Reserve Zone Research Articles

Evaluation of Some Uncertainties in the Modeling of Blast Furnace Hydrogen Injection

While blast furnaces remain the dominant ironmaking technology, there is growing interest in using hydrogen to partially replace coke and pulverized coal to reduce CO2 emissions in this hard‐to‐decarbonize process. However, significant discrepancies in modeling the tuyere injection of hydrogen are noted in the literature, which can challenge the scale‐up from modeling predictions and pilot trials to actual blast furnace operations. To address this, the impact of uncertainties in the assumptions of the temperature in the thermal reserve zone and the ratio of H2 and CO utilization on the results of blast furnace process modeling are evaluated using a 1D steady‐state zonal model. The study indicates that variations in the assumed value of thermal reserve zone temperature significantly impact the estimation of optimal hydrogen injection rate, coke replacement ratio, and direct CO2 emissions reductions. In contrast, the same parameters are much less affected by the variations in the assumed value of the proportion between H2 and CO utilization ratios, which, however, affect the top gas composition. A need for further research to determine the range of the difference in temperatures of gas and solid in the thermal reserve zone tolerable for smooth blast furnace operation is highlighted.

Characteristics and Driving Factors of Benthic Animal Communities in Different Water Functional Zones of the Jiangsu Section of the Yangtze River

This study explored the characteristics of benthic animal communities in different water functional areas and the driving factors affecting changes in the community structure of four water functional zones of the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River: the protection, buffer, reserve, and development and utilization zones. The results showed that the alpha diversity of the benthic animal communities in the protected and reserved zones was significantly higher than that of the buffer and development and utilization zones, and the benthic animal community structure differed significantly across different water functional zones. These zones indirectly affected the community of benthic fauna due to their environmental heterogeneity. Furthermore, the average degree, map density, and average clustering coefficient of the molecular ecological network were highest in the protected zone. The average path length was shorter, and there were more types and numbers of key species in the benthic animal community in the protected zone, indicating high levels of connectivity and efficiency in transferring substances, energy, and information between benthic animals. These results will provide a scientific basis for studying the characteristics and driving factors of benthic animal communities in the Yangtze River and have important significance for assessing and restoring aquatic ecology in the Yangtze River Basin.

Multifunctional evaluation and multiscenario regulation of non-grain farmlands from the grain security perspective: Evidence from the Wuhan Metropolitan Area, China

Non-grain production (NGP) represents a complex social phenomenon driven by a range of interests that involve agricultural development, livelihood security, and ecological preservation. It significantly alters the structure of agricultural production and vegetation cover, influencing regional grain supply and the multifunctional composition of agriculture. To achieve sustainable development goals related to grain supply and ecological stability, this study proposes a research framework for multifunctional evaluation and multiscenario regulation of non-grain farmlands (NGFs). First, NGFs in the Wuhan metropolitan area (WHM) were extracted based on land survey data to carry out multifunctional evaluation of NGFs, including production function, ecological functions and recreational function. Second, the SOM+K-means algorithm is used to identify and explore the multifunctional bundle characteristics of NGFs to determine the regulation priority order of NGFs. Finally, a multiscenario simulation of the rigid control scale and layout arrangement of NGFs from the grain security perspective is carried out. The research results show that (1) there are 1294.34 thousand ha of NGFs in the WHM, mainly of grain and non-grain rotation type (52.36 %). The production function is higher in the central and western Jianghan Plain areas than in the northeastern and southern hilly mountainous areas; the ecological functions are the opposite; the high-value areas of recreational function are mainly located around the built-up areas of the city. (2) Multifunctional bundles divide NGFs into seven categories and determine the order of regulation based on the principle of "production priority, functional diversity". (3) By setting different grain security scenarios, it is predicted that the rigid control scale of NGFs in the WHM in 2030 is 256.08–797.55 thousand ha. Divide and restore grain production in order of the priority zone for grain production, the reserve zone for grain production, the resilience zone for grain production, the ecological improvement zone and the agricultural improvement zone, so as to achieve a regulatory layout of strict control and adaptable regulation of NGFs. The research supports the regulation of NGFs in balancing grain security and ecological stability to promote sustainable agricultural production.

