Humidity Regimes Research Articles

Areas of maximum intensity of avalanche formation in the Greater Caucasus associated with large anomalies of temperature and humidity regime

The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the geographical boundaries of areas which are distinguished in the Greater Caucasus by the intensity of avalanche formation at the large-scale hydrometeorological anomalies and can be classified as “epicentres” of the avalanche activity. For the period of snow avalanche observations in the Caucasus in the 20th century, the Nature did twice demonstrate “experiments” in the winters of 1975/76 and 1986/87, during which especially intensive releases of avalanches occurred in the same areas of the southern macro-slope of the Central Caucasus. This work is an effort to answer the question ‒ why the main impacts of the snow disasters occurred within the boundaries of the same territories. The results of the analysis show that the highest intensity of avalanche activity is observed in those areas where three factors of avalanche formation are simultaneously realized: a big number of large avalanche catchments, including ancient glacial cirque zones (corries); high snowiness; types of snow favourable for the mass releases of especially strong avalanches. In the Caucasus, these criteria are met by the usually identified watershed zone of the Main Caucasus Range and, as the analysis showed, the territory of mountainous Georgia in the Inguri River basin (with tributaries of the Nenskra, Nakra, Mestia-Chala, Dolra, Mulkhura rivers), as well as the upper reaches of the river Kodori (Abkhazia). According to the USSR Glacier Inventory (1986), up to 80% of the corrie relief forms of the southern macro-slope of the Caucasus are concentrated in the basins of the Inguri and Kodori rivers, many of which are centres of origin of especially strong avalanches. The high snowiness of this territory, as compared to neighbouring areas, is conditioned by the influence of the orography and the climate effect, that is seen on the map of the solid precipitation distribution in the Atlas of Snow and Ice Resources of the World (1997). Only in this sector of the Greater Caucasus is there a kind of “peninsula” of high snowfall extending for tens of kilometers towards the moisture-bearing airflows from the Black Sea. Temperature conditions in the zone of increased snow accumulation are the factor contributing to the avalanche formation, which is manifested in its structural, textural and strength properties.

The influence of meteorological conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone on the phytosanitary condition of grain bean crops

There is a tendency to expand the area of bean cultivation in the northern direction, which is due to climatic changes and breeding achievements. There are 191 varieties of beans registered in the state register of breeding achievements approved for use, of which 31 varieties are recommended for cultivation in the belt between 50° and 60° latitude. The relevance of bean cultivation in the Non-Chernozem zone is increasing. This is due to the increased demand for beans, which are characterized by high nutritional value. Also, this crop is promising as an alternative in grain crop rotations. The study of the phytosanitary condition of bean plants in potentially new cultivation regions in order to develop a crop protection system is of interest. The promotion of crops to new territories is inevitably accompanied by phytosanitary risks, which have been little studied due to insufficient information about bean diseases. The literature provides an assessment of potential threats. However, their manifestation is closely related to the climatic and weather conditions of the growing season. The analysis of the interrelationships of the phytosanitary condition of crops with the temperature and humidity regimes of the bean growing period is relevant.

Основные особенности климатических условий зимнего сезона 2023/2024 гг. по данным мониторинга и прогнозов

The main results of the comprehensive analysis of the Northern Hemisphere large-scale atmospheric circulation features are presented for the 2023/2024 winter season. Skill scores of the consensus forecast for the 2023/2024 Northern Eurasia winter season are discussed in the context of reproducing the temperature and humidity regime. The qualitative analysis of the multimodel forecast from WMO’s Lead Center and the consensus forecast issued by NEACOF for seasonal anomalies in air temperature and precipitation for the winter of 2023/2024 resulted in the conclusion of the superior accuracy of the consensus forecast. This forecast was based on the data of three Russian models SL-AV, MGO, and INM with equal weighting coefficients.

