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The paper is aimed to strengthen the controllability of electricity consumption mode at all structural layers of the country’s energy system (ES) to establish the optimal load curve in the PS. Following this goal, the energy system was broken down into seven structural layers - from the technological operation to the ES. For each layer, an expert assessment of the effectiveness of six institutional and operational methods of electricity demand-side management (DSM) was done. The integrated application of the suggested methods was tested in two industrial consumers, which proved the effectiveness of this approach for leveling their aggregated load curve. To ensure an appropriate economic impact on the electricity demand, given the influence of individual consumers on the load curve fluctuation in the ES, a particular price function considering the cross-correlation coefficient of the load curves was developed. It was proved that the complex DSM methods application significantly improved the controllability of the electricity consumption mode. To incentivize consumers to adjust their electricity consumption, a special price system functionally related to the cross-correlation coefficient of the consumer and the ES load curves was developed. The marginal price values depending on the cross-correlation coefficient were defined, while the intermediate price values were calculated by the functional transformation of the ES load curve into the price scale. The significance of the research results lies in the fact that ranking the DSM methods by the priority of application for various structural layers of ES and their integrated application almost doubled the DSM effectiveness.

This article analyzes the current state of the church-public dialogue. The reasons for decline in public trust in the Russian Orthodox Church, fixed on the basis of sociological data, are revealed. Methodological remarks of sociological dimension of the religiosity of the population are given. The authors make an assumption about the incorrect interpretation of the concept of “secular”, dictated by the previous experience of state-confessional relations in the Soviet era. The problem of interpreting the concept of “secular” in the legal, religious studies and confessional planes as problematizing the foundations of the church-public dialogue is investigated. It emphasizes the inadmissibility of interpreting the concept of “secularism” as the complete elimination of religious institutions from public life, as well as the need to build a dialogue on equal terms. Based on the content analysis of the digital space, three main risk-trends for reducing trust in the Church on the part of secular society are identified — the growth of protest anti-religiousness, the growth of “protest” religiosity and the growth of “alternative” religiosity. For each risk trend, its causes and features are analyzed, and an analytical forecast of possible scenarios for its development is made. Particular attention is paid to those trends that can potentially lead to destabilization of social relations and have the most destructive consequences. Concrete practical ways are proposed to overcome the existing contradictions both on the part of the Church and on the part of society. The need to spread education in the field of religion, sustained in a neutral key, is affirmed, the destructive nature of the interpretation of the role of the Church in society as a translator of ethics and morality is emphasized.

Jetyasar archaeological culture was discovered and studied by the Khorezm expedition of the Institute of Ethnography of USSR. According to archeological data, this culture experienced many times transformations due to the influx of new population groups. This article presents for the first time complete data on paleodemography of samples from nineteen burial grounds of Altyn-Asar 4a–t, Kosasar 2 and Tompakasar, taking into account fractional chronological differentiation. We examined anthropological materials from over 600 burials in the storage of the Institute of Archeology RAS. In total samples from Altyn-Asar 4 of the 2nd c. BC. — 4th century was mentioned to the weak numerical predominance of females. The sex ratio in favor of males changed in the 4th–6th centuries. The average age at death of the adult population decreased by the 6th century, primarily among men. Data on separate cemeteries allow a more differentiated assessment of the chronological dynamics of demographic indicators. The numerical predominance of male burials was found: in the 2nd c. BC. — 4th c. AD in burial grounds Kosasar 2, Altyn-Asar 4 m; in the 4th–6th c. in the Altyn-Asar necropolises 4a, b, o, v. In opposite to the most groups, the Kosasar 2 sample stands out with its demographic profile and increased average age of death for males and females. According to archeological data, it may be associated with Xiongnu migration. In 2nd–4th centuries the number of this group was falling, it showed a decrease in life expectancy for men, however, for this period, it seems to be comparable the maximal one. Their antagonists during this period were representatives of other group of incomers, buried in necropolis AA4m, with a low life expectancy for males and females. Despite the supposed influx of newcomers, it is obvious that the genetic continuity of a part of the Jetyasar population, which probably belonged to influential local clans (the necropolises of Altyn-Asar4l and later Altyn-Asar4r), might be evident.

