Spring-summer Period Research Articles

Epidemic Situation in Osh, Kyrgyz Republic on Infections Controlled by Specific Prevention Means and Analysis of Population Awareness on Measles Infection

The article reflects a long-term (2009-2023) retrospective epidemiological analysis of measles incidence among the population in Osh, characterized by a periodic increase in incidence every two to three years and a decline after the adopted response measures to outbreaks, such as additional mass immunization of vulnerable groups of the population. However, the increase in measles incidence that began in 2018 continued for three years (2018-2020). Also, the increase in measles incidence, which began in the spring-summer period in 2023, despite the organization of preventive and anti-epidemic measures, continues in 2024, starting from the winter-spring period. This study revealed low vaccination coverage of children in the period from 2019 to 2023 at the level of 85.0-95.0%, which is associated with various reasons (underage, medical exemptions, parental refusal to vaccinate, population migration and unknown vaccination status, etc.).

Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions from soils under the winter wheat agroecosystem in Ukraine

The issue of global climate change is one of the most important challenges for modern environmental science. In this regard, assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from soils under agroecosystems is an extremely important task. The main purpose of the study was to assess the potential emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2 and N2O) from the soils under the winter wheat agroecosystem during its spring-summer growing season under the climate change in Ukraine. A comprehensive model of greenhouse gas emissions from agroecosystem soils was used as a theoretical basis. The study considered the main agroclimatic regions of Ukraine, such as Polissia, Forest-Steppe, Northern Steppe, and Southern Steppe. The modelling was performed for average long-term conditions of 1981–2020 and under scenario conditions (using the RCP4.5 climate scenario) for the decades of 2021–2030, 2031–2040, and 2041–2050. Estimates of CO2 emissions were obtained for the agroclimatic regions of Ukraine. According to the results, the largest CO2 emissions (0.886-0.940 t C-CO2/ha) will be expected when the average productive moisture supplies in the arable soil layer for the spring-summer period of winter wheat vegetation are 20–40 mm and the air temperature is 12–15 °C. Rise in the level of moisture reserves, averaged for the period, for more than 40 mm and the air temperature of 11–12 °C is accompanied by decrease in the level of CO2 emission (0.645–0.658 t C-CO2/ha). In arid conditions, with a decrease in the period-average moisture supplies in the arable soil layer to less than 20 mm and heightened average air temperatures (14.5–15.2 °C), a decrease in CO2 emissions is expected (0.755–0.770 t C-CO2/ha). The study showed that the highest N2O emission (1.087–1.703 kg N-N2O/ha) is expected at a high level of moistening (Md being equal to 0.474–0.713 relative units and air temperature – 11.3–13.0 °C) with a high intensity of nitrification and denitrification processes. Conditions characterizing the average level of N2O emission (0.657–0.890 kg N-N2O/ha) are formed under the moistening at a level of Md equaling 0.296–0.447 relative units and air temperature of 13.4–14.7 °C. There is a slowdown in denitrification processes and an increase in the share of emissions owing to nitrification. It has been found that the lowest N2O emission (0.508–0.537 kg N–N2O/ha) is expected under conditions of severe and very severe drought (according to the Md criterion), with a heightened temperature averaged at the level of 14.5–15.2 °C during the spring-summer period of winter wheat vegetation.