АНАЛИЗ КЛИМАТА И УЧЕТ ЕГО ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ ПРИ ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИИ ЗДАНИЙ В Г.СИМФЕРОПОЛЬ

The purpose of the work is to develop typological recommendations for the designed buildings in Simferopol based on the architectural analysis of natural and climatic conditions. The study requires a detailed study of the temperature regime, temperature and humidity regime, temperature and wind regime, solar radiation and the bioclimatic characteristics of the construction area. Subject of the study: Human heat sensations are influenced by the interaction of factors such as temperature, solar radiation, air humidity and the speed of its movement. Depending on the combination of these factors, a person's heat perception can vary. Materials and methods: To achieve this goal, the following values were analyzed: average monthly outdoor temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation. To assess the effect of climate on the human body, an equivalent-effective temperature and a normal equivalent temperature were calculated. AutoCAD and Microsoft Excel software were used to build the graphs. Results: The conducted research allowed us to determine the boundaries of comfort zones, the influence of the Simferopol climate on the human body. Conclusions: The results of the analysis of natural and climatic factors allow us to determine the typological requirements for the choice of architectural solutions: architectural planning, structural and engineering means of regulating the microclimate in buildings and buildings for Simferopol, taking into account its climate.

Peatland vegetation of the Syra Pogonia massif of the Rivneskyi Nature Reserve (Polissia, Ukraine): ecological characteristics

Background. Peat bog complexes are self-sufficient ecosystems in which unique microclimatic conditions leading to a significant diversity of valuable plant communities are formed. Such communities are sensitive to the effects of climate change or any anthropogenic intervention. The lack of reliable information on their distribution on the territory of the Syra Pogonia peat-bog massif of the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve necessitates a detailed study of the bog vegetation. Therefore, the purpose of the work was to classify the community of peatland vegetation of the Syra Pogonia massif and to determine the features of their syntaxonomic and ecological differentiation for further development of environmental management strategies. Materials and Methods. The study of the peculiarities of peatland vegetation was conducted on transects that represent the variety of local conditions of the complex system. A total of 141 relevés were analysed using the Braun–Blanquet method. The material was analysed using TURBOVEG 2.79 and JUICE 7.0.83 software. Vegetation units were separated using the method of two-factor indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN). Diagnostic species of syntaxa were determined by the fidelity coefficient phi, the fidelity threshold for which was > 25 %. The statistical significance of the phi coefficient was determined with the Fisher’s test at P < 0.001. The DCA-ordination method was used to identify an ecological differentiation of units. Results. Peatland vegetation of the Syra Pogonia massif of the Rivnenskyi Nature Reserve was analysed. We identified 7 associations belonging to 6 alliances, 6 orders and 4 classes and compiled a vegetation syntaxonomic scheme. The leading factor of ecological differentiation of community is humidity of the area. The greatest diversity is inherent in mesotrophic areas, rare species are found and grouped according to diffe­rent ecological conditions. The species composition of 7 associations includes 79 plant species, of which 65 are vascular and 14 are bryophytes. Using methods of phytosociological analysis, we established that the distribution of community in multi-dimensional space of ecological factors occurs under the conditions of their complex action. At the same time, changes in the humidity regime are of crucial importance for the selected syntaxa (Andromedo polifoliae-Sphagnetum magellanicі). The results of the phytoindicative analysis proved that the associations identified on the territory of the Syra Pogonia peat-bog complex are acidophilic in terms of acidity, and oligotrophic in terms of the requirements for the content of nutriens. Conclusions. As orders, and result of the analysis of relevés, 7 associations, which belong to 6 alliances, 6 orders and 4 classes were selected. Based on the results of the dataset analysis, a vegetation classification scheme was compiled. As a result of the cluster analysis of 7 associations, a significant difference between communities of watered and wet habitats was revealed. We established that the differentiation of the vegetation on the territory of the peat massif of Syra Pogonia mainly depends on the change in the moisture regime.

Comparison of the Position of the Maximum Humidification Zone when Using the Methods of Stationary and Non-Stationary Heat and Humidity Regime

The basic formulas for mathematical modeling of the heat and moisture regime of building envelopes in stationary and non-stationary settings are given. It is noted that the mathematical model uses third kind boundary conditions. Objective of the study: to check whether the moisture maximum plane position in the thickness of building envelopes is confirmed assessing non-stationary moisture conditions. Two methods for verification are used: the graphical method for determining the plane of maximum moisture and the method for assessing the non-stationary moisture regime, based on the Gagarin and Kozlov moisture potential. It was found that the maximum moisture is confirmed both for facade systems with mineral wool insulation and for facade systems with expanded polystyrene insulation. In the case of mineral wool, the maximum moisture is located outside the insulation layer. For expanded polystyrene insulation, the maximum moisture is determined inside the insulation layer. Thus, it was confirmed that the maximum moisture in the thickness of the enclosing structure, determined by the graphical method, is confirmed by mathematical modeling of a non-stationary heat and moisture regime.

