Soviet secret space rocket NPO Mashinostroyenia is a Russian state space development company, which grew out of a Soviet entity, known simply as OKB-52, responsible for the development of the Almaz space station, among other things. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to NPO Mashinostroyenia in early 2021 offers the best and most complete look at the Shchit-1 system to date. The Almaz program was a covert effort to develop military space stations, primarily equipped to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, hidden within the Saylut civilian space station project. The Almaz effort dates back to the 1960s, only to be officially declassified in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union planned to “weapon” the Almaz stations from the start, fearing attacks with US anti-satellite weapons – including small but maneuverable “killer satellites”. tall and more traditional interceptors. An example of the Shchit-1 system actually sent into space with the Almaz OPS-2 satellite. The Soviet Union also conducted a remote live-fire test with the system on January 24, 1975, the last day of the station in orbit. The results of the test remained confidential and the next Almaz space station, OPS-3, was launched without any weapons installed. OPS-4, which has never been to space, is believed to carry the Shchit-2 system. However, there is no indication that Shchit-2, although its general existence was previously known, has ever entered space and details about the system are still very limited. As for the “weapon” itself, Leonard Smirichevsky, the current head of NPO Mashinostroyenia, described it to a reporter for TV Zvezda as having four main components. The base of the system was a solid-fuel rocket engine, which was then attached to a rotary stabilization system consisting of a rotating wheel with blade-shaped radiators. There’s a hybrid warhead-propulsion section followed by a nozzle-like radar seeker at the front. By far, the engine – warhead part is the most interesting part. Outwardly, it appears to be a circular array of small, grenade-like charges, which one imagines would create a shrapnel cloud especially dangerous to other objects in the vacuum of space. . However, these projectiles are really solid and are designed to act as interceptors, destroying anything they hit through sheer force of impact. No one knows what happened to Shchit-2 after the Almaz program ended in 1978. It is also unclear why the Russians decided to consider the system at this time. The incident comes amid new discussions about anti-satellite weapons in orbit, including interceptors and guided-energy weapons, as well as killer satellites, and the development of systems this system, both in Russia and the United States, among other countries. Space weapon Shchit-2 on display at NPO Mashinostroyenia. Almaz . military space station The Almaz military space stations, which first began operating in the early 1960s, were intended to be armed from the outset. Almaz stations are expected to be versatile military platforms in space. This plan is for the first types configured primarily for a wide range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions with cameras and many other sensor systems. The delay in the development of the sensor package affected the entire program. In 1971, the Soviet Union launched a civilian space station – Salyut – incorporating some of the design work developed under the Almaz program, along with components from the Soyuz spacecraft. The Salyut program eventually provided cover for the Almaz space station. Of the seven Salyut space stations launched between 1971 and 1991, three are actually of the military type. The first Almaz station, publicly known as Salyut-2 and also known as OPS-1, entered service in 1973. However, an accident on board shortly after launch forced the Soviet Union to abandon it. it before a real crew could be dispatched to join. OPS-2, also known as Salyut-3, followed in 1974. The station was successfully put into orbit on June 25, 1974. The crew stayed there for 15 days to test the Earth-viewing camera with the onboard Agat-1 telescope, which was said to be able to produce high-resolution images of the ground. The second crew failed to reach the station in late 1974 after their Soyuz spacecraft crashed. The third mission to OPS-2 was later aborted and it operated in unmanned mode until leaving orbit on January 24, 1975. In September 1974, personnel on the ground remotely recovered a film “pod” from the Agat-1 camera, then returned to Earth and recovered. The next Almaz space stations, called OPS-3 and Salyut-5, have no weapons on board, at least as far as we know. Plans for an OPS-4 station include a new Shchit-2 self-defense system, reportedly designed to fire interceptor missiles, but no images of that weapon have been made public. The Soviet Union also developed specialized self-defense guns for cosmonauts, such as the TP-82, but they were intended for use on Earth, not in space.

