Favorable Weather Conditions Research Articles

Framework for Reliability-Based, Safety-Explicit Horizontal Curve Design using Naturalistic Driving Data

The design of horizontal curves is generally based on a deterministic analysis of driver comfort using a point-mass model based on data mostly from the early 1900s and might be outdated. Furthermore, the design lacks quantitative safety evaluation. This paper proposes a new framework for horizontal curve design that provides a quantitative evaluation of safety performance. The framework uses recently collected data from the naturalistic driving study (NDS) to develop models to predict distributions of parameters that reflect contemporary driver behavior, such as speed on curve and comfort threshold in favorable weather and rainy conditions. Statistical models were also developed for more accurate evaluation of vehicle dynamic parameters than the point-mass model. The variability of driver behavior and vehicle dynamics parameters was considered using reliability analysis to develop surrogate safety measures for four design criteria: vehicle stability, comfort threshold, sight distance, and rollover. Safety performance functions were then developed to relate reliability indices to expected safety performance. The results showed that only the driver comfort criterion was not significantly related to expected safety performance. A design example was presented using the proposed framework, which showed the expected change of safety performance of the curve being considered. An optimum radius was then found to minimize the number of expected collisions.

Evaluation of WRF parameterizations for global horizontal irradiation forecasts: A study for Turkey

This study deals with the evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model’s parameterization schemes when used for global horizontal irradiation (GHI) forecasts, to assess the feasibility of solar energy utilization. The study area is the southeastern Anatolia (SEA) region of Turkey, with favorable weather conditions for solar energy generation. The results indicate that the values in the hourly output of GHI in the model were overestimated for all configurations at all stations compared to observations. The relative mean bias error values at five stations for all configurations vary between 10-21% for clear-sky and 17-30% for partly-cloudy conditions. Similarly, the relative RMSE values at the five stations vary between 20-39% for clear sky and 41-70% for partly-cloudy conditions. However, there are noticeable differences among the various configurations of the WRF parameterizations.

Episode study of fine particle and ozone during the CAPUM-YRD over Yangtze River Delta of China: Characteristics and source attribution

Fine particle (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) are major air pollutants in China, especially in developed city clusters. A comprehensive field campaign, the Campaign on Air Pollution and Urban Meteorology in Yangtze River Delta (CAPUM-YRD), eastern China is carried out in 2016 to enhance the understanding of regional PM2.5 and O3 pollution. Two super sites in Shanghai, one in Hangzhou, as well as nineteen national monitoring stations in Nanjing and Hefei jointly participate in the campaign. In this study, regional PM2.5 and O3 pollution episodes are characterized based on summer and winter experiments during the CAPUM-YRD. Further, trajectory simulation and source apportionment technology in Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions (CAMx) are applied to explore the source of the pollution episodes. We find that regional synchronous PM2.5 pollution episodes (over 120 μg/m3) occur frequently in YRD. Secondary inorganic and carbonaceous components account for a major proportion (70–80%) in PM2.5. Nitrate concentration is significantly higher (lower) than sulfate in winter (summer). The secondary conversion of sulfur and nitrogen increases alongside elevated PM2.5 levels, with a maximum ratio of 0.28 and 0.18 in winter, respectively. Source apportionment results suggest that the contribution of emissions within YRD dominates in PM2.5 (over 60%) compared to other regions. The inter-regional transport from the north-northwest in eastern China can contribute over 20% to PM2.5 in YRD, with a maximum of 28.4% in Nanjing. Under the transport by enhanced northerly winds, PM2.5 concentrations may increase explosively, with observed peak values in Hefei (312.6 μg/m3) and Nanjing (255.7 μg/m3). Moreover, high levels and remarkable spatial heterogeneity of O3 are observed over YRD in summer, with daily maximum 8-h average O3 above 300 μg/m3 in Nanjing. The occurrence of O3 pollution episodes is significantly impacted by favorable weather conditions and transport at multiple spatial scales. Regional contribution results demonstrate that super-regional transport is prominent (29.4–50.7%) in O3 pollution, especially in coastal cities like Shanghai (30.3–63.0%). Our results suggest that enhanced regional collaboration and efforts are of extreme necessity in long-term and optimized control of severe PM2.5 and O3 pollution in YRD.

