Plutonium traces in atmospheric precipitation and in aerosols from Krakow and Bialystok

2009 ◽  
Vol 97 (4-5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Kierepko ◽  
Jerzy W. Mietelski ◽  
W. Borowiec ◽  
S. Tarasiewicz ◽  
S. Blazej ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Precipitation ◽  
Global Fallout ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Air Concentration ◽  
Plutonium Isotopes ◽  
Nuclear Reprocessing ◽  
Calculated Ratio ◽  
Plutonium Activity ◽  
Nuclear Weapon Tests ◽  
New Hypothesis

AbstractThe appearance of plutonium isotopes in the environment was connected with the human activity, mainly: nuclear weapon tests (global fallout), nuclear accident in Chernobyl (1986), disintegration of satellite SNAP 9 (1963) and releases from nuclear reprocessing factories. At present, the concentration of plutonium in the atmosphere is very small but still observable.The aim of the study is to report and to discuss the results of plutonium alpha-emitters determination from sampling aerosols in air (Krakow 1990–1998, 2001–2002 and Bialystok 1996–1998, 2001) and in precipitation (Krakow 2005–2006). Plutonium activity concentration in air samples (in Krakow and Bialystok) varied in range: 0.22±0.04 nBq/mOne of the mechanisms responsible for the airborne plutonium is resuspension but on the other hand the main source of plutonium in the air seems to be marines aerosols from North See. This new hypothesis will be checked during the future research. The most interesting finding is the seasonal variation of plutonium air concentration. The conclusion from calculated ratio of plutonium isotopes (

Analysis of 60-yr record of surface 137Cs concentrations in the global ocean

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yayoi Inomata ◽  
Michio Aoyama
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
North Pacific Ocean ◽  
Global Fallout ◽  
Temporal Variations ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
The North ◽  
Nuclear Reprocessing ◽  
The North Pacific

<p>We investigated spatial and temporal variations in 137Cs concentrations in the surface waters of the global ocean for the period from 1957 to 2018. In order to study the distribution of 137Cs concentrations in surface seawater, we divided the global ocean into 37 latitudinal boxes on the basis of known ocean current systems, latitudinal and longitudinal distributions of 137Cs concentrations, the distribution of global fallout, locations of nuclear reprocessing plants, fallout from the Chernobyl accident, and release from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident. Based on the 0.5-y average value of 137Cs concentrations in the surface water in each box, we classified the temporal variations into four types. In the North Pacific Ocean where there was high fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests, the rates of decrease in the 137Cs concentrations changed over the five decades: the rate of decrease from the 1950s to the 1970s was much faster than that after the 1970s, and the 137Cs concentrations were almost constant after the 1990s. Latitudinal differences in 137Cs concentrations in the North Pacific Ocean became small with time. After March 2011, extremely high concentrations (3.26×107 Bq/m3) were observed in the western North Pacific Ocean based on the direct release and atmospheric deposition of FNPP1-derived 137Cs. In the equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans, the 137Cs concentrations varied within a constant range in the 1970s and 1980s, due to the advection of 137Cs from areas of high global fallout in the mid-latitudes of the North Pacific Ocean. In the eastern South Pacific and Atlantic Oceans (south of 40°S), the concentrations decreased exponentially over the six decades. In the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, including marginal seas, 137Cs concentrations were strongly controlled by discharge from nuclear reprocessing plants after the late 1970s. The 137Cs concentrations were rapidly decreased after the early 1980s, and advected into the Arctic Ocean. <br>The averaged 137Cs concentrations in each box in the year of 1970 were 1-716 Bq/m3, and those were decreased to 0.2-28 Bq/m3 in the year of 2010. The apparent half-residence times of 137Cs in the surface waters of the global ocean from 1970 to 2010 ranged from 4.2 to 48.1 years for each box. </p><p>(Reference)<br>Inomata et al. (2009) Analysis of 50-y record of surface 137Cs concentrations in the global ocean using the HAM-global database. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, DOI: 10.1039/b811421h. </p><p> </p>

scholarly journals Brain evolution by brain pathway duplication

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1684) ◽  
pp. 20150056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukta Chakraborty ◽  
Erich D. Jarvis
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Gene Duplication ◽  
Brain Research ◽  
Vocal Learning ◽  
Brain Evolution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Genetic Modifications ◽  
Nervous System Evolution ◽  
Brain Pathways ◽  
New Hypothesis