Scientists’ discoveries at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and University of Florida (UF) have shown that marine biodiversity studies can enhance biomedical research. The naming of the compound Gatorbulin-1 (GB1) found in blue algae is a tribute to UF researchers and global partners who lit the torch for the discovery and traits of algae. lam. From self-defense to drugs Cyanobacteria are single-celled terrestrial and aquatic organisms around the world. They can use chemicals to defend themselves against predators. These chemicals also play a role in helping the cyanobacteria communicate. “ We studied a series of compounds called Quorum’s emotional inhibitors that affect the chemical signals that cyanobacteria have, ” said Dr. Valerie Paul, a chemical ecologist at Smithsonian Marine Station. used to communicate. The Quorum emotion is a name for the way bacteria communicate using chemical signals. The scientists examined the cyanobacteria’s communication and defense compounds to test for biomedical properties. Often they realize the compound’s medical potential before understanding why cyanobacteria take it. In a new study, GB1 was shown to have significant anticancer activity with the potential for a new drug formulation. But scientists are not quite sure how cyanobacteria use it. TS. Nature has optimized these compounds, which are created for a certain purpose, in the case of blue-green algae, said Paul, as self-defense. Chemical structure of Gatorbulin-1 (GB1) molecule. From the sea to the lab The blue-green algae targeted, Lyngbya confervoides, was discovered more than a decade before Dr. Paul started collecting this species. She quickly realized that the algae produced many different compounds, so she sent the samples to her collaborator Professor Hendrik Luesch for further study. But finding a new compound like GB1 that has the potential to make a new drug is a long process (not including the time it takes to add and test it to convert the compound into a safe, functional drug). The first stage of the procedure is to isolate and demonstrate that the purified compound can selectively kill cancer cells. Spurred by this discovery, Prof. Hendrik’s team was trying to find a way to synthesize the substance in the laboratory. A reliable way to produce GB1 is the first important thing to do in-depth research. “We like to stay in place to collect more cyanobacteria to isolate enough materials for advanced research,” Dr. Hendrik said. As organic chemists, we are able to replicate these natural molecules in larger quantities in the laboratory without having to depend on cyanobacteria. GB1 has been added to additional stages for the synthesis process. Scientists have discovered that GB1 targets a protein in cells called Tubulin – the same protein cells require during cell division and uses it to build ” internal scaffolding ”. While there are many chemotherapy drugs that target Tubulin, Prof. Hendrik and colleagues assert that GB1 is more special because it interacts with Tubulin in new ways. Now researchers are eager to see GB1 as effective in the real world as well as its potential to make anti-cancer drugs. The cyanobacteria that produced Gatorbulin-1 (GBI) was recognized as the algae Lyngbya confervoides. Healing ability of biochemistry Organic chemists often turn to nature to study drug formulation. For example, compounds in terrestrial life mechanisms such as plants and fungi led to the creation of important drugs such as penicillin that is now a staple of modern medicine. In the ocean, about three-quarters of the earth’s surface has yet to be touched by humans. “It’s really a chemical war in the ocean,” said Professor Hendrik. The more battles and communications like that will help us humans understand more about the active compounds that can apply to mankind. ” And Dr. Paul said: “From a chemical ecologist’s point of view, this biodiversity is equivalent to chemical diversity. We can find everything in the ocean we never dreamed of. ” Nguyen Thanh Hai ( (According to smithsonianmag) )

The venom helps the snakes defend themselves and hunts. Explaining the venom in the snake The research was carried out by experts at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (Japan) with the Australian National University (Australia) and published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). . Research indicates a link between mammalian salivary glands and snake venom glands. Agneesh Barua, lead author of the paper and a graduate student in evolutionary genetics at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan, said: “In the past, we had the basic foundations. to find out about this. “Now, thanks to evolution, we can dig deeper and more accurately into the relationship between mammalian salivary glands and snake venom glands.” Previously, scientists believed that the venom gland evolved from the salivary gland because the venom is composed of proteins that are transformed from saliva. The oral venom system is assumed to evolve through evolution, but how it evolved and the molecular structure in the venom system remains unknown. Research by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and the Australian National University are the first scientific evidence to find an answer to this fake snow. To produce toxins, snakes have evolved in the direction of converting many different substances in the body into venom. Initially, scientists suspected the gene was behind the poison formation in snake venom and a number of different species such as spiders and coolie – the only primate to have venom. However, the study did not find out what causes the venom to develop in the mouths of the animals. The research does not focus on toxins because they grow quickly, they are complex mixtures of many compounds, the Baride scientist explains. From there, the scientists decided to switch not to check the genes that produce the toxin, but to study the genes that help change the salivary system into the venom gland in the mouth. These are genes that are involved in the venom but are not responsible for the toxin production. Contact toxins in the human body Human saliva contains toxins that produce toxins. Through testing the genome of Taiwan habu snake, the researchers found the gene that supports the change, named “metavenom network”. This gene is responsible for protecting cells from the stress caused by the production of large amounts of protein. Similar genes are found in the salivary glands of some mammals such as chimpanzees, mice, even humans or terrestrial egg-laying animals such as birds and reptiles. These two genes have quite similar modes of action. Both produce large amounts of protein in saliva. With snakes, this gene helps to create large toxic saliva, suitable for their hunting and defense purposes. While in mammals such as humans, genes also make large amounts of protein in saliva but does not contain toxins. The common thing that these genes have in common is their ability to produce toxins, but snakes combine many different toxins, while mammals produce simpler venom, which has a similarity with saliva, Baride says. In fact, under certain environmental conditions, rats can make many toxic proteins in their saliva. Or in human saliva contains Kallikrein, an enzyme that helps digest proteins and they are also components in the “metavenom network”. If mutated, Kallikrein will convert saliva into venom that causes pain and death for infected objects. If so, according to evolution, in the next ten thousand years rats may have venom in their mouths, and so can humans. Mechanism of venom production However, Barua said, Kallikreins in human saliva can hardly evolve into toxins in snake venom. The “metavenom web” is a method of defense or elimination of prey and it evolves according to the animal’s way of life. The same species of snake, but living in different terrains and environments, the toxin is also different. For example, snakes live in the desert, mainly hunt rats on flat terrain, their venom slowly seeps into their prey. But snakes that live in the rocky mountains have a stronger toxin, instantly killing the lizard-like agility. Meanwhile, humans have invented tools, weapons and social structures to increase labor productivity and to process food, so there is no need to use venom. In addition, the creation of the venom is difficult. If not used regularly, the venom is lost. For example, sea snakes used to possess venom but are now harmless because they switch from eating fish to eating fish eggs, which do not require the use of toxins. New research may not raise hope for human “superpowers” but scientists have found a way for species to control venom in the body, which may be the key of medicine. . Find out how genes that control external protein expression can recognize diseases like cancer. Because most deaths from cancer are due to cancer cells growing out of control.

