bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Parental Experiences and Perceptions of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for Preschool Children With Communication Difficulties
Authors: O'Toole Ciara , Lyons Rena , Houghton Catherine
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Parent–child interaction therapy refers to a number of interventions mediated by trained parents to treat developmental difficulties, including speech, language, and communication. Understanding the experiences of parents who take part in parent–child interaction therapy is a key aspect of determining how this intervention can be implemented successfully. However, to date, there has been limited work on synthesizing parental views of this intervention.

Method

We used qualitative evidence synthesis that involved searching the literature for qualitative studies addressing the experiences and perceptions of parent–child interaction therapy for parents of preschool children with communication difficulties. We identified 27 studies (from 32 publications) and synthesized the data using thematic synthesis. We appraised the quality of included studies using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and assessed our confidence in the review findings using GRADE Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual).

Results

At the beginning of this intervention, parents may have competing demands and varied expectations about the intervention. Their engagement is facilitated when the intervention is tailored to their individual family, their preferences for learning, and when they have a trusting relationship with the clinician. At the end of the intervention, although most parents perceive an improvement in their child's communication and feel empowered to facilitate this, they have concerns about their child's future needs.

Conclusions

It is important that clinicians explore parents' readiness for this intervention by discussing their needs and preferences openly, and that they facilitate their engagement through a supportive relationship. They also need to consider how parents will transition out of the intervention and continue to support their child's language development.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14978454
Physical, chemical and toxicological properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in human exposure assessments to contaminated soil and groundwater
Authors: Balint Alexandru
Published: July 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of chemical substances consisting of carbon and hydrogen only, which have multiple fused ring systems. Although PAHs are widely recognised as contaminants of concern (CoC), no applicable limits have been established for groundwater in the Romanian legislation. Furthermore, the existing methodologies do not include guidelines for assessing the human exposure to contaminated soil and groundwater. The current research aims at identifying the relevant physical, chemical and toxicological properties of PAHs when conducting human exposure assessments for contaminated and potentially contaminated sites. The methods applied in the research are based on the general geoenvironmental risk assessment procedure by analysing the sources potentially generating PAHs, the migration and exposure pathway depending on their fate and transport properties, and the vulnerability to PAHs of the potential receptors, based on their toxicological profile.
Aspects of laboratory tests for the determination of the minimum ignition energy of the fuel / dust mixture
Authors: Popa Cătălin Mihai , Nan Silviu Marin , Părăian Mihaela , Jurca Adrian , Păun Florin
Published: July 2021

During the technological processes of processing, production, handling and storage of combustible dusts, complex explosive mixtures may occur, the characteristics of which, in most cases, cannot be assimilated with the existing data in the specialized literature. If these combustible dusts are mixed with air in appropriate proportions and are initiated by an efficient source of ignition, they can burn rapidly and with considerable explosive force. One of the most common sources of ignition of potentially explosive atmospheres generated by the dust / air mixture is static electricity, materialized by electrostatic discharges. In order to assess the risk of ignition of an explosive mixture of air / dust, it is necessary to know the sensitivity of the explosive atmosphere to ignition, ie the value of the minimum ignition energy of the explosive mixture, which is then compared with the energy resulting from an electrostatic discharge. The paper presents a comparative analysis regarding the methods of determining the minimum ignition energy for air / fuel dust mixtures, using different devices, on the same type of dust.
Energy security aspects related to the National Power Grid
Authors: Fita Nicolae Daniel , Pasculescu Dragos , Popescu Florin Gabriel , Handra Alina Daniela , Grigorie Emilia
Published: July 2021

National Power Grid is an important element within the National Power System, having in its composition critical infrastructures of national importance without which the national economy could not operate, and its non-operation, totally or partially (black/brown-out), generates energy insecurity, negative factor with devastating and catastrophic effects on industrial, economic and national security. Due to the fact that National Power Grid is of national strategic importance, it has to be assessed and monitored permanently in terms of security risks, in order to identify vulnerabilities, and this need for assessment also comes from the European perspective because Romania is interconnected to ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators) which interconnects various power overhead lines from North to South, from West to East, or even with Africa and Asia. In order to secure the National Power Grid, the authors have set out in this paper to identify possible internal or external vulnerabilities and what impact they have on the National Power Grid and National Power System. By knowing the vulnerabilities, one can automatically identify the dangers and threats to which it is subjected and engaged, being able to develop national/European measures or strategies for the protection and security of the critical infrastructures related to. For this reason, it is considered that the identification of vulnerabilities must become a pressing issue of national, and European energy security and be a useful tool for authorities to develop a energy strategy (short – long term) for the proper functioning of the National Power Grid and the national economy, because all sectors of the economy depend on electricity. The identified vulnerabilities are eliminated by National Energy Strategy 2021 – 2036 (short, medium,and long term) proposed by the authors, with the aim of increasing energy and national security.
Rückfallprophylaxe der Depression: Traditionelle und neue
Ansätze der Psychotherapie
Authors: Brakemeier Eva-Lotta , Guhn Anne
Published: July 2021

