Varying Levels Of Protection Research Articles

Data protection in Mercosur: current situation, perspectives and project

The purpose of this paper is to present the "state of the art" of data protection in MERCOSUR and indicate the possibilities for a future draft Decision that harmonizes the region protection level. To achieve this objective, we will proceed to: (i) Indicate the relevance of the subject related to data protection, (ii) Mention the main characteristics of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (since it is the most advanced in the matter and because UE is, like MERCOSUR, an integration process, although in a more advanced level), (iii) Analyze the initiatives that were created from MERCOSUR to create a decision that regulates data protection in the block. To this end, the minutes of Sub-Working Group No. 13 will be analyzed, (iv) Carry out a brief comparative analysis of the various levels of protection existing among the 4 MERCOSUR States parties (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay), (vi) Indicate the importance of regulation at the regional level (equal degree of protection for the member States of MERCOSUR). Based on these points, it is concluded that, given the importance of the topic related to data protection, a new MERCOSUR regulations draft is necessary and, in this sense, the present paper gives some proposals that could be incorporated into this eventual project. The methodology used in this work is essentially exploratory and qualitative. However, it also uses aspects of the descriptive methodology, for which an analysis of previous works that addressed the issue is made, as well as an analysis of regulations related to the subject.

Концептуальна модель оцінки й аналізу інформаційної компоненти економічної безпеки підприємства

The article is devoted to the topical and important problem of ensuring the economic security of enterprise (ESE). It is substantiated that most enterprises do not have a formal comprehensive strategy of economic security or it is often fragmented and does not meet the real needs of the enterprise. To solve this problem, it is proposed to create a comprehensive system of economic security of enterprise, which would consist of various levels of protection, be constantly updated and monitored, and meet current threats. The article notes that the information component of the economic security of enterprise is one of the most important, and the study of the information component of the system of economic security of enterprise is a complex and multifaceted task, and at the same time important for the successful functioning of enterprises and the economy of the country. In view of this, the article develops conceptual models for assessing and analyzing the economic security of enterprise and evaluating the information component of the system of economic security of enterprise, which will improve the quality of managerial decisions on assessing the state of economic security of enterprise. The conceptual model of assessment and analysis of economic security of enterprise consists of two blocks: the first block is intended for the formation of a system of indicators for assessing economic security; the second block is intended for the development of models for assessing and analyzing the economic security of the enterprise. The conceptual model of assessment and analysis of the information component of the economic security of enterprise consists of a block for determining the main indicators of performance and the state of the ESE and its information component, and a block for assessing and analyzing information security, with the help of which a general assessment of the information component is carried out, and further on, a block for making decisions to support the information security of the enterprise. The study builds an information system for managing information security using the BRwin software, which helps to create a complex model of business processes. The built model can become the basis for organizing the information security systems for enterprises.

The Shifting Baseline Syndrome and Generational Amnesia in Heritage Studies

It is widely understood that the preservation of cultural heritage sites and objects is underpinned by values projected by the public onto essentially inanimate objects, that these values vary in strength, and that they are mutable qualities. Using hindsight, the contemporary values are projected on past creations that persist into the present. If deemed significant, these past creations will be listed on heritage lists and afforded various levels of protection. As time moves on, new places or objects will be deemed significant and added to the lists. Using a case study, this paper examines the concept of shifting baselines and how they impact on the identification and listing/protection of heritage places. It will demonstrate that generational biases play a significant role in the initial listing and exert a lasting legacy through the static nature of heritage listings.