Low relative air humidity and increased stomatal density independently hamper growth in young Arabidopsis.

Stomatal pores in plant leaves mediate CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and water loss via transpiration. Altered stomatal density can affect plant photosynthetic capacity, water use efficiency, and growth, potentially providing either benefits or drawbacks depending on the environment. Here we explore, at different air humidity regimes, gas exchange, stomatal anatomy, and growth of Arabidopsis lines designed to combine increased stomatal density (epf1, epf2) with high stomatal sensitivity (ht1-2, cyp707a1/a3). We show that the stomatal density and sensitivity traits combine as expected: higher stomatal density increases stomatal conductance, whereas the effect is smaller in the high stomatal sensitivity mutant backgrounds than in the epf1epf2 double mutant. Growth under low air humidity increases plant stomatal ratio with relatively more stomata allocated to the adaxial epidermis. Low relative air humidity and high stomatal density both independently impair plant growth. Higher evaporative demand did not punish increased stomatal density, nor did inherently low stomatal conductance provide any protection against low relative humidity. We propose that the detrimental effects of high stomatal density on plant growth at a young age are related to the cost of producing stomata; future experiments need to test if high stomatal densities might pay off in later life stages.

Bioindication potentials of the grass stand and soil macrofauna for assessing the level of anthropogenic transformation of an urban park are complementary

Changes in the environment induced by anthropogenic impact or natural stressors are subject to bioindication. Most often, the anthropogenic stressors are the main object of bioindication research. Hemeroby and naturalness are considered as indicators of the level of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems. Hemeroby is frequently used to assess disturbances in different types of vegetation. However, this concept has rarely been used to assess the impact on animals. According to the method of indicator values, species richness of a community is a marker of bioindication potential. The article compares the patterns of response of species richness of soil macrofauna and herbaceous cover communities in a city park, taking into account gradients of environmental factors, naturalness, and hemeroby. Within the study area, test plots were located. Soil macrofauna samples were taken at 105 points in each of the test sites, and soil hardness, electrical conductivity and soil temperature, litter height, and grass cover height were also measured. A geobotanical description of the vegetation cover was made within each plot. In the survey plots, 7.6 ± 3.0 plant species were found in the herbaceous layer. In soil samples, 6.8 ± 2.9 species of macrofauna were found. With an increase in the number of plant species in the herbaceous layer, the number of soil macrofauna species showed a downward trend. An increase in the number of soil macrofauna species is accompanied by a decrease in both naturalness and hemeroby of the plant community. The naturalness index does not depend on the number of plant species, but the largest number of plant species was observed under conditions of naturalness level from 0 to 1. With an increase in hemeroby, the number of plant species increases, although this relationship also has a nonlinear component. The largest number of plant species is observed at hemeroby levels from 45 to 65. Environmental factors and indicators of hemeroby and naturalness were able to explain 27% of the variation in the number of soil macrofauna species. Humidity regime and continentality did not affect the number of species. Increased variability in moisture conditions, carbonate content, and indicators of frost and cryoclimate contributed to an increase in the number of invertebrate species. Increases in acidity, mineral salts, nitrates, and soil aeration had a negative impact on the number of soil macrofauna species. Soil properties were able to explain 21% of the variation in the number of soil macrofauna species. Environmental factors and indicators of hemeroby and naturalness were able to explain 72% of the variation in the number of herbaceous plant species. Increases in moisture, acidity, mineralization, thermocline, and cryoclimate indicators had a negative impact on the number of plant species. Biological indicators can be used to assess complex environmental factors that are difficult to measure using instrumental methods. Bioindicators are also used to assess the level of anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems. The key concepts for solving this problem are the naturalness and hemeroby of plant communities, which are used as markers of ecosystem disturbance in general. Vegetation cover as a source of bioindication information can provide a biased assessment of the level of anthropogenic transformation due to its greater sensitivity to certain types of anthropogenic pressure. The potential of soil animals as a source of information on the level of anthropogenic transformation in the urban environment is quite significant. Species richness is a marker of the potential ability of a plant or animal community to provide reliable bioindication information. The bioindication complementarity of animal and plant communities is that the highest species richness of soil macrofauna is observed at a relatively low level of species richness of plant communities. Therefore, soil macrofauna can complement and clarify estimates of the level of anthropogenic transformation made using plant communities or can be an independent source of information for such estimates.

