Dissolved Metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Co, Cd, Pb) and Metalloid (As, Sb) in Snow Water across a 2800 km Latitudinal Profile of Western Siberia: Impact of Local Pollution and Global Transfer

Snow cover is known to be an efficient and unique natural archive of atmospheric input and an indicator of ecosystem status. In high latitude regions, thawing of snow provides a sizable contribution of dissolved trace metals to the hydrological network. Towards a better understanding of natural and anthropogenic control on heavy metals and metalloid input from the atmosphere to the inland waters of Siberian arctic and subarctic regions, we measured chemical composition of dissolved (<0.22 µm) fractions of snow across a 2800 km south–north gradient in Western Siberia. Iron, Mn, Co, Ni, and Cd demonstrated sizable (by a factor of 4–7) decrease in concentration northward, which can be explained by a decrease in overall population density and the influence of dry aerosol deposition. Many elements (Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, As, and Sb) exhibited a prominent local maximum (a factor of 2–3) in the zone of intensive oil and gas extraction (61–62° N latitudinal belt), which can be linked to gas flaring and fly ash deposition. Overall, the snow water chemical composition reflected both local and global (long-range) atmospheric transfer processes. Based on mass balance calculation, we demonstrate that the winter time atmospheric input represents sizable contribution to the riverine export fluxes of dissolved (<0.45 µm) Mn, Co, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Sb during springtime and can appreciably shape the hydrochemical composition of the Ob River main stem and tributaries.

Oxygen regime of rivers in the area of sources of economic impact according to long-term monitoring of the Russian meteorological service

The results of long-term observations of the hydrochemical service of the Russian Meteorological Service on the content of dissolved oxygen in the rivers of Russia are considered. Data on the basins of the Amur, Lena, Ob, Volga for 1988-2007 is analyzed. We compared the average monthly oxygen concentrations above and below the sources of exposure – cities, large industrial enterprises – in total, about 100 paired sections were used. The study showed that in about half of these river sections, sometimes (in 14.8 % of cases) small changes in oxygen concentration (6.5-8.3 %) are observed. Wherein, both a decrease and an increase in oxygen concentration can occur below the sources of anthropogenic impact. The latter is typical for winter time, when the flow of heated wastewater into the river leads to formation of an air-hole and the flow of oxygen from the atmosphere into the water. Small rivers in cities experience the greatest stress; however, in general, for all the rivers under consideration, the anthropogenic change in the oxygen regime of the rivers is small and does not significantly affect the sustainability of the development of the territories.

Properties of Cirrus Clouds over the European Arctic (Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard)

Cirrus is the only cloud type capable of inducing daytime cooling or heating at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) and the sign of its radiative effect highly depends on its optical depth. However, the investigation of its geometrical and optical properties over the Arctic is limited. In this work the long-term properties of cirrus clouds are explored for the first time over an Arctic site (Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard) using lidar and radiosonde measurements from 2011 to 2020. The optical properties were quality assured, taking into account the effects of specular reflections and multiple-scattering. Cirrus clouds were generally associated with colder and calmer wind conditions compared to the 2011–2020 climatology. However, the dependence of cirrus properties on temperature and wind speed was not strong. Even though the seasonal cycle was not pronounced, the winter-time cirrus appeared under lower temperatures and stronger wind conditions. Moreover, in winter, geometrically- and optically-thicker cirrus were found and their ice particles tended to be more spherical. The majority of cirrus was associated with westerly flow and westerly cirrus tended to be geometrically-thicker. Overall, optically-thinner layers tended to comprise smaller and less spherical ice crystals, most likely due to reduced water vapor deposition on the particle surface. Compared to lower latitudes, the cirrus layers over Ny-Ålesund were more absorbing in the visible spectral region and they consisted of more spherical ice particles.

Some of the clinico-epidemiological features of human rotavirus in children with gastroenteritis below five years of age, A hospitalbased study

Background: A prospective study done for 7 months in the period between the 1st of January 2009 to the 1st of August 2009 on 200 patients with gastroenteritis attending Child’ Central Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. The aim of the study: to determine the frequency of rotavirus infection among children with gastroenteritis and to identify the important clinical features of the illness. Patients and method: A sample of 200 children below 5 years of age with gastroenteritis were tested for the presence of human rotavirus using latex agglutination test to examine the stool sample in addition to general stool examination, stool PH, PCV ,WBC count, blood urea and serum electrolytes. Results: The results reveal that the frequency of rotavirus infection among children less than five years of age with gastroenteritis was 28% and that most infected children were below 2 years of age , and have watery diarrhea and the infection is significantly increasing during winter time and more common among artificially fed infants. Conclusion: Rotavirus is an important cause of morbidity among young children with gastroenteritis and breast feeding is an important protective factor.

Evaluation and Projection of Near-Surface Wind Speed over China Based on CMIP6 Models

The characteristics of near-surface wind speed (NWS) are important to the study of dust storms, evapotranspiration, heavy rainfall, air pollution, and wind energy development. This study evaluated the performance of 30 models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) through comparison with observational NWS data acquired in China during a historical period (1975–2014), and projected future changes in NWS under three scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) based on an optimal multi-model ensemble. Results showed that most models reproduced the spatial pattern of NWS for all seasons and the annual mean, although the models generally overestimated NWS magnitude. All models tended to underestimate the trends of decline of NWS for all seasons and the annual mean. On the basis of a comprehensive ranking index, the KIOST-ESM, CNRM-ESM2-1, HadGEM3-GC31-LL, CMCC-CM2-SR5, and KACE-1-0-G models were ranked as the five best-performing models. In the projections of future change, nationally averaged NWS for all months was weaker than in the historical period, and the trends decreased markedly under all the different scenarios except the winter time series under SSP2-4.5. Additionally, the projected NWS over most regions of China weakened in both the early period (2021–2060) and the later period (2061–2100).