Understanding the mechanisms of evolution of brain pathways for complex behaviours is still in its infancy. Making further advances requires a deeper understanding of brain homologies, novelties and analogies. It also requires an understanding of how adaptive genetic modifications lead to restructuring of the brain. Recent advances in genomic and molecular biology techniques applied to brain research have provided exciting insights into how complex behaviours are shaped by selection of novel brain pathways and functions of the nervous system. Here, we review and further develop some insights to a new hypothesis on one mechanism that may contribute to nervous system evolution, in particular by brain pathway duplication. Like gene duplication, we propose that whole brain pathways can duplicate and the duplicated pathway diverge to take on new functions. We suggest that one mechanism of brain pathway duplication could be through gene duplication, although other mechanisms are possible. We focus on brain pathways for vocal learning and spoken language in song-learning birds and humans as example systems. This view presents a new framework for future research in our understanding of brain evolution and novel behavioural traits.

scholarly journals An Evolutionary Hypothesis for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Psychological Immune System?

1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riadh T. Abed ◽  
Karel W. de Pauw
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Emotional States ◽  
Risk Avoidance ◽  
Future Time ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
On Line ◽  
New Hypothesis

A new hypothesis is presented within the framework of evolutionary psychology that attempts to explain the origins of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is suggested that obsessions and compulsions originate from the overactivity of a mental module that the majority of humans possess and has the function of generating risk scenarios without voluntary intervention. It is hypothesised that obsessional phenomena function as an off-line risk avoidance process, designed to lead to risk avoidance behaviour at a future time, thus distinguishing it from anxiety and related phenomena as on-line emotional states, designed to lead to the avoidance of immediate and direct risks. Finally, the hypothesis makes a number of specific predictions that are testable and refutable. It is contended that the present hypothesis if supported by empirical evidence could serve as a basis for future research on this important disorder.

scholarly journals O status ecológico das comunidades de fungos coprófilos

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Simões Calaça ◽  
Jéssica Conceição Araújo ◽  
Solange Xavier Santos
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Status ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Coprophilous Fungi ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Scientific Hypothesis ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Substrate Choice ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
New Hypothesis

<p>Buscamos discutir o status ecológico das comunidades de fungos coprófilos lato sensu, apresentando pontos chave para a formulação de hipóteses e futuros estudos que visem entender os fatores ecológicos que modulam a escolha da vida coprófila por estes fungos. Apresentamos um novo termo (copromicodiversidade), que melhor designa a amplitude do grupo, considerando a total abrangência do mesmo, incluindo a diversidade morfológica, funcional e ecológica de uma dada população de fungos coprófilos registrados em uma região geográfica específica. Além disso, levantamos questões relacionadas ao ciclo de vida destes organismos, considerando recentes estudos bem como a premissa tradicionalmente aceita que defende a necessidade dos esporos de fungos coprófilos passarem pelo trato digestivo dos animais, para sua posterior emergência nas fezes. Esperamos que futuras pesquisas possam melhor definir estas comunidades, evitando incertezas sobre a definição do estilo de vida coprófilo, mesmo que algumas espécies possam crescer em outros substratos (fimícolas), mas ainda apresentando relações com hospedeiros animais (coprofilia). Enquanto esperamos por direções futuras, novas hipóteses devem ser planejadas e testadas visando os aspectos que verdadeiramente modulam a ocorrência de fungos coprófilos em diferentes ambientes.</p><p><strong>Palavras chave</strong>: Copromicodiversidade, ecologia fúngica, escolha de substratos, fungos de esterco.</p><p><strong>The ecological status of coprophilous fungi communities</strong></p><p><strong>Abstract</strong>: We discuss the ecological status of coprophilous fungi communities lato sensu, presenting key points to the definition of scientific hypothesis and future studies aiming to understand the ecological factors that modulate the coprophilous lifestyle’s choice by these fungi. We present a new scientific term (copromycodiversity) that better describes the magnitude of this group, considering the comprehensiveness of this fungal group, including the morphological, physiological and ecological diversities to a coprophilous fungi population recorded to a specific geographical region. Furthermore, we raised some questions related to the life cycle of these fungi, taking into account recent studies as well as the traditionally accepted assumption that supports the spore passage through animals’s gut to its growth and development on dung. We expect that future research would best define these communities, avoiding uncertainties about the definition of the coprophilous lifestyle, even that some species would growth on others substrates (fimicolous fungi), but still displaying some connection with its animal host (coprophilia). While we are waiting for future directions, new hypothesis must be planned and tested aiming the predictors that truly modulates the occurrence of coprophilous fungi in different environments.</p><p><strong>Key words</strong>: Copromycodiversity, dung fungi, fungal ecology, substrate choice.</p>

scholarly journals BLAIVIAI GYVENANČIŲ PRIKLAUSOMŲ NUO ALKOHOLIO ASMENŲ GYVENIMO ĮPRASMINIMAS