Evaluation of the effect of osteosynthesis wires on the structural reorganization of metaepiphyseal cartilage (an experimental and morphological study)

Introduction Premature arrest of bone growth is the most common complication of bone fractures at the growth plate level.The purpose of the work was to evaluate the structural reorganization of metaepiphyseal cartilage following its direct injury with metal and biodegradable wires in an experiment.Materials and methods The metaepiphyseal cartilage of the distal femur of 18 lambs of both sexes was studied. The age of the animals at the beginning of the study was (43.92 ± 0.8) days, by 60 and 120 days (102.63 ± 0.82) and (161.1 ± 0.9) days, respectively. The animals underwent transphyseal insertion of wires/ pins: series 1 — Kirschner wires, series 2 — titanium wires, series 3 — poly-L-lactic acid pins. The duration of the experiment was 60 and 120 days. Clinical and radiographic studies were carried out. Histomorphometry was performed using an AxioScope.A1 microscope and Zenblue software (CarlZeissMicroImagingGmbH, Germany).Results Reactive changes in the growth plate at the interface with the wire were manifested by proliferation of chondrocytes in the zone of proliferating cartilage and in the reserve zone; the minimally expressed changes were noted in series 2, the most pronounced were in series 1. By the end of the experiment, at the interface with the wire in series 1, blood vessels penetrated into the metaepiphyseal cartilage; in series 3 the amount of the fibrous component was increased, which indicates further formation of “bone bridges” and “fibrous bridges,” respectively. In undamaged areas of the growth plate in all series, the zonal structure was preserved. By the end of the experiment, increased values of the thickness of the metaepiphyseal cartilage were noted (1.2 times higher than the control), differences between series were a tendency; in series 2 and 3 the ratio of metaepiphyseal cartilage zones was comparable to the control; in series 1 the proportion of the proliferating cartilage zone was increased by 4 %.Discussion The main problem with growth plate injuries is the formation of bone tissue or fibrosis, which affects the growing process. Currently, the question of choosing a treatment tactic for growth plate injury depending on the size of the “bone bridges” is debatable. Relevant are future comparative studies of the regeneration of metaepiphyseal cartilage defects after the use of fixators made from different materials.Conclusion Histomorphometric characteristics of the growth zone reliably showed that the insertion of wires, regardless of their material, was not accompanied by inhibition of the bone-forming function of the distal metaepiphyseal cartilage of the femur.

Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining in Community Conserved Areas with High Biodiversity Using a Multi-Criteria Approach: A Case Study in Colombia

Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) using mercury affects community agreements for the conservation of forests (CoS) and lakes (CoH), which have a high level of biodiversity in the Peasant Reserve Zone of the Cimitarra River Valley (ZRC-VRC) in Colombia. In this research, a multi-criteria approach (MCA) was applied to analyze the impact of ASGM. This analysis is based on the community environmental agreements to preserve CoS and CoH areas, the ecological importance of these areas, as well as the results of mercury dispersion in the Cimitarra river basin, with concentrations found 40 km downstream of the mining area of 0.09 µgTHg L−1 in the Cimitarra river, 0.07 µgTHg L−1 in the CoH, and 0.01 mgTHg kg−1 in the tissues of macrophytes, as well as the increase in deforestation since 2020 in the CoS, due to a 1.8% (990 ha) loss of forest cover, with 693 ha of the forest cover loss coinciding with areas related to the opening of new mines. The MCA showed that the main impact is found within the criterion Social and armed conflict, followed by Deforestation. This research offers recommendations to reduce impact scores, such as the implementation of a sustainable development plan (PDS) of the ZRC-VRC, and it highlights the urgent need to safeguard the community conservation areas.

Variation in Nitrogen Utilization and Nutrient Composition across Various Organs under Different Strip Logging Management Models in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) Forest.

