Summary. Introduction: Active introduction of electronic learning tools in educational institutions poses new health risks to school-age children. Creating a modern and secure digital educational environment requires constant monitoring of the conditions and modes of use of new electronic tools, the diversity of which is changing rapidly. The purpose of this work was to assess certain parameters of indoor school environment influenced by the use of interactive panels (IPs), an e-learning tool of the latest generation. Materials and methods: We studied the parameters of electromagnetic radiation, microclimate (air temperature and relative humidity), artificial lighting levels, chemical composition of indoor air, concentrations of positive and negative air ions during the school day in classrooms with and without interactive panels. The measurements were carried out in accordance with the approved methods of laboratory and instrumental research, and the results were then assessed for compliance with current sanitary rules and regulations. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using parametric methods of statistical analysis. Results and conclusion: Indices of the microclimate and air ions in IP-equipped classrooms demonstrated a more pronounced negative dynamics during the school day. Our findings indicate the need for hygienists to pay close attention to the problem of using new electronic teaching aids and interactive panels in particular, to continue research in the area under study in order to elaborate hygienic regulations for applying IPs in the classroom and to prevent overwork and health risks to school-age children.

Background: Introduction of digital technologies into the educational process involves the widespread use of keyboard typing and spending less time handwriting. At the same time, studies in the field of physiology and hygiene of handwriting show its importance for the development and formation of brain functions in children in the learning process. Potential risks for child development associated with regular typing and rare handwriting require proper hygienic assessment of the former. Yet, the lack of a scientifically based methodological approach is a strong limitation for such studies. Objective: To develop a methodological approach and conduct a pilot study on hygienic assessment of digital writing based on a bio-cybernetic analysis of the bioelectrical activity of the brain. Materials and methods: To arrange and conduct the research, we developed an algorithm based on a comparative analysis of the bioelectrical activity of the brain during typing and handwriting. Scalp electrodes were applied according to the International 10–20 system. EEG registration was carried out using a Neuro-KM computer-aided electroencephalograph by Statokin, Russia, with a Brainsys software for spectral-coherent and statistical analysis of EEG. The software allowed us to estimate the topography of the absolute power of the alpha rhythm in a resting state, during handwriting and typing, and the intrahemispheric and interhemispheric coherence of the alpha rhythm. Results: We established that the power of vibrations in the alpha range during digital and handwriting decreased compared to the resting state. Such a decrease reflecting activation of the cortex was noted in a more extensive area during handwriting. Typing decreased alpha waves only in the motor and sensorimotor areas of the brain. Compared to the resting state, handwriting significantly increased interaction between all areas of the cortex inside both hemispheres while typing did that in one hemisphere only. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that handwriting is provided by a more complex system of activation and interaction of areas of the cerebral cortex than typing. The developed algorithm can be used for further research on digital writing.

Introduction: November 6, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of an outstanding scientist and organizer of health care, academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Galina Nikolaevna Serdyukovskaya. For 33 years, Dr. Serdyukovskaya headed the Institute of Pediatric and Adolescent Health of the Ministry of Health of the USSR (now the Research Institute of Hygiene and Health Protection of Children and Adolescents of the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health of the Russian Ministry of Health). Objective: The article aims to analyze and present invaluable contribution of Professor Serdyukovskaya to the development of Russian medical science and one of its most important areas – pediatric and adolescent health. Materials and methods: We analyzed archival materials, scientific publications for the period 1965–2012. Results: The article describes the main scientific achievements of pediatric health physicians and their importance in protecting health of the younger generation under the guidance of Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences G.N. Serdyukovskaya. It also presents the main scientific directions of the institute headed by this eminent scientist, stages of formation and development of scientific foundations of preventive pediatric health care. The role and place of research conducted by the personnel of the Institute under the leadership of Galina Serdyukovskaya in the national state system of health protection of the younger generation of the country is demonstrated. Conclusion: These materials are the scientific, organizational and methodological basis for researchers who continue to develop new areas of research to maintain and improve child and adolescent health laid down by G.N. Serdyukovskaya.