Toxoplasmosis as a factor in chronic diseases in dogs

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common animal and human diseases worldwide and is reported in European, Asian, African, North, and Latin American countries. This is due to the limited research methods that confirm the pathogen presence in animals and humans, the characteristic clinical signs, in some regions it is associated with sanitation problems, mainly due to improper cooking as most positive animals did not show a significant association with rodents or raw water consumption, the impossibility of complete body rehabilitation using currently known tools and treatment regimens, as well as the lack of understanding among individual physicians the peculiarities of pathogenesis in this pathology, features of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Toxoplasmosis course is clinically manifested by a wide range of clinical signs and immunosuppression of the cellular immune system that complicates the selection of pharmacological agents for the treatment in dogs. Prolonged functioning of the immune system in conditions of chronic recurrent infection contributes to cytokine imbalances and their permanent expression, supporting the inflammatory process. The reason for the development of chronic diseases is a violation of homeostasis due to either excessive intake of xenobiotics, including toxic, or violation of various levels of protection – detoxification, immunity, and excretion of pathological metabolites from the body Therefore, this review is aimed at providing an analysis on the clinical aspects of toxoplasmosis, the development of immunological reactions, and the seasonality of antigen activation, which coincides with the exacerbation of clinical signs. This review may be of interest among practicing physicians and researchers.

PLGA Nanoparticles as an Efficient Platform in Protein Vaccines Against Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) as an obligatory intracellular is widespread all over the world and causes considerable concerns in immunocompromised patients by developing toxoplasmic encephalitis and in pregnancy because of serious consequences in the fetus. Although vaccination is the only approach to overcome toxoplasmosis, there is no commercially available human vaccine against T. gondii. The remarkable features of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles have brought up the application of PLGA as a promising vaccine delivery vehicle against T. gondii and other intracellular parasites. This review focuses on the application of the PLGA delivery system in the development of preventive vaccines against T. gondii. In this study, all required data were collected from articles indexed in English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Immunity against T. gondii, characteristics of PLGA particles as a delivery vehicle, and all researches on particulate PLGA vaccines with different T. gondii antigens and DNA against were discussed and their efficacies in conferring protection against a lethal challenge based on increased survival or reduced brain cyst loads have been shown. Although various levels of protection against lethal challenge have been achieved through PLGA-based vaccinations, there is still no complete protection against T. gondii infection. Surprisingly, the application of surface modifications of PLGA particles by mucoadhesive polymers, cationic agents, DCs (dendritic cells) targeting receptors, specialized membranous epithelial cells (M-cells), and co-delivery of the desired antigen along with toll-like receptor ligands would be a revolutionized vaccine strategy against T. gondii.

Respiratory Protective Equipment Reconsiderations in the Age of SARS-CoV-2

The use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) has been recognized as an effective measure to mitigate droplet and airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Although there are various types of RPE available, different RPEs serve different purposes and offer various levels of protection against aerosols. Additionally, recent evidence highlights the role of good fit in ensuring the effectiveness of RPEs. Some modified procedures can enhance the effectiveness of surgical masks by improving fit. In the age of SARS-CoV-2, there is an urgent need for knowledge about RPEs. The correct selection and use of RPEs are of pivotal importance for breaking the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2.

Cross-Strain Neutralizing and Protective Monoclonal Antibodies against EEEV or WEEV.

The three encephalitic alphaviruses, namely, the Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV), are classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as biothreat agents. Currently, no licensed medical countermeasures (MCMs) against these viruses are available for humans. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are fast-acting and highly effective MCMs for use in both pre- and post-exposure settings against biothreat agents. While significant work has been done to identify anti-VEEV NAbs, less has been done to identify NAbs against EEEV and WEEV. In order to develop anti-EEEV or -WEEV NAbs, mice were immunized using complementary strategies with a variety of different EEEV or WEEV immunogens to maximize the generation of NAbs to each of these viruses. Of the hybridomas generated, three anti-EEEV and seven anti-WEEV monoclonal antibodies were identified with in vitro neutralization activity. The most potent neutralizers (two anti-EEEV NAbs and three anti-WEEV NAbs) were further evaluated for neutralization activity against additional strains of EEEV, a single strain of Madariaga virus (formerly South American EEEV), or WEEV. Of these, G1-2-H4 and G1-4-C3 neutralized all three EEEV strains and the Madariaga virus strain, whereas G8-2-H9 and 12 WA neutralized six out of eight WEEV strains. To determine the protective efficacy of these NAbs, the five most potent neutralizers were evaluated in respective mouse aerosol challenge models. All five NAbs demonstrated various levels of protection when administered at doses of 2.5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg 24 h before the respective virus exposure via the aerosol route. Of these, anti-EEEV NAb G1-4-C3 and anti-WEEV NAb 8C2 provided 100% protection at both doses and all surviving mice were free of clinical signs throughout the study. Additionally, no virus was detected in the brain 14 days post virus exposure. Taken together, efficacious NAbs were developed that demonstrate the potential for the development of cross-strain antibody-based MCMs against EEEV and WEEV infections.