White rot of sunflower

Goal. To study the spread and development of white rot on sunflower in the Right bank of Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. The research was conducted during 2014—2018 in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine (Kyiv and Khmelnytsky region). The selection of plant samples was carried out with further analysis in laboratory conditions The observations were conducted according to generally accepted methods; spread and severity of diseases were determined.
 Results. During the years of investigation, the root, stem and head types of the disease have been identified. There were significant differences in both the symptoms and the degree of disease development in different years. During the vegetative periods of 2014, 2015, and 2017 disease development was compiled — 2—5%. Symptoms of the disease were detected on the stems of plants and heads, starting with the phase of seed development — milk ripeness. The weather conditions of 2016 and 2018 (GTK in June-July 1.2—1.9) were favorable for white rot infection. The disease appeared from the phase of “star” in 2016 and at the beginning of flowering in 2018. The development of the disease was significantly higher compared to other years and reached 12.0—15.1% in 2016 with the spread of 61.2—75.0%. In 2018 its severity in Khmelnitsky region was 11.2% while spread reached 78.6%. Firstly, the root and stem, and later the head form of the disease were marked. In addition to the typical symptoms, spots with brown concentric circles were found on the basal part of the stem. At the same time, the tissue almost did not collapse, and small sclerotic could be detected only in its lower part.
 Conclusions. Under favorable weather conditions, white rot of sunflower is becoming widespread and may be epiphytotic. In the conditions of the Right bank of Forest-Steppe Ukraine, the disease occurs at different stages of organogenesis. Symptoms of three forms of infection were observed. To improve the phytosanitary condition of crops, it is necessary to optimize the saturation of crop rotation with sunflower and other technical crops, which are also one of the host plants of the pathogen, and to follow of all elements of the protection system.

Moving perceptions on potato late blight control: Workshops with model-based scenarios

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the main diseases in potato production. The Netherlands has a high potato density and favourable weather conditions for the disease, and this combination leads to frequent outbreaks of late blight. A spatially explicit agent-based model of the host-pathogen system was used in workshops with conventional and organic farmers to demonstrate and discuss the potential role of resistant varieties for effective and sustainable control of late blight. We presented model-based scenarios and used qualitative and quantitative measures to analyse the effect of the workshop on farmers' perception on late blight control. The scenarios simulated effects of farmer decisions regarding the use of crop resistance and fungicide application on disease control at the landscape level over a period of ten years. The model showed that growing a resistant variety (with a single resistance gene) can reduce disease incidence in the landscape, however, after a couple of years resistance breakdown occurs by emergence of a new virulent P. infestans strain. If no countermeasures were taken the new virulent population could spread fast through the landscape, reducing potato yield of resistant fields. The model showed a number of resistance management strategies that could be effective to increase resistance durability. Differences in farmer perception were observed before and after the workshop as well as between conventional and organic farmers. By analysing the disease dynamics at the landscape level, the model showed the importance of collective action. To prevent emergence and spread of a virulent strain it is important to keep disease pressure low. To achieve this, all farmers have to cooperate. During the workshops farmers exchanged views and negotiated possible solutions. We conclude that the use of model-based scenarios in workshops was very useful to increase farmers' knowledge of the system and served as a good starting point for discussions among actors facing the complex problems of late blight control and potato resistance management.

Nitrogen and potassium sources of fertilizers may affect wheat blast and Fusarium head blight under favorable weather conditions

Nitrogen and potassium sources of fertilizers may affect wheat blast and Fusarium head blight under favorable weather conditions

An Analysis of Availability of Human and Physical Resources for Small and Medium Enterprises in Sri Lanka

This study attempts to recognize level of human and physical resources available for SMEs in both Central and Uva provinces along with preparing a diagnostic framework for SMEs. The results highlight lack of/non- availability of appropriate physical and human resource impacts most existing and new SMEs. Issues related to physical resources include limited access to modern technology, machinery and upgraded infrastructure. Moreover, despite, the availability of human resources the lack of skilled and experienced workers is a critical factor in SME development in these regions. As per the quantitative results, Badulla and Monaragala districts lag the Matale and Nuwara Eliya districts in terms of availability of resources and its level of satisfaction among SME holders. According to the SWOT analysis, the key strengths of both Uva and Central provinces include availability of land and other natural resources, favorable weather conditions, suitable geographic landscape and natural beauty, cultural and religious sites of archaeological value, adequate human resources, availability of raw materials, sufficient infrastructure and availability of skilled labour in the garment sector. Main weaknesses which SMEs in both Uva and Central province experience include lack of skilled labour, lack of modern technology, unavailability of sufficient market opportunities, lack of initial capital and indebtedness, lack of expertise, land ownership issues and dependency mindset of inhabitants.. The study recommends employing necessary policies which can ensure required resources for SMEs while addressing both weakness and threats faced by SMEs in both provinces.

