Favorable Period Research Articles

Solar water disinfection (SODIS): modelling exposure period with geometric distribution

Solar water disinfection (SODIS) is recognised and promoted as a simple and low-cost method for water quality improvement and diarrhoea prevention. However, there is potential for underexposure and incomplete disinfection due to the uncertainty arising from variable weather/exposure period. This study presents a probabilistic methodology for obtaining exposure periods from time series of historical solar energy data capable of resolving this uncertainty. To do this, SODIS exposure period was interpreted and computed in agreement with the underlying physical processes that govern geometric distribution. The methodology was illustrated by using geometric distribution to predict monthly exposure periods at 5% exceedance probability for 324 locations in Southeastern Nigeria. The parameter of the geometric distribution was estimated from solar radiation data obtained from NASA geo-satellite database. The results revealed both spatial and temporal variation of exposure period. Two days of exposure would ensure complete disinfection 95% of the days in November to May in virtually all the locations of the region. June to September is the least favourable period for SODIS application in Southeastern Nigeria, mostly requiring more than 2 days of exposure to ensure treatment. Performance validation of the model using confusion matrix showed an overall prediction accuracy of 83%, suggesting a reliable model for the prediction of exposure period. The exposure periods were presented in the form of monthly maps to serve as a tool for guarding against underexposure.

Techno-economic analysis for optimal configurations of PV systems with back reflectors

With the growth in the solar photovoltaic (PV) market, there is a renewed interest in increasing the system’s annual produced energy. Most of the proposed solutions in the literature require special additional equipment, which might adversely affect the cost of the produced energy. This paper proposes an integrated PV-reflector system that augments the solar irradiance on already installed PV modules. A new mathematical model has been developed in MATLAB R2020a to simulate and techno-economically assess the proposed integrated PV system during the entire year using real meteorological data. A genetic algorithm has been employed in MATLAB R2020a to obtain the optimal geometric and optical parameters that maximize the annual produced energy and minimize the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) at two selected locations (Cairo in Egypt and Ma’an in Jordan) and for three module technologies (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film) and different commercial reflectors. The optimal system configurations increased the annual energy production by up to 6.05, 5.14, and 8.34% for the three PV technologies, respectively. For both locations, the optimal tilt angles of the PV module and reflector range between 24° and 34° for Cairo, and between 19° and 36° for Ma’an, depending on the PV technology. Finally, all the system configurations have favorable and low payback periods (∼3 and 6.5 years for Ma’an and Cairo, respectively), as well as attractive LCOE, which varies between 0.0369 and 0.044 USD/kWh in Ma’an and between 0.0543 and 0.065 USD/kWh in Cairo.

РАЗВИТИЕ ФИЗИЧЕСКИХ КАЧЕСТВ ШКОЛЬНИКОВ 9–14 ЛЕТ СРЕДСТВАМИ РЕГБИ

Statement of the problem and purpose. Currently, there is a need to understand the importance of physical culture, both social and individual value, which makes it possible to identify new trends in the development of public consciousness and personal motivations for the development of the cultural heritage of the planet [Minogina, 2017, p. 74]. The article analyzes and determines the degree of use of individual human abilities – the fundamental factors determining the level of culture of social consciousness and development. The methodology of the research consists of a theoretical analysis and generalization of the data of scientific and methodological literature of foreign and Russian scientists recognized by the scientific community in the field of physical culture, sports, psychology, and pedagogy, as well as practical experience in preparing the younger generation for rugby classes. Research results. Functional capabilities provided to a person during physical education and sports have almost unlimited possibilities. The tasks solved in the research work indicate the need to analyze the conditions of physical training of young rugby players at the present stage. In accordance with the analysis of the conditions for training young athletes, a complex of general developmental exercises has been developed. These exercises are provided as a means of physical education through the rugby game sport within the sensitive period of development of the younger generation. Conclusion. Experimental work has sufficiently proved the hypothesis that when practicing physical culture and sports, in particular, a game sport – rugby, it is necessary to take into account favorable periods of development of basic physical qualities in children during the period of sensitive development. In the research work, materials were considered to substantiate the arguments in favor of using an integrated approach to the training process of young rugby players aged 9–14. Practical significance of the research lies in the fact that the material contained in the work, as well as methodological recommendations, will help in a meaningful understanding of the educational process in physical culture and help predict its development, which is especially important in school education. The practical significance of the study is determined by the new placement of accents and guidelines in the content of physical education of schoolchildren, the choice of means and methods of organizing the pedagogical process focused on intensification and diversification of education.

