumbnail of HIV and risk environment for injecting drug users: the past, present, and future

The Lancet, 2010

See Comment pages 207 and 208 See Perspectives page 225 This is the fi rst in a Series of seven p... more See Comment pages 207 and 208 See Perspectives page 225 This is the fi rst in a Series of seven papers about HIV in people who use drugs

Research paper thumbnail of Methods to Recruit Hard-to-Reach Groups: Comparing Two Chain Referral Sampling Methods of Recruiting Injecting Drug Users Across Nine Studies in Russia and Estonia

Journal of Urban Health, 2006

Evidence suggests rapid diffusion of injecting drug use and associated outbreaks of HIV among inj... more Evidence suggests rapid diffusion of injecting drug use and associated outbreaks of HIV among injecting drug users (IDUs) in the Russian Federation and Eastern Europe. There remains a need for research among non-treatment and community-recruited samples of IDUs to better estimate the dynamics of HIV transmission and to improve treatment and health services access. We compare two sampling methodologies Brespondent-driven sampling^(RDS) and chain referral sampling using Bindigenous field workers^(IFS) to investigate the relative effectiveness of RDS to reach more marginal and hard-to-reach groups and perhaps to include those with the riskiest behaviour around HIV transmission. We evaluate the relative efficiency of RDS to recruit a lower cost sample in comparison to IFS. We also provide a theoretical comparison of the two approaches. We draw upon nine community-recruited surveys of IDUs undertaken in the Russian Federation and Estonia between 2001 and 2005 that used either IFS or RDS. Sampling effects on the demographic composition and injecting risk behaviours of the samples generated are compared using multivariate analysis. Our findings suggest that RDS does not appear to recruit more marginalised sections of the IDU community nor those engaging in riskier injecting behaviours in comparison with IFS. RDS appears to have practical advantages over IFS in the implementation of fieldwork in terms of greater recruitment efficiency and safety of field workers, but at a greater cost. Further research is needed to assess how the practicalities of implementing RDS in the field compromises the requirements mandated by the theoretical guidelines of RDS for adjusting the sample estimates to obtain estimates of the wider IDU population.

Research paper thumbnail of Injection drug users' perceptions of drug treatment services and attitudes toward substitution therapy: A qualitative study in three Russian cities

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2007

This study explored injection drug users' (IDUs) perceptions of drug abuse treatment and treatmen... more This study explored injection drug users' (IDUs) perceptions of drug abuse treatment and treatment providers in three Russian cities as well as their attitudes toward opiate substitution therapy, which is currently not available in Russia. Data were collected from 121 qualitative interviews with IDUs conducted in 2003-2004. Negative perceptions of available treatments were related to poor treatment outcomes, judgmental service providers, lack of psychologic services, and short lengths of stay in treatment. Positive perceptions were associated with receiving psychosocial care and nonjudgmental attitudes from providers. Most participants had heard about opiate substitution therapy, and some had treated themselves using methadone from the black market. Although respondents had doubts that opiate substitution therapy could work effectively in Russia, most agreed that this type of treatment would help IDUs function better in the society.

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers to accessing drug treatment in Russia: a qualitative study among injecting drug users in two cities

Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 2006

Objectives: To assess factors influencing access to drug treatment among injecting drug users (ID... more Objectives: To assess factors influencing access to drug treatment among injecting drug users (IDUs) in two Russian cities. Methods': Eighty-six qualitative interviews were conducted with IDUs in Volgograd and Barnaul in 2003. IDUs were recruited through local drug treatment services, needle exchanges, and drug user networks. Results': Three main barriers to treatment access were identified: financial constraints, fear of registration as a drug user, and perceived low efficacy of available treatment services. Registration of drug users was associated with loss of employment, breaches in confidentiality, and stigma. Some participants did not think that drug treatment services could respond appropriately and effectively to their treatment needs. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in mediating IDUs' access to drug treatment, which might suggest the need for social and structural interventions. Access to drug treatment services should be enhanced by reducing the financial burdens of drug treatment and minimizing the stigma associated with drug user registration. Russia should shift from a highly medicalised model of treatment toward a more holistic approach that recognises the diversity of treatment needs among IDUs. These priorities are especially timely given the urgent need to integrate drug treatment as part of wider HIV prevention responses in Russia.

Research paper thumbnail of Gender Differences in Drinking Practices in Middle Aged and Older Russians

Alcohol and Alcoholism, 2010

The study investigated gender differences in drinking patterns and the reasons behind them among ... more The study investigated gender differences in drinking patterns and the reasons behind them among men and women in the Russian city of Novosibirsk. Methods: A mixed method, combining quantitative and qualitative data, was conducted based on the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe cohort study. The quantitative study included 4268 men and 5094 women aged 45-69 years; of those, 20 men and 24 women completed an in-depth interview. Results: The quantitative data revealed a large gap in drinking patterns in general between genders. Women drank less often and much smaller quantities than that of men. For example, 19% of men, vs. 1% of women, were classified as problem drinkers (two or more positive answers on the CAGE questionnaire). These differences were not explained by socioeconomic factors. Qualitative data have shown that gender roles and a traditional culture around women's and men's drinking were the main reasons for the reported drinking behaviour, whereby women were consistently expected to drink much less than men in terms of preference for strong beverages, drinking frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed. Conclusion: The study confirmed that large differences exist between Russian men's and women's drinking; these differences may be largely explained by gender roles.

Research paper thumbnail of Knowledge of HIV serostatus and risk behaviour among injecting drug users in Estonia

AIDS Care, 2009

Page 1 of 16 http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ac-phm-vcy Health Sciences * adjusted for site, gend... more Page 1 of 16 http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ac-phm-vcy Health Sciences * adjusted for site, gender, age, ethnicity, frequency of injection, jailed in the past, age at IDU initiation ** ref group is HIV-positive aware of serostatus * adjusted for site, gender, age, ethnicity, frequency of injection, jailed in the past, age at IDU initiation ** ref group is HIV-negatives

Research paper thumbnail of High HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in Estonia: implications for understanding the risk environment

AIDS, 2006

We found a high prevalence of HIV among injecting drug users (IDU) 54% in Tallinn and 90% in Koht... more We found a high prevalence of HIV among injecting drug users (IDU) 54% in Tallinn and 90% in Kohtla Jarve, Estonia. Risk factors for HIV in Tallinn included use of the drug 'china white', being registered as an IDU at a drug treatment clinic, and sharing injecting equipment with sex partners. Differences existed in risk behaviour between the cities. An urgent scale-up of HIV prevention is needed. It is also important to explore how local 'risk environments' mediate the risk of HIV transmission.

Research paper thumbnail of The idea of the bill as a hidden element of legislative technique (as an example of local government reform in 2014—2015)

Legal Science and Practice: Journal of Nizhny Novgorod Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, 2020

The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of... more The article analyzes the supra-legal nature of the decrees is analyzed, by which the President of the Russian Federation implements a constitutional authority to determine the main directions of the state’s domestic and foreign policy. It is proven that the idea and concept of the draft law — it’s not the same thing: the idea of many legislative novels is initially hidden, not indicated in the concept of the bill. The concept of the bill is always positive, aimed at the future, even if the reform is unpopular. The concept of federal government reform in 2014, relying solely on democratic rhetoric, it allowed not to expose or even hide the main idea of this reform. Federal law of May 27, 2014 no. 136-ФЗ — example of legally jewelry reform, the real (hidden) idea of which differs from the concept of the law, and is also different from the rhetoric of its initiators. Local government has become an extension of state power, which is a hidden idea of reform. The stated concept of reform ...