Additional Source Research Articles

Hydrogeological investigation of the Paine Aquifer considering baseline conditions from 1970 and long - term analysis from 1990 to 2020

Groundwater resources are vital for meeting the world's freshwater needs, providing the primary source of drinking water for nearly half the global population, and are particularly important for agriculture and industry in dry regions. The Paine Basin, situated south of Santiago, Chile, has been heavily affected by an extended mega-drought, influencing water availability for various uses. Yet, comprehensive hydrogeological studies to understand the aquifer system and establish a baseline for future actions in the basin to better manage water resources have been lacking. Therefore, this study investigates the aquifer's conditions in 1970, considered closest to its undisturbed state. It uses water table and chemical data to discern groundwater flow directions and the relationship between the river and the aquifer. Subsequent temporal analyses using Mann-Kendall tests and Theil-Sen slope estimation on DGA well-level data aim to statistically verify the significance of water level declines. The findings confirm an east-to-west groundwater flow, corroborated by chemical signatures linking the Paine waters to the Maipo River, suggesting river recharge from the aquifer during that era. However, recent trends indicate a significant drop in water levels since the mega-drought began in 2010, not aligning with the increase in groundwater extractions starting in 2005. The above highlights that additional water sources, such as river infiltration or irrigation return flow, need to be considered to explain water level variability, which highlights the hydrology of the basin. Finally, trend analysis over the last 30 years indicates that hydrodynamic conditions have changed since the initial conditions were considered in 1970.

MODERN STATE AND POST-WAR PROSPECTS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN UKRAINE CONSIDERING THE EU EXPERIENCE

The purpose of the article is theoretical and methodological substantiation of the state and post-war prospects of financial inclusion in Ukraine, taking into account the experience of EU countries. The objectives of the study are as follows: to theoretically substantiate the content and features of financial inclusion, taking into account the experience of EU countries; to assess the current state of financial inclusion; and to outline post-war prospects for the development of financial inclusion in Ukraine. It is argued that the key parameters of financial inclusion are financial well-being, financial behaviour, financial knowledge, and the utilization of financial products, as well as physical access to financial services. Drawing on the experience of EU countries, it is substantiated that creating conditions for free access to financial services for all categories of the population and businesses, as well as their digitalization, contribute to the growth of citizens' income, the simplification of investment mechanisms, and thus the economic development of the country. An assessment of the state of financial inclusion in Ukraine is conducted through online surveys of various categories of citizens. It is determined that Ukrainians feel a strong need for additional sources of income, and the financial situation of the majority of them is extremely unstable. Based on the results of correlation-regression analysis, the priorities of financial inclusion are identified as the level of financial literacy and competency among the population. This will enable them to budget their income and expenses, promote the transformation of savings into investments, and have a positive impact on the post-war recovery of the country's economy.

Hybrid PV and Fuel Cell Generating System for Shipboard Applications Based on Optimal Dispatch Evaluator Algorithm

The construction of an Energy Management System (EMS) for ships has been designed to improve the electrical performance of cruise lines. According to the target requirement, the specified electrical plant is an integrated power system characteristic of contemporary electric ships. Battery backup, low performance, and voltage instability are the drawbacks of the existing method. To overcome the limitations of the proposed method-based Photovoltaic (PV) renewable source using SEPIC DC–DC converters and a bidirectional fuel cell as an additional input power source. Power generation from the two different input sources is controlled through a DC bus and conversion through a centralized high-gain DC–DC converter. In this conversion, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), which is the maximum power obtained using the optimal dispatch evaluation algorithm using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), is obtained by adjusting the duty ratio of the Single-Ended Primary Inductance DC–DC converters (SEPIC). The electrochemical power source is a fuel cell. Hydrogen and oxygen are combined in fuel cells to create electricity, along with the consequences of heat and water being transformed into mechanical energy; in the battery management system, the battery is employed as an energy storage system to regulate any power imbalance or excess while taking the battery’s state of charge into account Electric Ships (AESs). The outcomes of the MATLAB Simulink output, fuel cell and battery storage performance analysis, efficiency, and THD analysis are summarized as follows.