Illegal fishing and compliance management in marine protected areas: a situational approach

Protected Areas (PAs) are spatially representative management tools that impose various levels of protection for conservation purposes. As spatially regulated places, ensuring compliance with the rules represents a key element of effective management and positive conservation outcomes. Wildlife crime, and in particular poaching, is a serious global problem that undermines the success of PAs. This study applies a socio-ecological approach to understanding the opportunity structure of illegal recreational fishing (poaching) in no-take zones in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We use Boosted Regression Trees to predict the spatio-temporal distribution of poaching risk within no-take Marine National Park zones. The results show that five risk factors account for nearly three quarters (73.6%) of the relative importance for poaching in no-take zones and that temporally varying conditions influence risk across space. We discuss these findings through the theoretical lens of Environmental Criminology and suggest that law enforcement strategies focus on reducing the negative outcomes associated with poaching by limiting the opportunity of would-be offenders to undertake illegal activity.

Illegal fishing and compliance management in marine protected areas: a situational approach

Protected Areas (PAs) are spatially representative management tools that impose various levels of protection for conservation purposes. As spatially regulated places, ensuring compliance with the rules represents a key element of effective management and positive conservation outcomes. Wildlife crime, and in particular poaching, is a serious global problem that undermines the success of PAs. This study applies a socio-ecological approach to understanding the opportunity structure of illegal recreational fishing (poaching) in no-take zones in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We use Boosted Regression Trees to predict the spatio-temporal distribution of poaching risk within no-take Marine National Park zones. The results show that five risk factors account for nearly three quarters (73.6%) of the relative importance for poaching in no-take zones and that temporally varying conditions influence risk across space. We discuss these findings through the theoretical lens of Environmental Criminology and suggest that law enforcement strategies focus on reducing the negative outcomes associated with poaching by limiting the opportunity of would-be offenders to undertake illegal activity.

Social Structure, Habitat Use and Injuries of Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Reveal Isolated, Coastal, and Threatened Communities in the South Pacific

Understanding population structure and habitat use of poorly known cetacean species is a first step toward scientifically informed management decisions. In the southern range of New Caledonia (South Pacific), a long-term dataset of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) encounters primarily during winter seasons 1997 to 2019 (473 group observations) was used to assess social structure, habitat use and potential threats. A total of 338 individuals were photographically identified, forming three distinct communities in the south-west lagoon, the south lagoon and the Isle of Pines. Mark-recapture histories revealed that the three communities were weakly connected and might be considered as independent management units. Suitable habitats were estimated with presence-only distribution models relative to topographic and seabed substrate predictors. Habitat suitability increased with proximity to coasts or reefs, at shallow depth, and over muddy bottom. These habitats had various levels of protection and were used by humans, mostly in the south-west lagoon. External injuries were interpreted to determine natural interactions and potential anthropogenic threats. The prevalence in injuries did not vary among the three areas. A substantial proportion of injuries related to propeller hits was reported, representing a total of 16.7% (34 of 204) of all injuries observed on dolphins. The three communities of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins revealed in the southern part of New Caledonia are particularly vulnerable due to their insularity, their coastal habitat use and the low levels of connectivity found among them. In a context of increasing maritime traffic, fishing and recreational activities, this study provides a useful baseline to the urgent assessment of the conservation status of dolphins in New Caledonia.