The rapid restoration and renewal of the moso bamboo logging zone after strip logging has emerged as a key research area, particularly regarding whether nutrient accumulation and utilization in reserve zones can aid in the restoration and regeneration of the logging zone. In this study, a dynamic 15N isotope tracking experiment was conducted by injecting labeled urea fertilizer into bamboo culms. Logging zones and reserve zones of 6 m, 8 m, and 10 m widths were established. The conventional selective logging treatment served as a control (Con). Measurements were taken in May and October to assess the differences in nitrogen accumulation ability, utilization rates, and nutrient content across different organs in bamboo forests at different growth stages and under different treatments. Principal component analysis was conducted to evaluate and determine the importance of each indicator and strip logging treatment comprehensively. The results showed that various bamboo organs exhibited higher nitrogen accumulation and utilization rates during the peak growth period compared to the late growth period. Leaves had the highest nitrogen accumulation and utilization rates than the other organs. The average C content in various bamboo organs under different logging treatments exhibited subtle differences, irrespective of variation in logging width treatments. Bamboo culm exhibited the highest carbon accumulation. The C content in various bamboo organs was higher during the peak growth period than in the late growth period. The nitrogen content peaked in the leaves during the two growth stages and was significantly higher compared to the other organs. Most bamboo organs in the logging zones exhibited relatively higher nitrogen content than in the reserve zone and Con group. The P content was highest in bamboo leaves compared with other organs across the different strip logging treatments. Principal component analysis revealed relatively high absolute values of the coefficients for the C content, bamboo stump C content, and culm Ndff%. Log8 and Res10 zones had the highest comprehensive evaluation scores, indicating that Log8 and Res10 had the best effect on the promotion of nitrogen utilization and nutrient accumulation in various organs of moso bamboo.

Connecting Water Quality and Ecosystem Services for Valuation and Assessment of a Groundwater Reserve Area in South-East Mexico

Even though the role of ecosystem services is known, the identification and assessment of water-related services is usually absent or often less represented as an ecosystem service. Progress in water quality indicator definition and compliance with regulations has been made; however, the relationship between water quality degradation and benefits to individuals and ecosystems remains little recognized. Here, we present an assessment of water quality and identification of ecosystem services in south-east Mexico. This study was performed within the geohydrological reserve zone of the Ring of Sinkholes, Yucatán Peninsula. Thirteen ecosystem services provided by the aquifer were identified. Water quality was evaluated in sinkholes based on national and international norms, considering different sinkhole uses. Results show a dynamic system, without saltwater intrusion and good to excellent water quality. The research demonstrates the relationship between ecosystem services and water quality, showing pressure in services related to uses for aquatic life protection and to a lesser extent those related to consumption. Current productive activities showed no pressure at this time. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) exhibited a significant difference in parameters and campaigns, but not between sinkholes. A long-lasting monitoring program for water quality is necessary to accurately evaluate the status of ecosystem services provided by the aquifer. Moreover, it is necessary to assess aquifers as ecosystems with economic, ecologic and socio-cultural importance. Effective water governance requires a balance of interests between all parties, within a legal and institutional framework.

ВПЛИВ РУДНОВУГІЛЬНИХ КОМПОЗИЦІЙ У СКЛАДІ ШИХТИ НА ФОРМУВАННЯ ТЕРМІЧНО РЕЗЕРВНОЇ ЗОНИ ДОМЕННОЇ ПЕЧІ

The object of research is the technology of iron smelting when using ore-coal compositions. The purpose of the work is the effect of changing the composition of the blast furnace charge on the thermal state of the formation of the thermal reserve zone. Research methods - theoretical studies are based on the basic principles of physical chemistry and the theory of metallurgical processes. Experimental studies were carried out in laboratory and industrial conditions. Scientific novelty - there is a "coupling phenomenon" between recovery and gasification - this is a close contact between small particles of iron oxides and carbon, which is formed in the ore-coal composite, which ensures an increase in the efficiency of blast furnace smelting. Reduction of fuel consumption and, accordingly, the amount of gases per unit charge of modern blast furnace smelting, the height of the reserve zone is reduced; this zone is not observed in the vertical elements of the furnace with the maximum ore load. Practical significance - the use of ore-coal composites provides a high speed of iron recovery and carbon gasification reactions and a low initial temperature of carbon gasification of 250-420ºС, which is ensured by gas recirculation in the under burden, due to the short distance between the parts of iron-containing and carbon composites and their sizes, where the distance between them is short and the limit of the reaction is "visible" to both.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ТРАНСПОРТЕРА ДЛЯ ВЫГРУЗКИ КОРНЕПЛОДОВ ОВОЩНЫХ КУЛЬТУР И КЛУБНЕЙ КАРТОФЕЛЯ ИЗ ХРАНИЛИЩА

