Early-Middle Miocene paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate changes in the Toplica Basin (Serbia) inferred from plant biomarkers, biochemical and elemental geochemical proxies

The study investigates the influence of alluvial-lacustrine processes and paleoclimate variations on the distribution of terpenoids and unsubstituted Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). The XRF, ICP-MS, Rock-Eval, and organic geochemical analyses were employed to investigate thirty Lower and Middle Miocene sedimentary samples from the Prebreza and Čučale formations, collected from boreholes BL3 and BL5, situated in the central part of the Toplica Basin (Serbia). The development of the studied basin part was influenced by alluvial-lacustrine processes, which affected the type of organic matter (OM) and the paleoenvironment. Sandy silt and gravel layers in the profile of the BL3 borehole indicate the contribution of thicker clasts brought by rivers. In the BL5 borehole, there are fine-grained intrabasinal lacustrine sediments in the lower part, and swamp sediments in the upper part. The lowest total organic carbon (TOC) content is in alluvial sediments of BL3 and some lacustrine sediments of BL5. Based on Hydrogen Index (HI) and C/N ratio, various mixtures of terrigenous and algal organic matter are present in the sediments, while an increase in the proportion of terrestrial organic matter with higher HI (Type II kerogen) is recorded in upper parts of both boreholes, which may be related to paleoclimatic changes. Based on Tmax, the OM is immature and/or in the initial stage of maturity. The presence of plant terpenoids and unsubstituted PAHs, which reflected paleoflora and paleoclimate changes, was associated with the suggestion of predominating Type III kerogen in the studied sediments. Various factors influenced the application of gymnosperms/angiosperms parameters. For instance, the progressive aromatization of triterpenoids occurred in the BL5, whereas the process was hindered in the upper part of the BL3, probably as a result of high sedimentation rates. Based on C-value, Sr/Cu, and Rb/Sr ratios, during the deposition of the Lower and Middle Miocene formations of Čučale and Prebreza, a warm and humid climate prevailed, reflecting the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO). The production of unsubstituted PAHs in the studied samples probably relates to paleo-wildfires, anoxic conditions, or the presence of specific biomass precursors

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКИЕ МОДЕЛИ АВАРИЙНЫХ СИТУАЦИЙ ПРИ ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ СИСТЕМ ТРОПОСФЕРНОЙ СВЯЗИ

Mathematical models of emergency in the operation of specialpurpose computer simulators tropospheric system have been suggested.Предложены математические модели аварийных ситуаций в процессе эксплуатации систем тропосферной связи специального назначения на компьютерных тренажерах