Administracyjnoprawny status muzealiów w hiszpańskim porządku prawnym

The administrative status of museum exhibits in the Spanish legal system The paper deals with the administrative status of museum exhibits in the Spanish legal system. The assumptions of the Spanish Historical Heritage Act of 1985, which regulates the status of BIC (bienes de interés cultural) cultural property (both movable and immovable) and various levels of protection depending on the category, were presented. The procedure of granting BIC status and the systems for cataloguing cultural property were also discussed. The system of protection of cultural property in Spain is highly decentralized, which also applies to the functioning of museums. The Spanish Autonomous Communities have extensive regional legislation regulating the above-mentioned issues. The article analyses regional regulations in this area based on the example of the autonomous community of Catalonia – on the basis of statutory regulations in the field of culture and cultural heritage and the Catalan Historical Heritage Act of 1993. This allowed for a comprehensive presentation of the complexity of the system of cultural property protection in Spain (at the state and regional level) and prompted reflection on the legitimacy and effectiveness of decentralized solutions in this area.

Результаты мониторинга требований биологической безопасности в ветеринарных лабораториях

Results from monitoring biological safety in veterinary microbiological laboratories of various levels of protection are under consideration. An algorithm to monitor compliance with biological safety requirements for working conditions, engineering and technical support and protection of the laboratory employee health is adapted. Violations of biological safety requirements identified during the monitoring of veterinary laboratories of various levels of protection, where employees work with microorganisms of Groups II–IV pathogenicity (danger), are studied. Measures to improve the biological safety status are available. Keywords: veterinary laboratory, monitoring, analysis, biological safety

Breeding loggerhead marine turtles Caretta caretta in Dry Tortugas National Park, USA, show high fidelity to diverse habitats near nesting beaches

AbstractWe used satellite telemetry to identify in-water habitat used by individuals in the smallest North-west Atlantic subpopulation of adult nesting loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta during the breeding season. During 2010, 2011 and 2012 breeding periods, a total of 20 adult females used habitats proximal to nesting beaches with various levels of protection within Dry Tortugas National Park. We then used a rapid, high-resolution, digital imaging system to map habitat adjacent to nesting beaches, revealing the diversity and distribution of available benthic cover. Turtle behaviour showing measurable site-fidelity to these diverse habitats has implications for managing protected areas and human activities within them. Protecting diverse benthic areas adjacent to loggerhead turtle nesting beaches here and elsewhere could provide benefits for overall biodiversity conservation.

Vaccination againstChlamydiaGenital Infection Utilizing the MurineC. muridarumModel

Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is a worldwide public health problem, and considerable effort has been expended on developing an efficacious vaccine. The murine model of C. muridarum genital infection has been extremely useful for identification of protective immune responses and in vaccine development. Although a number of immunogenic antigens have been assessed for their ability to induce protection, the majority of studies have utilized the whole organism, the major outer membrane protein (MOMP), or the chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF). These antigens, alone and in combination with a variety of immunostimulatory adjuvants, have induced various levels of protection against infectious challenge, ranging from minimal to nearly sterilizing immunity. Understanding of the mechanisms of natural infection-based immunity and advances in adjuvant biology have resulted in studies that are increasingly successful, but a vaccine licensed for use in humans has not yet been brought to fruition. Here we review immunity to chlamydial genital infection and vaccine development using the C. muridarum model.

EseD, a Putative T3SS Translocon Component of Edwardsiella tarda, Contributes to Virulence in Fish and is a Candidate for Vaccine Development

