Field Observations Research Articles

Effect of mulched drip irrigation on crop biomass and carbon fluxes in maize field

The agroecosystem, a critical component of the terrestrial carbon cycle, plays an indispensable role in maintaining the balance of carbon pools and ensuring global food security. Investigating the interplay between crop yield and carbon cycle is essential for the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices. In the quest for water-efficient agricultural solutions, mulched drip irrigation emerges as a promising technique to mitigate water scarcity in agriculture. In the arid regions of northwest China, where water is a precious resource, understanding the impact of irrigation methods on the productivity and carbon dynamics of crops like spring maize is critical. Our study aimed to evaluate the influence of two irrigation methods—mulched drip irrigation (DI) and mulched border irrigation (BI)—on the biomass accumulation and carbon fluxes of spring maize by field observation and DNDC model simulation for comparative analysis. The findings based on field and flux observation data, underscore the transformative potential of shifting from BI to DI. DI was found to significantly enhance the soil's hydrothermal environment, which is crucial for fostering optimal conditions for crop growth. This improvement is instrumental in promoting the allocation of photosynthetic products to the aboveground biomass, ultimately leading to a substantial increase in grain yield. Our results indicated that the DI treatment not only bolstered the gross primary productivity (GPP) but also elevated the ecosystem respiration (RE) compared to the BI treatment. Finally, DI can increase the net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of maize fields by 6.08 %. The Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC) model, after calibration and validation, proved to be a reliable tool for estimating ecosystem respiration under the two irrigation systems. A thorough analysis of the simulated data revealed that DI's enhancement of the soil's hydrothermal environment also led to an increase in soil heterotrophic respiration. This insight is vital as it sheds light on the complex interactions between irrigation practices and soil microbial processes, which are integral to the carbon cycle. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices and provide a theoretical foundation for strategies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. By adopting data-driven approaches and leveraging advanced models, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future that harmoniously balances productivity and environmental stewardship.

Exploring the significance and priority of digital product passports implementation in building renovation projects targeting circular economy

PurposeThis study explores the significance and implementation priorities for Digital Product Passports (DPP) in the context of building renovation projects. It aims to reveal bottlenecks and how a data-driven workflow bridges the DPP understanding/implementation gap, facilitating the transition towards practices aligned with the EU Green Deal goals.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods embedded design was employed for a real-case study exploration. Desk research and field observations ground the two-level analysis combining project documentation, namely the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), with different criteria in digitalisation and sustainability, such as economic ratio, 3D modelling, waste management, hazards, energy performance and facility management. All results were interpreted from the DPP lens.FindingsThe analysis revealed a system for identifying building products representing a significant part of the renovation budget. About 11 priority DPPs were found. Some are crucial for both the deconstruction and construction phases, highlighting the need for an incremental and strategic approach to DPP implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a single case study. Constraints are minimised given the sample's archetype representativeness. The outcomes introduce the need for strategic thinking for incremental DPP implementation. Future research will explore additional criteria and cases.Originality/valueThe research has resulted in a classification framework for DPPs' significance and priority, which is provided with case results. The outcome of the framework provides views on concept alignment to make the implementation in construction more straightforward. Its practical use can be replicated in other projects, emphasizing the importance of data structure and management for the circular economy.

Synsedimentary Compaction of Peat Under the Load of Alluvial System Sediments in the Most Basin (Czech Republic, Lower Miocene): From Weak Compaction to Strong Local Deformation of Clastics and Peat

Alluvial systems affected by peat layer compaction of a variable degree are studied all over the world, especially in areas of large river deltas and coastal plains. Ordinarily studied Holocene peat accumulations do not reach thicknesses of more than 6–10 m. This paper documents four ancient alluvial systems affected by peat compaction during the Lower Miocene in large exposures of open-cast lignite mines within the Most Basin, Czech Republic. Field observations and the study of 3000 borehole sections showed a clear dependence of the thickness and composition of the underlying peat on the scale of the accommodation space for loading by younger alluvial sediments. If the underlying partly compacted peat was tens to hundreds of meters in thickness, significant deformations of the peat appeared during its loading, leading up to the formation of growth faults. In such cases, missing parts of the coal seams were also observed below the alluvial systems. Especially borehole data showed that a linear correlation exists between the thickness of the alluvial sediments and the maximum instantaneous available compaction capacity of the underlying peat.