Assessment of thermal comfort levels in aviary workers

Background The occurrence of biohazards in avian work environments has been a cause of concern. Additionally, studies on this working environment carried out by Health and Safety at Work professionals are scarce. The weaknesses of birds regarding ideal temperatures for development, depending on their gestational stage is well known. Now it is important to look into the effects temperatures inside the aviaries have on workers and specifically the contrast of these with external temperatures in winter time. Methods The goal of this study is to assess thermal comfort through the use of the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied) indexes. It was carried out at 8 aviaries belonging to two separate companies, located in Portugal. The target-population was the workforce of the two companies, making up a total of 6 employees. Measurements of environmental parameters were carried out (radiating temperature, relative humidity, air temperature and air speed), as well as individual parameters related to thermal comfort (metabolic rate and thermal resistance of workers clothing) inside and outside the aviaries. This study is classified as a level III (co relational) observational and analytical study, with a cross-section cut and a convenience non-probabilistic sampling type. Results The thermal discomfort suffered by these workers in an avian environment was noteworthy, when exposed to different, contrasting temperatures, particularly in the winter season. Conclusions Despite the different personal characteristics, it is possible to create environments that are thermally acceptable, that is, to satisfy the majority of its occupants.

WATER BALANCE AND ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF THE RYBINSK RESERVOIR IN THE EXTREMELY HIGH-WATER YEAR OF 2017

This study analyzes the inflow, runoff and water level of the Rybinsk Reservoir during the extremely highwater year of 2017. It was the second-highest on record high-water year in the reservoir basin during the whole period of the reservoir operation. The total annual inflow to the reservoir significantly exceeded its long-term average and amounted to 52,148 km3. Such an increase in the inflow is due to rising air temperatures in winter time under the increasing influence of global warming and high rainfall. To characterize ecological conditions in the reservoir we use data on its water balance, mean ten-day period water temperature in May-October provided by Yaroslavl Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring and materials from six hydrological and hydrobiological expeditions conducted by researchers from the Institute for Biology of Inland Waters RAS (IBIW RAS) in May-October, 2017. During the expeditions to the reservoir, integrated hydrological, hydrochemical and hydrobiological investigations were conducted at standard stations. These studies have been carried out by IBIW researchers since 1962 to monitor the dynamics of ecological conditions of the waterbody.

Tactical Aspects Referring to the Military Regulations of the Romanian and Soviet Infantry around the beginning of the orld War II

In this article, a comparison study was done on the tactical principles of the Romanian infantry and the Soviet one around the beginning of the Second World War, in the context of developing and perfecting the weaponry. In order to reach this objective, there was an analysis of the regulations of the infantry emerged after the end of the First World War, emphasizing the differences and the parallels in tactical norms for the battalion and the infantry regiment. Likewise, the differences concerning the wording, content, appendices and the mission report are presented in an order of operations between the two armies. Having considered that during the Eastern Campaign, the Romanian army had suffered human losses due to the cold and lack of protection equipment, it was analyzed whether the Romanian regulations had foreseen protective measurements during winter time. At the same time, the article presents the operations during winter envisioned in the Soviet regulation, both for offense and defense, and also the measures that had to be taken in order to prevent frostbite.

Testing variety of cucumber F1 Ciborg, F1 Bavarets in LIT crop culture

Relevance. The most popular cucumber in Russia is pickling type (lenght 10-12 cm). There are not a lot of varieties this type cucumber for high wire and LIT crop in Russian seeds market.Methods. Were tested russian varieties F1 Ciborg, F1 Bavarets (Gavrish company) in compare F1 Bjorn (Enza Zaden, Netherlands) – the most popular in Russia now. Russian customer prefer pickling type because of traditional Russian cuisine. Prices of pickling type cucumber at autumn-winter time in 1-1.5 times more than middle size type cucumber. We had artificial light 240 Wt/sq.m, sodium lamps, our substrate was rockwool – Belagro (company from Belarusian republic). This rockwool have normal quality for short crop (3-4 month for growing cucumber), our plant density 2.76 plant/sq.m it was optimal for our light conditions (natural light in our region and artificial light).Results. Fourteen days after we put plants on slabs we had problems with plants of both russian varieties (F1 Ciborg and F1 Bavarets). We saw yellow parts in leaves, decrease length of stems, lost flowers. We made a decision about too high level of artificial light. We had only one opportunity for decrease it switch off 50% of lamps. We made it and we had 120 Wt/sq.m that. Therefore, we spent 50% less electricity for russian varieties. We think varieties F1 Ciborg and F1 Bavarets not very good for winter crop and we had good results because in our situation we have winter-spring crop, and every day the part of artificial light decrease and the part of natural light increase. F1 Ciborg had a problem with CGMMV and was deleted in 24th week of 2020. But we suppose it depend from a lot of conditions: quality of labor, protection plants. We think it is necessary more additional research. Total yield (for ten weeks of harvesting in winter-spring crop) F1 Bavarets – 32.4 kg/sq.m., F1 Ciborg – 31.9 kg/sq.m more then had F1 Bjorn – 28.9 kg/sq.m. The best marketable condition was F1 Ciborg, the second F1 Bjorn.