Edwardsiella tarda has a type III secretion system (T3SS) essential for pathogenesis. EseD, together with EseB and EseC, has been suggested to form a putative T3SS translocon complex, although its further function is unclear. To investigate the physiological role of EseD, a mutant strain of E. tarda was constructed with an in-frame deletion of the entire eseD gene. One finding was that the ∆eseD mutant decreased the secretion levels of EseC and EseB proteins. Additionally, the ∆eseD mutant showed attenuated swarming and contact-hemolysis abilities. However, the ∆eseD mutant showed increased biofilm formation. Complementation of the mutant strain with eseD restored these phenotypes to those similar to the wild-type strain. Furthermore, infection experiments in fish showed that the ∆eseD mutant exhibited slower proliferation and a tenfold decrease in virulence in fish. These results indicate a specific role of EseD in the pathogenesis of E. tarda. Finally, recombinant EseD protein elicited high antibody titers in immunized fish and various levels of protection against lethal challenge with the wild-type strain. These results indicate that EseD protein may be a candidate antigen for development of a subunit vaccine against Edwardsiellosis.

Neutralizing Antibody Titers Conferring Protection to Macaques from a Simian/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Challenge Using the TZM-bl Assay

We previously reported that passive transfer of polyclonal neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) sufficient to generate a titer of 1:38 in the plasma would confer sterilizing protection to 99% of macaques challenged intravenously with 75 TCID(50) of SHIV(DH12). Neutralizing activity in that study was measured in an MT4 cell assay in which infection was completely blocked (EC(100)). In the current study, the TZM-bl system was used to measure EC(50) neutralizing titers in several of the same macaque plasma samples and the relationship between these titers and in vivo protection was determined. The antiviral EC(50) NAb titers measured in individual plasma samples were higher than those previously obtained in the MT4 system. Furthermore, the geometric mean EC(50) NAb titers against pseudotyped SHIV(DH12) were 33-fold greater than the EC(100) titers measured in the MT4 cell assay against the replication-competent SHIV(DH12) inoculated into animals. An augmented probit regression model was used to generate curves relating TZM-bl EC(50) NAb titers and protection from a virus challenge; estimated titers conferring various levels of protection were then determined. In TZM-bl assays using pseudotyped SHIV(DH12), representative percent in vivo protection/estimated EC(50) titers were 99%/1:4467, 90%/1:1175, 80%/1:676, 50%/1:234, and 33%/1:141. Because it is likely that contributions from other arms of the immune system will contribute to vaccine-induced control, the range of EC(50) NAb titers we have derived may be more informative for evaluating the protective value of NAb activity from TZM-bl assays.

A Schistosoma japonicumchimeric protein with a novel adjuvant induced a polarized Th1 immune response and protection against liver egg burdens

BackgroundSchitosomiasis japonica is still a significant public health problem in China. A protective vaccine for human or animal use represents an important strategy for long-term control of this disease. Due to the complex life cycle of schistosomes, different vaccine design approaches may be necessary, including polyvalent subunit vaccines. In this study, we constructed four chimeric proteins (designated SjGP-1~4) via fusion of Sj26GST and four individual paramyosin fragments. We tested these four proteins as vaccine candidates, and investigated the effect of deviating immune response on protection roles in mice.MethodsThe immunogencity and protection efficacy of chimeric proteins were evaluated in mice. Next, the chimeric protein SjGP-3 was selected and formulated in various adjuvants, including CFA, ISA 206, IMS 1312 and ISA 70M. The titers of antigen-specific IgG, IgE and IgG subclass were measured. The effect of adjuvant on cytokine production and percentages of CD3+CD8-IFN-γ+ cells and CD3+CD8-IL-4+ cells were analyzed at different time points. Worm burdens and liver egg counts in different adjuvant groups were counted to evaluate the protection efficacy against cercarial challenge.ResultsImmunization of mice with chimeric proteins provided various levels of protection. Among the four proteins, SjGP-3 induced the highest level of protection, and showed enhanced protective efficacy compared with its individual component Sj26GST. Because of this, SjGP-3 was further formulated in various adjuvants to investigate the effect of adjuvant on immune deviation. The results revealed that SjGP-3 formulated in veterinary adjuvant ISA 70M induced a lasting polarized Th1 immune response, whereas the other adjuvants, including CFA, ISA 206 and IMS 1312, generated a moderate mixed Th1/Th2 response after immunization but all except for IMS 1312 shifted to Th2 response after onset of eggs. More importantly, the SjGP-3/70M formulation induced a significant reduction in liver egg deposition at 47.0–50.3% and the number of liver eggs per female at 34.5–37.2% but less effect on worm burdens at only 17.3–23.1%, whereas no effect of the formulations with other adjuvants on the number of liver eggs per female was observed.ConclusionConstruction of polyvalent subunit vaccine was capable to enhance immunogenicity and protection efficacy against schistosomiasis. There was correlation of the polarized Th1 response with reduction of liver egg burdens, supporting the immune deviation strategy for schistosomiasis japonica vaccine development.