Retrieving freeze-thaw states using deep learning with remote sensing data in permafrost landscapes

The soil freeze–thaw (FT) cycle is a critical component of the terrestrial cryosphere and plays a significant role in hydrological, ecological, climatic, and biogeochemical processes within permafrost landscapes. The FT states can be monitored with in-situ field measurements, but these procedures are costly and limited to single chosen sites. Remote sensing data provides the opportunity to collect information repeatedly across extensive geographical areas. To explore a more effective way to monitor the FT states in the terrestrial cryosphere, in this study, we used microwave and optical remote sensing data and introduced the Deep Learning approach to simulate the soil FT states in the western part of Nunavik, Canada.Two networks, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), were trained and tested with over 35,000 and approximately 54,000 randomly selected data samples, respectively. The trained CNN networks outperformed the MLP networks, achieving the highest testing accuracy of 95.67% and the highest validation accuracy of 87.28% based on ground truth data from 32 measurement stations from all seasons across the year. This study proposed the reference periods concept for convenient labeling in data preparation and tested different combinations of influence variables to achieve better transferability of the method for future studies. Our findings offer a more effective way to monitor FT states in the terrestrial cryosphere, offering valuable insights into the consequences of climate change on permafrost landscapes. Moreover, the suggested deep learning approach can be easily expanded when additional input sources are accessible. This expansion has the potential to further improve the model's performance for the FT retrieval.

Contribution of the Lower-Middle Jurassic source rocks in petroleum potential of the Jurassic-Cretaceous series within the central part of West Siberia

In this paper, based on a geochemical study of rock samples and fluids, it is proven that carbon-bearing deposits of the Lower and Middle Jurassic complex of Western Siberia on the southern outskirts of the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug can generate liquid hydrocarbons. It has been established that the oil-generation potential of carbon-bearing deposits depends on the paleogeographic conditions of burial of the organic matter and the enrichment of rocks with macerals of the liptinite group. The complex of studies included pyrolysis of coals, coal-rich shale of Lower and Middle Jurassic rocks, study of maceral composition and measurement of reflectivity indicators, hydrocarbon and isotopic composition of extracts from rocks, as well as study of the composition of oils from the studied area, selected both within the Jurassic and Cretaceous complexes. The studied area is located in the Frolov megadepression and the South Nadym megamonoclise. The result of the research was the identification of significant geochemical characteristics of an additional source of hydrocarbons – coals, coal-rich shale of the Lower and Middle Jurassic, which had not previously been proven on the studied area, the contribution of which to the formation of oil and gas potential was confirmed by the correlation of hydrocarbon and isotopic characteristics of fluids and extracts from source rocks. Сluster and the principal component analysis were used for genetic correlation of extracts and oils. The conclusions obtained from geochemical studies suggest the possible prospects of Lower and Middle Jurassic deposits from the point of view of detecting hydrocarbon accumulations.

Bacterial Endospores as an Additional Source of Archaeological Knowledge in the Analysis of a Burial Cemetery of the Tarnobrzeg Lusatian Culture in Dębina (SE Poland)

Archaeological studies need to use laboratory techniques, including analytical methods like Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, gas chromatography – mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography, as well as genetic methods to resolve and verify scientific hypotheses. However, additional tools are still needed in the case of the cultural practicesand traditions of ancient societies. Archaeological examinations of cultural practices have made significant progress in recent years, but additional tools are still needed to fully understand the complexity and diversity of these practices. In this work, we demonstrate how the genotyping of soil bacteria that can produce endospores is a potentially additional method for discovering past funeral rituals in various human populations who used food during their ceremonies. Endospores were isolated from soil samples taken from inside earthenware cup and pot-type vessels from a burial ground identified with the Tarnobrzeg Lusatian culture (SE Poland). The detected species of spore-forming bacteria strains were mostly environmental (originating from soil and / or water). However, the presence of some of the taxa i.e. (Peanibacillus, Bacillus) may provide a valuable source of archaeological information. We found that a combination of molecular and microbiological analysis can support archaeological studies of burial grounds and – in particular – individual graves, especially when they are characterized by a complete lack of bones.