FEATURES OF THE NATIONAL-PATRIOTIC EDUCATION OF YOUNGER SCHOOLCHILDREN IN STATE OF MARTIAL LAW

The problem of national-patriotic education of younger schoolchildren is extremely urgent in the conditions of the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The article analyzes the Concept of National-Patriotic Education until 2025 (June 6, 2022). The author presents the characteristics of the basic definitions of the study: “patriotism”, “patriotic education”, and “national-patriotic education”. It has been proven that the implementation of national-patriotic education in primary school is important. Since primary school age (from 6 to 10 years) is the most favorable age period for the education of civic culture, the formation of patriotic views and feelings of the child, moral and ethical principles, the establishment of national identity, and interconnected approaches in the education of younger schoolchildren. New approaches and innovative forms and methods of implementing socio-pedagogical conditions of national-patriotic education of younger schoolchildren under martial law are highlighted, in particular: a nationwide minute of silence; conversations in which the issue of national identity in the conditions of war is considered; methods of forming a children’s positive attitude during the war; instruction on the rules of behavior in the information space; educational hours in the format of meetings (online meetings); workshops with the participation of volunteers, children and parents; involvement of younger schoolchildren and parents in physical education, dancing, Ukrainian military-patriotic games, and entertainment; joint viewing of patriotic cartoons and movies; conducting thematic information and educational events, etc. It is proven that the proposed forms and methods will contribute to the national-patriotic education of younger schoolchildren in the conditions of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
 Keywords: patriotism; patriotic education; national and patriotic education; civic activism; national identity; martial law; younger schoolchildren; innovative forms and methods.

Variability of the thermal front and its relationship with Chlorophyll-a in the north Bay of Bengal

The spatial and temporal variability of the thermal fronts and their relationship with chlorophyll-a in the north Bay of Bengal (BOB) was studied using time series of MODIS daily Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and weekly chlorophyll-a concentration to investigate the locations of intense fish catch activities in the continental shelf and slope as inferred from NOAA Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) nighttime boat detection products. An edge-detection algorithm operated on each SST image to identify thermal fronts in which a gradient of 0.3 °C/pixel (∼0.075 °C/km) was chosen following the sensitivity analysis. These thermal fronts at the daily scale were aggregated weekly to estimate the thermal front density. A least square-based harmonic analysis procedure was adopted to estimate mean climatology and seasonal harmonics of thermal front density and chlorophyll-a data sets. It shows persistent and coherent spatial features between the datasets in their climatology and seasonal cycles. They exhibit distinct locations of maxima co-occurring between the 10 and 50 m isobaths in the continental shelf and slope region coincided with the areas of the VIIRS mapped fishing vessels cluster sites. The annual frequency dominates the seasonal cycles of TFD with a positive phase during November–March (winter and spring seasons) and peaks in January. Mean (residual) circulation, as simulated from a regional ocean model, shows coherent spatial features congruent to the persistent thermal fronts and steered by the bathymetry. These locations with a high probability of thermal fronts and high concentrations of Chlorophyll-a can be considered as the perennial potential fishing zone, with the winter season being a more favorable period for fishing.

P-080 LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSABDOMINAL RETROMUSCULAR UMBILICAL PROSTHETIC HERNIA REPAIR (LAP-TARUP) & TAPP-INGUINAL IN A SINGLE TIME: A GOOD OPTION IN OBESE PATIENTS?

