Influence Of External Factors Research Articles

Features of proinflammatory activation of macrophages in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are chronic pathological conditions that arise from an abnormal immune response and are accompanied by systemic inflammation. The most common ARDs include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The exact pathogenesis of ARDs remains unclear, but the complex influence of genetic, immunological and external environmental factors leads to the occurrence and further progression of ARDs. It has been shown that the cause of chronic inflammation may be proinflammatory activation of macrophages, in which an increase in the secretion of cytokines is observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response of macrophages in patients with RA, SLE and SSc. Materials and methods. The study included 143 participants: 47 patients with RA, 45 patients with SLE, 34 patients with SSc, and 17 people without ARDs and other chronic diseases. Isolation of a primary culture of monocytes was carried out by centrifugation in a ficoll gradient using magnetic separation from the whole blood of study participants. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added to stimulate cells along the proinflammatory pathway. Cell cultivation was carried out for 24 hours. Determination of basal and LPS-stimulated secretion of IL-8 by macrophages was carried out in the culture fluid using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proinflammatory activation of macrophages was calculated as the ratio of LPS-stimulated and basal IL-8 secretion. Research results. Basal secretion of IL-8 by macrophages was statistically significantly higher in the groups of patients with RA and SSc compared with the SLE and control groups. LPS-stimulated secretion of IL-8 by macrophages in the SSc group had statistically higher values compared to the RA and SLE groups. Proinflammatory activation of macrophages was reduced in the group of patients with RA compared to patients with SLE and the control group, and was also statistically significantly lower in patients with SSc compared to the control group.

Microplastics: Features of appearance, identification methods (subject review)

Polymer packaging materials have become firmly embedded in our way of life. They are used in the manufacture of household items, as well as in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and automotive industries. Production and application of polymer packaging are expanding rapidly encompassing various spheres of the industry. According to Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG), global plastics production reached 348 million tons in 2017 and is likely to reach 33 billion tons by 2050. At the same time, about 26 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually on the territory of the European Union (EU), of which only 30% is collected for recycling. Despite this, in many countries of the world, including Russia, more than 50% of polymer materials are disposed of at landfills, where under the influence of external environmental factors (temperature, humidity), their destruction occurs with the formation of huge quantities of micro- and nanoplastics. Most people do not consider the environmental problems associated with microplastics to be serious. However, many studies aimed at in-depth study of this problem have proved that micro- and nanoplastics have significant negative effects on terrestrial and marine animals, as well as on human health, whether directly or indirectly. The identification of microplastics in various model environments and living systems is usually based on the use of infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectrophotometry. Each of the methods has its advantages and disadvantages, mainly related to sample preparation to improve the accuracy of identification. This review is devoted to the problem of formation and identification of microplastics in various natural objects.

Adapting Efficiency Analysis in Health Systems: A Scoping Review of Data Envelopment Analysis Applications During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To synthesize the current evidence base concerning the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic using a scoping review of 13 primary studies. Methods: We consulted databases including Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus, as well as manual search entries up to September 2022. Included studies were primary applications of DEA for assessing healthcare efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings derived from thematic analysis of repeating pattern observations were extracted and tabulated for further synthesis, taking into consideration the variations in DMU definitions, the inclusion of undesirable outputs, the influence of external factors, and the infusion of advanced technologies in DEA. Results: The review observed a diverse application of DMUs, ranging from healthcare supply chains to entire national health systems. There was an evident shift towards incorporating undesirable outputs, such as mortality rates, in the DEA models amidst the pandemic. The influence of external and non-discretionary factors became more pronounced in DEA applications, highlighting the interconnected nature of global health challenges. Notably, several studies integrated advanced computational methods, including machine learning, into traditional DEA, paving the way for enhanced analytical capabilities. Conclusions: DEA, as an efficiency analysis tool, has exhibited adaptability and evolution in its application in the context of the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. By recognizing the multifaceted challenges posed by the pandemic, DEA applications have grown more comprehensive, integrating broader societal and health outcomes. This review provides pivotal insights that can inform policy and healthcare strategies, underscoring the importance of dynamic and comprehensive efficiency analysis methodologies during global health emergencies.