Long-term Lease on Waqf Lands in Khorezm: A New Form of Privileges of Sacred Lineages

Abstract The aim of this paper is to examine the mechanism of long-term lease on religious endowment (waq f) lands in Khorezm. In particular, the primary focus of the present study is twofold. Firstly, it investigates the practice of long-term lease on waq f lands on the basis of rental contracts, as well as other concomitant records from 19th-century Khorezm. Secondly, this study examines the social background of and reciprocal relations between participants, who were involved in long-term lease operations. As becomes evident from the documents under study, the family members of Muḥammad Šarīf Īšān, a prominent figure of the Naqshbandiyyah-Mujaddidiyyah in Khorezm, acted in the capacity of trustee (mutawallī) of waq f properties of the Sayyid Muḥammad Raḥīm Ḫān’s madrasa in Khiva, regularly commissioned and financially supported by the ruler himself, as well as other representatives of the Qonghrat dynasty (1770-1920). Moreover, members of Muḥammad Šarīf Īšān’s family also participated as tenants of occasionally large waq f assets in long-term lease contracts. To this end, this study posits that the employment of long-term lease practice on waq f land was a principal means of providing financial support by the Khivan ruling circles to various Sufi lineages in Khorezm. Thus, the long-term lease operation clearly illustrates yet another pattern of patronage between the ruling dynasty and descendants of a particular Sufi lineage, as well as an additional source of income and financial privilege of the latter.

Results and review of IASF-2023

On 18–19 October 2023, the annual International Automobile Scientific Forum (IASF-2023) “Ensuring Competitiveness of Russian Automotive Industry until 2035” took place, dedicated to the 105th anniversary of FSUE “NAMI”. The event format assumed both offline and online participation. The issues of providing technological sovereignty of the Russian automotive industry and development of the domestic component base, technical and technological developments in the field of innovative land vehicles and systems were discussed during the Forum. Within the Forum, an exhibition of technical achievements of FSUE “NAMI” and manufacturers of automotive vehicles and components was held dedicated to competitiveness of the Russian automotive industry. Components of electric, hybrid and intelligent vehicles, electronic control units, assemblies and aggregates of powertrains, electric traction vehicles and hybrid vehicles with additional power sources were also presented. There was a competition held in two categories: “Best Student Scientific Paper” and “Best Graduate Student and Young Specialist Scientific Paper”. 20 applications were filed for the competition from the educational, scientific and production companies and organizations.

PLANNING STUDY OF HYBRID POWER PLANT SOLAR PV-DIESEL GENERATOR ON KODINGARE ISLAND, SINJAI REGENCY

Kodingare Island is located in Pulau Sembilan District, Sinjai Regency, one of nine islands. Currently, most people still rely on conventional energy from diesel power plants. The reason is that this island does not yet receive an electricity supply from the electricity grid due to the geographical limitations of the archipelago. It is known that the most potential renewable energy source on Kodingare Island is solar energy, with a potential for solar radiation reaching 5.86 kWh/m2/day. This research aims to analyze an innovation that combines PV and solar, where PV acts as the main electricity generator, while solar functions as a backup and additional energy source. The method used in this research uses simulation methods, layout modeling, and financial analysis using HOMER Pro simulation software to determine the potential and performance of hybrid power plants and SketchUp Pro software to produce three-dimensional layouts and economic and feasibility values obtained through financial analysis. Technical aspects include producing an electrical energy system of 37,029 Wh/year, consisting of PV of 32,981 Wh/year and solar of 4,048 Wh/year with energy consumption of 33,850 Wh/year. The required fuel consumption is 2,086 L/year, with excess electricity of 931 kWh/year and renewable energy penetration of 89.1%. From an economic perspective, planning this hybrid power system requires an investment of 258.290.000 IDR, O&M costs of 19.350.600 IDR, and the cost of energy value of 1,352/kWh IDR. In contrast, from the feasibility aspect of planning a hybrid electric power system, it is said to be feasible because it produces a Net Present Value of 9,870,151 IDR, is more significant than zero, the Profitability Index is 1.03 greater than one, the Internal Rate of Return is 8.90% greater than the credit interest rate of 8.43% and the Payback Period required for return of capital is nine years nine months.