The paper deals with spatial analysis that evaluates the main agrochemical properties of the Botevgrad valley. The soil samples were taken along a pre-selected grid so as to cover the areas selected for research. The interpolation of the data was done according to geostatistical interpolation method and the output value is using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW). Spatial distribution is a valuable tool for determining nutrient availability and nutrient management practices to optimize crop production and minimizing environmental impacts. As a general guideline, total nitrogen content in soil is commonly found in the range of 0.1% to 0.2% on a weight basis. Soils with higher organic matter content often have higher total nitrogen levels because organic matter is a significant source of nitrogen. It’s important to note that the optimal levels of available potassium and phosphorus can vary depending on the specific soil type.

The paper aimed at improving an economic mechanism for incentivizing distribution system operators to retrofit electricity networks and provide better services. The suggested approach envisages setting up operators' profitability relating to their rating scores, which were calculated considering essential criteria, in particular technical level of networks, efficiency, congestion, reliability, innovativeness, and quality of electricity. For this purpose, operators were ranked by the rating scores that allowed to elaborate methodology for distribution tariffs calculation individually. The essential findings: comprehensive assessment and ranking were based on an analysis of 20 key performance indicators of the networks' technical level; application of additive convolution considering the significance of indicators by Fishburn's weighting approach ensured their proper aggregation; using the principles of fuzzy logic, the aggregated values for the technical level of network infrastructure were calculated. The minimum tariff rates were computed for each operator according to the break-even point, with the maximum tariff rate being equal for the whole sample. A linear functional transformation provided a transition from the aggregated scores to specific tariff rates. Consequently, the best-rated operators received the maximum tariff rate, and the less-rated operators received relevantly lower rates. By varying the slope of the suggested tariff function, one can adjust the dynamics of the tariff rate change. The assessment of 24 operators allowed to verify the elaborated methodology for distribution tariff setting. The application of unbiased rating assessment by a set of designed sector-specific indicators allowed setting up adequate and efficient tariff rates aimed at incentivizing network upgrades.

The study is aimed at solving the problem of thinking and the sources of building thought processes in systems empowered with intelligence as one of the fundamental steps to the creation of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence performs creative functions traditionally considered human prerogative, using computer programs to understand human intelligence and not being limited to biologically plausible methods. In this regard the evolution of a traditional computer program into a system capable of self-creation is being implemented, depending on the conditions of the external and internal events and processes. The article authors present a number of intermediate results of the research in the field of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence achieved on the basis of experiments run on the study of the semantic structures construction – sources aimed at shaping a thinking process in systems empowered with intelligence. The research carried out by the authors of the article contributes to building of basic algorithms as a parametrically polymorphic system. Scheme of one of the main functions of the master algorithm is presented. An array of constructions, semantically related and called by a route determined by a vector, the direction of which is aimed at minimal costs winning, which together act as the fundamental method for creating a master algorithm.