Reliability of 24-hours measurement of physical activity, sleep and sedentary time in adult patients with asthma using a triaxial accelerometer

Physical activity (PA), sleep and sedentary time (SST) are important outcomes to monitor and to improve as part of patients’ asthma management. This study aimed to assess the number of measurement days needed to reliably measure PA and SST. Secondly, the influence of external factors on the reliability of measuring PA and SST was studied. Adult patients with stable asthma were asked to wear a triaxial accelerometer for at least four days, with at least 22.5 hours of wear time per day. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) between different number of measurement days were used to determine reliability. Values ≥0.75 indicated good reliability. Data from 452 patients were analyzed (63% women; age: 49 ± 16 years; FEV1: 87 ± 17% predicted). PA could reliably be measured with four valid measurement days, (ICC 0.761). For SST, three days were needed (ICC 0.778). In summer and autumn three days were needed to reliably measure PA, in winter four, in spring six. For SST, five days were needed in spring for good reliability, and two in all other seasons. Based on data from four valid days, PA and SST can reliably be measured with an accelerometer in patients with asthma. Seasonal influences are present, especially during spring. When measuring for four days, using only weekdays or three weekdays and one weekend day is recommended. The degree of asthma control, dyspnea or spirometric values did not influence the reliability.

Thermodynamic analysis for definition of low-potential heat sources

This study presents a method for defining low-potential energy sources based on thermodynamic analysis. It defines low potential energy sources and presents the results of calculating temperature levels corresponding to the concept of a low potential energy source. A classification of energy sources by thermal level was carried out, including sources of cold, low-potential heat and cold at reduced temperatures, low-potential heat and cold at elevated temperatures, and high-temperature sources. The analysis demonstrates the correspondence between thermodynamic assessment and practical views of many researchers on low-potential energy sources. Conclusions about the influence of external factors on the temperature range for these sources are drawn. It is shown that factors affecting the range of low-potential temperatures include: the temperature potential of consumers, as a reference point for temperature, and the efficiency of local stations for converting heat into work or electricity. Narrowed assessment is presented based on optimal conditions for humans (22 °C), from −90 °C to 203 °C, and extended assessment based on limits of liquid water existence at atmospheric pressure and temperatures (0–100 °C) from −104 °C to 329 °C with an efficiency of heat conversion stations of 38 %.

Determinants of Crypto Investment Decisions: Ra-tional Behavior or Irrational Behavior?

The current phenomenon is that crypto asset investment is considered high risk, yet the number of crypto asset investors is increasing. This research investigates the determinants of crypto investment decisions: driven by rational or irrational behavior, specifically testing the moderating role of social influence on the determinants of investment decisions. The research combines technological factors (crypto platforms) and psychological factors (herding behavior FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)) with external factors of social influence a moderating variable. This study uses quantitative research methods and primary data from respondents who are crypto asset investors domiciled in Indonesia. The sample consisted of 124 respondents consisting of 95 male respondents and 29 female respondents. Statistical analysis including analysis of the Outer Model, Inner Model and direct effect and Moderated Regression Analysis was carried out using SmartPLS 0.3 software. The results showed that crypto platforms, financial literacy, herding behavior, FoMO had an effect on investment decisions, and social influence was able to moderate the influence of crypto platforms, financial literacy, herding behavior, FoMO on investment decisions. Suggestions given for further research are: develop further research models that can represent the determinants of investment decisions in crypto by using other research variables in predicting their influence on investment decisions such as regret experience, attitude, risk tolerance, etc.