Assessing the conservation status of mangroves in Rakhine, Myanmar

Abstract Ecosystem degradation is a key challenge that human society faces, as ecosystems provide services that are tied to human well‐being. Particularly, mangrove ecosystems provide important services to communities but are suffering heavy degradation, loss and potential collapse due to anthropogenic activities. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems is a transparent and consistent framework for assessing ecosystems' risk of collapse and is increasingly used to inform legislation and ecosystem management globally. Satellite data have become increasingly common in environmental monitoring due to their extensive spatial and temporal coverage. Here, recent advances in analyses using satellite‐derived data were implemented to reassess the conservation status of the ‘Rakhine mangrove forest on mud’, an important intertidal ecosystem in Myanmar, extending a previous national Red List assessment that assessed the ecosystem as Critically Endangered. By incorporating additional data sources and analyses, the extended assessment produced more robust results and reduced the uncertainty in the previous assessment. Overall, the ecosystem was assessed as Critically Endangered (range: Vulnerable to Critically Endangered) as a result of historical mangrove extent loss. Recent losses and biotic disruptions were also observed, which would have led to the ecosystem being assessed as Vulnerable. While the final outcome of the Red List assessment remained at Critically Endangered due to the historical state of the mangroves pre‐dating the temporal coverage from satellite data, the uncertainty of the ecosystem's status was reduced, and the reassessment highlighted the recent areal changes and mangrove degradation that has occurred. The importance of conducting reassessments when new data become available is discussed, and a template for future mangrove Red List assessments that use satellite data as their primary source of information to improve the robustness of their results is presented.

THE ROLE OF CROWDFUNDING IN THE FUTURE OF UKRAINE: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

The purpose of writing the article is to find alternative sources of funding for resto­ration projects, forecasting the impact of their implementation on the state of Ukraine's economy. Analysis of the current state and study of the state's investment needs is the main vector in the direction of developing recommendations for finding and attracting financial assistance. Under­standing the principles and basics of crowdfunding platforms is an important step on the way to using this tool to attract additional sources of funds in the future for recovery. There are different approaches to the classification of crowdfunding fees, each of which plays an important role in modern society. Each of them reveals the value of crowdfunding as a tool for supporting modern art, innovative technologies, charitable gatherings and organizations, political ideas in the form of projects. The article also contains statistics of successfully implemented projects on domestic crowdfunding platforms, features of the implementation of these projects and their impact on the present and future of the country. We consider the reasons for the appearance and principles of operation of popular platforms, both foreign and domestic counterparts. We also considered the influence of the Russian military aggression on the state of the crowdfunding market in the world, the trends of its further development and expected forecast indicators until 2027. The study also touched on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of crowdfunding as a system for both parties: both for project initiators and for investors. The biggest problem today is the imperfect legal basis. Prospective directions for investing in the country's post-war reconstruction were determined, and recommendations were made for the implementation of these principles.

DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL GAS EXCHANGE INFRASTRUCTURE: EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE AND UKRAINE

The aim of this paper is to summarise the conditions and problems of the development of the gas market exchange in European countries, and to identify the necessary elements for its successful functioning in Ukraine. Methodology. The study is based on the historical and logical methods of analysing the development of the infrastructure of energy exchanges in Germany, Austria, Italy, Romania and Poland. The paper uses empirical (observation, comparison) and theoretical (analysis, synthesis, systematisation, generalisation) research methods. In general, the years of analysis cover the period from 2007 to 2023 due to the launch of natural gas trading on the analysed exchanges. In order to analyse the dynamics and show the evolution of natural gas trading on the European energy exchanges, information on volumes and structure of the natural gas segment was collected from their annual reports, official press releases and newsletters for the years 2007-2021 (EEX and EEX Group), 2019-2022 (CEGH, also using Energy Community data), 2021-2022 (GME), 2020 (ANRE, TGE). To analyse the dynamics of the UEEX development, a sample of data for 7 years has been presented, collected from annual reports, press releases and additional sources of analytical data due to the lack of official data for some periods. In order to examine changes in the structure of UEEX natural gas trading volumes, monthly trading volumes for 2020-2023 were collected and grouped by short-term and medium- and long-term products. Results. This paper examines the importance of exchange trading in the natural gas market. Based on the experience of European countries, such as EEX in Germany, CEGH GE in Austria and GME in Italy, BRM in Romania, and TGE in Poland, it can be said that each country has its own characteristics and path to a liberal market. The German and Austrian cases showed that cooperation and integration inevitably lead to the growth of exchanges, as happened with the start of the PEGAS cooperation, when the Italian government-regulated exchange did not show such a rapid growth trend. Other elements that ensured the development of exchange trading in natural gas were identified: diversification of the market and commodity portfolios, improved clearing, a reliable control and accountability system, a combination of market mechanisms and state supervision, and the development of technology. It was concluded that Ukraine has the prerequisites and potential for the functioning of the natural gas market on a liberal basis. At the same time, there is a need to further develop the institutional environment for exchange trading, and the above elements could be areas for improvement. The practical implications are that an energy exchange is a key institution of a liberal gas market, and a strong exchange infrastructure ensures efficient trade and regional integration. Value/originality. The analysis of the experience of European countries allows to draw conclusions about the successful development of infrastructure and provide recommendations for the development of the Ukrainian energy exchange, as well as identify areas for the development of regulatory policy to ensure the successful launch of exchange trading in gas on national markets.