First detection of Colletotrichum gloesporioides (penz.) Pens. and sacc. On Liriodendron chinense (hemsl.) Sarg. in Ukraine

Purpose of the research was to identify the pathogenic agent, to study its trophic specialization in the context of introduction of plants of the genus Liriodendron L. For the first time in Ukraine, affection of leaves and branches with anthracnose Colletotrichum gloesporioides (Penz.) Pens. & Sacc. was detected on Liriodendron chinense. Affected leaves turn yellow and fall prematurely. It was established that the highest development of the disease (7.3%) was observed in 2014, which was determined by favourable weather conditions (hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) 2.0 in April and 1.7 in May). Period 2013, 2015 was characterized by a significantly lower manifestation of anthracnose and became 2.2%, 2.6%, respectively. With a strong development of the disease, infection is observed in the branches as well-the bark darkens in the places of affection, the cambium dies off, the branch dries out. For the protection of plants against anthracnose, agro technical measures are recommended, as well as the use of fungicides. It should be noted that since the first signs of the disease it takes about 10-15 days until the death of the leaves. With the strong development of the disease, the infection of branches is observed as well. The use of Champion and Chorus preparations to protect the Liriodendron chinense against anthracnose showed that their effectiveness is high, and the development of the disease have decreased to 0.3% and is not harmful.

Consolidation of the wind energy sector in the Brazilian electricity matrix: opportunities, advantages and challenges

This paper addresses the role of wind energy in the diversification of the Brazilian electricity matrix. The predominance of hydroelectricity requires favourable weather conditions for operation, which may compromise the security of the generation and supply of energy from this source. Moreover, the growing demand during the last two decades and environmentalism's appeal has increased the need to invest in other energy sources. The paper analyses the wind power source as a potential alternative for electricity generation in Brazil. The main opportunities, advantages and challenges for the consolidation of the wind energy market were identified. It was concluded that the consolidation of this sector demands; i) policies to encourage, develop and modernise the transmission infrastructure; ii) promotion of investments in research, technology and training of skilled labour; iii) an increase in the supply of credit for long-term financing; and iv) a stable and transparent policy to attract new investors.

Prinos i kvalitet zrna ozimog dvoredog ječma na kiselom zemljištu

The experiment was established at the experimental field of the Dr. Đorđe Radic Secondary School of Agriculture and Chemistry in Kraljevo (Serbia) during the 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13 growing seasons. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of genotype and the environment on the grain yield of winter barley cultivars (‘Jagodinac’, ‘Maksa’, ‘Rekord’, ‘NS 565’ and ‘NS 525’). The following characteristics were analysed: grain yield, 1,000 grain weight, test weight and plant height. The average grain yield of all cultivars in the 2010/11 growing season was significantly greater than in the following years, mostly as the result of highly favourable weather conditions at major stages of plant development. ‘Jagodinac’, ‘NS 565’ and ‘NS 525’ gave significantly higher grain yields in all years compared to ‘Maksa’ and ‘Rekord’. Averaged across years, significantly higher values for 1,000 grain weight and test weight were found in ‘NS 565’ and ‘Rekord’, respectively. In all years, plant height was significantly greater in ‘Jagodinac’ than in the other cultivars. Different responses of cultivars to variable agroenvironmental conditions in terms of 1,000 grain weight and test weight require the use of a number of cultivars in the crop structure.

