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ABSTRACT Stretching is a common activity used by athletes, elderly, rehabilitation patients, people involved in fitness programs and many others. In isometric stretching an elongation in the linear dimensions of the kinematic chain of the upper limbs is observed. The aim of this study is to show the importance of intraarticular processes as response of isometric stretching force, аs well as to mark the basic factors which define the joint answer to stretching, describing experimental data, relative to these factors. The present work has a programmatic character in terms of the directions in which the answer to the laid aims should be sought. The main focus is on the biomechanical processes in the joints involved in the obtained kinematic chain extension.

The dry mass and the orientation of biomolecules can be imaged without a label by measuring their permittivity tensor (PT), which describes how biomolecules affect the phase and polarization of light. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of PT has been challenging. We present a label-free computational microscopy technique, PT imaging (PTI), for the 3D measurement of PT. PTI encodes the invisible PT into images using oblique illumination, polarization-sensitive detection and volumetric sampling. PT is decoded from the data with a vectorial imaging model and a multi-channel inverse algorithm, assuming uniaxial symmetry in each voxel. We demonstrate high-resolution imaging of PT of isotropic beads, anisotropic glass targets, mouse brain tissue, infected cells and histology slides. PTI outperforms previous label-free imaging techniques such as vector tomography, ptychography and light-field imaging in resolving the 3D orientation and symmetry of organelles, cells and tissue. We provide open-source software and modular hardware to enable the adoption of the method.

Non-renewable resources are becoming scarce and current Global Warming Potential values are rising. In an effort to promote a successful shift towards a ‘greener’ planet, governments worldwide are developing policies (such as carbon taxation) to encourage businesses to contribute to the effort. This study analysed the product carbon footprint of the packaging process for 300 ml glass and 500 ml PET† containers for a South African soft drink manufacturing business. A review of the academic literature revealed that no similar research had been conducted in South Africa. The Greenhouse Gas protocol was used as the basis for the research method. It was found that the 500 ml PET packaging process draws 100 per cent of its cumulative energy demand from purchased electricity (generated by burning coal); therefore, 500 ml PET containers have 4.5 times less global warming potential per hectolitre than 300 ml glass containers, which have 71 per cent of their emissions resulting directly from coal-fired boilers on site. A dynamic model analysis revealed that packaging in larger containers results in a significant reduction in global warming potential per volume for both glass and PET containers.

A multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that simultaneously measures antibody binding to multiple antigens can extend the impact of serosurveillance studies, particularly if the assay approaches the simplicity, robustness, and accuracy of a conventional single-antigen ELISA. Here, we report on the development of multiSero, an open-source multiplex ELISA platform for measuring antibody responses to viral infection. Our assay consists of three parts: (1) an ELISA against an array of proteins in a 96-well format; (2) automated imaging of each well of the ELISA array using an open-source plate reader; and (3) automated measurement of optical densities for each protein within the array using an open-source analysis pipeline. We validated the platform by comparing antibody binding to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens in 217 human sera samples, showing high sensitivity (0.978), specificity (0.977), positive predictive value (0.978), and negative predictive value (0.977) for classifying seropositivity, a high correlation of multiSero determined antibody titers with commercially available SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, and antigen-specific changes in antibody titer dynamics upon vaccination. The open-source format and accessibility of our multiSero platform can contribute to the adoption of multiplexed ELISA arrays for serosurveillance studies, for SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens of significance.

We estimate the effect of carbon pricing policy on bank credit to greenhouse-gas-emitting firms. Our analyses exploit the geographic restrictions inherent in California's cap-and-trade bill and a discontinuity in the embedded free permit threshold of the federal Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill. Affected high emission firms face shorter loan maturities, lower access to permanent forms of bank financing, higher interest rates, and higher participation of shadow banks in their lending syndicates. These effects are concentrated among private firms, while credit terms of public firms are largely unaffected. Overall, we show that banks respond quickly to realizations of transition risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic sequencing is essential to track the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2, optimize molecular tests, treatments, vaccines, and guide public health responses. To investigate the global SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, we used sequences shared via GISAID to estimate the impact of sequencing intensity and turnaround times on variant detection in 189 countries. In the first two years of the pandemic, 78% of high-income countries sequenced >0.5% of their COVID-19 cases, while 42% of low- and middle-income countries reached that mark. Around 25% of the genomes from high income countries were submitted within 21 days, a pattern observed in 5% of the genomes from low- and middle-income countries. We found that sequencing around 0.5% of the cases, with a turnaround time

Тhis article compares and contrasts macro- and micro-foundational explanations about disinformation and resilience in Europe as a result of Russia’s war in Ukraine. It presents micro-level data about the shifting public opinion in Europe after Russia’s invasion in Ukraine on Feb 24, 2022 on the topics of NATO and EU support and favorability, sympathy for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia, including support for sanctions against Moscow (Pew Research Center 2021, 2022). The study compares and contrasts traditional macro-level analytical frameworks such as deterrence, institutionalization and adaptation. I argue that a combination of macro- (or institutional) and micro-level factors (associated with the idiosyncrasies of the domestic public opinion) best explain the shifting attitudes since the beginning of the War in Ukraine. Against the backdrop of NATO and the EU’s increased resilience, a new group or sub-club of “vulnerable” allies has emerged among some central and east European nations. The article evaluates different constraints and vulnerabilities and makes recommendations how to reduce misinformation and contestation in these states.

