Partial Destruction Research Articles

Expression of periostin in the epithelium of cholesteatoma with different degrees of ossicular chain destruction and its clinical value in predicting postoperative hearing recovery

ObjectivesTo explore the expression of periostin in the epithelium of cholesteatoma with different destruction degrees of the ossicular chain and its clinical value in predicting postoperative hearing recovery.MethodsRetrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 patients with middle ear cholesteatoma (the cholesteatoma group) admitted to our hospital. Another 100 patients without middle ear cholesteatoma treated in our hospital during the same period were included in the non-cholesteatoma group. Middle ear cholesteatoma patients were further divided into a normal group, a partial destruction group, and a complete destruction group based on the destruction degree of the ossicular chain (Maresh grading). After the treatment, 75 cases were considered as the effective group and 25 cases as the ineffective group. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin 6, and periostin in the epithelium of middle ear cholesteatoma patients with different destruction degrees of the ossicular chain and different therapeutic effects were compared. The correlation between periostin and inflammatory factors was analyzed using Pearson analysis. The predictive value of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin 6, and periostin on treatment effect was valued using the receiver operating characteristic curve.ResultsPatients in the cholesteatoma group had a much higher content of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin 6, and periostin than those in the non-cholesteatoma group (P < 0.001). The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin 6, and periostin was also largely increased with the destruction group of the ossicular chain. Patients in the ineffective group had much higher expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin 6, and periostin than those in the effective group (P < 0.001). The Pearson correlation analysis results showed that periostin was positively correlated with the content of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6 (P = 0.868, 0.880, P < 0.001). The areas under the curve of individual or joint tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin 6, and periostin were 0.627, 0.793, 0.822, and 0.892, respectively.ConclusionsThe expressions of periostin, Interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were markedly increased in the epithelium of middle ear cholesteatoma patients, which were gradually increased with the aggravation of the ossicular chain destruction. Periostin, Interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha could be used as important indicators to predict postoperative hearing recovery.

Efficient extraction of Eucommia ulmoides gum by a deep eutectic solvent-organic solvent biphasic recyclable system

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) with high purity was extracted directly from the Eucommia ulmoides pericarp using a biphasic solvent system consisting of deep eutectic solvent (DES) and petroleum ether. The addition of DES enabled the deconstruction of lignocellulose and the exposure of EUG, leading to the efficient dissolution of EUG in petroleum ether. The extraction rate of EUG was 22.986 %, and the purity of EUG was 98.01 %. The chemical structure of EUG was confirmed by FTIR and NMR characterization. XRD and DSC analysis reviewed the partial destruction of crystal structure and the decline of β-crystal phase of EUG during the extraction process. Moreover, the extracted EUG exhibited high tensile strength of 10.360 MPa, excellent elongation at break of 78.663 % ascribed to the unique crystallinity that enhanced the flexibility of molecular chains. In addition, the recycling performance of DES and petroleum ether was verified, and the recovery rate were up to 94.04 % and 82.60 %, respectively, indicating that this method is expected to replace the traditional pretreatment method for extracting EUG.

Impacts of Waste Rubber Products on the Structure and Properties of Modified Asphalt Binder: Part II-Rubber Reclaim.

The issue of forming a reliable and stable structure of a crumb-rubber-modified binder is an important scientific and technical task. The authors supplemented existing concepts of the mechanism of effective interaction with rubber crumb by introducing a preliminary first stage: controlled partial physical destruction of rubber crumb-producing rubber reclaim. Proposed physical methods of rubber crumb destruction include high shear force (roll mills), high temperature, and a plasticizing medium. The controllability and degree of devulcanization of rubber were determined by acetone-chloroform extraction in different time intervals. The degree of devulcanization of rubber in the rubber reclaim was found to be 22 ± 0.24%, with stability over 14 days. It was found that the size of the particles of the rubber reclaim in the bitumen is less than 2 µm. The properties of the structure of the binder modified with rubber reclaim, characterizing the stability and sustainability, have been studied and established. The developed modified binders are stable in storage. Rheological parameters of the structure characterizing intermolecular interaction, such as shear stability for original and RTFOT-aged, modified bitumen, meet requirements of the state standard at test temperature 64 °C. The elastic structural component of the crumb-rubber-modified binder, as indicated by the relative irreversible deformation parameter J3,2, does not exceed 2.6 kPa (<4.5 kPa) at 64 °C. Additionally, it was determined that the rheological structural parameter for fatigue resistance, which characterizes the durability of road pavement under intensive operational conditions, does not exceed 4699 kPa (<5000 kPa) at 16 °C. The use of 10% rubber reclaim combined with waste frying oil provided the opportunity to obtain a modified binder with a stable and sustainable structure without the introduction of additional stabilizers and agents. Test results showed that the overall performance characteristics of the modified binder meet the 64(S)-40 grade standards.