Die Psychotherapie sollte in der Behandlung der Depression neben der akuten
Symptomreduktion auch die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines erneuten Auftretens der
Störung bzw. eines Rückfalls verringern. Der Patient soll lernen, erneuten
Verschlechterungen eigenverantwortlich vorzubeugen und diese zu bewältigen. Im
Beitrag werden bewährte und neuere Ansätze der psychotherapeutischen
Rückfallprophylaxe praxisnah vorgestellt und diskutiert.
„Durch das Studium möchte ich meine Sprachfähigkeit als Hebamme stärken!“
Authors: Karcher Agnetha , Nordmann Melanie , Schittenhelm Kathrin , Becker MarionAnna
Published: July 2021

Interview | Immer mehr examinierte Hebammen entscheiden sich für ein berufsbegleitendes Studium. Drei Studentinnen der Dualen Hochschule Baden-Württemberg (DHBW) berichten über ihre Motive für das Studium, den damit verbundenen Arbeitsaufwand und die Organisation neben dem Hebammenberuf.
Hepatoprotective Impact of Ghrelin against Cyclophosphamide-Induced
Toxicity in the Male Mice
Authors: Khordad Elnaz , Alipour Fatemeh , Pourabbas Mahdieh , Mansouri Somaieh , Salimnejad Ramin
Published: July 2021

Background Despite its vast spectrum of clinical usage, cyclophosphamide
(CP) exerts many adverse impacts, including hepatotoxicity. Antioxidant
properties of ghrelin might protect the liver from CP-induced toxicity. The
current study aimed to assess the protective impacts of ghrelin on CP-induced
liver toxicity.

Methods Forty male mice were randomly divided into four groups
(n=10) Group 1 as control received no intervention,group 2 received
cyclophosphamide (CP) (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for five weeks and once
a week. Group 3 received CP+ghrelin (CP+G),
(80 µg/kg daily, i.p.) for five weeks. Group 4 received
ghrelin with above-mentioned dose. At the end of the experiment, the mice were
sacrificed to remove liver tissuesfor histological and biochemical
examination.

Results Malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased after CP treatment but
ghrelin administration significantly decreased the level of MDA
(P<0.05). Measurement of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) noted a
significant decrease in the CP group against the control group (P<0.05).
Ghrelin treatment in the CP+G group considerably increased the TAC
activity when compared to the CP group (P<0.05). Histological
examinations also confirmed the hepatocyte necrosis, local bleeding and
inflammation, vacuolation, and sinusoidal dilation in the CP group, ghrelin
administration reduced the destructive effects of CP on the liver significantly
(P<0.05).

Conclusion Our results reveal the hepatoprotective effect of ghrelin
against CP. Therefore, ghrelin might be useful in protecting the body against
the adverse impacts of injuries induced by chemotherapeutic drugs.
Novel Antidiabetic Strategies and Diabetologists' Views in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Kahl Sabine , Pützer Jennifer , Roden Michael
Published: July 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide with high prevalence, especially in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, the severe insulin resistant subgroup has the greatest risk of NAFLD, likely due to dysfunctional adipose tissue mass but also genetic factors, and may progress earlier to inflammatory and profibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH has been associated with increased liver-related as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. International diabetes associations recommend certain screening and treatment strategies for NASH in type 2 diabetes, which, however, bear several limitations such as lack of accurate noninvasive diagnostic tools and targeted treatments. Currently, antihyperglycemic drug concepts based on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors offer metabolic as well as cardiorenal benefits and provide treatment options for both hyperglycemia and NASH in type 2 diabetes.
Anatomy of the Sciatic Nerve in Relation to the Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Kanakamedala Ajay C. , Mahure Siddharth A. , Bloom David A. , Mojica Edward , Kirby David J. , Castañeda Pablo
Published: July 2021

