The people of Oryx (@oryxspioenkop) even have a designation for the “Kontakt’d” Leopard 2, the 2A4V. The designation is borrowed from Soviet-Russian nomenclature, with the “V” for “vzryvnoj (“explosive”)” for added Kontakt-1 ERA stones such as the T-55MV, T-62MV, T-64BV, and T-72BV stands and T-80BV.

It looks like this particular Leopard tank was of Canadian origin. Canada has sent eight of the tanks to support Ukraine’s war effort.

In general, ERA is an attempt to defend against penetrating anti-tank munitions such as high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shells and armor-piercing shells by detonating on impact before the shell hits the tank’s hull. The counterattack effect can interrupt the weapon’s effect or completely destroy it.

The Leopard 2 already has strong protection from its tread to turret armor scheme. The Contact Stones, an increasingly common “Mad Max” accessory in armored vehicles on both sides, can potentially increase protection against ubiquitous threats such as anti-tank missiles and melee weapons like rocket-propelled grenades.

At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve written about Russian attack helicopters using long-range anti-tank missiles to engage advancing Ukrainian columns. In this scenario, surviving the initial attack from an often invisible enemy at long range can mean the difference between taking cover or exiting the vehicle.

The fact that Ukraine is already modifying their donated high-end western armor is telling. Learning the hard way, with the loss of irreplaceable staff and hard-to-find equipment, leads to rapid innovation. Adding ERA to Leopard tanks is clearly part of this development. And it’s not that ERA isn’t used with NATO countries either. It seems that Ukraine thinks the extra protection it could offer is a worthwhile trade-off given the extra weight and other considerations involved.

And of course, it’s always fascinating to see advanced NATO equipment being modified with capabilities developed and deployed by the enemy it was intended to deter and potentially combat, and vice versa. These practices have become an increasingly important part of war.

It will be interesting to see if the use of the Contact Stones for Ukrainian Leopard 2 and other western-supplied armor becomes a standard issue in the course of Ukraine’s counter-offensive.

Although the exact causes of this disease are still unknown, researchers have recently highlighted a link between exposure to trichlorethylene (TCE), a chemical commonly used in dry cleaning, and the onset of this disease. This discovery, published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, sheds new light on the potential risks associated with exposure to chemicals in our daily lives.

What is Trichlorethylene (TCE)

Trichlorethylene is a colorless chemical liquid with an odor reminiscent of chloroform. It does not occur naturally in the environment and is mainly used in various industrial and commercial sectors such as:

• Professional dry cleaning
• metal degreasing
• The manufacture of cleaning towels
• The formulation of stain removers for clothing and carpets
• The design of lubricants
• The manufacture of spray adhesives

Its use can lead to exposure through contaminated air, water and soil.

Risks associated with exposure to TCE

Significant exposure to TCE can produce a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, and facial numbness. Additionally, studies have shown that prolonged exposure to this chemical can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

TCE and Parkinson’s disease

dr Ray Dorsey, professor of neurology at the University of Rochester and lead author of the study, explains that when writing his book Ending Parkinson’s Disease, his team decided to investigate the possible link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease.

according to dr Dorsey also associates TCE, a known carcinogen, with other serious health problems such as miscarriage, neural tube defects, congenital heart disease and many other conditions.

Compelling case studies

dr Dorsey’s team conducted a literature review and identified seven cases of people developing Parkinson’s disease after exposure to TCE in the workplace or in their communities. Such cases include the case of Brian Grant, a former NBA player who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 36. Researchers believe he was likely exposed to TCE as a child when his father was stationed at Army Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where the water supply was contaminated with TCE in the 1980s.

The need for more research

While these case studies are compelling, Dr. Dorsey the need for more research to establish a clear link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease. In fact, there are currently only 26 studies on the subject, a relatively low number given the scale of TCE use and the pollution it causes.

How can you reduce your TCE exposure?

According to the researchers, the best way to reduce exposure to TCE would be to ban the chemical as it poses an “unreasonable risk to human health.” They also advocate informing the public, especially people living near contaminated sites, and preventing these gases from entering homes, schools and workplaces through inexpensive remediation systems similar to those used for radon.

Improve indoor air quality

Most TCE exposures are through inhalation. It is therefore recommended to increase indoor ventilation or to use activated carbon air filters to improve air quality. More sophisticated systems, similar to those used for radon abatement, can also be considered.

Filter drinking water

TCE can also contaminate drinking water. To reduce the TCE content in the water, the use of activated carbon filters is recommended. Whole-home water filtration systems can also help prevent further exposure when bathing, washing dishes, or other household purposes.

Avoid products that contain TCE

Finally, it is advisable to avoid the use of consumer products containing TCE. Among other things, paint strippers, stain removers, adhesives, degreasers and sealants should be checked for their TCE content.

The discovery of the possible link between TCE and Parkinson’s disease underscores once again the importance of regulating the use of chemicals in our society. Pending further research on this topic, it is important to raise public awareness of the risks associated with exposure to chemicals and to promote behaviors aimed at minimizing these risks.

During the excavations of some campaigns in Spain, an object with a peculiar shape was found. Researchers have put forward the first hypotheses about its use.

Open-mouthed scientists – Viaggi.nanopress.it

Reading the news about certain finds, it’s impossible not to be fascinated by them valuable work of archaeologistsa work of toil and much study, but also full of satisfactions and discoveries that add page after page to the history of mankind and beyond.

And so even the smallest find, the seemingly most insignificant fragment found, represents an important story for the world of archeology.

Recently, a team of researchers discovered just one of them such eloquent objects drawn from the pastsomething truly unique that experts are already conducting in-depth studies on.

During excavations in Spain, an object with a special shape is unearthed

We are in Spainnamely in the north-western area of ​​the city of Rìa de Vigo. Close by Tower of MeiraDuring some excavation work, archaeologists have come across one specific object.

Archaeological excavations – Viaggi.nanopress.it

The find is a Polished stone tool with an as yet uncertain utility, but with an unmistakable shape. It is actually a phallic artifact with small dimensions (more or less 15 centimeters), about the importance of which experts have made some hypotheses.

hypotheses about its use

The first of these hypotheses is related to the history of the site. Tower of Meira In fact, it is an ancient complex that once belonged to the Meira and Valadares families. Practically the entire area was monitored from the highest part of the watchtower.

Nothing remains of the building, which originally housed not only the tower but also an armory. In fact, it was destroyed in the second half of the 15th century.

At that time, the place was the scene of some Riots led by the Irmandiños, a group of people united by a single common goal, which is to defend their interests against the abuses of the lords. The targets of their anger were therefore primarily nobles and clergy.

Some researchers have therefore hypothesized that the phallic object associated with these events, such as B. could be connected Tool for sharpening swords and weapons. It is believed that its shape was originally different and was only later modeled after the appearance of a phallus.

In addition, according to other experts, the rounded shape of the base could also have been used as a base kitchen pestlemaking the object versatile.

Even considering the historical period, there are also people who believe that this particular pestle may have helped create it as well gunpowder productioncame to Europe between the 14th and 15th centuries.

Phallic objects in antiquity

It is not the first time that researchers in Spain (but also in the rest of the world) have brought to light objects of this particular shape.

Some time ago, archaeologists found one in Andalusia, for example Phallic sculpture of about half a meter dates from Roman times. In this case, experts claimed it was the largest phallus sculpture in the Roman world.

In ancient times, the phallus represented that symbol of masculinity and was often considered a species lucky charm.

The male organ was related to it cult of the god Priapus, god of fertility who was depicted as a man with a huge penis. The latter not only symbolized fertility, but also evoked abundance, which was seen as the driving force of nature.