Live magnetic observation of parahydrogen hyperpolarization dynamics

Hyperpolarized nuclear spins in molecules exhibit high magnetization that is unachievable by classical polarization techniques, making them widely used as sensors in physics, chemistry, and medicine. The state of a hyperpolarized material, however, is typically only studied indirectly and with partial destruction of magnetization, due to the nature of conventional detection by resonant-pickup NMR spectroscopy or imaging. Here, we establish atomic magnetometers with sub-pT sensitivity as an alternative modality to detect in real time the complex dynamics of hyperpolarized materials without disturbing or interrupting the magnetogenesis process. As an example of dynamics that are impossible to detect in real time by conventional means, we examine parahydrogen-induced 1H and 13C magnetization during adiabatic eigenbasis transformations at [Formula: see text]T-field avoided crossings. Continuous but nondestructive magnetometry reveals previously unseen spin dynamics, fidelity limits, and magnetization backaction effects. As a second example, we apply magnetometry to observe the chemical-exchange-driven 13C hyperpolarization of [1-13C]-pyruvate-the most important spin tracer for clinical metabolic imaging. The approach can be readily combined with other high-sensitivity magnetometers and is applicable to a broader range of general observation scenarios involving production, transport, and systems interaction of hyperpolarized compounds.

Clay Minerals/TiO2 Composites—Characterization and Application in Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Pollutants

TiO2 used for photocatalytic water purification is most active in the form of nanoparticles (NP), but their use is fraught with difficulties in separation from solution or/and a tendency to agglomerate. The novel materials designed in this work circumvent these problems by immobilizing TiO2 NPs on the surface of exfoliated clay minerals. A series of TiO2/clay mineral composites were obtained using five different clay components: the Na-, CTA-, or H-form of montmorillonite (Mt) and Na- or CTA-form of laponite (Lap). The TiO2 component was prepared using the inverse microemulsion method. The composites were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. It was shown that upon composite synthesis, the Mt interlayer became filled by a mixture of CTA+ and hydronium ions, regardless of the nature of the parent clay, while the structure of Lap underwent partial destruction. The composites displayed high specific surface area and uniform mesoporosity determined by the size of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The best textural parameters were shown by composites containing clay components whose structure was partially destroyed; for instance, Ti/CTA-Lap had a specific surface area of 420 m2g−1 and a pore volume of 0.653 cm3g−1. The materials were tested in the photodegradation of methyl orange and humic acid upon UV irradiation. The photocatalytic activity could be correlated with the development of textural properties. In both reactions, the performance of the most photoactive composites surpassed that of the reference commercial P25 titania.

The effect of drying-wetting alternation on corrosion resistance of rusted weathering steel

In order to understand the effect of drying-wetting alternation on the corrosion resistance of rusted weathering steel, firstly, a rusted weathering steel was obtaioned through the preparation of stabilized rust layer on the surface of naked weathering steel; secondly, a cyclic corrosion test (CCT) of drying-wetting alternation with different cyclic periods was carried out for rusted weathering steel. With the extension of cyclic period in drying-wetting CCT, the corrosion resistance of rusted weathering steel increased from 0 cycle to 6 cycle and then decreased after 6 cycle, which was closely associated with the variations of composition and microstructure for stabilized rust layer during the process of drying-wetting CCT. From 0 cycle to 6 cycle, the increased corrosion resistance of rusted weathering steel was attributed to the abundance rise of α-FeOOH in the interior of stabilized rust layer; however, from 6 cycle to 20 cycle, the decreased corrosion resistance of rusted weathering steel was due to the partial destruction of crystal sturcuture for stabilized rust layer.

