GEOPHYSICAL MONITORING: NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO PRESERVE ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS AND GREEN DESIGN IN URBAN AREAS

Author(s):  
Zakhar Slepak

A new geophysical prospecting technique developed by the author was effectively applied for these purposes in 1994–2005 within the architectural complex of the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The author has developed and successfully employed a unique gravity monitoring technique consisting in independent measurements at set points and at certain time intervals in the architectural complex of the Kazan Kremlin. The results of the geophysical monitoring and geodetic surveys conducted in open areas and inside architectural monuments offer new opportunities in preserving ancient buildings. Because geophysical monitoring can identify the negative impact of active geological processes on foundations of buildings, mitigation measures can be taken in timely manner. However, because the Kazan Kremlin is a state historical and architectural museum reserve, another objective is to maintain its exterior and renovate its green design. The above technology can also be used to analyze the technical condition of high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, underground railway systems and other structures, and significantly prolong their operating life.

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 66-75
Author(s):  
A. B. Torbenko ◽  
A. N. Galkin ◽  
I. A. Krasovskaya

Exogenous geological and engineering-geological processes (EGIGP) is one of the most dynamic factors in the transformation of the earth's surface, which significantly affects both the geological environment and human economic activity. The spread, the intensity of development and the scale of the consequences of the processes in urban areas are becoming more tangible every year, often causing significant material damage. The purpose of the work is to consider the specific manifestations of modern exogenous geological and engineering-geological processes on the territory of Vitebsk for the subsequent development of recommendations to the executive authorities and environmental institutions of the city on the organization of engineering protection of the territory from the adverse effects of EGIGP. The work is based on the results of engineering-geological and ecological-geological studies of the city’s territory, which were conducted by the authors from 2003 to 2017 as part of the scientific team of the biological faculty of Masherov Vitebsk State University. The studies included ground-based visual observations of the development of EGIGP, including mapping and photographing, compiling and analyzing the collected data, computer processing of observational data, various maps and satellite images. Research results indicate that among modern exogenous geological and engineering-geological processes and phenomena: erosion, suffusion, slope processes, failures, flooding, waterlogging and frost heaving of the territory, precipitation and deformation of buildings have been widely developed in Vitebsk. It is noted that the degree of their knowledge in the city is not high enough and very uneven. The formulation of works on the evaluation of the manifestation of these processes is, as a rule, sporadic. Nevertheless the results of studies indicate that the problem under consideration is relevant for Vitebsk and requires further study of EGIGP, their negative impact on the state of the geological environment and, as a result, the entire infrastructure of the city.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 116-123
Author(s):  
A. P. Korzh ◽  
T. V. Zahovalko

Recently, the number of published works devoted to the processes of synanthropization of fauna, is growing like an avalanche, which indicates the extreme urgency of this theme. In our view, the process of forming devices to coexist with human and the results of his life reflects the general tandency of the modern nature evolution. Urbanization is characteristic for such a specific group of animals like amphibians, the evidence of which are numerous literature data. Many researchers use this group to assess the bioindicative quality of the environment. For this aim a variety of indicators are used: from the cellular level of life of organization up to the species composition of the group in different territories. At the same time, the interpretation of the results is not always comparable for different areas and often have significantly different interpretations by experts. Urban environment, primarily due to the contamination is extremely aggressive to amphibians. As a consequence, the urban populations of amphibians may be a change in the demographic structure, affecting the reproductive ability of the population, the disappearance of the most sensitive species or individuals, resizing animals, the appearance of abnormalities in the development, etc. At the same time play an important amphibians in the ecosystems of cities, and some species in these conditions even feel relatively comfortable. Therefore, it is interesting to understand the mechanisms of self-sustaining populations of amphibians in urban environments. To assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the development of amphibian populations were used cognitive modeling using the program Vensim PLE. Cognitive map of the model for urban and suburban habitat conditions were the same. The differences concerned the strength of connections between individual factors (migration, fertility, pollution) and their orientation. In general, factors like pollution, parasites, predators had negative impact on the population, reducing its number. The birth rate, food and migration contributed to raising number of individuals. Some of the factors affected on the strength to of each other as well: the majority of the factors affected the structure of the population, had an influence on the fertility. Thanks to it the model reflects the additive effect of complex of factors on the subsequent status of the population. Proposed and analyzed four scenarios differing strength and duration of exposure. In the first scenario, a one-time contamination occurs and not subsequently repeated. The second and third scenario assumes half board contamination, 1 year (2 scenario) and two years (scenario 3). In the fourth scenario, the pollution affected the population of amphibians constantly. In accordance with the results of simulation, much weaker than the natural populations respond to pollution - have them as an intensive population growth and its disappearance at constant pollution is slow. Changes to other parameters of the model showed that this pollution is the decisive factor -only the constant action leads to a lethal outcome for the populations. All other components of the model have a corrective effect on the population dynamics, without changing its underlying trand. In urban areas due to the heavy impact of pollution maintaining the population is only possible thanks to the migration process – the constant replenishment of diminishing micropopulations of natural reserves. This confirms the assumption that the form of existence metapopulations lake frog in the city. In order to maintain the number of amphibians in urban areas at a high level it is necessary to maintain existing migration routes and the creation of new ones. Insular nature of the placement of suitable habitats in urban areas causes the metapopulation structure of the types of urbanists. Therefore, the process of urbanization is much easier for those species whicht are capable of migration in conditions of city. In the initial stages of settling the city micropopulationis formed by selective mortality of the most susceptible individuals to adverse effects. In future, maintaining the categories of individuals is provided mainly due to migration processes metapopulisation form of the species of existence is supported). It should be noted that the changes in the previous levels are always saved in future. In the case of reorganizations of individuals we of morphology can assume the existence of extremely adverse environmental conditions that threaten the extinction of the micropopulations. 