Mycotoxins in vegetating corn plants from experimental mono-sowing

The aim of present study was to reveal the mycotoxin contamination of vegetative maize (Zea mays L.) plants during the periods of leaf formation and panicle emergence. Early maturing hybrids of the varieties Krasnodarsky 194 MV, Ladozhsky 175 MV and Competence®, resistant to fungal diseases, were grown in the spring-summer period of 2023 on the experimental field of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy (Moscow) with sod-podzolic soil and the application of NPK fertilizers 16:16:16. For mycotoxicological analysis, aerial parts of plants were collected weekly from the phase of formation of the 3rd leaf (18 days after sowing. Samples of seedlings, leaves and stems (total number – 172), after drying, were ground in a laboratory mill and extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and water in a volumetric ratio of 84:16 with a consumption of 10 ml per 1 g of sample. Mycotoxin content was determined in extracts after 10-fold dilution with phosphate-salt buffer solution pH 7.5 by indirect competitive enzyme immunoassay. T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxiscirpenol, roridin A, sterigmatocystin and PR toxin were absent in the samples. Corn seedlings and leaves contained cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), emodin (EMO), mycophenolic acid (MPA), alternariol (AOL), ergot alkaloids (EA), aflatoxin B1 (AB1) and single samples – zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OA) and citrinin (CIT) in concentrations from 16 up to 35 μg/kg. Fumonisins of group B are found only in early seedlings. The permanent contaminant of the stems was MPA, whereas EA and CIT were absent. In the seedlings and leaves of all hybrids, the detection of AOL and EA remained stable during the change of development phases, as did the average concentrations of CPA (about 100 μg/kg), AOL (from 17 to 27 μg/kg), EMO (35–58 μg/kg), MPA (28–41 μg/kg), EA (6–18 μg/kg) and AB1 (2 μg/kg). In the stems of plants in phases 7–9 of leaf and sweeping, variation in cases of detection of CPA, EMO, AOL, AB1 and OA was noted by varieties.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ МИНЕРАЛЬНОГО СОСТАВА МОЛОКА КОРОВ ПОД ВЛИЯНИЕМ БРИКЕТОВ-ЛИЗУНЦОВ

The aim of the study is to investigate the degree of influence of environmentally friendly lick briquettes Amirasol G(S)-Z and Amirasol G(S)-L on the mineral composition of milk, milk productivity and milk fat content of Caucasian brown cows of the mountain biogeochemical province of the Republic of Dagestan in the autumn-winter and spring-summer periods of keeping. During the use of lick briquettes in the diets of cows during the year, their positive effect on the mineral composition of milk, milk productivity and milk fat content was revealed. Moreover, a reliable increase was established in the milk of the experimental group of cows in the concentration of macroelements potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, respectively, by 12.17; 155.10; 52.82; 46.18; 93.96 %; microelements iron, zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, iodine (CBI), selenium, respectively, by 101.84; 113.96; 256.01; 130.47; 265.85; 530.0; 275.91 % compared to the control group, compared to the average level of the physiological norm – by 19.66; 39.70; 5.84; 82.12; 92.96; 98.94; 83.17; 80.11; 94.08; 47.67; 210.89;109.73 %. In the control group of cows, the concentration of macro- and microelements was below the lower limit of the norm, with the exception of potassium and manganese, which were higher by 29.01 and 10.04 %, respectively, compared to the lower limit of the physiological norm. The use of lick briquettes in the diets of dairy cows during the year also contributed to an increase in milk productivity by 6.23 %, milk fat content by 5.0 % (0.20 abs.%), an additional 0.49 liters of milk per head per day were obtained on average for the group. The economic effect was 80,460 rubles, or 2,682 rubles per head during the experiment.

Urban Air Pollution Exposure Impact on COVID-19 Transmission in a Few Metropolitan Regions

Based on outdoor air pollution and meteorological daily time series observational and in-situ monitoring data, this study investigated the impacts of environmental factors under different urban climates on COVID-19 transmission in four hotspot European metropolises (Berlin, London, Madrid, and Paris) from March 2020 to March 2022. Through applied statistical methods and cross-correlation tests involving multiple datasets pertaining to the main air pollutants (inhalable particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3)) and climate parameters (air temperature at 2 m height, relative humidity, wind speed intensity and direction, planetary boundary layer height, and surface solar irradiance), a direct positive impact of aerosol loading (PM2.5, PM10, and aerosol optical depth (AOD)) on COVID-19 spreading and severity was revealed. Despite some urban differences existing between the selected cities, particularly for the spring–summer periods, we have observed negative correlations between daily new COVID-19 cases and deaths and daily average ground-level ozone concentration, air temperature at 2 m height, planetary boundary layer height, and surface solar irradiance. Air relative humidity and urban population density have a direct impact on COVID-19 diffusion in large metropolitan areas, and the findings of this study highlight the crucial role of air pollution, in synergy with climate variability, in viral pathogens dispersion in COVID-19 transmission in large urban areas. This information can be used by decision-makers to develop targeted interventions during epidemic periods to reduce the potential risks associated with air pollution exposure and to promote the sustainable development of urban economies.

