Gomel Engineering Institute

We present a method for the dynamic enhancement of single-shot self-referenced spectral interferometry, achieving a temporal intensity contrast measurement capability exceeding 1010. Our approach employs optical Kerr lensing and white-light generation to optically limit the main pulse of a high-power laser, while leaving pre- and post-pulses as well as pedestal structures unaffected.

Objective: to compare the readings of the residual magnetization of the outer ring of the bearing with its different orientation with respect to the magnetizing field on the example of the UMDP-01 installation. To show in practice the inefficiency of using the technology of demagnetization of the outer rings of the bearings of axle boxes when they are located in a horizontal plane. Methods: comparison of the obtained values of the residual magnetization by direct measurements during demagnetization of the outer rings in the horizontal and vertical planes with respect to the magnetic field. In practice, the same conditions for magnetization and demagnetization of the same outer ring were observed by passing a pulsed current through the solenoid and the contact rod in the magnetization mode and gradually reducing the alternating current in the solenoid for the demagnetization mode. Results: the experiment showed that the values of the residual magnetization of the outer ring during the full cycle of its demagnetization in the horizontal plane on the UMDP-01 installation are higher than when it is demagnetized in the vertical plane. The vertical placement of the ring in the center of the solenoid allowed it to be demagnetized from the first time in position A with an incomplete demagnetization cycle. Practical significance: the article shows that the technology of demagnetization of bearing rings in the horizontal plane, as required by the operating manual 9402.00.000 RE, often leads to a violation of the requirements of regulatory documents in terms of permissible values of residual magnetization. Demagnetization of the outer rings in the vertical plane will lead to full satisfaction of the requirements of regulatory documents, increase the productivity of magnetic powder control in general by reducing the demagnetization cycle and simplifying technological transitions associated with the complexity of installing the object of control in the horizontal plane.

The reflection and transmission spectra of a metamaterial formed by omega-shaped elements with pre-calculated optimal parameters on a silicon substrate have been recorded in the terahertz range at oblique incidence for the s- and p-polarizations of the incident wave. The spectra were interpreted within the dipole radiation theory of electromagnetic waves. Both measurement results and analysis provide evidence supporting the presence of a pronounced polarization anisotropy impact in the reflection and transmission of the metamaterial. The potential of these materials to be utilized in the development of devices that control the polarization properties of THz radiation across a wide spectral range is examined.

The display of lekking Great Snipe males is an energetically demanding activity and therefore, access to the rich feeding sites in the proximity of their leks is essential. During the breeding season, Great Snipes mostly prey on earthworms, whose availability is affected by moisture and penetrability of the soil. In this study, we investigated the relation between the body condition of displaying Great Snipe males and the water level of the river flowing through their breeding grounds, which can affect soil characteristics. We found that the body condition of males decreased over the course of the lekking period in May, showing the great energetic expenditure of their advertising display in courtship. The high water level in the river resulted in the increase in body condition of birds, probably due to improved prey availability, as earthworms moved closer to the ground surface in search of optimal conditions. Further rise in the water level caused flooding of the meadow and a decrease in the body condition of lekking Great Snipes, possibly because of the deterioration of feeding condition, as earthworms tend to leave flooded areas. Moreover, as the flooded area enlarged, the floodplain became inaccessible for foraging Great Snipes, due to their relatively short legs restricting them from wading in deep water. Our results show that for the lowland leks of the Great Snipe to be preserved it is advisable to allow for the natural water level fluctuations in the river shaping the hydrological conditions of the floodplains.