Abstract Aim The association between midline hernias (primary-or-incisional) and inguinal-hernias is not uncommon, nor is its association with obesity, which increases its incidence every day. In obese patients, the laparoscopic-eTEP-approach to treat ventral hernias is a feasible option but with greater surgical difficulty and worse ergonomics. The laparoscopic-TARUP-approach(TransAbdominal-Retromuscular-Umbilical-Prosthetic-Hernia-Repair) offers the advantages of MIS with better ergonomics in obese patients or those with irreducible incarcerated hernias. Material and Method 77-year-old male patient with obesity (BMI:37.58kg/m2), previous laparoscopic gallbladder surgery,who presents umbilical eventration(EHS: M2–3W2(8cm)) associated with diastasis,in addition to incoercible left inguino-scrotal hernia. Results 5ports are used to perform the surgery.Initially,the classic TAPP-approach of the left inguinal-hernia is performed.After that the video-endoscope is changed to the location of the right flank and continues with the opening at the lateral edge of the posterior sheath of the right-rectum, the retromuscular-space is dissected and the supraumbilical cross-over and subsequent opening of the posterior contralateral sheath is performed.The dissection and reduction of the hernial sac is continued, and the dissection of the left retromuscular-space is completed.The anterior hernia defect is closed and diastasis is replicated with Stratafix-0.Closure of the posterior sheath of the rectums is performed with V-Lock 3–0. A 21×24cm PVDF-mesh is placed in a retromuscular position fixed with Fibrin, and the lateral opening is closed with V-Lock.The patient had a favourable postoperative period. Conclusions The TARUP-approach in midline hernias in obese patients is a valid,safe and better ergonomic option, and is also useful for simultaneously resolving large inguinal hernias by TAPP-approach,as in the case presented.

Study of the dynamics of the development of indicators of physical fitness of acrobats of the first year of training

To create a rational training plan and optimal distribution of physical load, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of the development of indicators of physical fitness of athletes. Purpose of the study – to determine and analyze the dynamics of the development of indicators of physical fitness of acrobats of the first year of training. Material and methods. 24 children 5-8 years old (12 boys and 12 girls) who were engaged in acrobatics for the first year took part in the study. Research methods: Study and theoretical analysis of scientific and methodological literature, questionnaires of coaches, pedagogical testing, methods of mathematical statistics. Statistical processing of the results of the pedagogical research was carried out using the software products Microsoft Office Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS Statistics Base 22. The results. As a result of the study, it was determined that the main physical abilities in acrobatics are static and dynamic strength, flexibility and mobility in the joints, and coordination ability, which must be developed precisely at the stage of initial training of acrobats. The most favorable period for the development of flexibility is the age up to 8-9 years. On the basis of the conducted research, it was concluded that in order to create a rational training plan and optimal distribution of physical load, it is necessary at the selection stage to form groups of initial training in acrobatics not only by age, but also by the level of physical fitness of children.

Study of the Average Ion Mass of the Dayside Magnetospheric Plasma

AbstractThe investigation of heavy ions dynamics and properties in the Earth's magnetosphere is still an important field of research as they play an important role in several space weather aspects. We present a statistical survey of the average ion mass in the dayside magnetosphere made comparing plasma mass density with electron number density measurements and focusing on both spatial and geomagnetic activity dependence. Field line resonance frequency observations across the European quasi‐Meridional Magnetometer Array, are used to infer the equatorial plasma mass density in the range of magnetic L‐shells 1.6–6.2. The electron number density is derived from local electric field measurements made on Van Allen Probes using the Neural‐network‐based Upper‐hybrid Resonance Determination algorithm. The analysis is conducted separately for the plasmasphere and the plasmatrough during favorable periods for which both the plasma parameters are observed simultaneously. We found that throughout the plasmasphere the average ion mass is ≃1 amu for a wide range of geomagnetic activity conditions, suggesting that the plasma mainly consist of hydrogen ions, without regard to the level of geomagnetic activity. Conversely, the plasmatrough is characterized by a variable composition, highlighting a heavy ion mass loading that increases with increasing levels of geomagnetic disturbance. During the most disturbed conditions, the average radial structure shows a broad maximum around 3–4 Earth radii, probably correlated with the accumulation of oxygen ions near the plasmapause. Those ions are mostly observed in the post‐dawn and pre‐dusk longitudinal sectors.