Adaptability of winter bread wheat varieties in the competitive variety testing in the Udmurt Republic

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the adaptive properties of winter wheat varieties in the competitive variety testing, to identify the best ones for the soil and climatic conditions of the Udmurt Republic based on a set of economically valuable traits. In 2020–2023 seven winter wheat varieties were tested in comparison with the standard ‘Volzhskaya K’ and the variety ‘Moskovskaya 39’. The adaptability of the varieties was determined according to the method of A.V. Kilchevsky and L.V. Khotyleva (1985), S.A. Eberhart, W.A. Russell (1966). Weather conditions during the years of study (drought in 2021 and 2023, excessive moisture in 2022) made it possible to evaluate varieties for drought resistance, determine their resistance to lodging, and the ability to use favorable conditions to form high yields. It was revealed that the most adapted varieties were ‘Cheberina’ and ‘26.12/6’, in 2021–2023 they formed the highest yield (50.0–50.1 hwt/ha) and provided a significant increase of 5.5–5.6 hwt/ha to the standard variety ‘Volzhskaya K’. These varieties significantly exceeded the standard variety in general adaptive capacity (GAC). There was found that the varieties ‘Lyubava’, ‘2.05/3’ and ‘Cheberina’ were the most valuable breeding varieties that combined high productivity with a stable yield. The varieties ‘Cheberina’, ‘26.12/6’, ‘Volzhskaya K’, ‘A-332/2’ were highly responsive to improved environmental conditions (bi > 1). Based on the study results, the adaptable, highly productive variety ‘Cheberina’ was sent to the state variety testing. There has been established that the variety forms a strong elastic stem of medium height, resistant to lodging, and increases ear weight and length, and its grain content in favorable conditions of the spring-summer period. An estimation of disease infection during the spring-summer growing season in 2022 showed that the variety possesses complex resistance to powdery mildew, leaf rust, and blotch of an ear and leaves. The variety formed grain of the third class with such indicators as 66 % of kernel hardness, 779 g/l of grain nature weight, 28 % of gluten of the first quality group, 12.8 % of protein in grain.

Assessment of the Development of Metabolic Disorders Following Chronic Low-Dose Exposure to the Amine Salt of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid in the Animal Experiment

Introduction: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DA) is one of the most common environmental pollutants from the group of organochlorine herbicides. In our experiment, we focused on effects of low doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on metabolic parameters, which have been studied to a lesser extent. Objective: To assess the development of metabolic disorders following chronic low-dose exposure to the amine salt of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in an experiment. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 36 male Wistar rats for 16 weeks in the spring-summer period with the 12/12 hour day/night cycle. Only healthy animals with the body weight of 170±3 g were included in the experiment and divided into the control and exposure groups (Groups 1 and 2, respectively) of 18 animals each. The latter were exposed to 0.5 MAC of 2,4-DA administered with drinking water (0.3–0.4 µg/kg/day). At week 14, the animals underwent a glucose tolerance test. To assess the development of metabolic disorders, the following parameters were measured in blood serum: total protein, albumin, creatinine, uric acid, activity of aspartate and alanine transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triacylglycerols. Statistica 10.0 was used for the analysis. The data were normally distributed (chi-squared test) and are presented as mean (M) and standard error of the mean (m). Results: We observed a decrease in the levels of total protein and albumin and a moderate increase in the activity of serum enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase) accompanied by the development of hypercholesterolemia, triacylglyceridemia, and dyslipoproteinemia. Results of the glucose tolerance test showed that low doses of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid induced insulin resistance in the exposed animals. The main parameters of chemiluminescence in their blood serum, such as spontaneous luminescence, fast flash amplitude, and light sum, were 2.4, 9.3, and 4.1 times higher than in the controls, respectively. We also established a decrease in the level of serum iron by 20 % and an increase in that of ferritin by 12 % compared to the control rats. Conclusions: Long-term low-dose exposure to 2,4-DA induced an increase in the level of markers of metabolic disorders, which can be used to diagnose and assess the state of metabolic processes in the body.