Модель профессиональной области как основа адаптивного образовательного процесса

Objectives. The main purpose of the work is to study the advantages of an activity-based approach, or functional approach in comparison with a subject-based approach, or lecture-based approach for creating a model of a professional field for adaptive educational process. The relevance of the problem being solved is caused by due to the fact, that adaptive educational technologies, thanks to the extensive computerization and informatization of all spheres of human activity, as well as the innovative development of artificial intelligence, have become dominant in teaching systems at all levels, from preschool to higher education institutions. Without a highly effective model of the professional field, it is impossible to successfully implement adaptive learning.Methods. To achieve the goals and to prove the statements formulated, the method of comparative analysis of the most widely used ways for creating models of the professional field for adaptive learning in modern systems, was used. To do this, we studied: the effectiveness of using the traditional approach, which is based on subjectspecific or lecture-seminar signs of structuring educational material; as well as the effectiveness of using an activity-based approach based on the concept of "Modules of labor competencies" for the formation of educational material.Results. The analysis of the quality of educational material (a model of a professional field for an adaptive educational process) obtained using the traditional approach, and educational material (the same model for its intended purpose) obtained on the basis of an activity approach in accordance with the concept of "Modules of labor competencies". The results of the analysis are compared and theoretical statements are summarized, taking into account the examples of developed modular materials, as well as the pilot implementation of previously developed modular programs.Conclusion. The information given in the article can be useful for specialists, researchers and heads of educational institutions of various levels, when planning and creating adaptive learning systems. The conclusions and recommendations fully comply with the requirements of the development of the education system of the Republic of Belarus.Цели. Основной целью работы является исследование преимуществ деятельностного, или функционального, подхода в сравнении с предметным, или урочно-лекционным, подходом при создании модели профессиональной области для адаптивного образовательного процесса. Актуальность решаемой задачи обусловлена тем, что адаптивные образовательные технологии благодаря широкой компьютеризации и информатизации всех сфер человеческой деятельности, а также инновационному развитию искусственного интеллекта стали доминирующими в системах обучения всех уровней, начиная с дошкольного и заканчивая высшим образованием. Без высокоэффективной модели профессиональной области невозможно успешно реализовать адаптивное обучение.Методы. Для достижения поставленных в работе целей и доказательства сформулированных утверждений применяется метод сравнительного анализа наиболее распространенных в современных системах путей создания моделей профессиональной области для адаптивного обучения. Для этого исследовалась эффективность использования традиционного подхода, в основе которого лежит предметноурочный, или лекционно-семинарский, признак структурирования учебного материала, и деятельностного подхода на основе концепции «Модули трудовых компетенций», разработанной Международной организацией труда.Результаты. Проанализировано качество учебного материала (модели профессиональной области для адаптивного образовательного процесса), полученного с использованием традиционного подхода, и учебного материала (такой же по назначению модели), полученного на основе деятельностного подхода в соответствии с концепцией «Модули трудовых компетенций». Проведено сравнение результатов анализа и обобщение теоретических утверждений с учетом примеров разработанных модульных материалов, а также пилотного внедрения наработанных ранее модульных программ.Заключение. Приведенные в статье сведения могут быть полезны для специалистов, исследователей и руководителей учреждений образования различных уровней при планировании и создании ими систем адаптивного обучения. Сделанные выводы и рекомендации полностью соответствуют требованиям развития системы образования Республики Беларусь

Metals in Sediment and Phragmites Australis (Common Reed) from Tisza River, Serbia

In this study the concentrations of metals were investigated in Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. eh Steud. 1841 and sediment samples from the bed of the River Tisza in Serbia. Al, As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr and Zn levels were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. The sediment samples contained elevated concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel and zinc. The increased concentration of these metals had no significant effect on wildlife of the river Tisza as the determined concentrations of the metals tested in the comon reed do not exceed the threshold of phytotoxicity. The research proved a strong positive correlation between the concentrations of metals in the sediment and all common reed organs (rhizome, stem and leave). Accumulated metals in the common reed are not distributed evenly, but there are target organs for bioaccumulation. Concentrations in belowground organs were usually higher than aboveground organs, and the general decreasing trend of element content was rhizome gt leaves gt stems

КОМПОЗИЦИОННЫЕ МАТЕРИАЛЫ НА ОСНОВЕ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО УГЛЕРОДА И ГИДРОГЕЛЯ ДЛЯ СКРЫТИЯ ОБЪЕКТОВ ОТ СРЕДСТВ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЙ РАЗВЕДКИ

The research results of reflection and transmission coefficients of flexible composite materials based on carbon black and hydrogels in the range 8…12 GHz are presented. Spectral and polarization properties of carbon materials in the visible wavelength range (450 ... 940 nm) were analyzed. Recommendations for using composite materials based on carbon black and hydrogels for hiding objects on different background were formed.Приведены результаты исследований коэффициентов отражения и передачи электромагнитного излучения гибких композиционных материалов на основе технического углерода и гидрогеля в диапазоне частот 8…12 ГГц. Проанализированы спектрально-поляризационные свойства углеродосодержащих материалов в видимом диапазоне длин волн (450…940 нм). Представлены рекомендации использования данных материалов для скрытия объектов на фоне различных типов местности