Zn-doped bentonite catalysts for waste engine oil cracking: Thermal treatment offers a cleaner alternative to acid activation

This study investigates the cracking of waste engine oil (WEO) using bentonite clay (BC) activated through acid and thermal methods, as well as with Zn-doped BCs. Acid activation with 1 M HCl and Zn doping did not alter the BC catalyst’s structure. XRD and SAED analyses confirmed the crystallinity, while TEM showed partial destruction of the layered structure. XRF analysis indicated reduced Al and Si content upon Zn-doping due to high cation exchange capacity. Zn-doping decreased surface area and pore volume but increased acidic sites in acid-treated catalysts, although Zn suppressed these sites in calcined BC. Zn-doped catalysts displayed higher thermal stability. Cracking WEO at 450 °C for 45 min, with and without catalysts, yielded high liquid product recovery (72.6 %–82.8 %), primarily carboxylic acids and aromatics. This demonstrates the potential of Zn-doped BC as an effective catalyst for converting WEO into valuable products, aiding waste management and resource utilization.

Migration of foreign bodies through the digestive tract after gunshot shrapnel blind facial wound with partial destruction of the maxillary bridge prosthesis

Migration of foreign bodies through the digestive tract after gunshot shrapnel blind facial wound with partial destruction of the maxillary bridge prosthesis

Effect of heat treatment on charge states, thermophysical and mechanical properties of polypropylene doped with ZrO2 nanoparticles

Charge states, thermophysical and mechanical properties of polypropylene doped with zirconium oxide nanoparticles, and their changes during heat treatment at temperatures 60 °C, 100 °C, and 140 °C are studied. The methods used are thermal stimulated depolarization (TSD), scanning differential calorimetry (SDC), and mechanical life assessment. It is shown that with an increase in the concentration of the filler, the intensity of the TSD peaks increases up to 3 vol.%. A further increase in concentration leads to a decrease in the intensity of the peaks. The activation energy of charge release from traps, temperature of maximum of the peaks, and the magnitude of the accumulated charge in the traps have also maximal value at nanoparticle concentration of 3 vol.%. The study of charge characteristics of the nanocomposite with concentration of 3 vol.% after heat treatment shows that the intensity of TSD peaks, the temperature of peak maxima, and the activation energy of charge release increase with increasing pretreatment temperature. The magnitude of the charge accumulated in traps has a maximal value at treatment temperature of 140 °C owing to the increase in the number of traps. The melting point of the composite is 149.38 °C and shifts to 146.88 °C after heat treatment at 140 °C. It indicates that the high temperature of heat treatment leads to partial destruction of polymer chains, leading to a decrease in the critical melting temperature. The mechanical durability of PP + 3%ZrO2 nanocomposite decreases with increase in pretreatment temperature.

Cosmic pears from the Havelland (Germany): Ribbeck, the twelfth recorded aubrite fall in history

AbstractIn 1889 the German poet and novelist Theodor Fontane wrote the popular literary ballad “Herr von Ribbeck auf Ribbeck im Havelland.” The Squire von Ribbeck is described as a gentle and generous person, who often gives away pears from his pear trees to children passing by and continued donating pears after his death. Now, 135 years later the rock called Ribbeck is giving us insight into processes that happened 4.5 billion years ago. The meteorite Ribbeck (official find location: 52°37′15″N, 12°45′40″E) fell January 21, 2024, and has been classified as a brecciated aubrite. This meteoroid actually entered the Earth's atmosphere at 00:32:38 UTC over Brandenburg, west of Berlin, and the corresponding fireball was recorded by professional all sky and video cameras. More than 200 pieces (two proved by radionuclide analysis to belong to this fresh fall) were recovered totaling about 1.8 kg. Long‐lived radionuclide and noble gas data are consistent with long cosmic ray exposure (55–62 Ma) and a preatmospheric radius of Ribbeck between 20 and 30 cm. The heavily brecciated aubrite consists of major (76 ± 3 vol%) coarse‐grained FeO‐free enstatite (En99.1Fs&lt;0.04Wo0.9), with a significant abundance (15.0 ± 2.5 vol%) of albitic plagioclase (Ab95.3 An2.0Or2.7), minor forsterite (5.5 ± 1.5 vol%; Fo99.9) and 3.5 ± 1.0 vol% of opaque phases (mainly sulfides and metals) with traces of nearly FeO‐free diopside (En53.2Wo46.8) and K‐feldspar (Ab4.6Or95.4). The rock has a shock degree of S3 (U‐S3), and terrestrial weathering has affected metals and sulfides, resulting in the brownish appearance of rock pieces and the partial destruction of certain sulfides already within days after the fall. The bulk chemical data confirm the feldspar‐bearing aubritic composition. Ribbeck is closely related to the aubrite Bishopville. Ribbeck does not contain solar wind implanted gases and is a fragmental breccia. Concerning the Ti‐ and O‐isotope compositions, the data are similar to those of other aubrites. They are also similar to E chondrites and fall close to the data point for the bulk silicate Earth (BSE). Before the Ribbeck meteoroid entered Earth's atmosphere, it was observed in space as asteroid 2024 BX1. The aphelion distance of 2024 BX1's orbit lies in the innermost region of the asteroid belt, which is populated by the Hungaria family of minor planets characterized by their E/X‐type taxonomy and considered as the likely source of aubrites. The spectral comparison of an average large‐scale emission spectrum of Mercury converted into reflectance and of the Ribbeck meteorite spectrum does not show any meaningful similarities.