THE INFLUENCE OF MACRO- AND MICROFERTILIZERS ON THE YIELD AND GRAIN QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT ON CHESTNUT SOILS OF THE VOLGOGRAD REGION

Background. Agricultural sustainability is fundamental to achieving Zero Hunger, one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Under current scenarios, foliar application of mineral nutrients has become an inevitable agricultural practice for sustainable crop production worldwide. The article presents the results of testing 7 varieties of winter wheat at two breeding centers of the Donskoy ASC and the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 2021-2022. The weather conditions at the demonstration plot in the autumn period were unfavorable (lack of moisture and high temperature) but did not have a great influence on the further development of plants in the spring-summer period due to the favorable conditions observed during the dormant phase in the winter. Methods. The technology for cultivating winter wheat varieties in field experiments was according to B. A. Dospehov and the methods of state variety testing of agricultural crops. To carry out a complete verification and reliability of the experiments carried out for 2020-2022, the processing and analysis of mathematical data was carried out in the Excel program. Results. During the testing process, we examined the main indicators of winter wheat varieties according to the following main indicators. In terms of productive stem growth, good indicators were noted for the varieties Kamyshanka 9 - 472 pcs./m2, Etude - 454 pcs./m2 and Ambar - 436 pcs./m2. When studying productivity, a pattern was revealed that high indicators of productive stems do not always correspond to high yields. In terms of yield, it is worth noting the varieties Ambar (5.6 t/ha) and Etude (5.0 t/ha), which feel confident in our conditions and provide a stable increase in the yield. Along with the Rostov selection, the Kamyshanka variety 4 selection of the Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences generated a yield of 5.0 t/ha. Conclusion. As studies have shown, not all varieties respond equally to additional nutrition with microfertilizers. The highest protein content corresponding to class 3 is formed in the varieties Volnitsa (13.7%), Elanskaya (13.6%) and Etude (13.3%). The use of macro- and microfertilizers increases the yield and improves the quality of grain.

Study of pesticide transformation processes in different wheat varieties and their effects on plant metabolism.

This study aims to obtain systematic understanding of the way by which pesticides are metabolized in plants and the influence of this process on plants' metabolism as this process has a key impact on plant-based food safety and quality. The research was conducted under field conditions, which enabled to capture metabolic processes taking place in plants grown under multihectare cultivation conditions. Research was conducted on three wheat varieties cultivated under field conditions and treated by commercially available preparations (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and growth regulator). Plant tissues with distinctions in roots, green parts, and ears were collected periodically during spring-summer vegetation period, harvested grains were also investigated. Sample extracts were examined by chromatographic techniques coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for: dissipation kinetics study, identification of pesticide metabolites, and fingerprint-based assessment of metabolic changes. Tissue type and wheat varieties influenced pesticide dissipation kinetics and resulting metabolites. Metabolic changes of plants were influenced by type of applied pesticide and its concentration in plants tissues. Despite differences in plant metabolic response to pesticide stress during cultivation, grain metabolomes of all investigated wheat varieties were statistically similar. 4-[cyclopropyl(hydroxy)methylidene]-3,5-dioxocyclo-hexanecarboxylic acid and trans-chrysantemic acid - metabolites of crop-applied trinexapac-ethyl and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively, were identified in cereal grains. These compounds were not considered to be present in cereal grains up to now. The research was conducted under field conditions, enabling the measurement of metabolic processes taking place in plants grown under large-scale management conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Morphofunctional characteristics of the gonads in females of the pontic shad Alosa immaculata in modern ecological conditions of the lower Nistru in the spring-summer period

Pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) is a migratory gregarious fish that spawns in the Don, Dnieper, Dniester, Danube and other rivers. The species is of valuable commercial importance. This work analyzes changes in the reproductive functions of the commercially valuable species of pontic shad (Alosa immaculata) under conditions of fragmentation of the river Dniester. Currently, the age composition, as well as the linear weight indicators of the spawning pontic shad population, turned out to be similar to the data of previous years. Oogenesis of Dniester’s pontic shad is characterized by asynchronous development of germ cells and portioned release of eggs. Spawning of spawners begins in the third ten days of May, at a water temperature of 18°C and ends in July. In the lower Dniester in April and July were revealed in some females’ destructive changes in the development of vitellogenin oocytes, which will negatively affect the population size of migratory herring.

