Protection Zones Research Articles

Extensively harvested hay contaminated with common windgrass induced an ulcerative stomatitis–gingivitis outbreak in horses

SummaryAfter starting feeding on a new batch of hay, 29 out of 33 horses showed clinical signs of oral ulcerative and bleeding papules and mucous membrane erythema of the gingiva of the mandible within 2–3 days. The results of the complete blood cell count and biochemistry analysis did not yield significant findings in relation to horses affected by ulcerative stomatitis. Swab analyses of the oral mucosa for vesicular stomatitis virus (VS, Type Indiana and Type New Jersey) were negative in all horses (n = 33). Common windgrass with long awns in the deeper stomal‐gingival ulcerations was confirmed through botanical analysis by botanical identification. The hay batch fed to the affected horses was assessed via botanical analysis, finding 15% common windgrass (Apera spica‐venti). After the removal of the contaminated hay batch, full recovery was seen in all horses within 2–6 weeks depending on the severity of the lesions. The grassland from which the hay was harvested belonged to a semi‐natural landscape restored to increase biodiversity and as a protection zone in case of overflow of the river Rhine. In conclusion, feeding forages harvested from these semi‐natural landscapes may be harmful to the health of horses.

A short-circuit protection scheme for active distribution networks based on improved adaptive current reliability coefficient

Abstract Addressing the issue of misoperation in traditional three-zone current protection caused by the assisted, drawdown, or reverse current due to the large-scale integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks (DNs), an adaptive current short-circuit protection scheme based on local information is proposed for active DNs (ADNs). Firstly, the adaptive current protection reliability coefficients are improved for the setting of protection zones I and II of the lines in the ANDs. On the DG side, an improved reliability coefficient is constructed using an e-exponential function. Subsequently, the distance between the fault point and the busbar is calculated by analyzing the relation between the positive-sequence voltage and positive-sequence current at the measuring point when faults occur at various locations. Based on this distance parameter, the reliability coefficient is adjusted in real time. Finally, the modified adjustable reliability coefficient, along with the online-calculated equivalent impedance and equivalent electromotive force, is used to coordinate the setting of short-circuit protection zones I and II of the lines in the ADNs. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with traditional adaptive current protection schemes, this proposed scheme is independent of the location of short-circuit fault points, the grid-connected capacity, or the number of DGs, exhibiting better selectivity and reliability.

Enhancing distance protection in transmission grids with high penetration of renewable energy sources through cooperative protection

AbstractThis article introduces innovative protection strategies, including cooperative protection, for power transmission grids amidst a significant shift towards renewable energy sources (RES) such as wind and solar power, as well as inverter‐based resources (IBRs). The method employs a global consensus algorithm to achieve cooperative protection efficiently. This scheme leverages consensus protocols to dynamically oversee distance relay decisions, ensuring efficient fault detection and localization. The decentralized nature of the proposed method enhances robustness and security, while its high‐speed operation is ensured through non‐iterative global consensus algorithms, which provide rapid fault detection and localization crucial for real‐time protection. By incorporating virtual leaders and leveraging existing communication infrastructure, the method achieves superior selectivity in identifying faulty lines, enhancing the reliability and stability of power transmission grids with high‐RES penetration. Notably, the method does not require learning and training processes, making it adaptable to varying power system topologies without the need for extensive retraining or adaptation periods. The proposed methodology enables simultaneous participation in multiple protection zones by establishing interaction rules between agents. Virtual leaders simplify the selection of protection areas, enhancing scalability and fault localization. Simulation results conducted on the IEEE 39‐bus test system validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Implementation of Solar PV Protection System in Indonesia: A Review