ANALYSIS OF THE DESTRUCTION OF UKRAINIAN NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE ENERGY FACILITIES AS A RESULT OF RUSSIAN MILITARY OPERATIONS

Problem statement. Due to Russia's ongoing terrorist attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities, the energy system was damaged, resulting in blackouts and rolling blackouts across the country. The destruction of power capacities resulted in the unstable operation of certain critical infrastructure units for electricity generation at thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants and the introduction of forced hourly blackout schedules. Seizure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, occupation and full control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Zaporizhzhia Thermal Power Plant (TPP). Complete destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station (HPP), partial destruction of the Dnipro HPP, Dniester HPP and Kaniv HPP. During the hostilities, Kryvyi Rih and Prydniprovia TPPs were damaged, Luhansk TPP (90–100 %), Vuhlehirsk TPP (90–100 %), Zmiiv TPP (up to 90 %) were completely destroyed, Burshtyn TPP (80–90 %) and Ladyzhyn TPP (70–95 %) were almost completely destroyed. The purpose of the article is to identify and analyse the damage to Ukrainian TPPs, HPPs and NPPs caused by the Russian military actions against Ukraine and to determine possible consequences for the nuclear fuel cycle of our country and possible prospects for the transition to new nuclear reactors of European and global fuel cell manufacturers, to improve equipment and stabilise the energy market in the context of military operations. Conclusion. In the course of the analysis of potential hazards at radiation hazardous facilities (RHF) in Ukraine, it was determined that the main threat is accidents at RHF with release of radiation into the atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere. In the light of recent events regarding the military seizure of the Chornobyl NPP and Zaporizhzhya NPP, measurements using standard methods of research, screening and monitoring are not possible, and access of IAEA representatives is limited, which is why the latest measurement methods should be used with the use of autonomous remote-controlled ground, surface and air drones in automatic object or sample measurement of radiation parameters at RNS. It is the use of autonomous vehicles (drones) that is currently the most pressing issue of radiation safety not only in the nuclear power industry but also in the entire nuclear fuel cycle as part of the environmental safety of Ukraine. In case of seizure of a nuclear facility or limited access to it, research methods should be changed. If the facility is partially seized or access is available, then express methods of radiation contamination registration or sampling can be used and the method of laboratory research can be used in the future. However, if a nuclear power plant or a facility that is part of the nuclear fuel cycle of Ukraine is captured and access to it is impossible, then only methods of remote measurement of the radiation situation at and around nuclear facilities using ground and airborne autonomous vehicles remain. For further research, it is necessary to identify technical possibilities for using Ukraine's own mineral resources and switching from Soviet RBMK-1000, VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors with fuel elements supplied to us from the Russian Federation to newer types of European and American reactors with appropriate fuel elements.