After the terrible shooting in Atlanta (Georgia) in mid-March, Tam Nguyen organized self-defense classes for the Vietnamese community in Garden Grove, California. The purpose of the class is to help members protect themselves from racist acts against Asian Americans. Photo: Reuters.

The shootings at three spas in the city of Atlanta have left 8 people, including 6 women of Asian descent, dead. The suspect said he suffered from a sexual addiction and the women were “tempted”. The shooting occurred amid rising Asian stigma attacks in the United States during the epidemic, which also sparked debate about stigmatization against Asians and a recurring image. the sexualization of Asian women in America. Photo: Reuters.

The Covid-19 pandemic prompted Nguyen to set up “Nailing It for America”. This organization accepts donations and distributes personal protective equipment for medical personnel, with a device value of about $ 30 million. In addition, the organization also provides food for the elderly isolated by the pandemic. When the shooting happened, the organization’s goal changed, focusing on helping the Asian community as well as colleagues in the beauty industry. Photo: Reuters.

Self-defense classes have also been offered in many other parts of the United States. Officials and police are also involved in teaching students and members of the Asian community how to avoid becoming victims and what to do when something goes wrong. Photo: Reuters.

“Violent situations are happening more and more. As an Asian woman, I really want to know what to do when I am in that situation,” said Vy Truong, a student. Photo: Reuters.

At the Tam Nguyen family-owned beauty salon, masters teach about 50 students for a period of one to two weeks. Lessons focus on getting away and escaping from the attacker. In addition, the masters also taught how to counterattack to pin enemies to the ground and attack at vulnerable locations. Photo: Reuters.

Tam Nguyen is a co-owner of a beauty salon in the city of Garden Grove. His family center has helped 50,000 students graduate in 35 years of operation. Most of the trainees are of Vietnamese origin. Photo: Reuters.

According to US census data, 40% of the population of Garden Grove is of Asian descent. In the nearby city of Huntington Beach, many white daemons regularly gathered to protest. Photo: Reuters.

Qconstruction process

On the first day, the self-defense battalion was established consisting of the commanding board, 2 companies and 2 subordinate platoons with 193 officers and soldiers, of which 21 were officers, professional soldiers, and defense officers. In response to the request in the new situation, on August 21, 2006, the Commander of the Navy decided to upgrade the Self-Defense Battalion of Saigon Newport Company to a self-defense flotilla with 11 affiliated units, including: 1 Fleet of ships; 3 Companies and 7 Platoons. Self-defense flotilla forces are deployed at Tan Cang – Cat Lai Port, Tan Cang – Hiep Phuoc Port, ICD Tan Cang – Song Than, ICD Tan Cang – Long Binh, the Port Cluster of Cai Mep, the Port of Tan Cang – Central Region and the Hai Phong Region.

The Self-Defense Squadron has been regularly strengthened to consolidate its organization, and sent officers to train in military academies and schools. Specifically: coordinating with the Naval Academy to open 6 classes to foster military knowledge; coordinated with the Naval Special Forces Brigade 126 in training in counter-terrorism; organize for young cadres, cadres in the planned source subjects to study in combat units in Region 2, Region 4 of the Navy. Up to now, the frame staff of the Self-Defense Squad have been trained and appointed with sufficient quantity, have good ethical qualities, are capable, and the quality of the contingent of self-defense officers and soldiers has been improved.