Does the government finance its own spending by taxing the population or relying on newly created funds from the central bank?

In reality, a government funds its own expenditure mainly by taxation, borrowings, and fees and charges. Additional sources of government revenue include seigniorage, natural resource revenues, and foreign aid and grants. The specific mix of revenue sources and their relative importance varies from one government to another based on factors such as the country’s economic structure, tax policies, natural resources, and external financial assistance. Suppose a government ends taxing and funds its own expenditure purely by borrowings. In that case, it may lead to an inefficient market, a turbulent economy, social and economic inequality, and reduced social productivity and welfare.

About the magnetic barrier of Venus

The magnetized supersonic solar wind, when flowing around planets, forms a magnetic barrier near the streamlined surface. The main feature of the magnetic barrier is that the magnetic pressure prevails over the plasma pressure. The Hall-MHD model is used to simulate the magnetic barrier in the case of solar wind flow around the atmosphere of Venus. The obtained numerical results are compared with an analytical approximation of the magnetic barrier thickness, which expresses the dependence of the magnetic barrier on solar wind parameters. Particular attention is paid to the physical reasons for the asymmetry of the magnetic barrier caused by the Hall effects, which are mainly concentrated in the boundary layer near the ionopause, where the electric current has a maximum strength. An additional source of asymmetry is also considered, which acts in the same direction and is associated with the influence of the normal component of the electric field on the specific behavior of new atmospheric ions. It is shown that solar wind protons are loaded by new atmospheric ions mainly in the E+ hemisphere. In the case of more intense loading, the boundary of the magnetic barrier and the shock wave are located farther from the ionopause.

Validation of precipitation obtained from GPM and H-SAF satellite data with relation to Ukrainian ground weather stations' data

The main objective of this study is to validate H-SAF and GPM satellite precipitation data for the territory of Ukraine. Validation was carried out by comparing satellite data with data from ground weather stations of Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and included the following stages: data collection and processing, bringing the data to the same spatial and temporal resolution, calculation of correlation coefficients and construction of confusion matrices. Correlation coefficients were calculated for each of the stations for two studied periods (the first period - April-September 2020, the second period - April-September 2021). In addition, to ensure a more detailed analysis, confusion matrices were constructed based on division of precipitation into classes of different intensity. The comparative analysis showed that a larger number of stations (117) has a correlation coefficient of 0.5 - 0.8 with relation to GPM data, and, as for HSAF precipitation data, a larger number of stations (59) has a low correlation coefficient (0 - 0.3). Confusion matrices were calculated for the following four classes of rainfalls (mm): “0-2”, “2-5”, “5-10”, “>10”. The confusion matrices coefficients showed that low-intensity precipitation or “no precipitation”, as well as high-intensity precipitation, can be determined by a satellite with high accuracy as opposed to the ground-based weather station measurements. Thus, according to the "specificity" indicator, a precipitation class >10 mm has the highest level of correspondence of satellite data (H-SAF, GPM Late, GPM Early) to ground data. The low value of the "specificity" for the range of 0-2 mm is explained by the fact that satellite methods are able to detect very low values of precipitation intensity, while the station shows their absence – 0 mm. Thus, according to the values of the confusion matrices, we see that a large part of the values of ground measurements of precipitation in the range of 0-2 mm are shown by the satellite method as “2-5 mm” class. We can also see that the “2-5 mm” class by satellite has the most confusion with the 0-2 mm class by station (for H-SAF, GPM Late, GPM Early). But based on the high values of the "recall" for the range of 0-2 mm (for H-SAF, GPM Late, GPM Early), we can conclude that when the station does not show this amount of precipitation (0-2 mm), then the satellite also shows another class of values. The values of "precision" coefficient show that the satellite measurements are actually reliable. This means that presence or absence of precipitation may be determined precisely, since the highest value of the "precision" coefficient is typical for low and high amounts of precipitation (on average 0.76 and 0.66, respectively). Detected by satellites, heavy precipitation or no precipitation are also confirmed in most cases by ground stations. Based on the results of the validation, GPM and H-SAF satellite precipitation data products can be used for rainfall monitoring and considered as an additional source of meteorological information.