Population size and nesting peculiarities of the black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (Linnaeus, 1766) on the territory of water treatment facilities

Background. Today, the black-headed gull inhabits man-made areas of wastewater treatment facilities (WTF) to comensate for the the reduction of natural aquatic and wetland habitats. Over the last decade, a nearly tenfold increase in its population has been recorded, despite a low reproduction rate. This fact indicates the lack of stability in the bird population, necessitating thorough research. Materials and Methods. The analysis of the population size and biological charac­teristics of black-headed gulls involved censuses and observations at the WTF of the city of Kharkiv using conventional methods during the spring-summer periods of 2020–2021 and 2023. Results. The population of the black-headed gull reached its peak in the third decade of May 2020 (2637 individuals) and 2023 (2124 individuals), as well as in the second decade of May 2021 (3949 individuals). The maximum nesting density was observed on sludge sites (SS) of wastewater treatment facilities that are most similar to natural habitats, where dried mud alternates with water patches and vegetation at the bottom and around the perimeter (Type V): 236.7±26.7 pairs/ha in 2020 and 242.9±28.5 pairs/ha in 2021. The majority of nests were found in the first decade of May 2021 and the third decade of May 2020. The black-headed gull forms mixed-species, occasionally monospecific subcolonies. Nesting in association with it were: Sterna hirundo, Anas platyrhynchos, Spatula clypeata, Vanellus vanellus, Charadrius dubius, Himantopus himantopus, Fulica atra, Gallinula chloropus, and Aythya ferina. The size of the complete black-headed gull clutch was 3.1±0.4 eggs (n = 190). The egg dimensions were 50.9±2.1 ´ 36.2±1.1, with a mass of 34.6±2.8 g. Regarding shell coloration, five types of background colors were identified. Mass egg laying occurred from the third decade of April to the first decade of May, constituting 40.3 % (n = 993) in 2020 and 62.3 % (n = 1757) in 2021. The egg-laying period extended from April to July, with the latest non-incubated clutches recorded in the first decade of July (3.07.2020). The first chicks were found in nests in the first decade of May, while mass hatching occurred in the second half of May. The latest registration dates of the birds on nesting territories were in the second decade of July for 2020 and 2023, and the first decade of August for 2022. The nesting season duration varied from 125 to 140 days in different years. Autumn migration commenced with summer relocations and concluded from late October to early November. The reproductive success – the percentage of nestlings that fledged and successfully achieved flight – constituted 29.2 % (n = 2404 of laid eggs) in 2020, and 15.5 % (n = 6138) in 2021. The majority of offspring perished due to changes in water levels (prolonged rainfall or industrial wastewater discharge), predation, disturbance factors, etc. Conclusion. The colonial nesting of the black-headed gull creates favorable conditions for the habitation and reproduction of various bird species, including rare ones, which is essential for their conservation.

Population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips in winter wheat agrocenosis in the forest-steppe of the Samara region

