One estimation of the stability defect of sets in an approach game problem

A game problem of the approach to a compact target set at a fixed termination time is studied. We investigate the question of estimating the stability defect of a set in the space of game positions, which is weakly invariant with respect to a finite set of unification differential inclusions. © 2015, IFAC Hosting by Elsevier Ltd.Russian Science Foundation, RSF15-11-1001

Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Organic Chemicals in Terrestrial Invertebrates

Terrestrial invertebrates are key components in ecosystems, with crucial roles in soil structure, functioning, and ecosystem services. The present chapter covers how terrestrial invertebrates are impacted by organic chemicals, focusing on up-to-date information regarding bioavailability, exposure routes and general concepts on bioaccumulation, toxicity, and existing models. Terrestrial invertebrates are exposed to organic chemicals through different routes, which are dependent on both the organismal traits and nature of exposure, including chemical properties and media characteristics. Bioaccumulation and toxicity data for several groups of organic chemicals are presented and discussed, attempting to cover plant protection products (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and molluscicides), veterinary and human pharmaceuticals, polycyclic aromatic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, flame retardants, and personal care products. Chemical mixtures are also discussed bearing in mind that chemicals appear simultaneously in the environment. The biomagnification of organic chemicals is considered in light of the consumption of terrestrial invertebrates as novel feed and food sources. This chapter highlights how science has contributed with data from the last 5 years, providing evidence on bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicity derived from exposure to organic chemicals, including insights into the main challenges and shortcomings to extrapolate results to real exposure scenarios

Genomic evidence of widespread admixture from polar bears into brown bears during the last ice age

Recent genomic analyses have provided substantial evidence for past periods of gene flow from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) into Alaskan brown bears (Ursus arctos), with some analyses suggesting a link between climate change and genomic introgression. However, because it has mainly been possible to sample bears from the present day, the timing, frequency, and evolutionary significance of this admixture remains unknown. Here, we analyze genomic DNA from three additional and geographically distinct brown bear populations, including two that lived temporally close to the peak of the last ice age. We find evidence of admixture in all three populations, suggesting that admixture between these species has been common in their recent evolutionary history. In addition, analyses of ten fossil bears from the now-extinct Irish population indicate that admixture peaked during the last ice age, when brown bear and polar bear ranges overlapped. Following this peak, the proportion of polar bear ancestry in Irish brown bears declined rapidly until their extinction. Our results support a model in which ice age climate change created geographically widespread conditions conducive to admixture between polar bears and brown bears, as is again occurring today. We postulate that this model will be informative for many admixing species pairs impacted by climate change. Our results highlight the power of paleogenomics to reveal patterns of evolutionary change that are otherwise masked in contemporary data

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS ASYNCHRONOUS ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH CHANGING LOAD PARAMETERS

Abstract: Research of operation electrical machines in transitional mode is an actual task. Modeling dynamic processes with changing load parameters and probabilistic assessment of simulation results allows taking into account the degree of influence of these changes on transient response. An approach to the study of the dynamics of an asynchronous electrical motor under external and parametric perturbations shown. Recommendations was given on the use of this method in solving the problem of identifying the parameters of electric machines

Mitral valve prolapse: «Much Ado About Nothing», or a real unsolved problem?

The paper discusses the modern state of the mitral valve prolapse (MVP) problem. Controversial and unresolved issues on terminology, diagnostics, and tactics for different MVP variants are considered on the basis of the “Heritable disorders of connective tissue” recommendations (2009) by Expert Committee, the Society of Cardiology of the Russian Federation (VNOK). The modern diagnostic criteria of MVP are discussed, as well as echocardiography-estimated MVP prevalence while using those diagnostic criteria, and the comparison of Framingham Heart Study results to the authors’ own data. The interrelation between autonomic dysfunction and MVP is assessed, and different approaches to the stratification of MVP complication risk are compared, based on the echocardiography results and clinical data. The modern methods of MVP treatment and management strategy are also described

Features of application of sensitivity theory for analysis of influence of parametric disturbances on dynamic properties electromechanical converters

At the design and testing stage of electromechanical converters, the analysis of the influence of parametric perturbations on the dynamic properties of an object using sensitivity theory, which allows to evaluate the quality of operation of electrical machines depending on operating conditions, is relevant. Based on the system of differential equations of a DC motor, the sensitivity equations of the corresponding coordinates were obtained in three parameters. A vector structural scheme of the sensitivity model has been formed, as well as the Simulink-model, with the help of which sensitivity function plots were obtained, which determine the additional motion of the object of study when parameters change within specified limits. It is shown that the largest steady-state values of the sensitivity functions correspond to changes in the moment of inertia. It is revealed that the influence of the moment of inertia on the coordinates of the object of study is the most significant. Where in the coordinate most sensitive to variations in parameters is the rotation speed of the electromechanical converter. The problem of statistical analysis of errors of the output coordinates of a DC motor under the assumption of normal distribution of parametric disturbances was also solved. Simulations were carried out and dispersions and relative estimates of the influence of variable parameters were calculated, and graphs were obtained to estimate the degree of influence of parametric disturbances