Improvement of the Oxidative Desulfurization Performance Using MoO3/CuO‐Modified Hierarchical HY Zeolite

AbstractThe presence of sulfur compounds in the chemical industry poses significant environmental and economic problems, including endangering human and animal lives and damaging equipment. For this purpose, hierarchical HY zeolite (Hie‐Y) with a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio 10 was successfully synthesized through sequential desilication‐dealumination using NH4OH treatment. A weak alkaline media with surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) facilitates mesoporosity formation and preserves the zeolite structure. Metal oxide (CuO, MoO3) ‐ hierarchical HY zeolite nanocomposites have been prepared by one or a combination of 3 methods: 1) ion exchange, 2) precipitation, and 3) calcination. The obtained catalysts were characterized using XRD, FT‐IR, FESEM, UV‐Vis, EDS, and BET techniques. The formation of a hierarchical structure is associated with structure preservation, but partial destruction occurs based on the entering Cu in the zeolite pores. These catalysts have been studied in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) reaction. Several parameters, including temperature, catalyst amount, DBT concentration, and reaction time, were evaluated in ODS using the Taguchi Design of Experiments. Catalytic activity order was obtained as Y&lt;Hie‐Y&lt;Hie‐Y/CuO&lt;Hie‐Y/MoO3&lt;Hie‐Y/MoO3/CuO. Results indicate an activity increase for the Hie‐Y/MoO3/CuO hierarchical structure owing to synergistic effects of secondary mesoporosity and metal oxides. The catalyst was recoverable and reused for five consecutive runs with preservation of catalytic activity.

Damage to the environment as a sign of genocide

The actualisation of the problems of causing damage to the environment necessitates the determination of the grounds for international criminal liability for this act in the context of various international crimes, including genocide. The purpose of this study was to highlight the damage to the environment as a sign of the crime of genocide. The study was based on general scientific theoretical methods of scientific cognition, namely systemic, functional, and dogmatic methods, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, and generalisation. Based on the consideration of the acts covered by the concept of genocide, the study found that damage to the environment in this context can be regarded as intentional creation of such conditions of existence for a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group which, by their qualitative characteristics, are aimed at the complete or partial physical destruction of this group, and the signs of such conditions are considered in the practice of the International Criminal Court, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The study examined the tendency to perceive environmental damage as a sign of genocide in the context of genocide of indigenous peoples, and on this basis formulated the conclusion that it is not impossible to assess environmental damage as genocide outside the context of indigenous peoples’ living conditions, since the Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide define the characteristics of a social group that may be a victim differently – national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups. The study found that damage to the environment may simultaneously constitute a sign of both ecocide and genocide if the ecocide is aimed at the destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The study identified the signs under which damage to the environment can be qualified as a crime of genocide: 1) deliberate creation of such living conditions for a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group aimed at its physical elimination as a social group; 2) such conditions are created in the context of deliberate physical destruction of a social group (contextual element); 3) genocidal intent, i.e., intent to destroy in whole or in part a social group defined in Article 2 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The practical significance of this study lies in the possibility of using its findings in the context of international justice, provided that the relevant acts are qualified as genocide, one of the ways of committing which is to cause damage to the environment

Cycle endurance and failure in ITO/MEH-PPV/Al resistive switching devices

Improving resistive memory reliability requires understanding some bottlenecks, i.e., control and stability of the memory parameters during endurance cycling and physical degradation that shows up in memories that contain metal oxides. The physical degradation of indium tin oxide/poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene]/aluminum (ITO/MEH-PPV/Al) devices was studied through I–V sweeps and cycle endurance with different compliance currents (IC), in addition to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman spectroscopy. The devices showed a dependence of the conductance quantization G0 in current compliance IC, i.e., the G0 histogram shows different distribution shape after changing IC. After many cycles, the devices presented partial destruction in the active area (physical alteration) followed by memory parameter degradation and finally failing (no commuting anymore). SEM/EDS measurements in the deteriorated region showed that the aluminum electrode was removed and only remnants of the polymer remained. The Raman spectroscopy analyses focused on changes in the polymeric structure caused by the endurance cycle, such as changes in chain planarity, which is related to the band around 966 cm−1 that was shifted to lower wavenumbers (965 cm−1) together with the increase in intensity which indicates less planar conformations when compared to the non-degraded area. Alteration of the conjugation length was evidenced by the contribution around 1581 cm−1. In this case, we can see a shift: of 1581 cm−1 to 1584 cm−1, for the non-degraded area and degraded area, respectively. Both results indicate a decrease in the conjugation length. All these changes show fragmentation of the polymer chain as a result of the endurance cycle.