The effect of selenium supplements on selenium metabolism, performance and intestinal microbiome in farm animals (review)

Selenium is one of the most important essential elements for immune function and general health of cattle. The role of selenium in maintaining animal health is primarily based on the functions of selenocysteine-containing proteins, many of which have antioxidant activity. Role of selenium in Animal Health is primarily based on the functions of selenocysteine-containing proteins, many of which possess antioxidant activity. Insufficient selenium intake can be accompanied by subclinical diseases, which leads to a decrease in productivity. It was determined that the inclusion of additional sources of selenium has a significant effect on live weight gain, quality characteristics of meat, as well as the intestinal microbiome in cattle and other types of farm animals (pigs, poultry). However, despite the rather high level of knowledge of the selenium role in the implementation of the functional traits in farm animals, there is still no consensus in the scientific community on the optimal dosages and methods of feeding selenium, which reduces the effectiveness of the use of selenium-containing preparations in practical animal husbandry.

Acceptance of physical activity virtual reality games by residents of long-term care facilities: a scoping review

Purpose This scoping review aims to identify evidence on older adults’ acceptance of PA VR games in LTC facilities, describe research designs used, define key acceptance concepts, and identify knowledge gaps for future research. Materials and methods Following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, data from published and unpublished articles (Jan 2000–May 2023) were collected. Twelve databases and additional sources were searched for studies on LTC residents (≥65 years), PA video games (including VR and console games), acceptance, and attitudes. Data extraction included article details, design, population, intervention, outcomes, and limitations. Results Five studies met inclusion criteria from 1628 initial titles. They assessed acceptance of PA VR games among older adults in LTC facilities, showing varying levels of acceptance. Most studies used analytical designs, including RCTs. Key concepts of VR acceptance were poorly defined, with only one study using a validated TAM questionnaire. Knowledge gaps highlight the need for further research to understand PA VR acceptance among older adults in LTC facilities. Conclusion Validated acceptance questionnaires are needed in study of VR acceptance by older adults. Use of qualitative and quantitative methods can enhance understanding of technology acceptance, alongside exploration of individual, environmental, and age-related factors. Detailed reporting of VR interventions is recommended to comprehend acceptance factors.

Comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of natalizumab and fingolimod in rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in the United Kingdom