The need to develop specialized machines and equipment for laboratory and field research on potato breeding is due to the fact that the methodology of breeding processes and the first stages of seed production involves comparing many plants of different origins and selecting the best for further work up to the creation of a new variety or transfer of seeds for propagation in production conditions. The large variability of machines for unloading vegetables and potatoes does not adequately prevent damage to vegetable and potato products, which is due to the imperfect design of such machines, including the imperfection or absence of patterns of automated control of the technological process of work and justification of the parameters of their working parts. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the parameters of the conveyor for unloading vegetable crops and potatoes into storage and to determine the patterns of formation of the control signal of the transfer function of automatic control of operation. The power required to move the pick-up depends on the maximum pressure force of introducing the intake element into the embankment, the mass of the pick-up and the rolling resistance coefficients of the running wheels of the pick-up and transport sections. The length of the unloading conveyor of the machine is determined by the reserve zone to prevent wheels from hitting the tubers, their maximum difference in the embankment, the height of the layer, as well as the angle of inclination of the unloading conveyor. The width of the conveyor belt for unloading products from storage is determined by the values of the coefficient of friction of root crops on the surface of the belt, the coefficient of working time utilization and the forward speed of the conveyor belt. After removing the collapsed mass of tubers, the line of crumbling slopes and the limiting equilibrium are a straight line, characterized by an empirical equation for determining the coordinates of the tuber collapse point, the height of the tuber layer and the embankment collapse coefficient. When the feeder tubers are introduced into the surface of the embankment, the formation of slopes occurs in four stages: the formation of a natural slope, a limiting equilibrium slope, a shedding slope and a product collapse slope.

Application of Geospatial Technology to Assess Pressures and Threats to Nature Related to Human Activities in Wilpattu National Park

Expanding agricultural land is one of the humanities largest and most considerable environmental impacts. It has transformed habitats and is one of the greatest pressures and threats to biodiversity. By 2020, with an estimated population of 22 million, the per capita arable land is about 0.158 hectares. This indicates heavy pressure on agricultural land use. This agricultural land use causes deforestation. Illegal deforestation results in the destruction of habitat and the restriction of wildlife movements. Apart from the direct destruction of habitats of flora and fauna that provide humans with valuable resources, removing forest cover puts many essential natural functions out of order, which may lead to a range of severe consequences. There have been many attempts at human encroachment at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka, and its Forest Reserves; however, it has never been done at this scale with the awareness of the Government Authorities, who failed to act. The Easter end of the Wilpattu National Park lies between the divisional secretariat of Mahaviachchi, Karuwalagasweva, Nochchiyagama, and Rajanganaya. The buffer zone of 1.6km has been marked from the Wilpattu reserve boundary. This study uses the integrated land use assessment by applying a land use evaluation model that evaluates biophysical and human-related data in eight GN Divisions (Hunuvilagama, Kuda Vilachchiya, Track 13, Matha Kiramam, Palaikuli, Pahalapuliyankulam, Parana Eluwankulam, and Andiyapuliyankulam) in buffer zone in Wilpattu National Park. Environmental impact has been assessed based on image classification and area calculations. According to the analysis done in the human settlement, it indicates encroachment of the restricted zone for human settlement. The area of this buffer zone is approximately 33,147 ha. About 9,190 ha of this buffer zone area has been utilized by humans in various ways. Spatial- temporal data in 2003-2019 satellite image classification identified permanent building/housing units within the 1.6 km restricted zone, which has been increased in marginal villages. Mullikulam and Eluwankulam GN Divisions are the most critical and rapidly encroached areas in the forest village in the Wilpattu National Park. According to the GIS-based maps, cultivation, road construction, and residence are significant factors influencing the major ecosystems in the eastern part of the Wilpattu Park Boundary. Mahavilachchi and Nochchiyagama can be identified as the villages where elephants roam more and the areas where elephant-human conflict occurs regularly. Paddy and hay farming are primarily practiced in the areas close to the Wilpattu reserve zone. Additionally, coconut, banana, mango, and cashew crops are cultivated.
 