Conventional energy sources will run out if used continuously and damage the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop other energy sources that are safe, environmentally friendly, and inexhaustible known as renewable energy sources to meet energy needs in Indonesia. This article presents a review that discusses the protection of solar panels and PLTS. Solar panels are vulnerable to lightning strikes and other electrical disturbances, so an effective protection system is needed. This study uses a qualitative method through a literature study, reviewing various protection methods such as conventional and electrostatic lightning rods, good grounding systems, and overcurrent detection devices such as Solar Charge Controller (SCC) and Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). In addition, battery protection with Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and Low Voltage Disconnected (LVD) is also discussed. Using Arduino Uno, ESP 32, and PLC, automation approaches offer real-time monitoring and control solutions for solar power plant performance. Innovations in the lightning protection zone concept and minimal quantity measurement schemes enable more cost-effective design of protection systems without reducing the level of protection. The results show that these various protection methods can provide effective and efficient protection for solar power plants, enabling optimization of system function and safety. In conclusion, the protection systems reviewed in this study offer a sustainable solution to Indonesia's energy challenges by utilizing the maximum potential of solar energy. The potential for further research is presented in this article to develop more efficient and effective protection methods.

Ecological assessment and conservation performance of the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary: A differential assessment of protected and unprotected zones

Evaluating human impacts on the structural and functional dynamics of ecotourism sites is crucial for monitoring and managing natural ecosystems. This study assessed conservation performance in the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary versus degradation in the adjacent unprotected forest, which is prone to human activities. Eighteen samples each of above-ground live biomass (AGL), litter, and root biomass, along with 36 soil samples (0–20 cm depth), were collected from 20 m × 20 m and 1 m × 1 m plots and subplots at both sites. The study found that the average tree density in the area was 210.00 whereas the above-ground live biomass had 524.30. Mean values for litter and root biomass, pH, N and P were 345.44 and 69.94. The protected site recorded a significantly higher (p < 0.001) concentration of total N and OM content as compared to the adjacent unprotected site whereas there was no significance (p = 0.010) in available P in both areas. Available micronutrients (Mn, Zn) were higher in the protected area compared to the unprotected while the Fe levels were higher in the unprotected site. Cu was below the detectable value in both sites. The protected and unprotected areas revealed significant differences (t(14) = 1.527, p = 0.029), with a strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.766, p = 0.001). Therefore, if the adjacent unprotected forest is not subjected to management mechanisms and protection from the fringe communities, the reserve may remain under threat of encroachment and degradation as these resources may be severely affected.

Terrestrial land use signals on groundwater fauna beyond current protection buffers.

Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are tightly linked, with direct implications for applied resource management and conservation. It is well known that human land use change and intensification of terrestrial systems can have large impacts on surface freshwater ecosystems. Contrastingly, the study and understanding of such land use impacts on groundwater communities is lagging behind. Both the impact strength of land use on groundwater communities and the spatial extents at which such interlinkages are operating are largely unknown, despite our reliance on groundwater for drinking water extraction as a key ecosystem service. Here, we analyzed groundwater amphipod occurrence from several hundred shallow groundwater aquifers used for drinking water extraction across a region of varying agricultural intensity and human population density in Switzerland. Despite drinking water extraction sites being generally built at locations with expected minimal aboveground impacts on water quality, we found a direct correlation between land use type and intensity within the surrounding catchment area and the locally measured nitrate concentrations, which is a direct proxy for drinking water quality. Furthermore, groundwater amphipods were more likely to be found at sites with higher forest coverage than at sites with higher crop and intensive pasture coverages, clearly indicating a tight connection between aboveground land use and groundwater biodiversity. Our results indicate that land use type effects on groundwater communities are most relevant and pronounced to spatial scales of about 400-1000 m around the groundwater sampling site. Importantly, the here identified spatial scale is 1.2- to 3-fold exceeding the average extent of currently defined groundwater protection zones. We postulate that incorporating an ecosystem perspective into groundwater management strategies is needed for effective protection of groundwater quality and biodiversity.