Consolidation of the wind energy sector in the Brazilian electricity matrix: opportunities, advantages and challenges

This paper addresses the role of wind energy in the diversification of the Brazilian electricity matrix. The predominance of hydroelectricity requires favourable weather conditions for operation, which may compromise the security of the generation and supply of energy from this source. Moreover, the growing demand during the last two decades and environmentalism's appeal has increased the need to invest in other energy sources. The paper analyses the wind power source as a potential alternative for electricity generation in Brazil. The main opportunities, advantages and challenges for the consolidation of the wind energy market were identified. It was concluded that the consolidation of this sector demands; i) policies to encourage, develop and modernise the transmission infrastructure; ii) promotion of investments in research, technology and training of skilled labour; iii) an increase in the supply of credit for long-term financing; and iv) a stable and transparent policy to attract new investors.

„Jest czas wojny i czas pokoju…” W jakich porach roku prowadzono najczęściej działania wojenne w Polsce średniowiecznej?

Działania wojenne w średniowieczu trwały zazwyczaj krótko, w ich trakcie podejmowano zbrojne wyprawy na teren przeciwnika, dążąc do pokonania jego wojsk w bitwach lub zdobycia posiadanych przez niego twierdz, najczęściej ograbiano i dewastowano jego posiadłości. Do realizacji tych celów wybierano najdogodniejsze pory roku, uwzględniając panujące wówczas warunki naturalne i wynikające z nich możliwości militarnego funkcjonowania. Dla Polaków i niektórych ich przeciwników najlepszym czasem na prowadzenie wojen było późne lato i wczesna jesień. Wówczas też toczono najwięcej walk, korzystając ze sprzyjających warunków pogodowych i z większych niż w innych okresach możliwości zaspokojenia potrzeb aprowizacyjnych. Brały w nich udział duże armie, często pod dowództwem monarchów, prowadząc działania przez wiele tygodni. Ich długotrwałość była jednak ograniczona pogarszaniem się pogody w miesiącach jesiennych i wyczerpywaniem się sił uczestników. Innym okresem roku, także wykorzystywanym do prowadzenia akcji militarnych, była zima. Surowość warunków pogodowych była wówczas rekompensowana ułatwieniami w poruszaniu się w terenie trudno dostępnym w innych porach roku. Ułatwienia wynikały z zamarznięcia zbiorników wodnych, w tym także dużych rzek. Działania zbrojne w czasie zimowym miały inny charakter niż w okresie lata i jesieni, były zazwyczaj krótkotrwałe i uczestniczyły w nich mniejsze armie. W pozostałych porach roku walki orężne z udziałem Polaków również miały miejsce, zdarzały się jednak rzadziej i bywały uwarunkowane wyjątkowymi okolicznościami.

Harvest index of corn hybrids, depending on plant density, fertilizing doses and weather conditions of growing

Purpose. To determine optimal combination of ferti­lizing doses, plant density for eight studied hybrids with forming economically valuable part of yield by harvest index calculating.Methods. During 2015–2017, multifactor field experiment was laid and carried out on typical chernozems (Zikrachi village, Kagarlyk district, Kyiv region, Right Bank Forest-Steppe): factor A – hybrid ‘Dniprovskyi 257 CB’, ‘Sigma’, ‘Ragt Alexandra’, ‘Garant’, ‘Kubus’, ‘Moskito’, ‘Sensor’, ‘KВС 381’; factor B – seeding rate 60 and 90 thousands of viable seeds per hectare; factor C – fertilizing doses: N60P45K45; N90P60K60; N120P105K105; N150P135K135. Corn was sown in the period from April 30 till May 4. Accounting of yield was carried out by plots with using a combine. Pre-selected control samples of plants – 10 pieces from two non-adjacent lines in different places of registration area, from two repetitions. Selected plants were analyzed by their structure, determined the mass of by-products and grain. Harvest index was calculated for each option by results of data.Results. A significant variation in the harvest index (HI) depending on weather conditions of the year has been revealed. 2015 was unfavorable for provision of moisture and high temperatures, which led to violation of flowering, fertilization and grain formation. Generative organs were not formed on some plants or significant partial grain forming was observed. That’s why, in terms of low yields and a disproportionately high biomass, HI in 2015 was the lowest compared with other years – 0.36–0.43. In the favorable year 2016, high yield of grain and biomass was formed – HI and its variation was highest compared to other years for all combinations of variants and hybrids – 0.40–0.52. 2017 was also generally characterized as unfavorable in terms of moisture conditions – yield of grain and vegetative mass were rather low, but proportional – harvest index was 0.39–0.44.Conclusions. Harvest index varies significantly in growing of corn hybrids with different standing density, varying doses of fertilizers and weather conditions – 0.36–0.52. Under favourable weather conditions, the index has a significant range of variation. Total mass of plants and yield of grain, even for a certain hybrid, varies significantly depending on fertilizing doses and seeding rate in wet years, and in dry years variation is insignificant. Hybrids ‘Sensor’, ‘Mosquito’, ‘КВС 381’ has a fairly high and stable index over the years. Harvest index is lower for all hybrids and doses of mineral fertilizers with standing density 90 thousands plants/ha compared to 60 thousands plants/ha, excluding hybrids ‘Sensor’, ‘Mosquito’. Harvest index for introduction of high doses of fertilizers, was lower in all years and for all hybrids, with some exceptions.