 Keywords: Wilpattu, Agriculture, Deforestation, Buffer zone, Human

Stability Analysis of Prey-Predator Model Migration with Holling Type-III Response Function in The Presence of Competition and Toxicity

In this paper, we propose and investigate a prey-predator model with two zones contaminated with heavy metal toxicity, especially copper (Cu), which enter the reservation zone and the unreserved zone in the aquatic environment. The dynamics of the prey population in the ecosystem can migrate from the reservation zone to the unreserved zone or vice versa, while predators are assumed to look for prey in the unreserved zone. The dynamic behavior of the population is expressed as a system of differential equations based on food intake capacity and other factors. We introduce a predator population with a Holling type III predation response function, coupled with inter-specific competition among prey due to overlapping diets and assuming the prey is contaminated with copper metal toxicity. The presence of a positive equilibrium point, namely the interior equilibrium point, is analyzed and investigated for its stability using the Routh-Hurwitz stability test. Numerical simulations are carried out to verify the results of the analysis and dynamics of the system solution. The results of the analysis of the interior equilibrium point T3 in each case is a stable point. This indicates a change in the balance of prey populations and predator populations.

Evaluating Petrophysical Properties of Sa'di Reservoir in Halfaya Oil Field

The petrophysical characteristics of five wells drilled into the Sa'di Formation in the Halfaya oil field were evaluated using IP software to determine a reservoir and explore hydrocarbon reserve zones. The lithology was evaluated using the M-N cross-plot method. The diagram showed that the Sa'di Formation was mainly composed of calcite (represented by the limestone region) is the main mineral in the Sa′di Reservoir. Using a density-neutron cross plot to identify the lithology showed that the formation mainly consists of limestone with minor shale. Gamma-ray logs were employed to calculate the shale quantity in each well. The porosity at weak hole intervals was calculated using a sonic log and neutron-density log at the reservoir unit. Additionally, Archie's equation is applied to calculate fluid saturation using resistivity data. The reservoir water saturation in the uninvaded zone is calculated using Archie's equation, which determines the most essential element utilized in log evaluation. Finally, the permeability was measured using a flow zone indicator. The results indicate that the limestone and shale that the cuttings description report enhanced comprise most of the Sa'di reservoir. At the HF-316 and HF-21 wells, the core porosity was verified. In an uninvaded zone, the Archie equation offers the best estimation. Three equations were derived from the core data's porosity-permeability connection using a cross-plot of the reservoir quality index and normalized porosity index. According to the general interpretation, zones B1, B2, and B3 contain the most hydrocarbons; however, the B2 zone, the best layer in the Sa'di reservoir, has the highest hydrocarbon concentration. This is close to previous studies and field results. Finally, Sa'di A is formed mainly of mud lime and contains no hydrocarbons. As a result, Sa'di A was separated into A1 and A2 based on the percentage of shale difference.

Monitoring of wetland cover changes in protected areas to trade-offs between ecological conservation and food security: A case study from the Dongting Lake, China

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 underscore the urgency of “eradicating hunger and ensuring food security” (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) and the critical need to “cease and reverse land degradation and biodiversity decline” (SDG 15: Life on Land). The Dongting Lake area in China, serving as a significant wetland nature reserve and grain production zone, is increasingly confronted with complex, interdependent trade-offs between agricultural cultivation and the ecological and environmental preservation of wetlands (SDG 2 and 15). To analyze the trade-off between conservation and food security, it is crucial to rely on long-term, continuous monitoring of land cover changes in the lake area. However, the absence of reliable optical remote sensing has posed a significant challenge due to the prevalence of cloudy and rainy conditions. Our study begins by integrating long-term Landsat and MODIS data using the GF-SG fusion algorithm to generate 8-day NDVI data with a spatial resolution of 30 m. This analysis focuses on the areas outside the embankment of Dongting Lake (referred to as O-DTL) from 2003 to 2020. We then employ a pixel-connected sample migration method to facilitate automated sampling of land cover types and a random forest classification algorithm to analyze long-term dynamic changes. Finally, by combining meteorological and social data, we examine the temporal patterns of land cover changes in the study area and identify the underlying factors influencing them. The results indicate a trade-off between the fluctuation of cropland and forest area from 2003 to 2020. Water body areas have exhibited a significant decrease, while impervious surface areas have consistently increased annually. Impervious surface areas have experienced a substantial increase of approximately 70%, with almost 90% of this expansion resulting from the conversion of cropland. Under the premise of maintaining a stable area for food cultivation, the land consumed by urban expansion eventually encroached on the wetland water bodies of the reserve. The reduction in wetland water area in the O-DTL can be primarily attributed to agricultural cultivation, while urban expansion and urbanization have indirectly contributed to the decrease. This study provides a case in which prioritizing food security (SDG 2) takes precedence over ecological conservation (SDG 15), highlighting its significant implications for guiding subsequent development in the Dongting Lake area. This finding is crucial for minimizing unintended consequences and maximizing co-benefits between sustainable development goals.