Progress in Core-Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Materials for Enriching Post-Translationally Modified Peptides.

Endogenous peptides, particularly those with post-translational modifications, are increasingly being studied as biomarkers for diagnosing various diseases. However, they are weakly ionizable, have a low abundance in biological samples, and may be interfered with by high levels of proteins, peptides, and other macromolecular impurities, resulting in a high limit of detection and insufficient amounts of post-translationally modified peptides in real biological samples to be examined. Therefore, separation and enrichment are necessary before analyzing these biomarkers using mass spectrometry. Mesoporous materials have regular adjustable pores that can eliminate large proteins and impurities, and their large specific surface area can bind more target peptides, but this may result in the partial loss or destruction of target peptides during centrifugal separation. On the other hand, magnetic mesoporous materials can be used to separate the target using an external magnetic field, which improves the separation efficiency and yield. Core-shell magnetic mesoporous materials are widely utilized for peptide separation and enrichment due to their biocompatibility, efficient enrichment capability, and excellent recoverability. This paper provides a review of the latest progress in core-shell magnetic mesoporous materials for enriching glycopeptides and phosphopeptides and compares their enrichment performance with different types of functionalization methods.

IDENTIFICATION OF HIDDEN DAMAGE IN CONSTRUCTIVE ELEMENTS OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES TO REDUCE THE RISKS OF THEIR DESTRUCTION

Problem statement. In emergency situations, which are activated by dynamic impacts from explosions, fires and earthquakes, it is necessary to monitor the stability of objects to assess their suitability for further operation. Purpose of the study. ensuring the safe operation of buildings and structures using methods, software and technical means for vibroacoustic monitoring of hidden damage in building structures. Methods. Analysis and generalization of data, computer modeling, experimental studies of the structures stability using the vibroacoustic method. Research results. Considered: loss of concrete stability, reinforced concrete, bricks and other elements of load-bearing structures; risk factors manifested in the gradual weakening of load-bearing building structures due to the accumulation of internal damage. Sudden loss of stability of structures occurs after the accumulation of a critical amount of damage in structural elements or the rapid growth of cracks, which are activated by the sudden unloading of extremely stressed structures as a result of any dynamic influences. By modeling the destruction process using the finite element method, it has been established that long before cracks on the surfaces of structures can be visually identified, zones of hidden damage can actively spread inside the wall structures of buildings. The main parameters for monitoring the condition of buildings and structures using visual and vibroacoustic methods have been determined. Due to the fact that the object of research is the partial destruction of buildings and structures (that is, not the root cause, but the consequences of the influence of a complex of negative main factors), two main groups of risk factors for assess the risks of stability loss have been proposed. The first group is associated with the detection of external structural damage identified by visual inspection methods. The second group is associated with the detection of hidden damage, the parameters of which are determined by the vibroacoustic method. The integral risk of stability loss is determined by comparing and selecting the maximum risk in the group. Scientific novelty. The methodology for identifying hidden damage in structural elements of buildings and structures has been further developed, which is distinguished by taking into account the parameters of vibroacoustic control of the destruction consequences and assessing the risks of the structures stability loss. Practical significance. The research results make it possible to improve the method for assessing changes in the structure of the medium as a result of the occurrence of observed and hidden systems of cracks using vibroacoustic monitoring.

The termitaria terminator: Can Actinobolus beetles affect the relationships between termitaria and related fauna in the Brazilian Cerrado?

AbstractTermites are key components of tropical ecosystems, particularly in the Cerrado biome, where they dominate animal biomass and play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and soil formation. Their abundance and nutritional value make them primary food sources for various Cerrado animals, influencing predator diversity and several ecological interactions. Additionally, termite mounds serve as essential shelters for a wide range of fauna, aiding in thermoregulation and providing refuge from harsh environmental conditions, including wildfires. In this scenario, termitaria survival, diversity, and availability have several effects on the Cerrado fauna ecology. We present novel insights into the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termite mounds in the Cerrado. Our field observations revealed Actinobolus beetles utilizing termite mounds for feeding and reproduction in several localities of Cerrado. These beetles access the inner portion of the termitaria, where the colony nest is located and protected by the termitaria's harder external layer and their larvae consume the termite nest structure. Actinobolus attack leads to partial or complete destruction of the colony and the creation of large hollows inside the mounds, causing deep changes in its structure. Despite the defensive mechanisms of termites, Actinobolus larvae thrive within the nest and likely ingest termites’ eggs, nymphae and adults. Furthermore, we found that the Actinobolus capsule are made of faecal pellets, instead of termitaria debris. We suggest that the interaction between Actinobolus beetles and epigeous termitaria impacts the role of termitaria in providing microclimate regulation, food and shelter for Cerrado fauna, likely having poorly understood effects on the conservation and management of Cerrado ecosystems.