Analysis of thermal efficiency of external fencing made of innovative ceramic blocks

The paper presents a comprehensive theoretical study of the external fencing structure made of innovative Porortherm 38 ceramic blocks in comparison with traditional structures made of solid ceramic brick, hollow ceramic brick and gas block. The study was conducted in the climatic conditions of Shymkent city, South Kazakhstan. The middle temperature values of the frostiest 5 days with a provision of 0,92 were adopted as the external temperature. The results of the study of the actual resistance (Rf) of the structures under study showed that all adopted structures meet the condition Rf˃Rreq, while the actual resistance of the new structure is 1.3 times more efficient than traditional ones. The analysis of temperature fields showed that the new structure is 2% more efficient than traditional ones. Moreover, no additional insulation costs are required. The obtained results were also confirmed by computer modeling in the ELCUT software package. The results of calculating the humidity regime showed that a condensation area appears in almost all the structures under consideration. The results of calculating the amount of moisture evaporated from the multicoat structure of the external fencing during the torrefaction period showed that all the accumulated moisture will evaporate during the specified period, the calculation of the condition of inadmissibility of moisture accumulation in the structures of external fencings for an annual period and for the period of moisture accumulation showed that all the considered structures meet the requirement . The results of calculating the air regime of multicoat structures of external fencings also showed that all structures including the new one meet the condition . The result of calculating the value of thermal inertia (D) in the proposed structure is up to three times more efficient than traditional structures, which applies to structures with high inertia (7˂D). The obtained results of the study indicate that the new proposal of a structure made of ceramics is cost-effective, innovative blocks can be proposed as a supplement to the register of materials of existing standards.

Humidity regime of building envelope structures of the drying compartment tula brewery

The article presents the results of a study of the humidity regime of building enclosing structures of the drying department of the brewery located in Tula. The assessment of the humidity regime was carried out in order to identify the causes of damage to external, internal walls and attic floors, and the task was also set to develop technical solutions for steam and waterproofing of the above-mentioned enclosing structures. To solve the tasks set, thermophysical calculations of building enclosing structures were performed, as well as an assessment of their moisture accumulation during the operation of the building. The position of the plane of possible condensation was determined using the author’s methodology. The results of thermophysical calculations showed the presence of moisture accumulation in the above-mentioned structures, which is associated with the use of PVC polyethylene film as wind protection. It was also revealed that there was a discrepancy with the regulatory requirements for thermal protection of the external wall of the electrical panel. In order to eliminate these problems, recommendations were made, which consisted in using an Isospan A type film as a vapor barrier, increasing the thickness of the insulation, organizing natural supply and exhaust ventilation of the attic room, as well as waterproofing the structures of the outer wall made of monolithic reinforced concrete.

Ecologo-faunistic review of tetranychid (Acariformes: Tetranychoidea) and phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) in the Transcarpathian Region, Ukraine</p >

The results of long-term research on tetranychid and phytoseiid mites in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine are summarized. Transcarpathian Tetranychoidea are represented by 28 species from 10 genera, and the same list for Phytoseiidae included 49 species from 11 genera. For 77 species of mites from 21 genera, species composition, abundance, trophic specialization, and biotopic distribution in different altitudinal zones of Transcarpathia, Ukraine was analysed. Ten species of tetranychid mites (Bryobia rubrioculus, Tetranyhus horridus, Amphytetranyhus viennensis, Eotetranycuus carpini, E. quercicola, Neotetranychus rubi, Oligonychus ununguis, Panonychus ulmi, T. turkestani and T. urticae), and 11 species of phytoseiid mites (Neoseiulus umbraticus, Kampimodromus aberrans, Amblyseius andersoni, A. rademacheri, Euseius ucrainicus, Dubininellus echinus, D. juvenis, Typhloctonus aceri, T. tuberculatus, Anthoseius (A.) rhenana and A. (A.) clavata) were common to all three studied altitudinal zones. The species diversity of tetranychids was highest in the lowlands (23 species), slightly lower in the foothills (19 species), and the lowest in the mountain zone (11 species). For phytoseiid mites, it was the highest in the foothills (38 species), 25 in the lowlands and 21 in mountains. Among the tetranychids, the transzonal species A. viennensis retained its dominant status in all altitudinal zones. In the lowland, the highest rates of occurrence and dominance indices were observed for the species B. rubrioculus and T. turkestani, and in the foothills—for P. ulmi and T. horridus. The species composition of mites in the lowlands and mountains varied the most for both predators and phytophagous mites. Among the tetranychids, the most striking marker species in the mountains were P. ulmi and N. rubi. Only in the mountains were found such phytoseiid species as N. alidis, N. montanus, T. runiacus, T. mutatus, and A. salviae, which could thus be considered strictly mountainous. All of them have fragmented habitats and are tied to mountainous regions. In that altitudinal zone, an exceptionally high occurrence rate and dominance index were established for N. montanus among the phytoseiids. This is most probably due to significantly greater differences in the temperature and humidity regimes and range of host plants and, for predatory mites, prey species. The results of this study provide additional information about the structure of the communities of phytophagous and predatory mites in the natural zones of the mountain landscape and changes in the composition of the communities under the influence of environmental factors and the forage base, which is a consequence of the altitudinal distribution of the investigated biocenoses.