The current paper has presented the three-year study results (2021–2023) on recording the population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips during the spring-summer vegetation period of winter common wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region. The purpose of the study was to determine the dynamics of the seasonal development of wheat and predatory thrips according to the phenophases of the development of winter common wheat in the forest-steppe of the Samara region. For this purpose, there were carried out the calculations using the mowing method with an entomological net on winter wheat crops in different phenophases of development, and the population of species and thrips were determined in the laboratory under a binocular. According to weather conditions, 2021 and 2023 were characterized as dry and hot, 2022 was characterized as cool with plenty of precipitation in the first half of the winter wheat vegetation period. The population dynamics of wheat and predatory thrips varied depending on the weather conditions of the spring-summer period of the year. In the hot years of 2021 and 2023 there were 2 periods of increase in population. In 2021, the period of maximum population of wheat thrips was observed from a heading stage to a flowering stage (1016 and 1048 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net) and in the phase of milky-wax ripeness (426 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net). In 2022, the population of wheat thrips on plants increased gradually, the peak was noted once during the flowering stage, amounting to 1084 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net. In 2023, a population increase was observed in the heading stage (1782 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net) and the phase of milky-wax ripeness (421 specimen per 100 sweeps of the net). In the hot years of 2021 and 2023 there were 2 periods of increase in predatory thrips’ population; the maximum number of entomophages was observed during the heading stage and amounted to 87 and 61 specimens per 100 sweeps of the net, respectively. In the cool year of 2022, there was one population increase during the flowering stage and amounted to 14 specimens per 100 sweeps of the net. In the phases of heading and flowering of plants, there were predominantly adult insects (imago), and in the phases of milky and milky-wax ripeness, there were predominantly found larvae of different ages. The weather conditions in 2021 and 2023 turned out to be more favorable for the development of wheat and predatory thrips than in 2022.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of the <i>Alongshan virus (Flaviviridae)</i> circulating in ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia

Introduction. Tick-borne infections are of great importance for many regions of Russia, including Eastern Siberia. This unfavorable epidemiological situation can be characterized not only by the circulation of well-known tick-borne infections, but also by the identification of new pathogens, the role of which remains little or generally unexplored. Multicomponent flavi-like viruses can cause infectious diseases in humans and pose a threat to public health. The purpose of the study was the identification and molecular genetic characterization of the Alongshan virus (Flaviviridae, ALSV) isolates, transmitted by ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia. Materials and methods. Total 1060 ticks were collected and analyzed from the territory of the Republics of Khakassia, Tuva, Buryatia, Irkutsk Region and Transbaikal Territory (Zabaykalsky Krai) in the spring-summer period 2023. ALSV RNA was detected by RT-PCR followed by nucleotide sequence determination and phylogenetic analysis for each segment of the genome. Results. The ALSV infection rate in Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in the Republic of Khakassia was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.4–7.5); in Irkutsk Oblast – 1.0% (95% CI: 0.3–3.7); in the Republic of Tuva – 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3–3.4) and in Transbaikal Krai – 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2–3.6). Sequences of all four segments of ALSV genetic variants circulating in I. persulcatus ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia are grouped with sequences found in China and clustered into the Asian subgroup transmitted by taiga ticks. The level of difference in the nucleotide sequences of genome fragments among the identified genetic variants of ALSV ranged from 2 to 3%. Conclusion. The article shows the widespread distribution of ALSV in I. persulcatus ticks in the Republics of Khakassia and Tyva, Irkutsk Oblast and Transbaikal Territory. The obtained data actualize monitoring of changes in the area of distribution of potentially dangerous for humans flavi-like viruses and their vectors.

Dynamics of milk productivity of cows depending on the method of housing and the calving season

The results of the dynamics of milk productivity of cows depending on the method of housing and calving season have been presented in the paper. Under the conditions of the Educational and Experimental Farm “Ramzai” of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Penza State Agrarian University”, a stall and pasture system and tie-up housing of cows is used. In CJSC “Konstantinovo” a stall system and free-stall method of housing of cows is used with using separate boxes for the animals. For research, animals were divided into groups depending on the method of housing and calving time. Analysis of the average monthly milk yield of fi rst-calf heifers showed that, in general, their dynamics were the same. However, animals housed in free-stall and calved in the spring-summer period showed higher productivity rates, exceeding on average other groups of animals by 124 kg or 20 %. The highest productivity values in the fi rst three months of lactation were in cows of the 1st group, housed in free-stall method. In relation to milk yield for the fi rst 3 months to milk yield for 305 days of lactation, the fluctuations ranged from 19 to 35 % with free-stall housing, and from 26 to 34 % with tie-up housing. It was revealed on the base of study of the milk productivity of cows for 305 days of lactation that the highest indicators were obtained from cows housed in free-stall method 6127–6845 kg of milk, while with the tie-up method of housing 4870–5020 kg only. When assessing the lactation activity of cows by month of lactation, it was found that both the method of housing and the calving season of cows influence milk productivity and the dynamics of milk yield by month of lactation. At the same time, cows housed in freestall method had higher productivity and a stable lactation curve.