Особенности развития когнитивной регуляции в связи с коммуникативной компетентностью детей-монолингвов и сбалансированных билингвов

Preschool age is the most favorable period for mastering languages due to a number of psychological factors. This is the age of potential children's opportunities, the period of intensive development of language abilities. Therefore, an indispensable pedagogical condition for the development of early bilingualism is the creation of a favorable educational environment for children. The aim of the study is to study the development of cognitive regulation in connection with the communicative competence of balanced bilinguals (Tatar / Russian) and monolinguals (Russian), whose socialization is carried out in different developing subject-spatial environments. The research methodology is based on sociocultural concepts of “environmental” influences on the mental development (Vygotsky, 1999; Bronfenbrenner, 1999). The empirical study involved 60 children aged 5 to 7 years, among them 30 balanced bilinguals socializing in a bilingual (Tatar/Russian) environment, and 30 monolinguals in a Russian-speaking linguistic environment. To diagnose the development of children’s cognitive regulation, children’s subtests of the NEPSY-II neuropsychological battery were used: “Repetition of sentences”, “Memory for construction”, “Inhibition”, “Sorting cards according to a changeable attribute”; communicative competence in communication - the methods of “Pictures” by E.O. Smirnova and E.A. Kalyagina, “Peculiarities of interpersonal relations for children” by G.R. Khuzeeva; level of general intelligence - a children’s version of the Raven Test methodology. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the non-parametric U-Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation analysis. Conclusions and recommendations. It has been established that balanced bilinguals in older preschool age, compared with monolinguals, have advantages in cognitive regulation, in particular, in updating non-verbal information in the linguistic context of the target language (visual working memory), blocking and suppressing irrelevant verbal and non-verbal information (inhibitory control). Bilingual preschoolers are more active in communication, but less prone to leadership and dominance in a peer group, while monolingual children readily take on a leading role in a group with a desire for a high social position in a peer group. Differences in the convergence of indicators in groups of preschoolers were revealed, in particular, in the group of monolingual children, indicators of cognitive regulation are significantly associated with indicators of communicative competence, while in the group of balanced bilinguals they are with indicators of general intelligence as the ability to use mental operations in solving cognitive problems. We assume that the content of the educational program for the older group of monolinguals in the preschool educational institution is focused primarily on social and communicative development, while for bilinguals it is focused on cognitive and speech development.

The Keeper’s letters. From Yury Dombrovsky’s correspondence with friends and colleagues about The Keeper of Antiquities [Khranitel drevnostey] and other matters

It appears that existing collected works and editions have been misleading as to when exactly Yury Dombrovsky started writing his novel The Keeper of Antiquities [Khranitel drevnostey]. This hitherto unpublished collection of annotated correspondence between Dombrovsky and his friends and fellow writers not only reveals the year when he began writing his book, but also provides an invaluable source of biographical knowledge that sheds light on the later Moscow-based period of his life (1955–1978) and, specifically, on the favourable period during the Khrushchev Thaw, when Dombrovsky’s books finally appeared in print. Among his correspondents and people mentioned in the letters are N. Anov, I. Ehrenburg, N. Mandelstam, S. Markov, Y. Kazakov, and others. Interestingly, the collection contains a letter where, without naming the author and paraphrasing the book’s title, Dombrovsky offers his view of the recently published Solzhenitsyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich [Odin den Ivana Denisovicha].

SIMULATION TECHNIQUES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUIESCENT PERIOD PREDICTION (QPP) FLIGHT DECK MOTION FORECASTING TOOL

Quiescent Period Prediction (QPP) purpose is to provide ship motion conditions and motion predictions with sufficient forecasted time to launch, recover, and complete other motion sensitive tasks regardless of the seaway. QPP operates within a federated architecture system containing measurement instruments such as a Wave Radar system used to map remote sea surfaces several hundred meters in advance of the ship. This enables the computation of future wave forces acting on the virtual vessel. Quiescent Period Prediction (QPP) system achieves this from the measured sea surface, a short-term deterministic wave model can be constructed allowing the wave system to be propagated to the ship's location. The ability to fully define a ship’s motion as a function of a recovery device, greatly enhances the overall system operational capability whilst fundamentally reducing the inherent risks associated with platform manipulation in high sea conditions. This article describes launch and recovery simulation model and the corresponding verification and validation of the QPP data program testing the accuracy of the simulation modeling. Verification information is discussed regarding the sensor operation and interfaces collected during this trial; a QPP simulation design specification is being produced based on High Level Architecture (HLA) technics. From initial simulation and trial results, QPP has been shown to offer the ability for operators to identify the most favourable deck motion periods to recover an approaching vehicle. The next challenge being studied from the data results is a notional navigational guidance system tool and visual landing aid to be trialled by simulation.