The Influence of Internal and External Factors on Non-Performing Financing at Islamic Commercial Banks in 2018-2022

Financing is one of the main functions in Islamic banking, the risk that can occur in such financing is non-performing financing or Non-Performing Financing (NPF). This study aims to determine the factors that affect the NPF of Islamic commercial banks in the period 2018-2022, the variables used in this study are Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR), Inflation, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), this study uses a quantitative approach, using panel data regression analysis with the Generalized Least Square (GLS) estimation method. Partially, the CAR variable has a positive effect on NPF, the FDR variable has a negative effect on NPF, while the Inflation and GDP variables have no effect on NPF

Extraction of deterioration and analysis of vegetation impact effects on the south palace wall of Weiyang Palace

Weiyang Palace, the royal palace of the Western Han Dynasty, is a part of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor on the World Heritage list. The south palace wall of Weiyang Palace is a well-preserved earthen heritage site within the palace, but it is undergoing continuous deterioration due to the influence of vegetation and external environmental factors. This study pioneers the integration of high-resolution three-dimensional LiDAR scanning with multi-source data analysis, including unprecedented on-site botanical surveys, to explore the subtle effects of different vegetation types on the structural integrity of the south palace wall. Through contour line analysis and facade grid analysis, we extracted the deterioration locations of typical sections of the earthen heritage sites. And we classified the overlying vegetation types on the wall using an object-oriented classification algorithm. Our findings reveal a complex interaction between vegetation and earthen structures: paper mulberry exhibits protective qualities against erosion, while Ziziphus jujuba significantly exacerbates structural vulnerabilities. The methodologies applied in this study for extracting deterioration at earthen heritage sites and integrating multi-source spatial data can serve as a technical application model for monitoring and analyzing the driving forces of earthen heritage sites along the entire Silk Road network, thereby better guiding the conservation of earthen heritage sites.

Assessing the Influence of Economic Factors on the Dynamics of Exports of Russian Oil and Petroleum Products Based on the Use of a Combination of PEST and SWOT Analysis Methods

The presented work is part of a series of articles devoted to assessing the influence of external factors on the dynamics of Russian exports. In this and subsequent related works, the authors proposed to consider the external environment, which had a significant impact on the dynamics of Russian exports and the relative diffi culty of revising its structure, the basis of commodity exports of which in value terms are hydrocarbon energy carriers. This work represents a conceptual basis for the use of instrumental methods for assessing the influence of external factors, in this case, economic ones, on the integral and sectoral indicators of Russian exports and, in particular, on the export of hydrocarbon energy resources. In the second part of this article, it is proposed to use a set of environmental analysis methods, the basis of which was the previously successfully used mechanism for combining the methods of PESTEL and SWOT analysis, which will make it possible, based on the use of scores, to describe the cumulative influence of external factors on the dynamics of the main industries of Russian exports. The novelty of the presented approach lies in the absence of a methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the influence of external factors on the dynamics of Russian exports using the selected tools, which seems useful and timely in light of the emergence of new political and economic factors that have a significant impact on Russian foreign trade in general and on the dynamics of the carbohydrate energy market , in particular. The parameters for assessing external factors proposed by the authors were chosen by the author independently, taking into account the modern realities of the development of the world economy, which can also represent a separate point of novelty of the research conducted or be part of one of the existing points of novelty of the presented work. The merit of the authors of this work lies in the fact that this work proposed their own vision of a comprehensive assessment of the influence of external factors on the dynamics of the country’s exports.

Quantitative simulation and validation of energy carbon emission efficiency changes in Chinese urban agglomerations