Complexity analysis of air traffic based on complex networks under TBO mode

Since the complex network constructed according to the unified separation standard does not take into account the differences in the operation of aircraft types, it cannot meet the refined requirements of air traffic complexity analysis under trajectory based operation (TBO). To solve this problem, an air traffic complexity analysis model based on complex networks to distinguish different aircraft types is proposed. Firstly, a calculation model for lateral flight safety intervals of different aircraft types is established, an aircraft precise protection zone is constructed, and the basis for determining the aircraft connection in the flight conflict network is optimized. On the basis of considering information such as aircraft heading and speed, flight conflict judgment pays attention to the different performance and status of aircraft, so that the flight conflict network can be closer to the operation mode of TBO. Through experimental simulation of the TBO operation environment and verification using radar data from Gaoqi Airport, the results show that compared with the previous flight conflict network, the model can refine the horizontal separation standards between aircraft, reduce the complexity of the airspace, reduce the workload of controllers, and improve the operation efficiency of the airspace, and provide more space for aircraft to autonomously select the optimal trajectory.

The Dispute over the Geographical Application of the Svalbard Treaty: Into a New Phase, An Essay in Honor of Ted L. McDorman

Under the 1920 Treaty concerning the archipelago of Spitsbergen (Svalbard Treaty), the contracting parties recognize the full and absolute sovereignty of Norway over the archipelago. The sovereignty is to be exercised subject to the stipulations of the Treaty, which include equal rights of the contracting parties to fish and hunt on the territory of Spitsbergen and its territorial waters. Consistent with the developments of the law of the sea, Norway has claimed sovereign rights over the continental shelf and established 200 nautical miles (NM) zones off its coast, including Svalbard. Norway established a 200 NM Fisheries Protection Zone off the coast of Svalbard. Several contracting parties claim that the equal rights under the Svalbard Treaty are applicable in the maritime zones claimed or established after 1920. This is disputed by Norway by referring to the wording of the Treaty, which stipulates that it is applicable within the 12-NM territorial waters. Owners and captains of vessels flagged in other contracting parties have protested and argued that the arrest and prosecution for illegal fishing in the 200-NM zone off Svalbard violated their equal rights of fishing. The Court had not addressed the question of the applicability of the Treaty provisions until 2023. In a civil case before the Supreme Court, a Latvian shipowning company argued that the snow crab regulations on the continental shelf in the Barents Sea were void as they violated the equal rights of contracting parties under the Svalbard Treaty to fish on the continental shelf. The Supreme Court concluded that the treaty provisions were not applicable beyond the 12-NM territorial sea of the archipelago. An attempt by the same company at international litigation through investment arbitration was also unsuccessful. As the dispute issue is settled within the Norwegian legal system, the dispute enters into a new phase.

Hygienic assessment of heavy metal and organic compounds pollution in snow cover of a multi-industrial city

Introduction. One of the leading health risk factors is atmospheric air pollution, the state of which can be indirectly assessed by the content of a wide range of pollutants in snow and soil cover. Materials and methods. The study analyzed data on deposits of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs), heavy metals (HMs) and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in the snow of different functional zones of the agglomeration. Physicochemical research methods were used. Results. The content of ΣPAHs was found to range from 412.8 to 2843.7 ng/L. The highest concentrations of ∑PAHs were observed in the residential area in the square (point 10) – 2843.7 ng/L; and on the border of the sanitary protection and residential zones in the area of the Yuzhnaya station (point 3) – 1758.2 ng/L. The share of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) from ∑PAH ranged from 2.9 to 9.7%. PHs levels ranged from 51.0–117.0 μg/L. The difference in the range of fluctuations in values was most evident in the content of individual PAHs: B(a)P (16.13 times), Ant (12.05 times) and B(g,h,i)P (11.56 times ), mercury (17.53 times), zinc (9 times) and manganese (8.58 times); metals: cadmium (1.89 times), copper (1.75 times), and lead (1.47 times). Limitations. Sampling and features of snow cover contamination by atmospheric precipitation in the dynamics of the winter season. Conclusion. Concentrations of PAHs and HM varied in different ranges of values and had a non-uniform spatial distribution over the territory. Direct links were found between the content of B(a)P and other polyarenes in the snow cover.