Are Atmospheric Situations Now More Favourable for Heavy Rainfall in the Spanish Mediterranean? Analysis of Episodes in the Alicante Province (1981–2020)

Intense rainfall (≥100 mm/24 h) constitutes the most frequent atmospheric hazard on Spain’s Mediterranean coast; this phenomenon causes serious damage to property and kills or injures inhabitants. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in its latest report in 2022, indicates that in the current climate change scenario, these episodes will become more frequent, hence the importance of analysing and characterising them. The present paper analysed intense rainfall episodes in the central sector of the Spanish Mediterranean coast (province of Alicante) in the 1981–2020 period. A total of 129 episodes were identified which have affected different areas of this province. The rainfall events were analysed by means of three synoptic classification methods subjective/manual and objective/automatic in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the two modalities. The main objective was to identify the most favourable atmospheric situations triggering intense rainfall in the study area. The period with the highest propensity for these episodes to develop was identified, as well as the geographical areas most affected in the study period. Autumn concentrates the biggest amount of intense rainfall episodes throughout the year. Herein, we attempt to demonstrate the relationship between atmospheric situation, accumulated rainfall volume, geographical area affected, and the most favourable period of the year for the development of these events. The main results of the synoptic analysis of extreme events show the coincidence, in the three classification methods used, that the existence of instability in the middle and upper layers of the atmosphere (DANA and troughs) and humid and warm E and NE surface flows are decisive. In addition, the warming recorded in the waters of the western Mediterranean in recent decades is related to extreme events.

Surgical treatment of tension pneumomediastinum in patients with covid-19 at the field hospital: a case series

BackgroundTension pneumomediastinum is one of the most serious complications in COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. This complication can lead to rapid hemodynamic instability and death if it is not recognized in a timely manner and intervenes promptly.Case presentationWe reported 7 COVID-19 patients with tension pneumomediastinum at a field hospital. All patients were critically ill with ARDS. These 7 patients, including 3 females and 4 males in this series, were aged between 39 and 70 years. Tension pneumomediastinum occurred on the first day of mechanical ventilation in 3 patients and later in the course of hospital stay, even 10 days after being intubated and ventilated. The tension pneumomediastinum caused hemodynamic instability and worsened respiratory mechanics with imminent cardiopulmonary collapse. In this series, we used two surgical techniques: (i) mediastinal decompression by suprasternal drainage with or without simultaneous pleural drainage in the first two cases and (ii) mediastinal drainage via suprasternal and subxiphoid incisions in 5 patients. The surgical procedures were feasible and reversed the pending cardiopulmonary collapse. Four patients had a favorable postprocedural period and were discharged from the intensive care center. Both patients undergoing suprasternal drainage died of failed/recurrent tension pneumomediastinum and nosocomial infection. Only one in five patients who underwent mediastinal drainage via suprasternal and subxiphoid incisions died of septic shock secondary to ventilator-associated pneumonia.ConclusionTension pneumomediastinum was a life-threatening complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Surgical mediastinal decompression was the salvage procedure. The surgical technique of mediastinal drainage via suprasternal and subxiphoid incisions proved an advantage in tension relief, hemodynamic improvement and mortality reduction.

Were Hominins Specifically Adapted to North-Western European Territories Between 700 and 600 ka? New Insight Into the Acheulean Site of Moulin Quignon (France, Somme Valley)