In the context of the global energy dilemma, enhancing energy efficiency has inevitably become a pivotal strategy for mitigating energy waste and promoting sustainable development. Urban agglomerations, as growth poles leading high-quality regional economic development, play a significant role in this process. Within these urban agglomerations, the aggregation of various factors and the substitution of energy resources substantially influence the energy carbon emission efficiency (ECEE) of surrounding cities during their development and maturation phases. This study initially employs a three-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to quantitatively analyze the ECEE values of 19 urban agglomerations from 2006 to 2020. It then establishes a methodology for calculating the joint intensity (JI) and joint threshold (JT) of ECEE within these urban agglomerations. Finally, a validation process is executed using MATLAB simulation and verification methodology to fit and authenticate the evolutionary patterns of ECEE in Chinese urban agglomerations. The primary objective of this research is to model the evolution of ECEE, thereby exploring the sustainable development pathways for urban agglomerations in China. The research findings indicate that: (1) The results from the three-stage DEA demonstrate that, after removing the influences of external environmental factors and random errors, the comprehensive technical efficiency (TE) of energy carbon emissions for the 19 urban agglomerations in China experienced a wave-like increase, rising from 0.410 to 0.506 between 2006 and 2020. (2) The calculation results of the constructed JI model indicate that the JT values of ECEE for national-level, regional-level, and local-level urban agglomerations are 1006.92, 226.60, and 160.14, respectively. The national-level urban agglomerations have significantly higher JT values and JI than the other two levels of urban agglomerations. (3) The results of the Matlab simulation verification show that 16 urban agglomerations fit well with the wave-like ascending evolutionary pattern. However, four urban agglomerations exhibit an opposite fitting effect due to the influence of their pillar industries or the small number of cities within these accumulations, making them unrepresentative. Consequently, the evolutionary curve of ECEE in Chinese urban agglomerations generally exhibits a wave-like upward trend over time.

Analisis Faktor Eksternal dan Internal terhadap Perilaku Konsumtif Mahasiswa Jurusan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of internal and external factors on consumptive behavior. This problem is focused on the high level of consumptive behavior among students caused by factors that come from outside and within the individual. The research method used is descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The sample was taken using the Purposive Random Sampling technique as many as 271 students of the Department of Social Sciences. The data collection method uses questionnaires, observations, and documentation from students as well as references from journals, books, and other relevant sources. Descriptive statistical analysis, classical assumption test, multiple regression analysis, partial test (t-test), simultaneous test (f-test), and determination coefficient test (R2) were used to analyze the research data. The results showed that there was a multiple regression equation showing that Y = 5.026 + 0.438X1 + 0.267X2. Based on the hypothesis test, the significance value (Sig) of 0.000 is greater than the probability of 0.05, so it can be concluded that the external factor (X1) and internal factor (X2) have a significant and positive influence on the consumptive behavior (Y) of students of the Department of Social Sciences.

Brand Performance Development: Synthesis and Research Agenda

This study aimed to analyze the existing literature between 2010-2022 that covers brand performance as a highly relevant issue in the field of Brand Management and provide an accurate mapping of theoretical contributions by studying research outcomes, methods, approaches, and measurements, across empirical studies (MacInnis, 2011). Considering the potential influence of internal and external factors of the organization on brand performance, there needs to be more conceptual development and a systematic examination of how researchers in brand management should conceptualize and measure brand performance properly. The findings and future research agenda are presented under the TCCM Framework proposed by Paul and Rosado-Serrano (2019). The results suggest that 1) analyzing the characteristics and context of the market in which the brand is present before the definition of its evaluation is of the utmost importance, due to brand performance is the result of synergistic relationships between different internal and external factors, and stakeholders of the organization; 2) previous studies had focused on addressing multinational brands in developed markets, which make necessary to build new knowledge by considering the smaller brands, different types of markets and economies; and 3) identifying determinants of brand performance is as relevant as measuring it. Finally, we contributed with additional and actionable steps for researchers to systematically improve research and managerial practice in the future.

ANALYSIS OF THE REGULATORY AND METHODOLOGICAL APPARATUS FOR CARRYING OUT TESTS OF ARMORED TANK AND VEHICLE EQUIPMENT TO THE INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL MECHANICAL AND CLIMATE FACTORS