Comparative analysis of leaf area index and maize yield estimation assimilating remote sensing and DSSAT crop simulation model

Maize is a global staple crop, impacting food security, economic development, and agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the integration of Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data with the DSSAT CERES-Maize crop simulation model to estimate Leaf Area Index (LAI) and rabi maize yield in Belagavi district, Karnataka. Field data, including LAI, days to anthesis, silking, grain filling, and farmers' field practices, were collected for model calibration and validation, supplemented by crop-cutting experiments (CCE) to determine actual yields. The study revealed strong correlations between LAI values obtained from remote sensing (RS) and field observations, with RS-derived LAI showing an average agreement of approximately 96.07% compared to field measurements. The DSSAT model exhibited slightly better performance, averaging 97.09%. Statistical analysis for LAI showed an R² value of 0.853 for RS and 0.864 for DSSAT, indicating strong correlations with observed LAI values. For maize yield estimation, the DSSAT model demonstrated higher accuracy with an average yield of 8129 kg/ha, compared to RS-derived yield averages of 7533.9 kg/ha and CCE yield averages of 8096.6 kg/ha. The average concordance between DSSAT and CCE yields was 94.19%, while RS and CCE yields had an average concordance of 92.29%. Statistical analyses revealed coefficients of determination of 0.854 for DSSAT-CCE and 0.867 for RS-CCE comparisons. The study underscores the value of combining RS data with DSSAT for comprehensive and accurate crop yield forecasting, highlighting the potential for improved agricultural assessments and decision-making.

Model estimation of eastern oyster larval performance from food quantity and quality measures in western Mississippi Sound

Oyster Crassostrea virginica population recovery is critical in degraded estuarine systems, such as Mississippi Sound, USA, where repeated mass mortality events have depleted local oyster stocks. Owing to multiple recent die-offs, the western Mississippi Sound oyster population is recruitment-limited; population growth is constrained by the entry of new individuals into the extant population. Therefore, oyster recovery requires an adequate supply of larvae capable of timely development, growth, and successful metamorphosis. Larval performance and settlement potential are influenced by ambient temperature, salinity, and food supply. Food quantity is important to larvae, but so is food quality, as larvae require a balanced diet of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates to develop and survive through metamorphosis. In this study, in situ environmental and food conditions during the 2021 and 2022 spawning seasons from 7 oyster reefs in western Mississippi Sound were integrated into an established biochemically based larval performance model to estimate periods facilitative of successful metamorphosis. In 2021, model-estimated larval survivorship was suppressed through much of the spawning season by prolonged, extremely low salinity (<5 ppt) and inadequately balanced food supply. Higher seasonal salinity and more balanced food composition increased model-estimated larval survivorship in 2022, despite lower total food content, suggesting larval performance was primarily governed by the quality of available food. Model-estimated settlement windows were compared to settlement windows derived from concomitant field observations of recruitment. Strong agreement between model-estimated and observed settlement windows validates the effectiveness of the model and informs on the underlying causes of recruitment limitation in western Mississippi Sound.

First Report of Fusarium avenaceum Causing Root Rot of Raspberry (Rubus corchorifolius) in China.