Current data seem to suggest that the earliest hominins only occupied the Northwest of Europe during favourable climatic periods, and left the area when the climate was too cold and dry, in the same way as Neandertal and even Homo sapiens. However, several sites in England and the North of France indicate that the earliest hominins, possibly Homo antecessor and/or Homo heidelbergensis, could adapt to cool environments and open grasslands without the use of fire. Recent discoveries of Acheulean lithic assemblages in early glacial fluvial deposits at Moulin Quignon in the Somme Valley in the Northwest of France reveal new knowledge on the earliest occupations in north-western territories and indicate hominins’ capacity to live above the c. 45th N. under a cold climate. The site shows evidence of occupations at the beginning of MIS 16 at around 650–670 ka. These findings bring to the forefront the possible ability, flexibility and resilience of Acheulean hominins at around 700 ka to extend to northern territories during transitional climatic periods (interglacial/glacial events), even if the climate was not fully favourable. Recent fieldwork has changed our interpretation of the timing and characteristics of the earliest Acheulean techno-complexes in Western Europe over a large geographical area, from Northwest Europe to the Mediterranean coast. In Western Europe, the earliest evidence, Moulin Quignon, is now dated to a narrow timeframe, between 700–650 ka, and is the northernmost evidence of biface production. This latter is earlier than British Acheulean records. Based on new findings at Moulin Quignon, we explore whether Acheulean traditions and associated new technological abilities could have facilitated the dispersal of hominins in Western Europe over large territories, regardless of climatic conditions. Changes in behavioural flexibility, and not only phenotypic changes in Homo groups, have to be investigated. Here, we examine the behavioural and technological abilities of hominins in north-western Europe in light of the available environmental data and compare them to those in southern areas between 700 and 600 ka. This event occurred at the end of the “Middle Pleistocene Transition” (MPT), a period marked by cyclical climate changes and vegetation and faunal turnovers (less competition with big carnivores). The extension of the grassland habitat into higher latitudes could have led to the opening and/or closing of migration corridors in these regions, probably favouring hominin expansion depending on tolerance to climate variability.

Prospects of “mild hybrid” technology for creating a hybridization system of vehicles

Problem. At the present stage of science and technique development the problem of creation energy efficient vehicles is solving by electric vehicle designing: electromobiles and hybrid vehicles. Despite perspectives of a batteries electric vehicles it could be complied with a “Zero Emissions” criterions only in case if the electricity is generated from renewable sources. In addition electric vehicle may not always provide the desired range on charge. Lithium-ion batteries are now used to power the electric drive, and important problem of that is a significant weight which vehicle have to carry, it is also necessary to balance their elements, which significantly increases the charging time from the external mains. Goal. The goal of the work is to develop the theoretical basis for the creation of a system for the conversion of the "mild hybrid" vehicles in operation. Methodology. Many countries cannot afford to make the rapid transition to renewable electricity and replace the fleet with electric vehicles. Instead, a faster effect can be obtained if you re-equip vehicles that are already in use in hybrids. To successfully fulfill this goal, it is necessary to justify the parameters of the hybridization system of vehicles in order to obtain significant energy efficiency with a favorable payback period. Results. The analysis of hybrid classification and drive architecture allowed to offer new functions for "micro hybrid" and "mild hybrid" technologies. Analysis of power losses on the movement of the vehicle allowed to predict the number and power of electric motors sufficient to perform new functions. Originality. The structural scheme of the hybridization system of the motor vehicle which provides its conversion into a hybrid is developed. The study is aimed primarily at improving the technology "mild hybrid" in which electric motors of relatively low power, which are not inherent in this technology, proposed a partial implementation of the functions inherent in the technology of "full hybrid". Practical value. The combination of the features of "micro hybrid" and "full hybrid" technologies in "mild hybrid" technology should provide sufficient energy efficiency, ease of installation of system equipment and low cost.

Degradation influences equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics in rangelands: implications in resilience and stability

AbstractQuestionPlant communities are structured by both equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics, which interact at different spatiotemporal scales. The influence of external factors on internal regulation processes might depend on ecological state, and thus, on system resilience. We asked if well‐conserved (reference) states have higher resilience to external factors than degraded states, considering the greater capacity for self‐regulation expected of reference states.LocationGraminous–subshrubby steppes of northern Patagonia, Argentina.MethodsDuring four years, we assessed the influence of an external factor (rainfall variability) on internal regulation processes (seedling recruitment, growth of main perennial species, and three resilience proxies) in two alternative states (one reference and another degraded) of graminous–subshrubby steppes of northern Patagonia (Argentina). Specifically, we assessed the response of alternative states to simulated high rainfall events (irrigation).ResultsThe degraded state was more sensitive to rainfall variability than the reference state. Specifically, in the degraded state the density of surviving seedlings, the growth of shrubs and Papostipa speciosa’s relative tiller production and cover increased in response to irrigation; whereas seedling emergence and survival, and grass growth were low or even null without irrigation. Finally, resistance and elasticity were lower whereas malleability was greater in degraded than in reference states.ConclusionsThe degraded state was less resilient (low resistance and elasticity; high malleability) to stochastic weather events (in response to either increases or decreases in water availability. In contrast, the reference state had a great capacity to respond to rainfall variability. However, demographic processes such as seedling recruitment and vegetative growth were compensated by competition and mortality, suggesting a lower sensitivity to external drivers, and thus, a greater stability. By influencing the balance between equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics, degradation might affect the resilience and stability of the ecosystem. Thus, to prevent rangeland degradation, management plans should anticipate climatically favorable and unfavorable periods.