Quality of spring wheat grain at cultivating with modern technologies

The results of studies in the grain-crop rotation (2011-2017 years) to study the impact of direct seeding technologies on the quality of grain and the efficiency of spring durum wheat cultivation on the chernozems of the middle Volga region are presented. Grain of spring durum wheat is impractical to use for feed purposes, while in the Volga region has not been studied the effect of direct sowing with different levels of intensity on the quality of grain. Favorable weather conditions for the growth and development of culture established in 2017 (SCC for may-August= 0.94). In other years, the SCC was at and below the average annual values (0.45-0.74). Complex application of fertilizers and plant protection products providing the same productivity and quality of grain, in comparison with the intensive background of traditional technology, contributed to an increase in conditional net income and profitability by 1534.3-1902.7 rubles/ha and 34.3-34.4%, respectively. Compared with traditional technology without the use of fertilizers and insecticides, the advantage of the best options increased to 3826.4-4184.3 rubles/ha and 47.0-47.1 %. The indicators of grain quality significantly influenced the SCC vegetation period of culture. Improved water availability of crops contributed to the increase in weight of 1000 seeds from 36.3-36.9 g to 42.8-44.9 g and reduce the nature of grain from 782.0-791.8 g/l to 750.9-767.9 g/l (1.8-5.4 %). The highest protein content was found in dry years – 15.4-16.3 %, which is 1.1-3.5 % more than in wet years. On the basis of the conducted research to improve the efficiency and quality of grain at the level of the required indicators, the technology of direct sowing with complex application of plant protection against pests and weeds, pre-sowing application of nitrogen fertilizers N30 is proposed.

Risk factors for mycotoxin contamination of buckwheat grain and its products

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation have indicated that higher contamination of agricultural produce with mycotoxins is associated with the alterations in the weather conditions. The aim of the current study was to quantify mycotoxin contamination on buckwheat grain at early and complete ripening stages and to estimate the effects of the weather conditions on mycotoxin occurrence as well as to consider natural measures that could potentially reduce mycotoxin contamination in buckwheat products. Mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin (T-2), zearalenone (ZEA), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA) were analysed in fully ripe buckwheat grain in 2013 and at early ripening stages in 2014 and 2015. The field trials of buckwheat were set up at the Perloja Experimental Station, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The least concentrations of the investigated mycotoxins in buckwheat grain were found in 2013. Particularly high concentrations of AFB1 (up to ~72 μg/kg) were identified in buckwheat grain at early ripening stages in 2014 and 2015. It is likely that buckwheat grain were contaminated with AFB1 under favourable weather conditions, which were uncharacteristic of Lithuania’s climate in 2014 and 2015: hot weather and drought prevailed during the buckwheat flowering and ripening stages. However, such meteorological conditions were less favourable for the synthesis of DON, T-2, ZEA and OTA mycotoxins in buckwheat grain. The high AFB1 contents found in grain question the quality of buckwheat products. Hulls were 10-fold more contaminated with AFB1 than grain, which suggests that they serve as a protective shield against buckwheat groat, bran and flour contamination with this mycotoxin. Phenolic compounds were found to decrease the risk of mycotoxin occurrence in grain: with increasing concentrations of rutin, quercetin and total phenolics content in hulls and grain samples, the contents of trichothecene mycotoxins were significantly (P<0.05) lower.

Pest categorisation of Septoriamalagutii.

The Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Septoria malagutii, the causal agent of annular leaf spot of potato, for the EU. The pest is a well‐defined fungal species and reliable methods exist for its detection and identification. S. malagutii is present in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. The pest is not known to occur in the EU and is listed as Septoria lycopersici var. malagutii in Annex IAI of Directive 2000/29/EC, meaning its introduction into the EU is prohibited. The major cultivated host is Solanum tuberosum (potato), but other Solanum species including wild solanaceous plants are also affected. All hosts and pathways of entry of the pest into the EU are currently regulated. Host availability and climate matching suggest that S. malagutii could establish in parts of the EU and further spread mainly by human‐assisted means. The pest affects leaves, stems and petioles of potato plants (but not the underground parts, including tubers) causing lesions, leaf necrosis and premature defoliation. In some infested areas, the disease has been reported to cause almost complete crop loss with favourable weather conditions and susceptible potato cultivars. The introduction of the pest into the EU would potentially cause impacts to potato production. The main uncertainties concern the host range, the maximum period the pest survives on host debris in soil, the maximum distance over which conidia of the pest could be dispersed by wind‐driven rain and the magnitude of potential impacts to the EU. S. malagutii meets all the criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential Union quarantine pest. The criteria for considering S. malagutii as a potential Union regulated non‐quarantine pest are not met, since the pest is not known to occur in the EU.

Avian influenza overview August - November 2018.

Between 16 August and 15 November 2018, 14 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) outbreaks in poultry establishments in Bulgaria and seven HPAI A(H5N6) outbreaks, one in captive birds in Germany and six in wild birds in Denmark and the Netherlands were reported in the European Union (EU). No human infection due to HPAI A(H5N8) and A(H5N6) viruses have been reported in Europe so far. Seroconversion of people exposed during outbreaks in Russia has been reported in one study. Although the risk of zoonotic transmission to the general public in Europe is considered to be very low, appropriate personal protection measures of people exposed will reduce any potential risk. Genetic clustering of the viruses isolated from poultry in Bulgaria suggests three separate introductions in 2016 and a continuing circulation and transmission of these viruses within domestic ducks. Recent data from Bulgaria provides further indication that the sensitivity of passive surveillance of HPAI A(H5N8) in domestic ducks may be significantly compromised. Increased vigilance is needed especially during the periods of cold spells in winter when aggregations of wild birds and their movements towards areas with more favourable weather conditions may be encouraged. Two HPAI outbreaks in poultry were reported during this period from western Russia. Low numbers of HPAI outbreaks were observed in Africa and Asia, no HPAI cases were detected in wild birds in the time period relevant for this report. Although a few HPAI outbreaks were reported in Africa and Asia during the reporting period, the probability of HPAI virus introductions from non‐EU countries via wild birds particularly via the north‐eastern route from Russia is increasing, as the fall migration of wild birds from breeding and moulting sites to the wintering sites continues. Furthermore, the lower temperatures and ultraviolet radiation in winter can facilitate the environmental survival of any potential AI viruses introduced to Europe.

Opportunities and Challenges of Investment in Ethiopia: A case of North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State

This study has examined the opportunities and challenges of investment in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional state of Ethiopia. The study adopts a qualitative type of research design. Specifically the study surveys 50 investment projects conveniently (ten percent of the total population of more than 490 investment projects). Also out of the 27 districts found in North Shoa Zone, 8 districts (Weredas) were selected as a sample purposively. The findings of the study revealed that North Shoa Zone is becoming one of the best investor destinations in Ethiopia in general and in Amhara Region in particular. The main reason for this is that; the Zone has so many investment opportunities in all sectors, favorable weather condition, availability of industry zone in Debre Berhan town, nearness to the capital of the country and port Djibouti, better bureaucracy, favorable investment policy, supply of land free of tender for industry sector, better infrastructures, better supply of raw materials, nearness to the market, availability of labor, Customs duty payment exemption on capital goods and construction materials, Income tax exemption from two to seven years, etc. even though the aforementioned factors attract investors to the Zone, there are also some challenges that hinder the investment activities of existing and potential investors. These are; elongated bureaucracy in some offices, lack of decision making capability by some officers, shortage of sufficient loan supply, contentious power interruption, shortage of foreign currency, unfair tax assessment, limited supply of qualified labor in some fields, road and transportation shortage in some districts, less government supervision, incentive, and follow-up, shortage of raw-materials, lack of quality on some raw materials supplied locally, limited market linkage.