Prior studies have examined the role of hip and knee positioning, specifically hip extension and knee flexion, to reduce the risk of sciatic nerve palsy during the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy. They have qualitatively noted that the sciatic nerve moves farther from the connection between the ischial and posterior column osteotomies in hip extension than flexion but has not precisely measured this change in position. This cadaveric study aimed to quantitatively evaluate how hip positioning affects the location of the sciatic nerve relative to the connection between the ischial and posterior column osteotomies. We dissected four cadaveric specimens (three females and one male) with a mean age of 83.0 ± 7.8. An anterior Smith–Peterson approach was performed to allow the cuts for the periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). A posterolateral approach was taken to identify the sciatic nerve and its emergence from the pelvis. Measurements were performed on the width of the posterior column and, in both hip flexion and extension, the distance from the emergence of the sciatic nerve from the pelvis to the connection point between the ischial and posterior column osteotomies. Each measurement was performed independently by two observers. All data are reported as a mean ± standard deviation (range). The width of the posterior column was 4.84 ± 0.48 cm (range: 4.20–5.35 cm). The distances from the sciatic nerve's emergence to the osteotomy connection point in extension and flexion were 4.73 ± 0.79 and 2.93 ± 0.85 cm, respectively. The distance from the sciatic nerve's emergence to the osteotomy connection point was significantly greater in hip extension than hip flexion (p = 0.021). When the hip is flexed, the distance from the sciatic nerve to the posterior column osteotomy connection point is significantly less than when it is in extension. This anatomic finding is essential for surgical safety, as it provides further evidence on the importance of positioning for reducing the risk of sciatic nerve injury during a PAO.
Wind farm yaw control set-point optimization under model parameter uncertainty
Authors: Howland Michael F.
Published: July 2021

Wake steering, the intentional yaw misalignment of certain turbines in an array, has demonstrated potential as a wind farm control approach to increase collective power. Existing algorithms optimize the yaw misalignment angle set-points using steady-state wake models and either deterministic frameworks or optimizers that account for wind direction and yaw misalignment variability and uncertainty. Wake models rely on parameterizations of physical phenomena in the mean flow field, such as the wake spreading rate. The wake model parameters are uncertain and vary in time at a wind farm depending on the atmospheric conditions, including turbulence intensity, stability, shear, veer, and other atmospheric features. In this study, we develop a yaw set-point optimization approach that includes model parameter uncertainty in addition to wind condition variability and uncertainty. To enable computationally efficient online set-point optimization under model parameter uncertainty, a simplified, approximate parameter distribution estimation method is used. The optimization is tested in open-loop control numerical experiments using utility-scale wind farm operational data for which the set-point optimization framework with parametric uncertainty has a statistically significant impact on the wind farm power production for certain wind turbine layouts at low turbulence intensity, but the results are not significant for all layouts considered nor at higher turbulence intensity. The set-point optimizer is also tested for closed-loop wake steering control of a model wind farm in large eddy simulations of a convective atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The yaw set-point optimization with model parameter uncertainty reduced the sensitivity of the closed-loop wake steering control to increases in the yaw controller update frequency. Increases in wind farm power production were not statistically significant due to the high ambient power variability in the turbulent, convective ABL.
Eddy viscosity modeling around curved boundaries through bifurcation approach and theory of rotating turbulence
Authors: Toh Yi Han , Ng Bing Feng
Published: July 2021

A novel approach to curvature effects based on the bifurcation theory and rotation turbulence energy spectrum is implemented to improve the sensitivity of the k−ϵ two-equation turbulence model (Jones–Launder form) to curved surfaces. This is done by accounting for the vorticity tensor, which becomes more significant in curved flows, something that the standard k−ϵ model does not originally consider. This new eddy viscosity model is based on the energy spectrum for a turbulent flow undergoing rotation and is then modeled on the bifurcation diagram in ϵ/Sk−η2/η1 phase space. The approach is demonstrated on three different test cases, 30° two-dimensional curved channel, 90° three-dimensional bend duct, and flow past cylinder, to test for the effects of convex and concave curvatures on turbulence. The results from these test cases are then contrasted against other existing eddy viscosity models as well as experimental data. The proposed approach provides better turbulence predictions along convex or concave surfaces, better memory effects, and are closer to the experimental results. For flow past cylinder, the new eddy viscosity model predicts drag coefficient that is closer to experiments with 8% difference, against 30% difference predicted by standard k−ϵ and Pettersson models.
Experimental investigation of indoor aerosol dispersion and accumulation in the context of COVID-19: Effects of masks and ventilation
Authors: Shah Yash , Kurelek John W. , Peterson Sean D. , Yarusevych Serhiy
Published: July 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of aerosol dispersion in disease transmission in indoor environments. The present study experimentally investigates the dispersion and build-up of an exhaled aerosol modeled with polydisperse microscopic particles (approximately 1 μm mean diameter) by a seated manikin in a relatively large indoor environment. The aims are to offer quantitative insight into the effect of common face masks and ventilation/air purification, and to provide relevant experimental metrics for modeling and risk assessment. Measurements demonstrate that all tested masks provide protection in the immediate vicinity of the host primarily through the redirection and reduction of expiratory momentum. However, leakages are observed to result in notable decreases in mask efficiency relative to the ideal filtration efficiency of the mask material, even in the case of high-efficiency masks, such as the R95 or KN95. Tests conducted in the far field (2 m distance from the subject) capture significant aerosol build-up in the indoor space over a long duration (10 h). A quantitative measure of apparent exhalation filtration efficiency is provided based on experimental data assimilation to a simplified model. The results demonstrate that the apparent exhalation filtration efficiency is significantly lower than the ideal filtration efficiency of the mask material. Nevertheless, high-efficiency masks, such as the KN95, still offer substantially higher apparent filtration efficiencies (60% and 46% for R95 and KN95 masks, respectively) than the more commonly used cloth (10%) and surgical masks (12%), and therefore are still the recommended choice in mitigating airborne disease transmission indoors. The results also suggest that, while higher ventilation capacities are required to fully mitigate aerosol build-up, even relatively low air-change rates (2 h−1) lead to lower aerosol build-up compared to the best performing mask in an unventilated space.
Polarization analysis of random THz lasers
Authors: Di Gaspare Alessandra , Vitiello Miriam S.
Published: July 2021