2019 ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
V V. Kafidov ◽  
V. N. Filippov ◽  
I. P. Filippova

The presented study addresses the problems of development of small and medium towns in Russia. Aim. The study aims to examine a town as a socio-economic environment where its residents exist and as the fundamental factor for the development of society.Tasks. The authors identify key problems in the development of small and medium Russian towns, which interferes with the historical appearance and has a negative impact on the living environment.Methods. Problems in the development of small and medium towns in Russia are examined using theoretical methods: systematic approach, statistical analysis, social and philosophical analysis.Results. The study identifies the main negative effects of the existing model of development of small and medium Russian towns, such as destruction of their historical and cultural appearance, distortion of the overall architectural motif, increased load on communications, and congestion of the transport infrastructure.Conclusions. At the current stage, efficient development of small and medium towns in Russia is impossible within the framework of the existing infill development. This chaotic process cannot be stopped without a new conceptual approach and changes in the legislative and normative framework of urban development. The only factor that determines the boundaries of the existing approach to urban development is the lack of physical space for new buildings in urban areas. The authors formulate proposals that would help to solve the problems of development of small and medium towns in Russia. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Martina Habulan ◽  
Bojan Đurin ◽  
Anita Ptiček Siročić ◽  
Nikola Sakač

Particulate matter (PM) comprises a mixture of chemical compounds and water particles found in the air. The size of suspended particles is directly related to the negative impact on human health and the environment. In this paper, we present an analysis of the PM pollution in urban areas of Croatia. Data on PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were measured with nine instruments at seven stationary measuring units located in three continental cities, namely Zagreb (the capital), Slavonski Brod, and Osijek, and two cities on the Adriatic coast, namely Rijeka and Dubrovnik. We analyzed an hourly course of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and average seasonal PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations from 2017 to 2019. At most measuring stations, maximum concentrations were recorded during autumn and winter, which can be explained by the intensive use of fossil fuels and traffic. Increases in PM concentrations during the summer months at measuring stations in Rijeka and Dubrovnik may be associated with the intensive arrival of tourists by air during the tourist season, and lower PM concentrations during the winter periods may be caused by a milder climate consequently resulting in lower consumption of fossil fuels and use of electric energy for heating.


Author(s):  
Dmitriy Ya. Rozhko

In urban areas, the transport sector is one of the main sources of significant energy consumption and carbon emissions. Although diesel and gasoline are still the main sources of energy used in urban transport, more and more attention is now being paid to alternative and transitional sources of energy, as they are renewable and have less negative impact on the environment. However, the successful use of alternative energy sources can be hindered by various technical, economic and political factors. This article discusses the latest literature on alternative and transitional energy sources in order to understand the possibility of their use in urban transport at present, as well as the possibility of introducing these sources in the future