Raspberry (Rubus corchorifolius) plants hold historical, economic, and medicinal importance in China (Yang et al. 2022). Raspberries are cultivated to generate income for local farmers in Lintao County, Dingxi City, Gansu Province. However, farmers encountered challenges due to raspberry plants exhibiting root rot disease, resulting in plant death. During a thorough field survey conducted in June 2022, symptoms ranging from leaf yellowing and wilting to necrotic lesions and root rots were observed, where approximately 30% of raspberry plants were affected. Five diseased and healthy plants were collected from the farmers' fields in Lintao (35.53oN, 103.84oE) for pathogen identification. Symptomatic and asymptomatic root tissues were surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 3% NaOCl for 5 min, followed by three rinses in sterile water. Small pieces (0.5 × 0.5 cm) were cut and incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 25°C for 7-10 days. Twenty-two pure Fusarium isolates, which displayed four distinct colony groups morphologically, were obtained. Pathogenicity tests on isolates RB10, RB1, RB30, and RB23, representing each colony group, revealed that RB10 exhibited symptoms similar to those observed in the field. The RB10 strain produced yellowish-white to greyish-white colonies on PDA and was then cultured in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) broth for enhanced conidia production (Zhang et al. 2020). Macroconidia were sickle-shaped or slightly curved, with three to five septa (19.2 to 38.5 x 3.1 to 5.8 µm, n =40). Microconidia were oval to ellipsoidal, non-septate or featuring 1 to 2 septa (4.8 to 10.5 x 2.1 to 5.2 µm, n=20). These morphological features indicated the isolate was similar to Fusarium avenaceum (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). For further identification of the strains, genomic regions (ITS-rDNA, TEF-1α, and RPB2) were amplified and sequenced using specific primers ITS1/ITS4, EF-1/EF-2, and 5f2/7cr, respectively (O'Donnell et al. 2010; Uwaremwe et al. 2021; Zarrin et al. 2016). PCR BLASTn queries of NCBI GenBank revealed a 99.8% (522 bp), 99.4% (355 bp) and 99.6% (985 bp) homology with F. avenaceum (MZ724839.1, MN271631.1, and MK185026.1), respectively. Sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, OR735571; TEF-1α, PP216660; RPB2, PP857820). One-year-old raspberry seedlings were planted in pots with a sterile soil mix (2:2:1 v/v ratio of soil, peat, and vermiculite) under controlled greenhouse conditions (23-26°C, 16h light/8h dark). A month post-planting, taproots were wounded in six pots and inoculated with 20 ml of conidia suspension (106 conidia/ml), while the other six pots were maintained as controls. After 14 days, RB10-infected plants showed symptoms similar to field observations, while controls remained healthy. The experiment was conducted twice, and re-isolation confirmed both the pathogenicity and identity of the pathogen. In the concatenated phylogenetic tree of ITS, TEF-1α and RPB2, strain RB10 was clustered with the F. avenaceum representative strains KG502, KG431 and F094. Studies revealed F. avenaceum varied pathogenicity across plants (Bugingo, 2022; Moparthi et al. 2020& 2024; Yli-Mattila et al. 2018), and it has been reported to induce raspberry fruit rot (Wang et al. 2017). However, no previous reports linked this fungus to raspberry root rot. This report is crucial for understanding the impact of root rot disease on raspberry cultivation and developing effective management strategies.

Slope Stability Analysis of Open-Pit Mine Considering Weathering Effects

Weathering processes gradually alter the physical and mechanical attributes of slope materials, weakening the structural integrity and stability of slopes. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of slope stability in an open-pit mine, emphasizing the pivotal role of weathering effects in determining slope stability. To accurately capture the impact of weathering on slope stability, a comprehensive analysis model was developed, incorporating field observations, laboratory testing, and numerical simulations. The effects of weathering on the mechanical properties of black shale were studied through extensive laboratory tests. The uniaxial compressive strength, shear strength, and modulus of elasticity significantly decreased with increasing weathering, indicating a heightened vulnerability to slope failure. The correlation function between mechanical parameters and weathering time was obtained, providing the basis for evaluating the stability of mine slopes. It was found that more severe weathering conditions were strongly correlated with elevated risks of slope failure, including landslides and collapses. Based on these findings, practical recommendations are provided for slope reinforcement and management strategies, aimed at mitigating slope failure risks and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the mine. By incorporating weathering effects into slope stability analysis, mine operators can make informed decisions that account for the dynamic nature of slope materials and their susceptibility to weathering, thereby improving overall mine performance and safety.

ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСНОВЫ ВЫБОРА БЕРЕГОУКРЕПИТЕЛЬНЫХ СООРУЖЕНИЙ ПРИ РЕКОНСТРУКЦИИ ПЛЯЖЕЙ КРЫМСКОГО ПОБЕРЕЖЬЯ

The relevance of improving the methods of engineering and environmental survey of coastal protection objects is determined by their existing violations, which reduce environmental safety in general and create a danger for the organization of tourism on the coast. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the choice of bank protection structures during the reconstruction of the beaches of the Crimean coast in the conditions of recreational specialization of the region. The nature and extent of deformations of the coastal zone of the sea and shore protection structures on the coast of the Kalamitsky Bay of the Black Sea are described. The authors proposed the design and location of the breakwater, which will make it possible to more effectively cope with the damping of waves during a storm period compared to classical breakwaters. Materials and methods. The study of the state of coastal territories and the solution of problems of coastal protection structures is based on the theory of geomorphology of the surface and underwater parts of the coast, the regularities of the hydrophysical parameters of the sea in the coastal zone, and climatic and seismic conditions. The methods of field observations and experimental studies in the wave basin were used to take into account the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the ecological parameters of the coastal zone of the Crimean coast. Results. In 2022, a team of authors carried out a visual survey of the coast in the territory of the Bakhchisaray district of the Republic of Crimea with a total length of 11.5 km. from s. Coastal to with. Angular. As a result of the inspection, sections of the coast that are potentially dangerous to the health and life of people and are not suitable for normal use for recreational purposes were identified. Conclusions. Long-term field observations show that the creation of bank protection in certain local areas, having given only a temporary positive effect for these areas, can have a very negative impact on neighboring and even remote areas; that is why the issue of protecting the coast should be resolved at least on the scale of the coast of settlements, taking into account the conditions of a single system. The shape of the coast protection structure proposed by the authors can make it possible to more effectively dampen waves compared to classical rectangular breakwaters. However, when designing coastal protection measures, it should be taken into account that separate protection of small areas of eroded coastal territories within a large zone of eroded coast is ineffective, since adjacent unprotected shores will recede under the influence of a system of natural factors.

Rediscovering the Lost Cuisines of the Himalayas: A Study on Traditional Culinary Practices, Cultural Heritage and their Potential for Sustainable Tourism

This study explores the rediscovery and promotion of the lost cuisines of the Himalayas, focusing on their cultural significance, traditional culinary practices, and potential for sustainable tourism. The unique geography and cultural diversity of the Himalayan region have given rise to distinct food traditions, deeply embedded in the local environment and history. However, modernization, globalization, and shifting socio economic conditions have increasingly threatened these practices. This research aims to document and preserve the traditional culinary heritage of the region, while examining how it can be integrated into sustainable tourism strategies. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including interviews with local community members and tourism stakeholders, field observations, and a review of secondary literature, the study investigates the role of food in maintaining cultural identity and supporting local economies. The findings suggest that traditional Himalayan cuisine, characterized by its use of locally sourced, organic ingredients and sustainable practices, aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly tourism and wellness experiences. The study identifies challenges, such as the risk of cultural commodification and the need for infrastructure development, but highlights the significant potential of culinary tourism as a tool for cultural preservation and economic empowerment. By promoting traditional food practices within a sustainable tourism framework, local communities can benefit from increased revenue while safeguarding their cultural heritage. The research concludes that rediscovering the lost cuisines of the Himalayas offers a valuable opportunity to preserve cultural traditions, promote sustainable development, and create meaningful tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and local populations.