Assessment of the effect of moisture on the strength of concrete and ceramic masonry wall products

Introduction. The material of the article considers the strength characteristics of ceramic and concrete masonry products, the operation of which is carried out in difficult conditions. The analysis of domestic and foreign publications and sources carried out in this work, including the results of previously performed experiments and field studies, showed that the values of the tensile strength of concrete and ceramic masonry products largely depend on moisture saturation.
 
 Aim. When analyzing previously performed works, it was found that moisture saturation and operating conditions significantly affect the strength properties of concrete and ceramic masonry products in the form of bricks and small blocks. It is noted that in some cases, the effect of degradation of the physical and mechanical properties of the products was observed. When performing surveys of buildings and structures, it becomes necessary to determine the bearing capacity of the masonry of foundations and basement walls located below the mark of the adjacent ground surface. These structures are located in an environment of excessive humidity, therefore, the masonry products themselves are in a state of increased moisture saturation, for example, due to the absence or damage of waterproofing, violation of the heat and humidity regime of the indoor microclimate.
 
 Materials and methods. During the work, masonry ceramic products in the form of bricks were used – new ones made according to State Standard 530-2012; historical bricks selected during the inspection of buildings and structures of historical buildings, as well as concrete wall products made according to State Standard 6133-2019. The test procedure complies with the established standard State Standard R 58527-2019.
 
 Results. Conducting of the research and developing of methods to assess the effect of humidification of ceramic and concrete masonry products on the strength of masonry is important for assessing the reliability of buildings and structures.
 
 Conclusions. The current problem requires comprehensive studies of the strength characteristics of ceramic and concrete masonry wall products, taking into account the influence of humidity.

Самоочищение атмосферного воздуха от пылевых частиц в условиях прибрежного морского климата

The intensity of air pollution depends on the characteristics of pollution sources, distance from the sea, terrain, density of residential buildings and the presence of a green zone. The influence of climatic conditions on the distribution of suspended particulate matter in the atmospheric surface layer of Vladivostok was studied. The aim of the study was to determine the particle size distribution of suspended particulate matter in the atmospheric surface layer and to assess the conditions for self-purification of urban air under the influence of the coastal maritime climate. The assessment of the urban air pollution with suspended particulate matter was carried out in two areas with different levels of pollution. The human breathing zone was examined. The temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind direction and speed at sampling points were determined. We used monitoring of meteorological data (dew point, wind gusts, clouds, fog) from the nearest regional meteorological stations. Statistical processing included the “Canonical Analysis” module. In the polluted area of the city the atmospheric circulation (direction, speed and gusts of wind) greatly affect the distribution of fine-dispersed particles (2.5–10.0 µm) that are hazardous to health. The impact of temperature and humidity conditions is reduced in power. The temperature and humidity regime, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness with frequent fog affect the ultrafine dust spectrum in the slightly polluted island area of the city. The above factors contribute to the enhancement of the nanoparticle nucleation process. Self-purification of the air surface layer from dust particles in both polluted and slightly polluted areas of Vladivostok is associated with the southerly winds. The monsoon maritime climate defines the air purifying in the region. The temperature and humidity regime actively affects the dust disperse composition in both sampling sites. In the island area of the city it determines the content of particles up to 10 µm; in the continental area – fractions of 0.1–50.0 µm.