Resource stock, age structure, and seed prediction of ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen

Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen (FS) is an endemic species in Xinjiang, China. It has extremely high economic and medicinal value but is on the brink of extinction. A comprehensive survey of the distribution area of FS was conducted to study its resource stock, age structure and yielding capacity of seeds. Results show that there is one existing distribution area of FS with an area of 322.84 hm2 and a total plant quantity of 907,100. The age structure of FS population is reasonable showing a growing type of population. After low-temperature treatment and indoor germination of the seeds of FS, the utilization efficiency of seeds was increased by 15.45 times and 1165.81 times respectively. The establishment of the original habitat protection zone has played a huge role in promoting the recovery of the population of FS and the indoor germination of seeds would greatly alleviate the problem of seeds shortage of FS. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 765-772, 2024 (September) Special

Licea nemotatarica sp. nov.—a corticolous myxomycete from northern nemoral border of Eastern European boreal ecotone

A morphologically atypical corticuloid representative of Licea was discovered at the northern border of the distribution of broadleaved forests in Eastern Europe. The species, named L. nemotatarica, contains several morphological and ecological features that strongly distinguish it from similar species such as L. nigromarginata, L. tuberculata, L. mariae and L. castanea. These include the peculiar light silvery or golden-green colouring of the smooth spores, their relatively small size, the wavy fusion of the peridium plate, the concentration of granular material on the surface in the form of a relief pattern, and the fact that it lives in the slightly alkaline and neutral environment of the bark of deciduous trees. The species also does not spread outside the forest protection zone established by Emperor Peter the Great in the 18th century. Based on the calculation of spore productivity, we assume that the species inhabits primarily the bark of Quercus robur and Tilia cordata, and secondarily Acer platanoides and Populus tremula, where it becomes active only after reaching a certain alkalinity in the cultures during decomposition.

Windbreak Effectiveness of Single and Double-Arranged Shelterbelts: A Parametric Study Using Large Eddy Simulation

Shelterbelts provide essential protection against wind erosion and soil degradation, as well as protection for fruit-bearing plants and crops from strong winds. Enhancing their sheltering capabilities requires optimizing their pattern and orientation, as well as defining their height and desired canopy shape, according to the desired performance. In this work, Large Eddy Simulation is employed to investigate the flow field and windbreak effectiveness of single and double-arranged shelterbelts characterized by different geometry and resistance to the air passage for neutral atmospheric condition. In particular, the canopy of the shelterbelts is modeled as an isotropic porous medium immersed in atmospheric boundary layer flow using the Darcy–Forchheimer model. Results show that a shelterbelt with a rectangular-shaped cross-section and a large canopy height results in the most significant reduction in mean wind speed and TKE, thus providing a large wind-protection region. As the spacing distance of double-arranged shelterbelts increases, the protection zones formed by both shelterbelts are reduced. The systematic comparisons of flow patterns, drag force coefficients, and windbreak effectiveness indicators of a series of single and double-arranged shelterbelts are essential for optimizing the design and management of shelterbelts.

Assessment results of sites impacted by accumulated environmental damage along the coastline of the Barents Sea (Eastern Murman)

The article discusses the findings from monitoring sites of accumulated environmental damage (AED) along the East Murman coastline. The area surveyed includes the mouth of the Kharlovka River estuary, which is near the Seven Islands Archipelago within the Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve. During a thorough engineering and environmental assessment of the region, an inventory of AED sites was conducted, along with an evaluation of the amount of accumulated waste and an analysis of pollutant levels in the soil. The survey revealed six unauthorized waste disposal sites, primarily consisting of fuel and lubricant containers and scrap metal. Soil testing at two locations within the Barents Sea’s water protection zone indicated significant contamination with oil products, while the levels of metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu) were found to be acceptable. The analysis of soil conditions revealed that degradation within the Kharlovka River estuary began during the operation of a fuel and lubricants storage facility in the area. At the time of the assessment, over a third of the surveyed area lacked a fertile soil layer, and the remaining soil and vegetation were sparse. The degree of contamination by oil products requires the implementation of highly efficient soil remediation methods.