Calcaneus Fracture and Posterior Arthroscopic Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis (C-PASTA).

The procedure begins with the patient in the prone position. The subtalar joint is visualized with a 1.9-mm flexible camera through a standard posterior arthroscopic approach. With the help of the C-arm, position in the subtalar joint space is confirmed. The joint space is debrided with use of a 4-0 shaver and then prepared for arthrodesis arthroscopically with use of an osteotome and a burr. Next, we inject allograft demineralized matrix-based bone putty under direct arthroscopic visualization to fill residual gaps or defects. The arthrodesis is performed under fluoroscopic guidance with use of 2 guidewires followed by 2 to 3 titanium compression screws. The first screw is inserted along the posteromedial calcaneus and into the talar dome medially. The second is placed laterally into the head-neck junction of the talus. The third screw is placed distal to proximal from the plantar anterior process to the talar head. Finally, images are obtained in multiple views to ensure proper screw placement, and the screws are tightened sequentially to ensure equal compression across the joint. Nonoperative treatment of calcaneal fractures includes cast immobilization with non-weight-bearing, although this treatment is typically reserved for nondisplaced, small extra-articular fractures6. Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures includes open reduction and internal fixation, which is traditionally performed via a sinus tarsi approach or extensile lateral approach. Primary subtalar arthrodesis has been utilized primarily for Sanders type-IV fractures6. Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are associated with alarmingly high rates of posttraumatic arthritis (30% to 70% within 1 year of injury), and surgical outcomes are inversely proportional to the severity of the fracture pattern, with Sanders III and IV having the worst outcomes1. Treating these most severe fracture patterns with primary open subtalar arthrodesis has shown favorable results in terms of union rates, pain scores, and functional outcomes throughout the literature2,3. However, some authors have reported rates of revision as high as 60%4. Thus, the PASTA procedure has been established, resulting in significantly better time to union, return to work, activities of daily living, and sports activities compared with open techniques5. Thus, given the favorable results of primary open subtalar arthrodesis and the proven results with use of an arthroscopic technique in the non-acute setting, we propose that C-PASTA can serve as an alternative treatment option in the acute setting for patients with Sanders type-III and IV calcaneal fractures. We expect the outcomes of this procedure to mirror those found throughout the literature, which shows favorable results for open primary subtalar arthrodesis1-3. With use of an arthroscopic approach, we expect better time to union, return to work, activities of daily living, and sports activities than if the procedure were performed in an open fashion5. In addition, minimizing soft-tissue damage through an arthroscopic approach may decrease the risk of infection and stimulate postoperative healing, perhaps accounting for the more favorable postoperative recovery period compared with an open procedure. In the arthroscopic approach to the subtalar joint, identify the flexor hallucis longus, making sure to stay lateral to that tendon to remain in the "safe zone."Utilizing the TRIMANO device (Arthrex) to distract the ankle longitudinally in addition to a solid bump placed on the anterior aspect of the ankle allows for optimal subtalar joint visualization.Fish-scaling with an osteotome followed by bone grafting allows for a good fill between cancellous fragments to stimulate an optimal environment for fusion.Divergent screws should be placed and tightened sequentially to ensure equal compression across the joint. ADL's = activities of daily livingCT = computed tomographySCD = sequential compression deviceAP = anteroposteriorDVT = deep vein thrombosisBID = twice dailyVit = vitamin.

Seasonal variation of genotypes and reproductive plasticity in a facultative clonal freshwater invertebrate animal (Hydra oligactis) living in a temperate lake.