The article considers the structure of the inequality of access to extra-curricular education in Russia and factors influencing it. Among the main barriers are the territorial context, urban and rural education, the families' socioeconomic status and cultural capital. It is also showed that the factors of the inequality are also produced with strong spatial (interregional, inter-municipal) differentiation; the sector's peculiarities of regulation and policy. Despite active measures of the state policy in increasing participation coverage of in extracurricular education and activities, the questions of social differentiation's risks remain not solved. Tools for identifying risk categories have not been developed.

Propolis (bee glue), a valuable biological mixture produced by European honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), is widely used as a remedy in traditional and alternative medicine, as an effective food biopreservative and as a nutritional value enhancer. The present study aimed to investigate eighty propolis samples collected from all twenty-eight districts of Bulgaria in the period of 2020–2022 in order to determine their physicochemical properties as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. The raw propolis samples exhibited brown or green colour depending on the climatic zone from which they are collected and pH values from 4.82 to 5.87, while the moisture content ranged between 0.98% and 2.97%. The total phenolics content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) varied from 63.14 mg GAE/g to 737.27 mg GAE/g, and from 29.22 mg QE/g to 234.17 mg QE/g, respectively. The propolis samples demonstrated significant antioxidant potential determined by DPPH and FRAP methods, from 18.56 mM TE/g to 1598.66 mM TE/g and from 82.28 mM TE/g to 1208.81 mM TE/g, respectively, whose values showed a positive correlation (r2) with the TPC and TFC. The results from the antimicrobial screening revealed that the methanolic propolis extracts in concentration of 20 mg/ml exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on the Gram-positive bacteria such as Micrococcus luteus 2YC-YT, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Listeria monocytogenes NBIMCC 8632 and Listeria innocua ATCC 33090.

Today, the most dynamically developing branch of livestock farming is poultry, which makes a major contribution to the country’s food supply. Poultry production is characterized by a short reproduction cycle and a quick return on investment. In the poultry industry, approximately 95% comes from chicken meat, 3% from turkey meat and 2% from other poultry. Turkey meat has high nutritional, taste and culinary qualities. Unfortunately, meat products sold through retail chains are not always of high quality. The purpose of the study was to analyze the quality of meat of turkey grown in home and industrial conditions. To conduct this study we selected samples of broiler turkey meat of BUT-9 type grown in farm and industrial conditions. The research material was white and red meat, which was previously cooled at a temperature of +2+4 degrees for 12 hours. Organoleptic, physicochemical and bacteriological studies were carried out. The chemical composition and the energy characteristics of meat were determined. The obtained data were ensured to comply with the requirements for meat quality. White and red meat that had been selected from home-grown broiler turkeys was less sustainable than meat obtained from industrial turkeys. White and red meat from the home system was less stable during storage at t+2+4°C in terms of such indicators as pH, acidity/oxidability ratio, VFA, amino ammonia nitrogen, protein content, microbiological indicators (total microbial count). Studying the storage conditions of turkey meat at t-12-14°C ensured the preservation of home-grown meat for 72 hours, and industrially grown meat - for 96 hours. Based on the results of the study, the following was established. Productivity rates was higher in the domestic system. The slaughter yield of the domestic type was higher by 8.8% for females and by 0.1% for males in comparison with industrial type.

At present, in order to avoid buying adulterated milk, some consumers buy the whole milk from private farms. However, when purchasing this product, there is a risk of harm to health. This is due to the fact that some cattle owners may improperly exercise health care and comply with conditions for keeping the animals. Purpose: To conduct a veterinary and sanitary assessment of raw milk samples from subsidiary farms of the Republic of Mari El. The material for this assessment was three raw milk samples from different subsidiary farms. In the selected samples, we determined the organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological properties. Standardized methods were used to determine these parameters. All test samples were a homogeneous white liquid free of sediment and flakes with a clean pleasant taste and smell, which met the requirements of GOST 31449-2013. The values of all samples for physicochemical properties were also within the limits specified in the standard, which indicates the milk naturality. However, when determining the QMA&OAMO (quantity of mesophyll aerobic and optional-anaerobic microorganisms), the obtained results greatly exceeded the established limits. The study of the sample cultures for coliform bacteria showed that, unlike samples 1 and 3, sample 2 has no bacteria of this group. The results of the microbiological quality demonstrated that either animals from which milk was obtained were kept in improper sanitary and hygienic conditions, or the milk obtained was contaminated with microorganisms at the consumer packaging stage. This study showed that all samples meet the requirements of GOST 31449-2013 for organoleptic and physico-chemical properties.

The development of functional foods providing health benefits above the basic nutritional needs is of growing interest to the food industry. This research aimed to: design fresh prebiotic cheese spreads enriched with agave inulin (AI), thyme (Thymus callieri Borbás ex Velen.) and hawthorn fruit (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) as plant sources of biologically active compounds; observe the physicochemical and microbiological changes in the cheese during storage at 4°C for 35 days; evaluate the sensory characteristics of the new functional products. Therefore, five experimental groups of fresh cheese spreads were prepared – a control; 1% AI + 0.2% thyme; 2% AI + 0.2% thyme; 1% AI + 0.4% hawthorn fruit and 2% AI + 0.4% hawthorn fruit. During the storage, pH in all experimental groups gradually decreased (reaching values between 4.17 and 4.25 on the 35th day), which corresponded to the increasing titratable acidity (reaching values from 146.30°T to 152.51°T on the 35th day). The application of thyme and hawthorn fruit did not reduce the total plate count (mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms) and yeasts; however, during the storage period the addition of agave inulin stimulated the growth of lactic acid bacteria in the treated samples compared to the control.