The Saigon Newport Self-Defense Force has strengthened and is ready to perform the task.

Are not stop improving operational efficiency

The crew regularly renews and improves the quality of political education, considering it one of the important contents to improve the synergy and combat readiness of the self-defense forces.

The forces of the Navy Squadron actively developed and deployed military training plans to ensure strict and scientific; in accordance with the characteristics and tasks of production and business of the Corporation and the provisions of the Ordinance. Follow the motto “basic, practical, quality“.

Because the training of the Self-Defense Squadron often focuses on Saturday, Sunday, so the Squadron has combined training with ideological work, propaganda, guaranteed number 98% or more and achieved high results.

In addition to the training contents according to the provisions of the Ordinance on Militia and Self-Defense, the force of the Squadron was also strengthened with training in shooting targets at sea, training to drop mines; training in practice of A2 options to serve the protection of public holidays and New Year; terrorism prevention training, fire and explosion prevention training … the theoretical contents were organized in class and discussed in the Navy; practical training contents are organized decentralized in the squadrons, companies, platoons directly under.

The results of the annual military training courses are 100% satisfactory, in which there are many contents achieving the rate of over 70%, fairly and well. Participating in activities of the Southern Maritime Self-Defense Festival continuously won first and second prizes for the whole delegation.

Successful implementation of the mission

The Saigon New Port Self-Defense Force patrols and ensures the security of the port

The crew has well implemented the combat readiness plans, well managed the security and order of the stationed areas, strictly maintained discipline training, built formal order and industrial civilization.

Strictly complying with the regulations on coordination with the police and the army in the areas where they are stationed, coordinating the exercises of plans A2, fire and explosion prevention, terrorism prevention, search and rescue, rescue and security. seaport, military port regulations. Regularly maintain communication between the forces within the unit in order to promptly detect and handle signs, phenomena and acts of illegal intrusion to the unit at all times.

Pilot organization, successfully towing submarines and successfully completing external activities to welcome foreign military ships at Cam Ranh international port; participating in the search, rescue and rescue of CASA- and SU-30 MK aircraft in distress with the highest political responsibility, highly appreciated by the Military Service and the Ministry of Defense;

Organizing the reception and loading and unloading of thousands of tons of weapons and equipment; welcome, see off, ensure absolute security and safety for hundreds of delegations of the Party, State, ministries and people to visit Truong Sa archipelago, DK1 Rig House; constructing many military projects on Truong Sa archipelago, border patrol roads and defensive areas on the mainland to ensure confidentiality and safety; strictly control more than 30,000 people and more than 30,000 vehicles going in and out of facilities every day.

Maintain the No. 1 position in Vietnam in seaport operation

As a mass armed force that cannot escape production, over the years, the forces of the Self-Defense Squad have contributed to bringing Saigon New Port to the No. 1 position in Vietnam in seaport operations.

Account for over 62% market share of handling import and export containers through national seaports; accounting for 25% of the country’s total import-export turnover; Contributing 37% of total import-export tax revenue and 8% of total national budget revenue; Saigon New Port is in the TOP 19 container port clusters with the largest volume in the world, and in the TOP 10 logistics service enterprises in Vietnam.

As one of the 7 State-owned enterprises proposed by the Ministry of Planning and Investment to research and participate in the large-scale State-owned enterprise development project to promote the leading role, paving the way in the seaport operation industry, logistics services in Vietnam. Achieving National Brand for the 6th time in a row; ranked 100 sustainable development enterprises in 2020.

Colonel Nguyen Van Hanh, Deputy General Director cum Hai Doan Chief awarded awards to individuals with outstanding achievements in the year.

Over 20 years of construction and growth, generations of officers and soldiers of Saigon Newport Corporation have completed the assigned tasks. For 12 consecutive years (from 2009 to 2020), the self-defense squadron of Saigon Newport Corporation was awarded the title of Quyet Thang Unit by the Head of the High Command of the Navy; 121 collective turns, 607 individual turns were awarded. In particular, in 2017, the Navy was honored to be awarded the Third Class Fatherland Protection Medal by the State President. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the traditional day, the Navy is honored to be awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Minister of Defense.

20 years of construction and development, the self-defense squadron of Saigon Newport Corporation has been contributing to preserving and promoting the tradition of the Labor Hero Unit of Saigon Newport Corporation. Contributing positively to the building of Vietnam’s self-defense force, worthy of the praise of President Ho Chi Minh: “The militia and the guerrillas are the force of the entire nation, an invincible force, the iron wall of the Fatherland, no matter how violent the enemy will touch that force, that wall, All enemies must disintegrate “.