Penerapan Manajemen Layanan Karir di Madrasah Aliyah Negeri

Career service management is a critical element in helping students plan their futures. This research aims to explore and understand career service management at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri in Sleman, focusing on the stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation of career programs. Additionally, this study examines the factors that influence students’ career goal-setting, including the roles of parents, teachers, and industry partnerships. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, with data collected through field observations and structured interviews with the school principal, vice-principals, career guidance counselors, and several students. The results indicate that career service management at MAN Sleman is conducted systematically through collaboration between the school, parents, and external partners such as industry professionals. Parental support and guidance from career counselors significantly affect students in choosing careers that align with their interests and abilities. Career programs, including workshops, industrial visits, and individual counseling, were successfully implemented, although some challenges remain in the evaluation process, particularly regarding students' anxiety in career decision-making. This research contributes to the development of more effective career services in schools and serves as a reference for other institutions seeking to improve their career services to better meet students’ needs.

Carbonyl Compounds Regulate Atmospheric Oxidation Capacity and Particulate Sulfur Chemistry in the Coastal Atmosphere.

Carbonyl compounds play a crucial role in the formation of ozone (O3) and secondary aerosols, with recent studies particularly highlighting formaldehyde (HCHO) as a significant contributor to the missing particulate sulfur. However, evaluations based on field observations are limited, especially in clean marine environments. Utilizing observation data from a coastal mountain site in May 2021 in Qingdao, northern China, we reveal the important regulating effect of carbonyls in atmospheric oxidation capacity and particulate sulfur chemistry using detailed chemical box models. Photolysis of gaseous carbonyls accounted for >90% and >60% of the primary sources of HO2 and RO2, respectively, contributing 38% of net O3 production. Notably, HCHO alone constituted 80% of the primary HO2 and 15% of net O3 production. Using a multiphase model with updated HCHO-related chemistry, we determine that HCHO chemistry can account for up to 30% of total particulate sulfur (the sum of hydroxymethanesulfonate and sulfate) and address more than one-third of the simulated sulfate gap. The emission-based multiphase model indicates that the HCHO-related pathway remains significant and can account for 20% of the particulate sulfur under clean marine conditions. These findings underscore the importance of carbonyls, particularly HCHO, in regulating the atmospheric oxidation capacity and particulate sulfur chemistry in the marine atmosphere, urging further laboratory studies on chemical kinetics and field measurements of particle-phase carbonyls.

A new insight into the macroscopical cause of wheel rolling contact fatigue on Y25 wagons – axle box longitudinal guidance deviation

Wheel rolling contact fatigue (RCF) is a tricky issue for the railway industry. It is recently reported that the wheel RCF on Y25 bogies is more severe compared to other bogies with similar primary suspension structures. The axle box longitudinal guidance deviation (ALGD) could be a reason for the wheel RCF according to field observations. In this paper, a Y25 wagon dynamics model is firstly established and validated. The ALGD is modelled using non-linear force elements. The wheel damage function is used for RCF evaluation. Then, effects of ALGDs on force balances of wheelsets are preliminarily analysed in a quasi-static state. Four different scenarios for ALGDs are simulated and corresponding wear numbers are calculated. It proves that the wheelset lateral displacement, wheel‒rail contact forces, and RCF index will dramatically increase with the ALGD value. Potential wheel‒rail contact zones for the bogies with ALGDs are basically consisted with the recorded wheel RCF zones. Finally, maintenance suggestions are proposed according to the wheelbase deviation. The ALGD threshold should be 1.0 and 2.75 mm for the prevention on wheel RCF and wear, respectively. The results of this paper may provide a new insight into the macroscopical cause of wheel RCF on Y25 bogies.