In the work is carried out an analytical study of normative and methodical support of the processes of testing armored and automobile vehicles to the influence of climatic and mechanical factors. Unsolved aspects of the testing are highlighted. The advantages and disadvantages of conducting tests of military equipment and its components on the influence of external mechanical and climatic factors have been identified for national standards of Ukraine and national standards harmonized with international standards in order to form the direction of further improvement of the regulatory and methodical apparatus to increase the accuracy and reliability of equipment evaluation in operating conditions. The need to improve test methods based on increasing the accuracy and reliability of equipment evaluation during laboratory tests is substantiated. The provisions of foreign military standards, which are used in Ukraine and the world as basic – STANAG 4370, MIL-STD-810 were analyzed. Based on the analysis of these standards, which include requirements for conducting tests, methods, procedures and acceptance criteria for equipment in operational conditions, the direction and method of improving test methods is determined. Prospective directions for ensuring standardization in the process of testing are outlined, in which there is a high need to maintain a high level of reliability and efficiency of armored and automobile vehicles in operational conditions. The need to adapt standards to modern challenges and threats has been established by optimizing test methods in conditions that are as close as possible to real ones, as well as using the latest technologies to improve the processes of monitoring the state of equipment.

Features of the restaurant market and consumer behavior in the Moscow restaurant business segment: study results

The article presents a comprehensive study results aimed at identifying peculiarities of the restaurant market and consumer behavior in the Moscow restaurant business segment. Within the framework of the research three stages have been realized. At the first stage the Moscow restaurant market macroenvironment has been analyzed to identify external factors of influence on modern restaurant business. The external factors of positive and negative impact on the restaurant industry development have been structured and described. At the second stage to identify the main trends of the Moscow restaurant market the method of content analysis of the Moscow restaurant business establishments sites with high rating indicators based on the Yandex neural network data was used. The main trends of the Moscow restaurant market are: restaurants’ focus on preparing healthy food and vegetarian cuisine; use of farm products and local ingredients in prepared dishes; technological innovations implementation that simplify consumer experience; focus on the principles of sustainable development and environmental friendliness in the business model; restaurant formats variety. At the third stage of the study, a survey has been conducted among visitors to Moscow restaurants and cafes to identify consumer behavior. The identified consumer practices in the restaurant market indicate, on the one hand, active involvement of the audience in visiting Moscow restaurants, cafes, and bars, and on the other hand, the use of restaurant meal delivery services via restaurant websites or mobile applications. The dominant influence of rational factors in consumers’ choice of a restaurant to visit and changes in the consumer motivation structure when visiting restaurants and cafes have been revealed.

Experimental study of the UV irradiation influence on the activation of dust particles of atmosphereless bodies regolith simulators

The activity of dust particles on airless bodies has been recorded since the early automated missions to the Moon. Since then, numerous theoretical and experimental studies of this effect have been conducted, yet at present, there is no clear understanding of the influence of external factors on the dynamics of this phenomenon. Experimental work has been carried out to determine the contribution of hard UV radiation to the activity of dust particles. It has been shown that the impact of UV radiation significantly affects the dynamics of the particles. The results on determining the conditions for particle detachment from the surface are in line with theoretical calculations.

Design of a Simulation and Evaluation System for Athlete Technical and Tactical Training Based on Virtual Reality Technology

In order to avoid the influence of external environmental factors on athletes’ physical fitness and technical tactics, the author proposes the design and research of an integrated simulation training system for athletes’ physical fitness and technical tactics based on virtual reality. The hardware unit of the design system includes a 3D scanner module, VR glasses module, locator module, tracker module, and wireless transceiver device. The software module introduces virtual reality technology and designs a visual simulation module, trained object detection module, trained object tracking module, and overall control module. The simulation experiment results show that compared with existing systems, the training scene output clarity and frame rate of the designed system are better, and the thread switching time and signal mixing time are shorter, which fully proves that the designed system has higher operating efficiency and better application performance.