Facultative sexual organisms combine sexual and asexual reproduction within a single life cycle, often switching between reproductive modes depending on environmental conditions. These organisms frequently inhabit variable seasonal environments, where favorable periods alternate with unfavorable periods, generating temporally varying selection pressures that strongly influence life history decisions and hence population dynamics. Due to the rapidly accelerating changes in our global environment today, understanding the population dynamics and genetic changes in facultative sexual populations inhabiting seasonal environments is critical to assess and prepare for additional challenges that will affect such ecosystems. In this study, we aimed at obtaining insights into the seasonal population dynamics of the facultative sexual freshwater cnidarian Hydra oligactis through a combination of restriction site‐associated sequencing (RAD‐Seq) genotyping and the collection of phenotypic data on the reproductive strategy of field‐collected hydra strains in a standard laboratory environment. We reliably detected 42 MlGs from the 121 collected hydra strains. Most of MLGs (N = 35, 83.3%) were detected in only one season. Five MLGs (11.9%) were detected in two seasons, one (2.4%) in three seasons and one (2.4%) in all four seasons. We found no significant genetic change during the 2 years in the study population. Clone lines were detected between seasons and even years, suggesting that clonal lineages can persist for a long time in a natural population. We also found that distinct genotypes differ in sexual reproduction frequency, but these differences did not affect whether genotypes reappeared across samplings. Our study provides key insights into the biology of natural hydra populations, while also contributing to understanding the population biology of facultative sexual species inhabiting freshwater ecosystems.

Changes in the Level of the Caspian Sea and its Infl uence on Historical Processes in the Lower Reaches of the Volga in the Middle Ages (analysis of materials of hydrology and archaeology)

The author analyzes the materials of hydrological and archaeological research and examines the historical processes that took place in the Volga River delta in the Middle Ages. Modern data on the hydrology of the Caspian Sea, changes in its water level, the area of the water mirror and land are presented. A detailed schedule of changes in the level of the Caspian Sea in the time interval of the 7th– 15th centuries is given, which allows us to identify favorable periods for human economic activity. There are three natural favorable periods corresponding to three historical epochs – the Khazar Khaganate, the Saksin region and the Golden Horde. For each epoch, a physical and geographical characteristic and a list of known archaeological sites corresponding to the time are proposed. The dependence of changes in the areas of the Volga delta developed by man on fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea is shown. Catastrophic sea level rises that occurred in the X century and throughout the 13th century, which influenced the further development of the Lower Volga territories, are noted. In the Golden Horde epoch, a natural favorable period stands out, falling during the reign of the khans of Uzbek and Janibek – the peak of the economic and cultural flourishing of the Ulus of Jochi. On the basis of the hydrological forecast, prospects are outlined in the search, discovery and study of archaeological sites currently located under the waters of the Caspian Sea.

Organizational and technological solutions for strengthening the earth roadbed in the permafrost zone

The transport facilities construction in the Arctic zone regions of the Russian Federation is a complex engineering task. This complexity is caused not only by a competent choice of structural and technological solutions for improving the foundation soils but also by rational organizational and technological solutions, which in turn affect the timing of the transport facility construction, its cost, and construction efficiency in the regions of the Far North of the Russian Federation. During construction in the permafrost zone, building materials often require delivery to the construction site using rail, road, and water transport. Construction in difficult climatic conditions implies the use of new work execution technologies using modern equipment to ensure the reliability and durability of structures under construction. Competent work organization and modern technologies minimize the construction time, but at the same time increase construction costs. To reduce the work time, the article presents the soil basement strengthening technology with the vertical shaft of gravel chippings. The authors present the work scope on the soil basement strengthening with vertical shafts of gravel chippings during the construction of the embankment according to the II design principle (with the allowance of thawing) and the technological sequence of its implementation. A work execution plan has been developed for the implementation of a double-beam organizational chart for strengthening the soil basement with vertical shafts of gravel chippings at the Obskaya-Salekhard section, picket 01+50-picket 06+50 of the new railway line «Northern latitudinal way». The needs for machines and mechanisms used in the implementation of the proposed technology are shown. Recommendations are given on the most favorable period for the work execution.