Psichologija ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 88-101
Author(s):  
Giedrius Markevičius
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Life Test ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
New Hypothesis

Nors priklausomi nuo alkoholio asmenys nemažai tirti gyvenimo prasmės testu, šių žmonių gyvenimo įprasminimo ypatumai ir problematika jiems gyvenant blaiviai beveik netyrinėti.Šio straipsnio pagrindinis tikslas yra palyginti pradedančių gyventi blaiviai ir ilgai blaiviai gyvenančių priklausomų nuo alkoholio asmenų gyvenimo įprasminimo ypatumus. Tuo tikslu kiekybiškai įvertintas abiejų pogrupių gyvenimo prasmės lygis, vidinės darnos lygis ir jo koreliacija su faktorinės analizės būdu išskirtais gyvenimo prasmės faktoriais; aprašyti kognityviniai, motyvaciniai ir emociniai gyvenimo įprasminimo komponentai, svarbiausi sunkumai ir jų veiklos ypatumai.Apibendrinus tyrimo rezultatus, galima teigti, kad pradedančių gyventi blaiviai ir ilgai blaiviai gyvenančių priklausomų nuo alkoholio asmenų gyvenimo prasmės lygis (t. y. kiekybinis savo gyvenimo prasmingumo vertinimas) ir vidinės darnos lygis (išreiškiantis sunkumų įveikos gebėjimus) statistiškai reikšmingai nesiskiria, bet šių pogrupių tiriamieji pasižymi skirtingais gyvenimo įsprasminimo komponentų ypatumais, nevienodu patiriamų sunkumų ir jų įveikos pobūdžiu.Kadangi su vienu iš gyvenimo prasmės faktorių susijęs tik I pogrupio tiriamųjų vidinės darnos lygis, iškėlėme naują prielaidą, kad sunkumų įveikos gebėjimai pradedantiems blaiviai gyventi asmenims yra vienas iš svarbiausių gyvenimo įprasminimo veiksnių. Tai gali būti patikrinta tolesniais tyrtimais. GIVING PURPOSE TO LIFE AMONG ALCOHOL ADDICTS WHO LEAD SOBER LIFE Giedrius Markevičius Summary Though alcohol addicts have been studied through the 'purpose of life' test quite much, peculiarities and problematics of their purpose of life when leading sober life have been studied little. The main aim of this article is to compare peculiarities of purpose of life of those alcohol addicts who have just started leading sober life and those who have been leading sober life for extended periods. For this, the level of purpose of life of both groups and level of inner coherence and its correlation with factors of purpose of life retrieved by means of factor analysis were quantitatively assessed; cognitive, motivational and emotional components of giving purpose to life as well as main difficulties and peculiarities of their solution are provided. After assessing the results of the research, it can be argued that the level of purpose of life and the level of inner coherence of those alcohol addicts who have just started leading sober life and those who have been leading sober life for extended periods statistically does not differ significantly, but the surveyed of the two groups differ in peculiarities of components of their giving purpose to life as well as in aspects of difficulties experienced and their solutions. Because level of inner coherence of only first group is related to one of factors of purpose of life, we raised a new hypothesis that capabilities to solve difficulties for those alcohol addicts who have just started leading sober life is one of the main factors in giving purpose to life. But this is a task for future research.

scholarly journals MODELLING VERTICAL MIGRATION OF 137CS IN LITHUANIAN SOILS/137CS VERTIKALIOSIOS MIGRACIJOS LIETUVOS DIRVOŽEMIUOSE MODELIAVIMAS/МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ВЕРТИКАЛЬНОЙ МИГРАЦИИ 137CS В ПОЧВАХ ЛИТВЫ

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatas Butkus ◽  
Marina Konstantinova
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Model ◽  
Vertical Migration ◽  
Software Package ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Global Fallout ◽  
Fine Sand ◽  
137Cs Concentration ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Nuclear Weapon Tests