The Radon Program of the Czech Republic 2010–2019 – Action Plan is based on Governmental Decision No. 594/2009 (Radon Program of the Czech Republic 2010–2019 – Action Plan, Government of the Czech Republic, Decision No. 594/2009, May 4 2009) and is coordinated by the State Office for Nuclear Safety. It covers both prevention in new house construction and intervention in existing houses with high indoor radon concentration. The Program is aimed at developing an effective public information system. It takes advantage of long-term experience and good scientific and technological background—staff, methods, standards and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equine Facilitated Psychiatry and Psychology (EFPP) is a supportive non-pharmacological treatment program used in the treatment of patients with substance use disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible change in patient's health and health-related quality of life between the first and fourth session of the EFPP program using the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS). The Human-Animal Interaction Scale (HAIS) and a 5-point Likert-type scale was used for an assessment of patient's mood in the experimental group. The study sample included 57 patients (39 in experimental group with EFPP and 18 without EFPP program) with substance use disorders hospitalized in the psychiatric hospital. Comparing the initial and final patients scores in the experimental group, there was a significant positive shift in three of the four domains of the HoNOS scale and in seven of the eight dimensions of the AQoL scale. HAIS significantly increased (p <0.001) in time as well as patient´s mood after every session and in long time perspective. Based on these results, we can assume that the EFPP might be one of the successful programs which may improve patient´s mood and social interactions in substance use disorders., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Machová et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Natural products include a diverse set of compounds of drug discovery that are currently being actively used to target tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-angiogenic activities of secondary metabolite usnic acid isolated from Usena antarctica. We investigated the in vitro effects on proliferation, migration, and tube formation of VEGF- and bFGF-stimulated HUVECs. Ex ovo anti-angiogenic activity was evaluated using the CAM assay. Our findings demonstrated that usnic acid in the concentration of 33.57 µM inhibited VEGF (25 ng/mL) and bFGF (30 ng/mL)-induced HUVECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation. The ex ovo CAM model was used to confirm the results obtained from in vitro studies. VEGF- and bFGF-induced vessel formation was inhibited by usnic acid after 72 h in over 2-fold higher concentrations compared to in vitro. Subsequently, histological sections of affected chorioallantoic membranes were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue to determine the number and diameter of vessels as well as the thickness of the individual CAM layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm). Usnic acid was able to suppress the formation of VEGF- and bFGF-induced vessels with a diameter of less than 100 μm, which was demonstrated by the reduction of mesoderm thickness as well.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been developed to achieve beneficial effects of estrogens while minimizing their side effects. In this context, we decided to evaluate the protective effect of genistein, a natural SERM, on skin flap viability in rats and in a series of in vitro experiments on endothelial cells (migration, proliferation, antioxidant properties, and gene expression profiling following genistein treatment). Our results showed that administration of genistein increased skin flap viability, but importantly, the difference is only significant when treatment is started 3 days prior the flap surgery. Based on our in vitro experiments, it may be hypothesized that the underlying mechanism may rather by mediated by increasing SOD activity and Bcl-2 expression. The gene expression profiling further revealed 9 up-regulated genes (angiogenesis/inflammation promoting: CTGF, CXCL5, IL-6, ITGB3, MMP-14, and VEGF-A; angiogenesis inhibiting: COL18A1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3). In conclusion, we observed a protective effect of genistein on skin flap viability which could be potentially applied in plastic surgery to women undergoing a reconstructive and/or plastic intervention. Nevertheless, further research is needed to explain the exact underlying mechanism and to find the optimal treatment protocol., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

The European Study on Occupational Radiation Exposure called ESOREX was initiated by the European Commission in the 1997 year. The objectives of this European study are: (1) to provide the European Commission and the national competent radiation protection authorities with reliable information on how personal radiation monitoring, reporting and recording of dosimetric results is structured in European countries; (2) to collect reliable and directly comparable data on individual and collective radiation exposure in all occupational sectors where classified workers are employed. Therefore, it is important to receive information about the levels of individual personal radiation doses to workers in the different sectors and the trends and developments of these doses over a period of several years; (3) at present, all 25 European Union Member States, plus Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, Romania and Switzerland, participate in the study; and (4) the study was executed under the leadership of German BfS in co-operation with Czech SUJB. First results and analyses based on the data collected in the previous studies are presented in the paper 'Frasch, Petrová: Dose trends in occupational radiation exposure in Europe-Results from the ESOREX project'. As a result of a call for tender of the European Commission/DGTREN in the year 2003, the new ESOREX study called 'ESOREX2005' has been initiated. This study will end at the year 2007 and its main objectives are-to finalise the updating of the country-wise reports by describing the current situation in the field of occupational exposure control, evaluation and registration of personal doses of radiation workers and as a second part of the study, to collect dosimetric data for the period 2001-2005.