The Role of the USSR’s Intelligence Services in Providing the Country’s Leadership with Information about the Plans of the German Command for the Spring–Summer Period and in Making Key Decisions in March–May 1943

ABSTRACT The extent to which the Soviet command was aware of German offensive plans against the Kursk Salient in the Summer of 1943 remains an area of controversy in the historiography of the Eastern Front. This article provides an up-to-date assessment of both the information available and the use to which it was put. It concludes that ultimately it was the sound judgment of key Soviet military leaders in the face of an incomplete intelligence picture that was crucial in the Soviet decision to mount a robust defense of the Kursk Salient.

Culture of photosynthetic microalgae consortium in artificial produced water supplemented with liquid digestate in closed column photobioreactors and open-pond raceway

Large amounts of produced water are extracted by the Oil and Gas energy sector since the industrial revolution. This available water, often salty, can be used to dilute liquid digestate from the anaerobic digestion process, a promising source of nutrients for microalgae cultivation. The study investigates the growth of halotolerant microalgae and their associated bacteria in column photobioreactors (PBRs) and open raceway pond (RWP), to treat industrial wastewaters while producing biomass for energy valorisation. Microalgae were cultured in mixtures of saline artificial produced water (7–44 %v/v), liquid digestate (5 %v/v using PBRs, 29–63 %v/v using RWP) and seawater. Nannochloropsis oceanica and Tetraselmis suecica strains were firstly cultivated in 70 L PBRs in indoor conditions for 3 months and later in 1.1 m3 RWP operated in outdoor conditions for 5 months in spring-summer period. In PBRs, average productivity was 9.0 ± 4.2 gVSS·m−2·d−1 (102–153 mgVSS·L−1·d−1), with daily removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorous up to 61.8, 31.6 and 97.2 %, respectively. In RWP, strong changes in the microalgae populations were observed. Productivity was 6.7 ± 5.2 gVSS·m−2·d−1 (30 ± 23 mgVSS·L−1·d−1), with daily removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorous up to 48.4, 44.4 and 88.1 %, respectively. In parallel with the production of microalgae, a nitrifying microbial population grew in the RWP despite the high salinity (70 g L−1). Over these periods of several months, microalgae production was maintained using a culture medium containing high salt concentration, metals and harmful aromatic compounds.

Content of Cobalt and Copper in Organs, Tissues and Milk of Buffaloes

The materials for our research were the liver, muscles, blood of buffalo calves (up to one month of age) and the liver, muscles, blood and milk of buffaloes forcedly slaughtered on the farm itself and at the meat processing plant. Samples from the organs were taken into clean beakers, and the milk was milked into pre-prepared containers. Samples were taken in the spring-summer and autumn periods of 2021-2022. Based on the data obtained, the author concluded that the content of cobalt and copper in the organs and tissues of buffalo calves and female buffaloes varies widely. As studies have shown, the cobalt content in buffalo milk was 7.2±0.25 μg/l, and copper 71.35±3.3 μg/l.

Epidemiological situation of natural focal infections in the Volgograd region in 2023