137Cs vertical migration in soil was evaluated using two methods: evaluating migration parameters using the quasi‐diffusion model, and modelling vertical migration using VS2DI software package, which is intended for simulating transport of pollution in different types of soil. 137Cs distribution in soil was compared in elevated contamination “spots” in 1992 and 1999–2000. It was determined that 137Cs vertical distribution in soil has two maxima caused by the 137Cs global fallout due to nuclear weapon tests and by the fallout due to the ChNPP accident. 137Cs concentration simulated by VS2DI software package is close to the measured 137Cs concentration, especially to values measured in 1992. This shows that the software is able to simulate 137Cs vertical migration due to a single fallout. The quasi‐diffusion model is adequate for description of long‐term 137Cs vertical migration, and the results of measurements and calculations agreed within error limits. Parameters of long‐term vertical migration of 137Cs in soil, the transfer rate w and the diffusion coefficient Dwere found for each region: in the western region of Lithuania (mainly sandy loam) D = 0.12 cm2/year−1, w =0,26 cm/year−1, in the southern region of Lithuania (mainly loam) D = 0.13 cm2/year−1, w = 0.29 cm/year−1, and on the Curonian Spit (mainly fine sand) D = 0.1 cm2/year−1, w = 0.22 cm/year−1. Santrauka 137Cs vertikalioji migracija dirvožemyje buvo įvertinta, matuojant jo savitąjį aktyvumą dirvožemyje ir taikant du metodus: radionuklido vertikaliosios migracijos įvertinimas pagal kvazidifuzinį modelį ir jos modeliavimas, naudojant VS2DI kompiuterinę programą, kuri skirta taršos sklidimui įvairių tipų dirvose modeliuoti. 137Cs pasiskirstymas dirvožemyje buvo palygintas su 137Cs didelės užtaršos plotuose („karštose dėmėse“) 1992 ir 1999–2000 m. Buvo nustatyta, kad 137Cs vertikalusis pasiskirstymas turi dvi smailes, pirmoji atsirado dėl 137Cs globalios iškritos, sukeltos branduolinio ginklo bandymais, antroji – dėl Černobylio avarijos iškritos. 137Cs savitasis aktyvumas, sumodeliuotas naudojant VS2DI kompiuterinę programą, yra artimas išmatuotam 137Cs savitajam aktyvumui, ypač išmatuotam 1992 m. Tai rodo, kad ši programa tinka vienkartinės taršos 137Cs vertikaliajai migracijai modeliuoti. Tačiau ilgalaikei 137Cs vertikaliajai migracijai aprašyti labiau tinka kvazidifuzinis modelis, ir jo rezultatai bei matavimo rezultatai sutampa neviršydami paklaidų ribų. Ilgalaikės 137Cs vertikaliosios migracijos dirvožemyje parametrai, kryptingos pernašos greitis w ir kvazidifuzinės pernašos koeficientas D buvo nustatyti kiekviename regione: Vakarų Lietuvos regione (vyrauja priesmėlis) D = 0,12 cm2 /m–1, w = 0,26 cm/m–1, Pietų Lietuvos regione (vyrauja priemolis) D = 0,13 cm2 /m–1, w = 0,29 cm/m–1, o Kuršių nerijoje, kur vyrauja smulkus smėlis, D = 0,1 cm2 /m–1, w = 0,22 cm/m–1. Резюме Вертикальная миграция 137Cs в почве была исследована при измерении его концентрации в почве, а также при помощи двух методов: оценки параметров миграции с помощью квазидиффузионного метода и с использованием компьютерной программы VS2DI, предназначенной для моделирования переноса загрязнения в различных типах почв. Cравнивается распределение 137Cs в областях повышенной загрязненности („горячих пятнах“) в 1992 г. и 1999–2000 гг. Установлено, что вертикальное распределение 137Cs имеет два максимума, обусловленных глобальным выпадением 137Cs в результате ядерных испытаний и вследствие Чернобыльской аварии. Концентрация 137Cs, смоделированная с помощью программы VS2DI, близка к измеренной, особенно к значениям, измеренным в 1992 г. Это свидетельствует о том, что программа может быть использована для моделирования вертикальной миграции одиночного выпадения 137Cs. Квазидиффузионная модель приемлема для описания долгосрочной вертикальной миграции, причем результаты измерений и вычислений совпадают в пределах погрeшности. Были найдены параметры долгосрочной вертикальной миграции 137Cs, направленная скорость переноса w и коэффициент диффузии D для каждого из регионов: в Западной Литве (преобладает супесчаная почва) D = 0.12 см2 г–1, w = 0,26 см г–1, в Южной Литве (преобладает суглинок) D = 0.13 см 2 г–1, w = 0.29 см г–1 и на Куршской косе (преобладает мелкий песок) D = 0.1 см2 г–1, w = 0.22 см г–1.

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