New Trends in Migration from Kyrgyzstan to the Russian Federation

In recent decades, population migration has become one of the main components of socio-economic development of Kyrgyzstan. In recent years, Kyrgyz citizens have been working in Russia and Kazakhstan. A comparative analysis of the number and structure of flows of Kyrgyz labour migrants is carried out on the basis of data from a sample national survey of household budgets, the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the Federal Migration Service of Russia, the Main Directorate for Migration Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, and Rosstat. The key problems of the social and legal situation of Kyrgyz migrants in Russia were identified: lack of registration at the place of stay, restriction/ ban on entry, non-payment of wages, access to medical care, and receipt of pensions. Gradually, under the influence of external and internal factors, new trends of labour migration to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, the Republic of Korea and Japan, Europe and America have emerged. Migration flows are becoming more and more organised, as they involve the country's public authorities, private employment agencies, international companies and other actors. The study shows that the key needs for Kyrgyz migrant workers in the near future are concentrated in the following regions (in addition to traditional destinations): first, Western European countries (Great Britain and Germany); second, East Asia (Republic of Korea and Japan); third, Eastern European countries (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria); fourth, the Middle East (Turkey and the Gulf countries); fifth, Northern Europe (Sweden and Finland). The official discourse in Kyrgyzstan is increasingly gaining momentum on the need to transform migration policy from large-scale export of labour resources to employment of surplus labour resources within the country by creating new jobs and expanding production. New ideological approaches to the transition of Kyrgyzstan from the category of countries– exporters of labour resources to the category of countries actively developing their own production and labour market are practically formed.

Monitoring the baric modulation of gas concentration in the Baksan Neutrino Observatory tunnel in the Elbrus Region using a differential absorption lidar

For the first time, concentrations of gases 12CO2,13CO2, СН4, Н2О and the dynamics of Earth degassing under the changing atmospheric pressure were remotely analyzed using a differential absorption lidar. To reduce the influence of external meteorological factors, the sensing was carried out in a dead-end tunnel of the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

PERIODIC ATEB-FUNCTIONS AND THE VAN DER POL METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING SOLUTIONS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR OSCILLATIONS MODELS OF ELASTIC BODIES

In the process of operation, the simplest elements (hereinafter elastic bodies) of machines and mechanisms under the influence of external and internal factors carry out complex oscillations ‒ a combination of longitudinal, bending and torsion combinations in various combinations. In general, mathematical models of the process of such complex phenomena in elastic bodies, even for one-dimensional calculation models, are boundary value problems for systems of partial differential equations. A two-dimensional mathematical model of oscillatory processes in a nonlinear elastic body is considered. A method of constructing an analytical solution of the corresponding boundary-value problems for nonlinear partial differential equations is proposed, which is based on the use of Ateba functions, the Van der Pol method, ideas of asymptotic integration, and the principle of single-frequency oscillations. For "undisturbed" analogues of the model equations, single-frequency solutions were obtained in an explicit form, and for "perturbed" ‒ analytical dependences of the basic parameters of the oscillation process on a small perturbation. The dependence of the main frequency of oscillations on the amplitude and non-linearity parameter of elastic properties in the case of single-frequency oscillations of "unperturbed motion" is established. An asymptotic approximation of the solution of the autonomous "perturbed" problem is constructed. Graphs of changes in amplitude and frequency of oscillations depending on the values of the system parameters are given.

THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE ASSESSMENT OF THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF BANKING INSTITUTIONS

The article considers the essence of the concept of ‘financial stability of a banking institution’. The external and internal factors of influence on the activities of commercial banks in the current socio-economic conditions of Ukraine are identified. It is noted that the leading role in ensuring financial stability belongs to the bank, subject to effective regulation and the use of internal methods to ensure financial stability. The existing methodological approaches to assessing the financial stability of banks used in domestic practice are analysed. It is noted that in order to ensure financial stability, it is necessary to regularly monitor and analyse vulnerabilities and risks of the financial system based on macroeconomic and prudential indicators, as well as to respond to them in a timely manner with appropriate measures. It is determined that the use of integrated approaches and the latest methods, such as econometric modelling, fuzzy set methods and graphical methods, allows obtaining a more detailed and accurate picture of the financial condition of banks and ensuring their effective management. It has been shown that the development and implementation of new methods and improvement of existing tools for analysing financial stability are extremely important for ensuring the stability and development of the banking sector. Effective financial stability management requires the use of modern methods and approaches that allow timely and accurate risk assessment and adaptation to dynamic conditions