Application of the Finite Element Method in Determining the Reduced Heat Transfer Resistance of a Hinged Facade System in Residential Buildings

In this paper, the energy efficiency of a ventilated facade is considered by calculating the reduced heat transfer resistance of a hinged facade system (HFS). We have approved three options for fixing the hinged ventilated facade to three types of walls of residential buildings based on the material of: monolithic reinforced concrete, aerated concrete blocks, and solid brick masonry. The choice of these wall filling materials is due to their wide application, both in new construction and in the reconstruction of existing residential buildings, both in mass development and in private housing construction. The thickness of the insulation is also selected. For the selection of insulation, and in general for the calculation of the enclosing structure, the most important factor is the appearance of a dew point. The dew point depends on the thickness and material of the wall filling, the heat and humidity regime inside the building, and climatic conditions. In this paper, research is carried out in terms of calculating the reduced heat transfer resistance of suspended ventilated facades, taking into account in homogeneities using the finite element method, as well as using the traditional method, taking into account the above factors. A comparison of these calculation methods is made and a conclusion is drawn about the expediency of taking into account point bridges of cold. Through cold bridges, energy losses occur, which leads to a change in the temperature regime in the rooms (temperature decrease) during the cold period of the year, and vice versa, to increased heating of the room during the warm period of the year, which leads to the appearance of a dew point in the wall. On a ventilated facade, the most vulnerable point is the brackets, which belong to the group of point bridges of cold. Based on the calculation results, the best wall filling was determined, which reduces the thickness of the insulation from 30 % to 50 % and reduces the specific weight of the wall structure by 1.25–2.1 times, which significantly affects the load on the building foundation.

Determination of total heat transfer resistance, temperature line and moisture formation of condensate of the external walls’ multilayer construction

To create a moderate climate in the premises of newly built low-rise residential buildings, this article presents theoretical calculations of the design of external walls made of small gas blocks, the cavities of which are filled with heavy concrete and thermal insulation material. As a result of theoretical calculations, the total resistance to heat transfer, thermal inertia, temperature in the layers of the wall, temperature line, humidity regime and heat absorption coefficient of the external wall structure, built from small gas blocks filled with heavy concrete and thermal insulation, were determined. material.

Activities of antioxidant enzymes and Hsp levels in response to elevated temperature in land snail species with varied latitudinal distribution.

Land snails occupy a variety of habitats, with differing temperature and humidity regimes and exhibit a wide span of adaptations, to withstand abiotic condition changes. The present work's aim was to examine the correlation of habitat's thermal adversity in different Mediterranean type habitats with the land snail's antioxidant and heat shock responses. For this purpose, snails of different species from populations along a north-south axis from the islands and mainland of Greece were exposed to elevated temperature and antioxidant enzyme activities, and Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels were determined in their tissues. The ATP, ADP, and AMP levels and the adenylate energy charge (AEC) were also determined. The comparison of protein levels and enzymatic activities across time intervals revealed significant differences for all factors examined. While the gradation pattern over time for a given factor was similar in all populations the absolute values over time differed. Catalase activity and the Hsp90 protein levels had the higher contribution in separating the different species and populations, followed by the activity of glutathione reductase and Hsp70 protein levels which contributed to a lesser degree. In general, populations from the southern part of their distribution in Greece tend to display a faster increase than northern populations in induction levels of all factors examined. Our data seem to be in line with the concept of preparation for oxidative stress (POS) while the changes in the AEC indicate an early preparation to cover the energy demand for the induction and synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and Hsps.

Giant hogweeds (Heracleum mantegazzianum and H. sosnowskyi) in Ukraine: distribution, ecological and coenotical features

Abstract The paper aims to study the distribution and communities of two giant hogweed species Heracleum mantegazzianum and H. sosnowskyi in Ukraine. This research was motivated by strong invasive trends, risks for native vegetation and a lack of data on giant hogweeds in Ukraine. We presented phytosociological tables of giant hogweeds communities, maps of their modern distribution in Ukraine, a dendrogram of similarity of the communities, phytoindicative evaluation, and proportions of diagnostic species in the syntaxa. According to our survey and literature data, there are 102 locations of H. mantegazzianum and 405 locations of H. sosnowskyi throughout most of Ukraine, except for the steppe zone, where the limiting factor is the arid climate. The amplitudes of both studied Heracleum species have a significant overlap in the factors of humidity, nitrogen, and salt regime. There are differences between the species in the factors of light, temperature and continentality. The amplitudes of the studied species are the widest for moisture and the narrowest range for soil acidity. Both species favour soils enriched in nitrogen. Based on the phytosociological survey, the species forms two distinct associations Urtico dioicae-Heracleetum sosnowskyi and Urtico dioicae-Heracleetum mantegazzianii and also occurs with lower abundance in communities belonging to 8 vegetation classes. The obtained data can be used to carry out preventive measures against the further spread of giant hogweeds in new habitats with varying degrees of anthropogenic transformation.