Author(s):  
. Neha ◽  
Mohammad Aslam Ansari

Climate change has emerged as a potent threat disrupting the development process and is hurting several sectors of Indian economy, especially the agriculture sector. Knowledge about these disruptive factors can enable the farmers to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on agriculture. Therefore, the understanding of location-specific farmers’ perceptions and their adaptive behaviors can provide a better insight to design appropriate policy measures and guidelines to address these challenges effectively. The present study was aimed at determining farmers’ perceptions about climate change on agriculture. The study sample comprised 180 farmers selected using simple random sampling. The findings indicate that all the farmers (100%) were aware of climate change. All of them reported “increase in temperature” and “erratic rainfall” and “shortening of winter season” as the major indicators of climate change as experienced by them. Besides, 85.55 percent famers reported that “peak time of winter” has changed in Uttarakhand, a hilly state. Such perceptions about climate change can be seen as a precursor mediating the adoption of recommended practices and adaptation measures. Thus, the results of the study will enlighten the policy makers and agriculture scientists in preparing a roadmap for policy formulation regarding adaptation measures (short run initiatives) as well as undertaking mitigation measures (long run initiatives) of climate change besides helping the agriculture extension agencies to design and plan locale-specific adaptation strategies and agriculture development programs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-56
Author(s):  
Cosmina-Ștefania Chiricu

AbstractThe Southern Region of Europe is economically well-developed with highly industrialized urban areas and with great agricultural potential. The empirical analysis is based on an econometric assessment that measures the impact of the VAT on the rate of economic growth for years between 1996 and 2017. The empirical evidence highlighted a significant positive impact of VAT on economic growth, but a poor and ineffective use of the tax revenues during the period under review. Moreover, evidence revealed relatively high rates of VAT in the countries analyzed, with negative impact on the aggregate consumption and a diminishing effect of the consumer’s income.


Author(s):  
V. M. Kutin ◽  
M. V. Nikitchuk ◽  
V. M. Svitko ◽  
O. O. Shpachuk

Thermographic control of electrical equipment allows you to draw preliminary conclusions about the technical condition of insulation, contact joints, windings, structural elements and cooling systems of electrical equipment of voltage classes 0.4 ÷ 750 kV. However, it should be borne in mind that the results of temperature measurement and assessment of the thermal state of electrical equipment are influenced by such factors as: environmental conditions, qualifications of personnel performing thermographic control and data interpretation, the need to improve regulatory documents for assessing the thermal state of electrical equipment and develop unified algorithms analysis of the results of thermographic examinations and gradation of the development of defects in electrical equipment. Modern research in the field of thermographic control of electrical equipment is developing in several directions, namely: the use of automated (stationary or mobile) systems for collecting thermographic data; development of algorithms for processing thermal images that reduce the influence of extraneous noise on the values of the measured temperatures, select the image of the object being examined, select the optimal level of contrast of the thermal image to detect thermal anomalies; using statistical processing of thermal fields of thermal monitoring objects and making decisions about the thermal state of equipment using neural networks, machine learning and expert knowledge. Automation of the analysis of thermographic control data is an urgent scientific and practical task, the solution of which will improve the quality of maintenance, repairs, extension of the operating life and operational management of electrical equipment in conditions of a significant level of aging of the main production assets of electric companies and change of generations of staff. Measuring current transformers of voltage classes 330 ÷ 750 kV are critical elements in the distribution schemes of electric power and in electric networks, and their technical condition directly affects the reliability of electric networks and power supply to consumers. The paper considers the reasons for the development of defects in current transformers of voltage classes 330 ÷ 750 kV, and also proposes relationships to take into account the influence of the air flow rate and the actual value of the emissivity of the structural element of the current transformers, as well as elements of the algorithms for analyzing data from thermal imaging surveys to reduce the influence of environmental factors and qualification level of the personnel performing the analysis, diagnostic results.


Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2721-2731
Author(s):  
Anna V. Mikhailenko ◽  
Dmitry A. Ruban ◽  
Vladimir A. Ermolaev

Geoheritage is not necessarily linked genetically to “purely” geological processes. Investigations in two urban areas of Russia allowed us to find essentially artificial objects demonstrating certain geological uniqueness. The huge balls sculptured from rapakivi granite and installed in Saint Petersburg represent cultural, historical, and stone heritage. These are also artificial megaclasts with perfect sphericity. The coal waste heaps situated in Shakhty and its vicinity represent industrial, historical, and urban heritage. These are also artificial landforms creating a kind of pseudo-mountainous landscape. These examples permit us to question the importance of the co-occurrence of heritage categories for geosite assessment.