Multi-pressure based environmental vulnerability assessment in a coastal area of Bangladesh: A case study on Cox’s Bazar

Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 countries globally in terms of climate change impacts and faces numerous anthropogenic and natural pressures. Cox’s Bazar, its primary tourist district, is experiencing severe degradation of its physical and ecological environments due to anthropogenic disturbances and climate change. To improve its environmental quality and preserve its ecological resources effectively, it is essential to develop a spatial decision support instrument addressing multi-pressures and cumulative environmental vulnerability (EV). This study presents an expert opinion-independent, scalable, and customizable spatial methodological framework, integrating multi-sourced geospatial data with GIS-based Fuzzy Logic to assess spatial distributions of five pressure groups and their resulting EV in Cox’s Bazar. 18 criteria were chosen based on a structured literature review to evaluate the five pressure groups. Results revealed that 17 % to 27 % of the study area is exposed to high to very high hydro-meteorological, topographic, land resource, anthropogenic, and natural hazard pressures. The EV results indicated that one-third of the study area, majorly covering Kutubdia, Pekua, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Teknaf, and Ukhia upazilas, is highly environmentally vulnerable. For enhanced environmental protection, this study improved the existing method of environmental protection zoning by introducing a novel zoning approach that integrates in-situ biodiversity data with EV data. This new zoning method delineated 24 % (555 sq. km.) as strict, 45 % (1047 sq. km.) as medium, and 31 % (725 sq. km.) as soft protection zones in the study area. The sensitivity analysis identified land resource pressure as the most influential component of EV. With a correlation coefficient of 0.91, the accuracy assessment confirms a high level of reliability in the EV results. This study provides valuable insights into environmental pressures and vulnerability in Cox’s Bazar, which are crucial for informing policies at various levels, including international and national frameworks, emphasizing terrestrial ecosystem protection, coastal vulnerability mitigation, climate change impact reduction, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable land resource management.

Evidence-based recommendation of threshold values for protection against adverse health effects of aircraft noise

For communities around airports, the German Aircraft Noise Protection Act (FluLaermG) defines two noise protection zones (NPZ) for the daytime (6am - 10pm) and one for the night-time (10pm - 6am). Threshold values of aircraft noise exposure demarcate these zones. For residential properties within the NPZ, the FluLaermG regulates building restrictions and the eligibility for reimbursement of noise insulation, which, regarding the daytime, are stricter for NPZ day 1 than for NPZ day 2. On behalf of the Aircraft Noise Commission, Frankfurt, an expert opinion was prepared to evaluate the threshold values for airport regions in the FluLaermG from the perspective of noise effect research. For this, a threshold value system (TVS) for demarcation of the protection zones was developed based on results of a systematic literature review on health effects of aircraft noise. This contribution provides an overview of key results of the review underlying the TVS and outlines the rationale for the system. The proposed compelling threshold values for avoiding unacceptable health effects of aircraft noise for civil airport regions are 56 dB LAeq,day (NPZ day 1), 51 dB LAeq,day (NPZ day 2), and 44 dB LAeq,night (NPZ night).

Environmental noise protection problems of Hungary's old heavy industrial areas

Hungary's first domestic environmental noise regulation entered into force in 1984. Several heavy industrial areas operate in the country, which were established in the first half of the last century or in the decades following the Second World War. During this period, aspects of environmental noise protection were not yet considered. These heavy industry plants are usually located in huge industrial areas, operate thousands of diverse technological equipment and still remain significant factors of the Hungarian national economy. The reason for the development of the environmental noise problem is that during the intensive socialist industrialization, to satisfy the huge demand for labor, they developed residential areas around the industrial areas. This led to a situation, when environmental noise protection legislation came into force, these heavy industry plants found themselves in violation without any changes in their operations. The plants implemented noise reductions and attempted to comply with the limits, but mostly with little success. This presented an unsolvable problem to the plants, the authorities, and the residents too. The solution to the problem is the introduction of regulations on the designated highly noisy areas and several additional measures, following the international practice of designating noise protection zones.