Integrating Metro Stations with the Adjacent Urban Fabric Using TOD Principles: A Case of Agargaon Metro Station, Dhaka

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles offer a promising framework for integrating metro stations with their surrounding urban fabric, promoting sustainable urbanization and efficient transportation systems. Dhaka, one of the fastest-growing cities globally, faces significant challenges in traffic congestion, air pollution, and urban sprawl. Introducing metro systems offers a promising solution to alleviate these issues and enhance urban mobility. This study presents a case study of Agargaon Metro Station in Dhaka City, examining its integration with the adjacent urban fabric using TOD principles. Through a combination of field observations, spatial analysis, and stakeholder interviews, the study evaluates the current state of Agargaon Metro Station. On-site assessments examined the station's physical infrastructure, accessibility, and connectivity with nearby areas, while Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyzed spatial data, including land use patterns and transportation networks. Semi-structured interviews with urban planners, government officials, and community members provided insights into the challenges and opportunities for implementing TOD at Agargaon. The findings reveal that the station is underutilized as a TOD hub, with inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and mixed-use developments, leading to poor connectivity and accessibility. The study highlights the necessity of improved land use planning, policy support, and community engagement to enhance the station's role in fostering TOD. These recommendations, if implemented, could alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and create more livable urban spaces, thereby enhancing Dhaka's overall quality of life. Additionally, the research contributes to the social and economic dimensions of urbanization by offering a framework that can be adapted to similar metro stations in Dhaka and other rapidly urbanizing cities.

Potential morphological responses of an artificial beach to a flood in extreme events: field observation and numerical modelling

Potential morphological responses of an artificial beach to a flood in extreme events: field observation and numerical modelling

Multicaloric response tuned by electric field in cylindrical MnAs/PZT magnetoelectric composite

The possibility observation of the electric field controlled multicaloric response through quasi-isostatic compression as a result of the converse piezoelectric effect was demonstrated on the cylindrical type magnetoelectric composite MnAs/PZT. It was shown that an electric voltage of 100 V corresponding to an electric field of E ∼0.3 kV/mm applied to the walls of the piezoelectric component PZT of the MnAs/PZT composite contributes to an increase in the maximum adiabatic temperature change by 0.2 K in the temperature range of the magnetostructural phase transition of MnAs ∼317 K at a magnetic field change of 1.8 T. Numerical analysis using the finite element method has shown that an electric field voltage of 100 V is capable of creating a quasi-isostatic mechanical stress in the region inside a cylindrical PZT tube of ∼3 MPa. Moreover, in the region of weak pressures up to 10 MPa, the contribution to the total adiabatic temperature change from piezo-mechanical compression linearly depends on the electrical voltage that can be used for control by magnetic and caloric properties of multicaloric materials.

An Assessment of Poor Road Infrastructure in Gamajigo Community, Jos North Plateau State

This research article evaluates the state of road infrastructure in the Gamajigo community of Jos North Plateau State, Nigeria. The study examines the impact of poor road conditions on transportation, economic activities, and quality of life within the community. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and field observations to provide a comprehensive analysis. Findings reveal significant issues related to road quality, including frequent maintenance needs, inadequate coverage, and safety concerns. Recommendations are provided to address these challenges and improve road infrastructure in Gamajigo.

Informal participation in digital planning: How can third parties use social media to shift power relations in planning?

In recent years, social media has become an influential tool for engaging various participants and facilitating inclusivity in digital planning. While many studies highlight local governments' use of social media for formal participation, limited research assesses its impact on power dynamics in informal participation. This study aims to fill the gap by identifying key features of social media that facilitate informal participation and applying Castells' four forms of network power to understand power dynamics among civil society, journalism, citizens, and governments in planning processes. It also develops a novel mixed-methods approach that combines social media scraping, social network analysis (SNA), semi-structured interviews, and field observation. This approach is applied to investigate the Enning Road regeneration project in Guangzhou as a case study. Analyzing data from China's Weibo, the study reveals network disputes across three dimensions: graph, community, and network statistics. Hyperlink-Induced Topic Search (HITS) and community detection results suggest that civil society and journalism have substantial networked power as they strategically utilize social media to promote collaboration, mobilize citizens, and foster communities. They also excise network-making power by switching online and offline networks, thereby transmitting online debate to a wide range of audiences and compelling local governments to shift planning priorities from demolitions to preservation.