Study of a Mexican isolate of Arthrobotrys musiformis (Orbiliales): Predatory behavior and nematocidal activity of liquid culture filtrates against Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae), protein profile and myco-constituent groups

A Mexican isolate of the nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys musiformis was obtained from a soil sample from the Chapultepec ecological reserve zone, in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. This isolate demonstrated an important predatory activity (74.9%) against the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus (L3) and its fungal liquid culture filtrates (LCF) grown in two media showed the following highest nematocidal activities (NA): In Czapek-DoxBroth (CzDoxB) 80.66% and potato-dextrose broth (PDB) 49.84%. Additionally, two major compounds derived from carboxylic acids and two derivates from alkane group were identified by GC–MS. These compounds have been associated to many biological activities. On the other hand, the protein profile analysis by SDS-electrophoresis followed by a zymogram revealed a 10 kDa protein with protease activity. This study provides important information for future experiments focused to explore the potential use of this protein as well as the identified bioactive compounds presents in the LCF as potential candidates against sheep haemonchosis.

Matching relationship research between ore and coke in thermal reserve zone under hydrogen-rich condition

ABSTRACT In this paper, the mathematical relationship between the reduction degree of ore and the reaction rate constant k of FeO was established by experiments. Based on the unreacted core model, the relationship between the gas utilization rate in the thermal reserve zone (TRZ) and k and temperature is derived. The results show that with the decrease of the temperature in the TRZ, the gas utilisation rate increases first and then decreases. With the increase of the reduction degree of raw materials, the gas utilisation rate increases and the peak temperature decreases. With the increase of H2 content, the peak temperature increases. Finally, the relationship between coke reactivity and ore reduction degree and H2 content is: CRI = 164.88 In(RI) – 0.42φ(H2 )% – 696.18. By changing the matching relationship between ore and coke, the gas utilisation rate can be increased by 0.85% and the fuel ratio can be reduced by 5.70 kg·t−1

In search of a substitution model for coca in Colombia: Buffalo, cocoa, and coffee in Peasant Reserve Zones

AbstractFor years Colombia has been the world's largest coca producer. Its public management of crops for illicit use has swung between eradication, substitution, and, recently legalization. Forced eradication has been shown to be ineffective, and legalization is an incipient option, so the Peace Agreement puts forward substitution as the path to follow. Yet, what kind of substitution does it suggest? This article analyzes voluntary substitution projects in Peasant Reserve Zones. While some projects have evolved locally due in part to strong peasant associations, they have not gained traction nationally. In general, the difficulties inherent in any business play a role, but there are also structural limitations such as continued fumigations, obligations of prior eradication, the costs of production and transportation due to the lack of infrastructure and public services, and the issue of land rights, which limits peasants' access to the formal funding established by the Peace Agreement.

Investigating the interfaces of the epiphyseal plate: An integrated approach of histochemistry, microtomography and SEM.

We investigated the interfaces of the epiphyseal plate with over- and underlying bone segments using an integrated approach of histochemistry, microtomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to overcome the inherent limitations of sections-based techniques. Microtomography was able to provide an unobstructed, frontal view of large expanses of the two bone surfaces facing the growth plate, while SEM observation after removal of the soft matrix granted an equally unhindered access with a higher resolution. The two interfaces appeared widely dissimilar. On the diaphyseal side the hypertrophic chondrocytes were arranged in tall columns packed in a sort of compact palisade; the interposed extracellular matrix was actively calcifying into a thick mineralized crust growing towards the epiphysis. Behind the mineralization front, histochemical data revealed a number of surviving cartilage islets which were being slowly remodelled into bone. In contrast, the epiphyseal side of the cartilage consisted of a relatively quiescent reserve zone whose mineralization was marginal in amount and discontinuous in extension; the epiphyseal bone consisted of a loose trabecular meshwork, with ample vascular spaces opening directly into the non-mineralized cartilage. On both sides the calcification process took place through the formation of spheroidal bodies 1-2 μm wide which gradually grew by apposition and coalesced into a solid mass, in a way distinctly different from that of bone and other calcified tissues.