The Effect of Various Tillage Methods and Meliorants Application against their Background on the Dynamics of Macronutrients Accumulation in the Winter Wheat Plants and their Output via Crop Yield

The article presents the results of two-year investigations related to the effect of different soil cultivation methods, application times of equal doses of mineral and organic fertilizers and bio-humus with bentonite application against their background on the dynamics of macronutrients accumulation and their removal/ output through the crop yield. Considering the changes in the winter wheat growth, development, and yield capacity under the effect of different soil tillage methods, as well as the applied fertilizers and bentonite in rainfed conditions, and also the nutrition characteristics, to get high and sustainable yield the cultivation of winter wheat should be implemented only through loosening method, while fertilization should be implemented by introducing natural rock bentonite into the soil either on the background of mineral fertilizers (N60P60K60) or bio humus (3.5 t/հa) in autumn, as a result of which the soil air, nutrition and humidity regimes improve, favorable conditions are created for the regular growth and development of the plant and 48.8-52 c/ha grain and 89-96 c/ha straw yield is ensured.

Решение краевой задачи тепломассопереноса методом конечного интегрального преобразования Фурье для условий лучистого обогрева почвы

The purpose of the research is to find, predict and regulate the temperature and humidity regime of the soil for the conditions of radiant heating of cultivation facilities using dark-type ceiling infrared radiators. In the work, without intermediate mathematical transformations, a generally accepted system of differential equations (both in dimensional and dimensionless forms) is presented, taking into account the main and cross processes of heat and mass transfer in dispersed media. For this system of equations, a particular analytical solution is considered, which takes into account not only the main phenomena of heat and mass transfer that occur independently of each other, but also the effect of water vapor transfer on the formation of the temperature field of the soil layer. Using the example of milling peat, the results of solving this problem are presented in the form of one-dimensional unsteady fields of temperature and moisture content. Taking into account the given unambiguity conditions (geometric, physical, initial and boundary conditions), it is established that the required values of moisture content and temperature will be reached in six hours. At the same time ,there is practically no change in moisture content during the time period under consideration on the coordinate segment z ∈[0;6,0] sm. The solution of the mathematical problem, implemented in a software environment, allows you to control the thermal and humidity conditions of the soil by regulating the heat flow on its surface (in the case of an obvious relationship between the magnitude of the heat flux and the intensity of evaporation from the soil surface). Due to the fact that the solution proposed in the article is a particular one and does not take into account thermal diffusion in the soil layer, i.e.the influence of temperature differences on moist ure transfer seems appropriate and of scientific interest to consider further the general solution of the system of differential equations of interrelated heat and mass transfer.

Heat and humidity exposure in megacities: An applied tool for energy and water harvesting technologies

AbstractConcerns about climate change are driving the development of novel technologies for mitigation and adaptation. Some of them include electricity generating and water harvesting based on atmospheric humidity. The latter is already commercial and can generate 50 L of drinking water per day per capita for dozens of people; however, besides energy, operation requires sufficient levels and durations of humidity and temperature. Our study focuses on the 33 megacities of the world, characterising the humidity and heat stress regimes during the last decade, using data from meteorological stations in their vicinity, and ranking them by their exposure and vulnerability to intense heat stress and their suitability to use these moisture‐reliant technologies. Our findings indicate the dominance of severe heat stress conditions in megacities located in developing countries. Ranking the megacities according to the intensity and duration of the heat stress shows the annual, monthly and hourly courses. The five most affected are the cities of Chennai, Bangkok, Kolkata, Karachi and New Delhi. Seven megacities suffer continuous, at least 12 h, of intense heat stress during 1–4 months. The ranking also considered the level of income of the countries, hence their vulnerability. On an annual basis, approximately half of the megacities are highly suited for moisture‐reliant technologies, among them megacities ranked as the top three in exposure to intense heat stress conditions—Chennai, Bangkok and Kolkata. When focusing on the humid season, 27 out of 33 megacities (82%) obtain suitable conditions for the new technologies and thus can benefit from them, at least part of the year. The implementation of humidity technologies for green energy and clean water could be of great help as our world gets more populated, warmer with higher water demand, especially for populations with insufficient infrastructure and resources.