Geographic origin and migration phenology of European red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) as revealed by stable isotopes

BackgroundLong-distance migration has evolved multiple times in different animal taxa. For insect migrants, the complete annual migration cycle covering several thousand kilometres, may be performed by several generations, each migrating part of the distance and reproducing. Different life-cycle stages and preferred orientation may thus, be found along the migration route. For migrating red admirals (Vanessa atalanta) it has been questioned if they reproduce in the most northern part of the range. Here we present migration phenology data from a two-year time series of migrating red admirals captured at Rybachy, Kaliningrad, in the northern part of Europe investigating time for migration, life-history stage (migration, reproduction) as well as site of origin in individual butterflies.MethodsRed admirals were captured daily at a coastal site during spring, summer and autumn in 2004 and 2005. For the sampled individuals, reproductive status and fuel content were estimated by visual inspection, and hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) were analysed in wing samples. δ2H values was compared with samples from two nearby reference sites in Estonia and Poland.ResultsAnalysis of hydrogen isotopes (δ2H) in red admiral wings showed that the spring cohort were of a southerly origin, while those caught in August or later in the autumn were from the local region or areas further to the north. All females caught during spring had developing eggs in their abdomen, but no eggs were found in late summer/autumn. There was a male-biased sex ratio during autumn and a difference in lipid content between years. When comparing the isotopic data with inland nearby locations, it was clear that the range of δ2H values (− 181 to − 78) was wider at Rybachy as compared to the two reference sites in Estonia and Poland (− 174 to − 100).ConclusionsDuring spring, migratory female red admirals arrived from the south and were ready to reproduce, while the autumn passage mainly engaged local and more northern individuals carrying large fuel deposits in preparation for long-distance migration. The phenology data suggest that individuals select to migrate in favourable weather conditions and that numbers may differ between years. Future studies should focus on individual sampling at a wide range of sites to reveal differential migration strategies and timing of migration between sexes and populations of migrating butterflies.

Features of the Structural and Functional Organization of Pathogenic Fungi Herbage of Silvopastoral System

The materials devoted to the study of the features of the organization of the microflora communities of the pathogenic microflora of grassy vegetation of pastures of the open steppe and under the protection of artificial plantations are presented. The facilities are located on the lands of the North-Caucasus branch of the Federal Science Center for Agroecology, Russian Academy of Sciences in the Stavropol Territory. The identification of the species diversity of phytopathogens and the assessment of the intensity of plant infection were carried out by visual examination of the vegetation and subsequent analysis of the samples in the laboratory using methods generally accepted in phytopathology. The assessment of the biocenotic role of protective forest stands and the peculiarities of the formation of biotic microflora complexes was carried out using indices that are widely used to characterize biological diversity. The climate here is sharply continental, dry, with increased wind activity during the spring and autumn-winter periods. A distinctive feature is the frequent recurrence of southerly and southeastern winds. Soils are light brown, partially saline. Found 139 plant species. The species composition of pathogenic microflora, parasitic on plants of pasture grass stand, which is represented by 116 species, is described. Dominant species parasitizing on grassy vegetation of forest pastures have been established. Of the pathogens, mushrooms from the Pucciniomycetes and Dothideomycetes classes predominate. Most often on grassy vegetation of pastures there are powdery mildew fungi of the genus Erysiphe (11 species), parasitic on widespread cereals, the genus Leveillula (5 species), found on Asteraceae and Labiatae, as well as species of fungi of the genus Ustilago (7 species). Rust fungi of the genus Puccinia are widely represented in these biotopes - 39 species. Especially harmful pathogens annually cause significant damage to plants, are economically significant, and in favorable weather conditions, they cause epiphytotics: Erysiphe umbelliferarum f. falcariae, E. graminis f. agropyri, E. graminis f. bromi, Uromyces glycyrrhizae, Ustilago bromivora etc. An assessment of the α-diversity of the parasitic mycobiota revealed that the mycocomplex of the grass stand under the protection of shelterbelts with Elaeagnus angustifolia and Robinia pseudoacacia is characterized by the highest species abundance.