The ESOREX project was initiated in 1997 by the EC DG TREN and it was executed by the BfS/Germany in close co-operation with the State Office for Nuclear Safety/Czech Republic). It consists of surveys on radiation monitoring and exposure carried out in the 30 European states. The study provides comparable descriptions of the national administrative structures used to monitor and register individual occupational radiation exposure and the national dose statistics. The analysis of time series about the occupational radiation exposure in different work sectors allows the evaluation of changes and trends after the transposure of the Council Directive 96/29/EURATOM. From 1996 to 2000 occupational radiation protection led partly to substantial dose reductions, primarily in the nuclear sector and in the sector of natural sources. General industry performs less successfully in the reduction of radiation exposure. Work sectors with traditionally low doses like the medical sector or research and education showed less of a reduction. Yet, the dose reductions in these sectors show that even at levels of low exposures there is still room for improvement and dose reduction.

Adsorption separation techniques as an alternative to laborious traditional methods (e.g., based on phenol extraction procedure) have been applied for DNA purification. In this work we used two types of particles: silica and cobalt ferrite (unmodified or modified with a reagent containing weakly basic aminoethyl groups, aminophenyl groups, or alginic acid). DNA from chicken erythrocytes and DNA isolated from bacteria Lactococcus lactis were used for testing of adsorption/desorption properties of particles. The cobalt ferrite particles modified with different reagents were used for isolation of PCR-ready bacterial DNA from different dairy products.

Background: The information on the results of the survey of collective effective dose SE to children in the Czech Republic (CR) due to nuclear medicine examinations performed during the one-year period July 1995-June 1996., Methods: The estimate of SE was based on the annual frequency of nuclear medicine procedures and the type and amount of administered radiopharmaceuticals provided by the General Health Insurance Company covering 75% of the CR population., Results: In the period considered, 15,281 examinations of children younger than 18 years were performed, which represented 7.5% of total nuclear medicine examinations in the CR. The annual SE 43.8 man Sv formed 5.1% of the collective effective dose to all patients examined by nuclear medicine procedures in the CR. The contributions of procedures in various body systems of children to the annual SE: urinary tract 32.8%, bone 30.4%, brain 12.8 %, cardiovascular 6.4%, GIT 6.0%, thyroid 4.4%, lungs 3.0%, other 4.2%. In comparison with a similar survey performed in the CR in 1987 (based on a questionnaire) there was an increase in SE to children younger than 15 years by a factor of 2.8, mainly due to the expansion of kidney and bone investigations., Conclusions: The mean effective dose per exam to children younger than 15 years was 60% of that for adults, which was in agreement with the requirement that the radiation burden of children should not exceed that of adults. The use of data from the Insurance Company for regular conducting of such surveys appeared to be not as cumbersome and time-consuming as questionnaire surveys.

Consistent with the worldwide development of nuclear medicine, in the Czech Republic in 1987 to 1996 partly the spectrum of used radiopharmaceutical preparations and their ratio changed. In the majority of radiopharmaceutical preparations the mean administered activity increased by 20 to 80% and the range of activities administered in different departments diminished somewhat. Adherence to principles of radiation protection of patients is assisted by guidelines of administered activities of radiopharmaceutical preparations laid down in new regulations on radiation protection valid in the CR from the middle of 1997. The radiation burden associated with the majority of examinations in nuclear medicine expressed as the effective dose is comparable with the radiation burden of radiodiagnostic examinations, only after administration of preparations with 131I, 201Tl, 67Ga and 111In it is markedly higher. Based on knowledge of the effective dose it may be concluded that the lifetime extra risk of a fatal tumour due to administration of radiopharmaceutical preparations is by two to three orders lower than the lifetime risk of spontaneous development of fatal tumours. A special feature of radiation risk is its hypothetical character--it is frequently projected into the distant future of human life, contrary to immediate non-radiation risks of some medical procedures and risks in the living environment which frequently are higher. Any examination using ionising radiation can be made only if the expected health benefit for the patient is significantly greater than the radiation risk. Excessive fear of radiation risk should not lead to refusal of justified examinations with possible subsequent serious health damage for the patient.