Investigation on Water Invasion Mode and Remaining Oil Utilization Rules of Fractured-Vuggy Reservoirs: A Case Study of the Intersection Region of S99 Unit in Tahe Oilfield

Fractured-vuggy reservoirs are a new target in carbonate oil and gas exploration and development. Because of well-developed reservoir bodies, including fractures and caverns, bottom water invasion can be observed in oilfield development, with low utilization efficiency of crude oil in the reservoir. Accordingly, this study focused on the intersection region of the S99 unit of the Tahe fractured-vuggy reservoirs. Based on seismic data, the reservoir bodies can be divided into three types—caverns, fractures, and broken solution pores. Using the same location condition assignment algorithm, four single-type models are fused into a multi-scale discrete three-dimensional geological model of fractured and cavernous reservoirs, and the corresponding fractured-vuggy reservoir model was established for numerical simulation. The single-well historical fitting precision exceeded 85%. Furthermore, the development can be divided into four stages—initial stage of production, peak production stage, liquid control and oil stabilization stage, and scale gas injection stable. Streamlining sweep analysis determined the utilization and distribution characteristics of the remaining oil in the reservoir. It can be concluded that structure, caverns, and fractures were the main controlling factors affecting the remaining oil distribution in the fractured-vuggy reservoir. The fluid exchange among single-well reserve zones was calculated using streamline-based quantitative sweep analysis and interwell flow quantitative analysis method. Through source-sink quantitative analysis, interwell flow relations were derived, and three water breakthrough modes were further concluded: violent flooding, slow ascending of water cut, and low cut or intermittent water production.

The importance and the effectiveness of cultural ecosystem services provided by parks in the city of Kyiv during the war in Ukraine

In Ukraine, during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war, rapid economic and social changes took place, the war caused a massive reduction and destruction of cities, and the environmental situation worsened due to which the cultural services of the ecosystem decreased. Such changes provide an opportunity for the remaining cities to improve the quality of the environment through urban green spaces and solve the problem of meeting the aspirations of the community. The purpose of the study was to identify the importance and effectiveness of eight cultural ecosystem services during the war for park visitors in Kyiv. The following methods were used in the study: field survey (route), analytical, systematisation, sociological, socio-psychological, statistical. The Likert psychometric scale was used to survey visitors of two parks in Kyiv to identify the importance and effectiveness of eight cultural ecosystem services provided by parks. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. It was established that during the war, the visitors of the parks “Yunist” and “Sovky” noted the importance and effectiveness of such cultural ecosystem services as recreation, aesthetics, and nature awareness. It is determined that young people aged 16-30 and 51-60 are most in need of such services, and social relations in both Yunist and Sovky parks for all age categories are located in the reserve zone of service supply. The proven that effectiveness and importance of such services as cultural heritage and spiritual enrichment are the lowest for all age categories. Almost half of the visitors in the two parks provided suggestions for improving the quality of the environment, the greatest need was to increase the number of plantings and improve the improvement of territory, in the park “Sovky” respondents stated the need cultural heritage. It was established that the quality of plantings and the location of parks affected the overall satisfaction of visitors. Respondents’ satisfaction with the cultural ecosystem services of Sovky park is higher than that of Yunist park. The results of the studies can be used to improve the quality of cultural ecosystem services in the Sovky and Yunist parks

Integration matters: Combining socio-cultural and biophysical methods for mapping ecosystem service bundles

Ecosystem services (ESs) play an important role in sustainable landscape management. People value ESs in diverse ways encompassing social and ecological domains and we need to bring these different values together. We used social-cultural and biophysical methods to map a diverse set of ESs at two spatial scales in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Norway. The ESs bundled into three distinct social–ecological system archetypes which were similar in their distribution and relative ES values at both spatial scales. The bundles were also well matched to relative ESs values of the Biosphere Reserve zones (core, buffer, and transition) indicating that the bundles capture the social–ecological systems of the zones. We argue that it is important to consider the social–ecological context of the zones to provide sufficient knowledge to inform management. Our work has the capacity to contribute to sustainable land management that takes biocultural values into consideration.