Conservation Treatment in the Process of Strengthening the Stone Architecture of Kazimierz Dolny (Poland)

ABSTRACT A crucial task in modern rock engineering involves studying mechanical properties of rocks used as elements of stone objects, focusing on how susceptible they are to processes that lead to degradation. In Kazimierz Dolny, several factors contribute to severe damage. Their identification made it possible to look at the effects of their action on the rock, both external — during field observations, and internal — during laboratory tests. The laboratory experiments were carried out with the aim of determining the geomechanical strength characteristics of the siliceous carbonate rock. The influence of specific climate-related factors (thermal shock and exposure to SO2 in the presence of moisture) on the deterioration of the rock was assessed. These tests were conducted on samples that were either air-dried or treated with preservative agents. The activity and effectiveness of these agents were evaluated based on results obtained from non-destructive ultrasonic tests, the percentage of weight loss, and destructive strength tests. The discussion revolves around the implications of the results obtained from the laboratory experiments. It explores the significance of the identified climate-related factors in the deterioration of siliceous carbonate rock and effectiveness of proposed preventive solutions, considering the diverse outcomes observed in tests.

The Lesser Poland version of Silesian folk costume Attitudes towards the Cieszyn folk costume displayed by regionalists east of the Biała River in the 21 st century

The Cieszyn folk costume, also referred to as the Silesian or the Valachian costume, is an important element of the cultural heritage of Cieszyn Silesia. It has been analysed in many academic and popular publications, both in terms of its material aspect and its role within the society. Thus far, however, authors focused on the region of Cieszyn Silesia in its historical borders, while in the early 20th century the Cieszyn folk costume could also be seen in what is now the Bestwina, Wilamowice and Brzeszcze communes, historically belonging to the region of Lesser Poland. Nowadays, it is worn for church ceremonies, as well as by members of folk dance and song ensembles and Rural Housewives Associations from the area. In some localities, there have been initiatives to replace the Cieszyn folk costume with others, e.g. the so-called lachowski (Lachy) attire, which used to be worn in the region and is associated with the cultural heritage of western Lesser Poland. The aim of this article is to analyse the various attitudes towards the Cieszyn folk costume as part of the heritage of western Lesser Poland. Some see it as a source of pride, others, as unwanted heritage. The analysis is based on interviews with local activists coupled with field observation and examination of photographic documentation available on the Internet.

Natural conditions of Varandey coastal tundra. Anthropogenic transformation of natural landscapes

The author aims to characterize natural conditions in the coastal area of the Barents Sea, from the settlement of Varandey to the Perevoznoye field. The research covered an area of 20 km2, 40 km long. An integrated climatic characteristic of the studied area is given, including the direction and speed of natural processes forming its shape, cryogenic processes, flora and fauna conditions, soil cover formation. The geomorphological, geological, and hydrological features of the area are outlined. The heterogeneity of the water–salt regime of the coastal area, typical of the northern seas of the Arctic, including the Barents Sea, is noted. In the laidas, the prevalence of accumulation of easily soluble salts over their removal is established, which allows the soils to be distinguished in terms of their salinity. Here, halophytic species are identified. The vegetation cover of the studied area is characterized according to the habitat of flora representatives. The research identified 100 species of vascular plants, 51 species of lichens, and 65 species of mosses. A soil survey found 27 soil varieties, which form the structure of the soil cover; their morphological and physicochemical characterization are given. The data obtained during field studies and remote sensing data were used to determine the structure of landscapes to the level of terrain types and units, as well as to propose their description. Their ecological and geochemical typification is carried out. The fauna composition was assessed based on state registration data and open sources; field observations with reference to biotopes were used. The dynamics of fauna population on the Barents Sea coast was assessed retrospectively. Field survey and remote sensing data made it possible to identify areas with anthropogenic disturbance of tundra landscapes. A typification of the identified anthropogenic disturbances of the natural environment and their areas within the survey area is proposed. The data obtained can be used as signs when assessing the state of natural environments in the coastal part of the northern seas of the Arctic, similar in terms of natural and climatic conditions.