2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Lúcia Grando Bulcão ◽  
Helton de Assis Albano

A disposição inadequada dos resíduos sólidos, atualmente, constitui um problema para a sociedade, tendo em vista os impactos ambientais que provoca, alterando a qualidade do solo, do ar e dos corpos aquáticos, e representando um risco para a saúde pública. Este artigo aborda aspectos do gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos na região Metropolitana II do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, discutindo ações desenvolvidas nesta área, da coleta à destinação final. Mais especificamente, analisa aspectos relacionados às classes de resíduos, resíduos sólidos gerados e triados, à situação atual da destinação final e ao gerenciamento de resíduos hospitalares, traçando-se, ao final, um panorama da situação do gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos local. Durante os meses de janeiro a junho de 2008, foram realizadas visitas aos locais de destinação final dos resíduos sólidos - os aterros controlados e lixão, bem como entrevistas com técnicos responsáveis pelas ações de gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos das Secretarias Municipais do Meio Ambiente, de Obras e de vigilância ambiental em saúde das Secretarias de Saúde, dos municípios da Região Metropolitana II, a saber: Niterói, São Gonçalo, Itaboraí, Maricá, Tanguá, Rio Bonito e Silva Jardim. A região Metropolitana II do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, embora composta por municípios com realidades bastante diferenciadas em termos de desenvolvimento social e econômico, possui grande parcela da população vivendo em condições precárias e sem acesso aos serviços públicos de saneamento, saúde e educação, vulnerável aos impactos ambientais. Verifica-se que a disposição final com o tratamento adequado dos resíduos sólidos constitui importante problema, não só para os governos e políticas públicas locais, mas também para as populações que convivem com os lixões. Destaca-se o importante papel dos catadores informais pelas cidades, muitos se organizando em pequenas cooperativas e grande parte operando em áreas urbanas onde o lixo é armazenado, aguardando coleta pública, ou, ainda, em alguns dos aterros controlados e no lixão da região. Há urgência de implantação de aterros sanitários ou aterro consorciado, desativando-se as áreas atuais de lixões e/ou aterros controlados, com ações de remediação de áreas degradadas, e, enfim, que se adotem soluções que dêem conta dessa importante parcela do saneamento básico, minimizando o impacto negativo dos solos e águas subterrâneas contaminados, visando-se a sustentabilidade da saúde e do ambiente, e o bem-estar das pessoas. Palavras-chave: Resíduos sólidos, Gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos Abstract The inadequate disposal of the solid residues, nowadays, is a social problem, concerning to suffered environmental impact, changing the quality of the soil, the air and of the water, being a risk to the public health. This article is about aspects of solid residues management at Metropolitana II region of the Rio de Janeiro state, discussing the development of actions on this area, from the collect to the final destination. More specifically, we analyze aspects related to the classes of residues, solid residues that were generated and discriminated, the actual situation of the final destination and to the management of the hospitals residues, constructing, at the end, a view of the local management of the solid residues. From January to June of 2008, visits were made at the locals of the final destination of the solid residues – the controlled landfills and the disposal waste areas, as well interviews with responsible technicians about actions of solid residues management of the environmental municipal secretaries, of Metropolitana II region: Niterói, São Gonçalo, Itaboraí, Maricá, Tanguá, Rio Bonito e Silva Jardim. The Metropolitana II region of the Rio de Janeiro state, although composed of very different realities between the municipals, concerning to economic and social development, has great portion of the population living in precarious conditions and without access to sanitary public services, health and education, vulnerable to the environmental impacts. We verify that the final disposal with adequate treatment of the solid residues constitute import problem, not only to the government and local public policies, but also to the population that live within waste. We mark the important function of the informal garbage pickers in the cities, many of them organized in small co-operative societies and a great part acting in urban areas where the trash is stored, waiting public collecting, or at some controlled landfill and disposal waste area. It's urgent the implementation of the sanitary landfills or partnership landfills, discarding the actual areas of waste disposal and/or controlled landfill, with remediation actions on the deteriorate areas, and, finally, solutions must be adopted to solve this important portion of the basic sanitation, minimizing the negative impact of the soil and contaminated subterranean water, aiming the health and the environmental support, and the well being of people. Keywords: Solid waste, Solid waste management


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