Objective: analysis of epizootiological and epidemiological aspects of natural focal infections, namely plague, tularemia, HFRS, West Nile fever, Crimean hemorrhagic fever, Ixodic tick-borne borreliosis, Cu fever, leptospirosis and rabies, in the Volgograd region over 10 months in 2023.Materials and methods: the article analyzes the epidemiological manifestations of natural focal infections (NFI) in the Volgograd region for 10 months of 2023. The work uses official statistical data from institutions of Rospotrebnadzor of the Volgograd region on NFI for 2023. The main research method is epidemiological analysis.Results: the numbers of small mammals, potential carriers of NFI, on the territory of the Volgograd region in the 2023 season were within the same indicators of the previous year (SIPY), while the number of ticks in the spring-summer period was higher than the SIPY, but in the fall the number of arthropods in stationary points was lower than in previous seasons. The number of mosquitoes carrying arbovirus infections exceeded the long-term average. When studying environmental objects for the presence of markers of NFI pathogens, a slight decrease in the proportion of positive samples was noted compared to SIPY for all nosological forms. Over the 10 months of this year, there has been a deterioration in the epidemiological situation in the Volgograd region for several infections compared to the same period in 2022. There were 18 cases of West Nile fever (WNF), 10 cases of ixodid tick-borne borreliosis (ITB), and 6 cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). No patients with plague, tularemia, rabies, leptospirosis, Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) and Q fever were identified.Conclusion: the presence of natural foci of dangerous infectious diseases of varying degrees of activity on the territory of the Volgograd region requires constant monitoring and an adequate response to changes in the foci in order to prevent complications of the epidemiological situation due to NFI.

The yield of various varieties of lettuce grown in hydroponic conditions

The study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of growing various varieties of lettuce using flow hydroponics in protected soil. The following varieties of lettuce were studied: cabbage with an oily leaf (Gauguin, Fairlie, Santoro, Aquino, Casey), semi-rolled with a crispy leaf (Dunstar, Frillis, Extemp, Exact, Skilton), leafy (Lalique, Jokari, Litska, Rosaline, Alzevir, Xerafin). The experiments were conducted in the conditions of the Yelets district of the Lipetsk region in the conditions of the greenhouse of I.A. Bunin YSU. The assessment of product quality helped to identify the main productive varieties recommended for cultivation in protected soil by the method of flow hydroponics. For all-season cultivation: Casey, Gauguin, Dunstar, Alzevir, Jokari, Litska, for the autumn–winter period - Exact, for the spring-summer period – Extemp. Keywords: LETTUCE, VARIETY, YIELD, HYDROPONICS

Integrating Smart Greenhouse Cover, Reduced Nitrogen Dose and Biostimulant Application as a Strategy for Sustainable Cultivation of Cherry Tomato

Fruit yield and quality of greenhouse tomatoes are strongly influenced by light conditions and nitrogen (N) availability, however, the interaction between these factors is still unclear. We evaluated the effects on cherry tomatoes of two tunnel plastic covers with different optical properties and three N doses, also in combination with a biostimulant treatment. We compared a diffuse light film (Film1) and a conventional clear film (Film2), and three N levels, corresponding to 50% (N50), 75% (N75) and 100% (N100) of the optimal dose, with and without a microbial plus a protein hydrolysed biostimulant, compared to a non-treated control. The three experimental treatments significantly interacted on several yield and quality parameters. In control plants (untreated with biostimulants), the early yield was higher at reduced N doses compared to N100, with greater increments under the diffusive Film1 compared to the clear Film2 (+57.7% and +37.0% vs. +31.7% and +16.0%, in N50 and N75 respectively). Film1 boosted the total fruit production at all the N rates and with or without biostimulants, compared to Film2, with stronger effects under sub-optimal N (+29.4% in N50, +21.2% in N75, and +7.8% in N100, in plants untreated with biostimulant). Total yield decreased with decreasing N levels, while it always increased with the application of biostimulants, which counterbalanced the detrimental effects of N shortage. Quality traits were mainly affected by the cover film and the biostimulant treatment. The diffusive film increased the content of carotenoids, lycopene and total phenols compared to the clear one, and the biostimulants increased texture, soluble solids, phenols and ascorbic acid compared to the untreated control. It is worth noting that in plants fertilized at 75% of the reference N dose, the biostimulants determined higher yield than the N100 untreated control, under both the covers (+48% in Film1 and +20% in Film2). In conclusion, the diffusive film improved the fruit yield and quality of greenhouse tomatoes in the spring–summer period, presumably avoiding plant stress due to high-intensity direct light. Reduced N rates limited the plant productivity, however, the biostimulant application was effective in compensating for the detrimental effects of sub-optimal supply of N synthetic fertilizers.