Aim To evaluate the real-world comparative effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness, from a UK National Health Service perspective, of natalizumab versus fingolimod in patients with rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RES-RRMS). Methods Real-world data from the MSBase Registry were obtained for patients with RES-RRMS who were previously either naive to disease-modifying therapies or had been treated with interferon-based therapies, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, or teriflunomide (collectively known as BRACETD). Matched cohorts were selected by 3-way multinomial propensity score matching, and the annualized relapse rate (ARR) and 6-month–confirmed disability worsening (CDW6M) and improvement (CDI6M) were compared between treatment groups. Comparative effectiveness results were used in a cost-effectiveness model comparing natalizumab and fingolimod, using an established Markov structure over a lifetime horizon with health states based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Additional model data sources included the UK MS Survey 2015, published literature, and publicly available sources. Results In the comparative effectiveness analysis, we found a significantly lower ARR for patients starting natalizumab compared with fingolimod (rate ratio [RR] = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.73) or BRACETD (RR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.42–0.53). Similarly, CDI6M was higher for patients starting natalizumab compared with fingolimod (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01–1.55) and BRACETD (HR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.16–1.85). In patients starting fingolimod, we found a lower ARR (RR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.65–0.80) compared with starting BRACETD, but no difference in CDI6M (HR = 1.17; 95% CI, 0.91–1.50). Differences in CDW6M were not found between the treatment groups. In the base-case cost-effectiveness analysis, natalizumab dominated fingolimod (0.302 higher quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs] and £17,141 lower predicted lifetime costs). Similar cost-effectiveness results were observed across sensitivity analyses. Conclusions This MSBase Registry analysis suggests that natalizumab improves clinical outcomes when compared with fingolimod, which translates to higher QALYs and lower costs in UK patients with RES-RRMS.

Роль многокомпонентного комплекса нутриентов для мужчин в рамках преконцепционной подготовки супружеской пары к зачатию.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has also greatly impacted people's psychological well-being, increasing stress levels, as well as their lifestyle and well-being. Therefore, to maintain health, men should take multicomponent complexes that have a beneficial effect on various organs and systems (including reproductive), have an antioxidant effect and help normalize basic physiological processes in the body. In particular, such supplements can be used as a preconception preparation of a man for conception in a couple. Objective. To evaluate the action of the antioxidant complex «AndroDoz Light» in a group of men in the framework of preconceptional preparation (for conception of a child by a sexual partner). Materials and methods. The data of 30 men aged 23 to 48 years (the average age was 26.3 ± 5.4 years) preparing for conception with a sexual partner were analyzed in this paper. AndroDoz Light was used by men for 1 month: effervescent tablet dissolved in a glass of water (200 ml) once a day during or after meals. To everyone in addition to the spermogram, microbiological examination of the ejaculate, finger rectal examination of the prostate gland (pancreas), ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the scrotum organs, microscopic examination of the pancreatic secretion (SPH), microscopic examination of the urethral smear and PCR diagnostics of sexually transmitted diseases (androflor) were performed. The concentration of testosterone in the blood, the level of zinc in the sperm plasma were determined. The assessment of the quality of life and sexual function of men was carried out on the IIEF-15 scale (International Index of Erectile Function) and on the NIH-CPSI scale. Results. The multicomponent complex AndroDoz Light helps not only to increase male fertility, improving the functional state of the male reproductive system (qualitative and quantitative spermogram indicators) and morphological indicators: reduces the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation, but also improves copulatory function, and is an additional source of necessary nutrients for the male body. Conclusion. The use of the multicomponent complex AndroDoz Light in men as part of the preconceptional preparation of a married couple for conception is accompanied by an improvement in both general well-being and the quality of men's sexual life in general, positively affects the qualitative and quantitative indicators of the spermogram and sperm DNA fragmentation. The results obtained allow us to recommend the use of the multicomponent complex AndroDoz Light in men in the absence of pronounced reproductive problems as part of the preconceptional preparation of a married couple for conception.

Analysis Options for Urban Green Spaces Based on Unified Urban Masks: Selected Results for European Cities

At a time of rising urbanisation and climate change, urban green spaces (UGSs) are an essential element to help adapt to extreme weather events. Especially in urban core areas, heat and drought are regarded as human stress factors. The delineation of such areas constitutes an important reference geometry in topographic geodata (urban mask). This article deals with possibilities for investigating UGSs in European cities—based on unified urban masks—by applying city-wide metrics to Copernicus data (Urban Atlas including the Street Tree Layer). Both public and tree-covered urban green spaces are examined in detail. Selected results are presented for 30 European cities that display a wide range of urban structures. The spatial reference to uniformly delineated urban masks places the analytical focus of city-wide metrics onto corresponding core areas. In general, the values of UGS metrics vary considerably between cities, indicating the strong influence of city-specific factors on urban structures in Europe. For the comparative analysis of tree-covered urban areas, the Urban Green Raster Germany and a municipal tree register are used to provide additional data sources. The regular updating of the Copernicus dataset means that green spaces in European cities can be monitored, also using urban masks.