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes in patients with serious mental illness in North West Wales: Two cohorts, 1875–1924 & 1994–2006 compared

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Against a background of interest in rates of diabetes in schizophrenia and related psychoses and claims that data from historical periods demonstrate a link that antedates modern antipsychotics, we sought to establish the rate of diabetes in first onset psychosis and subsequent prevalence in historical and contemporary cohorts.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Analysis of two epidemiologically complete databases of individuals admitted for mental illness. 3170 individuals admitted to the North Wales Asylum between 1875–1924 and tracked over 18,486 patient years and 394 North West Wales first admissions for schizophrenia and related psychoses between 1994 and 2006 and tracked after treatment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among patients with psychoses at time of first admission in both historical and contemporary samples was 0%. The incidence of diabetes remained 0% in the historical sample throughout 15 years of follow-up but rose in the contemporary sample after 3, 5 and 6 years of treatment with an incidence rate double the expected population rate so that the 15 year prevalence is likely to be over 8%.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>No association was found between diabetes and serious mental illness, but there may be an association between diabetes and treatment.</p

Modulation of Tcf7l2 Expression Alters Behavior in Mice

The comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with several psychiatric diseases is well established. While environmental factors may partially account for these co-occurrences, common genetic susceptibilities could also be implicated in the confluence of these diseases. In support of shared genetic burdens, TCF7L2, the strongest genetic determinant for T2D risk in the human population, has been recently implicated in schizophrenia (SCZ) risk, suggesting that this may be one of many loci that pleiotropically influence both diseases. To investigate whether Tcf7l2 is involved in behavioral phenotypes in addition to its roles in glucose metabolism, we conducted several behavioral tests in mice with null alleles of Tcf7l2 or overexpressing Tcf7l2. We identified a role for Tcf7l2 in anxiety-like behavior and a dose-dependent effect of Tcf7l2 alleles on fear learning. None of the mutant mice showed differences in prepulse inhibition (PPI), which is a well-established endophenotype for SCZ. These results show that Tcf7l2 alters behavior in mice. Importantly, these differences are observed prior to the onset of detectable glucose metabolism abnormalities. Whether these differences are related to human anxiety-disorders or schizophrenia remains to be determined. These animal models have the potential to elucidate the molecular basis of psychiatric comorbidities in diabetes and should therefore be studied further

Evidence For Genetic Heterogeneity Between Clinical Subtypes of Bipolar Disorder

We performed a genome-wide association study of 6447 bipolar disorder (BD) cases and 12 639 controls from the International Cohort Collection for Bipolar Disorder (ICCBD). Meta-analysis was performed with prior results from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Bipolar Group for a combined sample of 13 902 cases and 19 279 controls. We identified eight genome-wide significant, associated regions, including a novel associated region on chromosome 10 (rs10884920; P = 3.28 × 10 − 8) that includes the brain-enriched cytoskeleton protein adducin 3 (ADD3), a non-coding RNA, and a neuropeptide-specific aminopeptidase P (XPNPEP1). Our large sample size allowed us to test the heritability and genetic correlation of BD subtypes and investigate their genetic overlap with schizophrenia (SCZ) and major depressive disorder. We found a significant difference in heritability of the two most common forms of BD (BD I h2 = 0.35; BD II h2 = 0.25; P = 0.02) with a genetic correlation between BD I and BD II of 0.78,compared with a genetic correlation of 0.97 when BD cohorts containing both types were compared. In addition, we demonstrated a significantly greater load of polygenic risk alleles for SCZ and BD in patients with BD I compared with patients with BD II, and a greater load of SCZ risk alleles in the bipolar type of schizoaffective disorder (SAB) compared with both other BD subtypes. These results point to a partial difference in genetic architecture of BD subtypes, and are suggestive of a molecular correlate for the clinical division of BD into subtypes