Abstract Astrocytes are dynamic cells with important roles in brain function and neurological disease. There are notable species differences between human astrocytes and commonly used animal models. However, changes of the molecular attributes of human astrocytes across disease states, sex, and age are largely unknown, which is a barrier in understanding human astrocyte biology and its potential involvement in neurological diseases. To better understand the properties of human astrocytes, we acutely purified astrocytes from the cerebral cortices of over 40 humans across various ages, sexes, and disease states. We performed RNA sequencing to generate transcriptomic profiles of these astrocytes and identified genes associated with these biological variables. Here, we identified a robust transcriptomic signature of human astrocytes in the tumor-surrounding microenvironment, including upregulation of proliferation processes, along with downregulation of genes involved in ionic homeostasis and synaptic function, suggesting involvement of peri-tumor astrocytes in tumor-associated neural circuit dysfunction. In aging, we also found downregulation of synaptic regulators and upregulation of markers of astrocyte reactivity, while in maturation we identified changes in ionic transport with implications for calcium signaling. In addition, we identified some of the first transcriptomic evidence of sexual dimorphism in human cortical astrocytes, which has implications for observed sex differences across many neurological disorders. Overall, genes involved in synaptic function exhibited dynamic changes in multiple conditions. This data provides powerful new insights into human astrocyte biology in several biologically relevant states, that will aid in generating novel testable hypotheses about homeostatic and reactive astrocytes in humans.Significance StatementAstrocytes are an abundant class of cells playing integral roles in the central nervous system. Astrocyte dysfunction is implicated in a variety of human neurological diseases. Yet our knowledge of astrocytes is largely based on mouse studies. Direct knowledge of human astrocyte biology remains limited. Here, we present transcriptomic profiles of human cortical astrocytes, and we identified molecular differences associated with age, sex, and disease state. We found changes suggesting involvement of peritumor astrocytes in tumor-associated neural circuit dysfunction, aging-associated decline in astrocyte-synapse interactions, ionic transport changes with brain maturation, and some of the first evidence of sexual dimorphism in human astrocytes. These data provide necessary insight into human astrocyte biology that will improve our understanding of human disease.

As respostas de mobilidade ou de imobilidade às questões ambientais provavelmente estão associadas às características e à vulnerabilidade socioambiental das famílias envolvidas em determinado contexto, refletindo um mecanismo de adaptação (aos acontecimentos ambientais) e de redução ou agravo da vulnerabilidade. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar se as experiências de mobilidade experimentadas pelos membros dos domicílios de Governador Valadares relacionam-se com <em>níveis</em> e <em>dimensões</em> distintas de vulnerabilidade socioambiental. Foi construído um índice de vulnerabilidade socioambiental domiciliar e tipologias de mobilidade com base nos dados de uma amostra probabilística, multi-estágio, relativa a 1.226 domicílios urbanos, coletados entre 2013 e 2016. Os resultados sugerem que apesar do subgrupo de entrevistados com experiência de mobilidade internacional estar mais exposto aos riscos socioambientais, o grupo demonstrou melhor capacidade de adaptação aos problemas socioambientais e menores níveis de vulnerabilidade do que o subgrupo de entrevistados que nunca empreenderam mobilidade internacional.

Added support to reversed primers. Added error handling for empty input files

Purpose. Transport logistics is a very important area of activity for an industrial enterprise. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to determine the role of transport logistics at the current stage of operation of an industrial enterprise for the production of upholstered furniture, as well as to consider the basic logistics principles and their scope. Methodology. In the course of the study, the methods of scientific search, statistical analysis, synthesis, elements of the theory of system modeling were used to study the role of transport logistics in the operation of the enterprise. Findings. As an object of consideration the authors selected an industrial enterprise, whose main activity is the production of upholstered furniture. The structure of the enterprise’s logistics system was developed and analyzed; the impact of transport logistics on the operation of the logistics chain was assessed. The option of using an innovative sales system based on the efficient use of transport logistics is proposed. The role, place and relevance of transport logistics as a subsystem of the logistics chain of this industrial enterprise were determined. The existing problems in the transport logistics of enterprises in this sector in the country require solutions due to the constant need to supply the channels with raw materials and semi-finished products, as well as distribution of manufactured products. The most important issue is the decision to determine the way of goods movement (produced upholstered furniture). This is the most acute problem faced in the delivery of products to the market. Originality. At the me-thodological level the role of transport logistics in the creation and functioning of the macrologistical system of enterprises of this type is formulated. The holistic approach to supplier relationship control, which allows you to link the supply strategy with its implementation, and enhances the participation of suppliers in the enterprise operation was developed. Practical value. The detailed study and analysis of possible ways to improve the transport and logistics activity opens up ways for the company to increase the overall efficiency of its production and business activities, since almost half of all costs incurred in logistics are transportation costs. And it is the proper use of transport logistics that allows for an enterprise to rationally manage its resources.