Differences in pollution levels among civil law countries: A possible interpretation

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the way the legal systems of different countries can explain the discrepancies in their pollution levels. In particular, we underline the factors of capital accumulation and the financial market development, that are driven, among other things, by the various levels of protection accorded by the legal system to both shareholders and creditors. The research develops in two directions. Firstly, we supply a theoretical analysis to explain how constraints on the process of capital accruement affect the pollution level. In the model, a crucial role is assigned to the rate of interest, and its relationship with discount rates, which constitutes an important variable in decisions to implement anti-pollution devices. Secondly, we perform an econometric analysis using the data of eighty-five countries belonging to the legal family of civil law, for the period from 1992 to 2003, adopting four pollution indicators as dependent variables. Our main findings are that legal families and financial market development can help to explain the differences in environmental indicators observed among nations.

Floodplain forests of Litovelské Pomoraví and their management

The paper characterizes the natural conditions and current state of floodplain forests in the area of Litovelské Pomoraví and proposes the protective management of the area in accordance with the European Natura 2000 system. The paper describes the geographical location and the natural conditions of the area of interest (climate, geology, geomorphology, hydrology and flood regime, soils, and vegetation). Six groups of geobiocene types were identified, classified and described in detail. Assessment of the ecological stability of the forest stand was carried out using biogeographical differentiation of the landscape and the outline of the forest ecosystem management is drawn based on the differentiation of the protected landscape area into zones with various levels of protection.

Changes in Taxonomic Nomenclature and Conservation Status of Ground Squirrel Species: Implications for Pesticide Labeling and Use of Zinc Phosphide Pesticide Products

Author(s): O’Hare, Jeanette R.; Eisemann, John D.; Fagerstone, Kathleen A. | Abstract: The taxonomic classification of species and their protection status have important pesticide regulatory implications, particularly regarding product label language. Changes in nomenclature may cause confusion for both pesticide applicators and regulators. Such changes may also result in the naming of new species in need of protection, or conversely species whose protected status may no longer be warranted. Over the past several years there have been gradual taxonomic changes within the genus Spermophilus. This change has resulted in splitting Townsend’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus townsendii) into 3 distinct species. In addition to S. townsendii, the Piute ground squirrel (Spermophilus mollis) and Merriam’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus canus) are now recognized. The Townsend’s ground squirrel, as now classified, is restricted to a small region in southwestern Washington. The species with the largest distribution, that was formally included in S. townsendii, is now the Piute ground squirrel (S. mollis). Zinc phosphide pesticide products are used to control a number of ground squirrel species including Townsend’s. However, based on the revised nomenclature, populations of the 2 new species (Piute and Merriam’s ground squirrels) may not be controlled using these zinc phosphide products under existing labels, even though those same populations were previously considered Townsend’s ground squirrels and could be controlled with zinc phosphide products. Potential conflicts with state and federal laws regarding protection of certain species must also be considered. The reclassification of Townsend’s ground squirrel recognizes new species and existing subspecies that are protected or are being considered for protection. In addition, subspecies of the Idaho ground squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus) are afforded various levels of protection under federal and state laws. A discussion of temporal taxonomy changes, geographic distribution, and conservation status of the “Townsend’s ground squirrel” complex and the Idaho ground squirrel is presented here to support the decision process needed to develop appropriate label language for zinc phosphide pesticide products.