Compound disaster characteristics of rock burst and coal spontaneous combustion in island mining face: A case study

The island mining face in coal mines often encounters stress concentration and significant air leakage, elevating the risk of rock burst and spontaneous combustion of residual coal in the goaf. This study centers on the investigation of the 9305 island mining face within a mine situated in Shandong Province, China. Leveraging the features of coal spontaneous combustion and data from microseismic and gas monitoring throughout the mining process, a novel method for calculating safe mining speeds under compound disasters is introduced. The safe mining speed of the 9305 island mining face is stratified, and a prevention and control technology integrating long distance directional drilling for impact-spontaneous combustion compound disasters is proposed. Findings suggest that to mitigate spontaneous combustion of residual coal, considering the seam's spontaneous combustion tendency, the safe mining speed should exceed 3.7 m per day. Accounting for the distribution of microseismic events during coal seam extraction, the safe mining speed is maintained below 4.8 m per day in the unprotected mining area and capped at 8 m per day in the protected zone. Through a comprehensive analysis considering coal seam spontaneous combustion tendency, impact tendency, and time to coal seam oxidation to critical temperature, the safe mining speed for the island mining face ranges from 3.7 m per day to 4.8 m per day in the unprotected area and from 5.14 m per day to 8 m per day in the protected area. The proposed long distance directional drilling 'one hole, multiple purposes' scheme enables an integrated approach encompassing pressure relief before coal seam extraction, water injection during mining, and grouting post-mining. This method effectively prevents and controls the compound disasters of rock burst and coal spontaneous combustion, presenting innovative technical solutions for the safe extraction of coal resources.

Establishing a Groundwater Quality and Quantity Monitoring System as a Prerequisite for the Determination of Protection Zones in Lipjan, Kosovo

Establishing a Groundwater Quality and Quantity Monitoring System as a Prerequisite for the Determination of Protection Zones in Lipjan, Kosovo

Environmental impact of an anthropogenic groundwater temperature hotspot

Heat emitted by buildings and other infrastructure accumulates in the subsurface. This additional heat can cause a pronounced shift in thermal boundary conditions of the important groundwater ecosystem. Shallow groundwater systems in Central Europe are often inhabited by communities of fauna adapted to cold and stable conditions as well as microorganisms, whose activity is dependent on ambient temperatures. At a local groundwater temperature hotspot of up to 23 °C, caused by a water park, we assessed the environmental impact of this thermal alteration on the shallow groundwater system. The results show that the overall groundwater quality at the site is influenced by anthropogenic land use, compared to wells in a nearby water protection zone. However, neither hydrochemical nor ecological characteristics of groundwater from wells in the vicinity of the water park indicate any significant dependence on temperature. Hence, we conclude that in this eutrophic and anoxic aquifer moderate heat stress does not lead to significant alterations in terms of hydrochemistry as well as microbiological properties. Due to the overall low oxygen concentrations (<1 mg/l), stygofauna is present only occasionally and cannot be used as bioindicators. These results have to be verified for other aquifer types and would benefit from a more in-depth analysis of microbial community composition.

ҚАЗАҚСТАНДАҒЫ ЕЛДІ МЕКЕНДЕРДІ КӨГАЛДАНДЫРУ ТАРИХЫ

The article examines the history of growing trees and shrubs in Kazakhstan. The beginning of work on planting woody vegetation in order to protect settlements from strong winds, dust, and snow falls on the 19th century. Since then, there have been ongoing transformations, such as the transfer of areas where woody vegetation was grown to urban growth, and instead the transfer of eroded land from agricultural use to logging. As a result of the work carried out, information about the types of trees and shrubs, the pace of landscaping work, and information about the acclimatization of previously un-planted tree species increased. Thanks to this, woody plants were sown in all localities without exception. The accumulated scientific data led to the continuation of the study of vegetation in the Aktobe region. The green zone near Aktobe was allocated from the shares of the Aktobe State Forestry Fund in 1960-1980. In 1990, the total area of the green zone was 10526 hectares. Since then, the green area in the dendrological plan consists of pine, poplar, ash, maple, acacia, honeysuckle, irga, and the base - of elm and currant. From 1989 to 1990, in order to create a green zone of the city of Aktobe, work was carried out on the designation of land. In the next 19 years (1990-2009), no updates or studies were conducted. 2009-2014 The soil, geobotanical, and taxational analysis of the past changes in the reconstruction of green spaces in the sanitary protection zone of Aktobe was carried out and continued to the present time.