Interactive 360° media for the dissemination of endangered world heritage sites: the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria

Since the onset of conflict in Syria in 2011, several heritage sites have suffered partial or complete destruction. The ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2013, alongside five other Syrian heritage sites. Between 2015 and 2017, Palmyra experienced the loss of nearly 40% of its historic buildings and landmarks. The site’s remote location and ongoing armed conflict pose additional challenges in accessing and preserving it.This paper introduces an interactive online platform employing 360° media to document and disseminate information about the world heritage site of Palmyra. The platform contributes to the safeguarding process of Palmyra, facilitating public engagement and interaction with the site. It also has potential applications for other sites in Syria and beyond. The platform allows users to explore both archival and current information of damaged historical monuments and buildings, revealing their layered histories before and after demolition. Employing interactive 360° media, similar to applications like Google Street View, the platform offers a reality-based digital environment. Users can virtually move into different buildings or follow specific pathways within the site, accessing archival information and documentation about particular monuments and buildings along their journey.This project serves as a unique informational resource for decision-makers and policy planners, aiding in the understanding of the site and the development of relevant strategies and recommendations. It also proves beneficial as an educational tool. The collective understanding fostered by this platform is expected to positively influence post-conflict restoration and reconstruction plans, making it an invaluable asset for research and educational purposes.

ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ И ПРОВЕДЕНИЕ ПОИСКОВО-СПАСАТЕЛЬНЫХ РАБОТ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ СЕТЕЦЕНТРИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ГРУППОЙ БЕСПИЛОТНЫХ ВОЗДУШНЫХ СУДОВ

The number of natural and man-made emergencies on the territory of the Russian Federation continues to remain at a fairly high level. All emergencies are accompanied by the impact on the environment of dangerous damaging factors that can lead to harm to human health and life, fires and explosions with partial or complete destruction of various objects, pollution of the terrain and atmosphere by emissions of harmful substances. All this requires the implementation of emergency measures for the organization and conduct of search and rescue and other urgent work to find and protect people in dangerous areas and lesions. The purpose of the work is to substantiate and develop new tools and methods to improve the efficiency and quality of the organization and conduct of search and rescue operations in areas of large-scale emergencies by units of EMERCOM of Russia. The methodological basis of the work consists of analysis, synthesis, statistical, system-structural methods, and forecasting method. Approaches to improving the efficiency and quality of organizing and conducting search and rescue operations in large-scale emergency zones based on the use of a distributed network-centric control system for a group of unmanned aircraft, which allows all devices of the group to promptly exchange information messages both among themselves and with the central control node.

Aerial, Surface, and Subsurface Multimodal Mapping in Coastal Peru

ABSTRACTThis article describes a series of steps to integrate multiple modes of archaeological mapping in arid and agricultural settings. We use the coastal region of Peru as a case study and share our recent field experience at Cerro San Isidro, a multicomponent hill site located in the agriculture-intensive and mid-elevation (about 500 m asl) Moro region of the Nepeña Valley. In June and July 2022, we spent eight weeks deploying a combination of drone aerial imagery, pedestrian GPS reconnaissance, and GPR survey to map the surface and subsurface features at the site and in the adjacent agricultural fields. Our efforts suggest that the ancient settlement extended over an area of at least 50 ha, well beyond the visible surface architecture. Using a multimodal approach to confirming the partial destruction of archaeological vestiges by modern agricultural encroachment is both time-effective and noninvasive. The article offers insights from our experience, including the sequence of field operations, technical troubleshooting, and the collection and integration of datasets. We discuss the methodological potential and implications of this combination of multimodal mapping and its deployment in coastal Peru, a region that, like many others in the world, is increasingly subject to rapid agricultural expansion and other anthropogenic developments.