By varying the geometrical filling factor from 8% to 12% and the hole radius from 3 to 5 µm, we investigate the interference pattern of a set of surface emitting, electrically pumped random lasers (RLs) at terahertz frequencies employing a surface pattern of random holes, studying the polarization of the emitted modes, the spectral emission, and the power extraction. By funneling the laser beams onto a wire grid polarizer, we demonstrate spectral reshaping of the RL emission and of the far-field profile, achieving highly collimated emission (5° × 3° angular divergence) and a spectral coverage of 340 GHz with up to 11 random lasing modes. The polarization analysis of the far-field and spectral characteristics of the laser offer an interesting tool to investigate the complex behavior of quantum cascade RLs, providing a route to engineer the emission of RLs in more detail.
Competition between shear and biaxial extensional viscous dissipation in the expansion dynamics of Newtonian and rheo-thinning liquid sheets
Authors: Louhichi Ameur , Charles Carole-Ann , Arora Srishti , Bouteiller Laurent , Vlassopoulos Dimitris , Ramos Laurence , Ligoure Christian
Published: July 2021

When a drop of fluid hits a small solid target of comparable size, it expands radially until reaching a maximum diameter and subsequently recedes. In this work, we show that the expansion process of liquid sheets is controlled by a combination of shear (on the target) and biaxial extensional (in the air) deformations. We propose an approach toward a rational description of the phenomenon for Newtonian and viscoelastic fluids by evaluating the viscous dissipation due to shear and extensional deformations, yielding a prediction of the maximum expansion factor of the sheet as a function of the relevant viscosity. For Newtonian systems, biaxial extensional and shear viscous dissipation are of the same order of magnitude. On the contrary, for thinning solutions of supramolecular polymers, shear dissipation is negligible compared to biaxial extensional dissipation and the biaxial thinning extensional viscosity is the appropriate quantity to describe the maximum expansion of the sheets. Moreover, we show that the rate-dependent biaxial extensional viscosities deduced from drop impact experiments are in good quantitative agreement with previous experimental data and theoretical predictions for various viscoelastic liquids.
Effectiveness of dogs for detecting feral cat scats in wheatbelt reserves of Western Australia
Authors: Baker G. Barry , Candy Steven , Robinson Sue , Friend J. Anthony , Holdsworth Mark , Jensz Katrina , Page Manda , Algar Dave
Published: July 2021

Abstract Context Dogs are increasingly being used in conservation work to collect information on species abundance, distribution, occupancy and other biological measures. Monitoring feral cats through the use of detection dogs could provide a useful technique to complement existing feral cat survey and control methods. Aim To demonstrate and quantify the ability of trained detection dogs to reliably and efficiently detect feral cat scats when present in woodland conservation reserves in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Methods Cat scats were randomly placed into 466 1.5 ha (150 m × 100 m) quadrats in Tutanning Nature Reserve, Western Australia, and the location of the scat was recorded. Quadrats were then independently searched by dogs walking a central transect line and the locations of all scats detected were recorded, with the distance from the scat to the transect subsequently being calculated. Data collected allowed the relationship between distance from the transect and detection probability to be used to assist modelling of detection probabilities. Key results Dogs detected scats in 213 (55%) of 384 quadrats that were searched using a single transect line method. All indications of a find by the detector dogs were associated with a cat scat (no false indications). Detection probabilities for scats declined with distance from the transect line and with an increasing age of the scat. Simulations to investigate management options for cat control programs quantified effort required to detect cat scats under varying densities. Conclusion Dogs were highly efficient at detecting scats within the woodland environment of the Western Australian wheatbelt. The effort required to detect a scat was considerably higher when cat density was low. Implications On the basis of the detection probabilities derived from the present study, trained scat-detection dogs can be expected to efficiently search woodlands and find cat scats by using an effective sweep width of 100 m (50 m either side of a transect) when scats are fresh. Sweep widths need to be reduced significantly if it is important to locate scats that have been exposed to the elements for greater periods of time, or to search habitats where terrain and vegetation cover are more challenging.
Nuclear envelope budding is a response to cellular stress
Authors: Panagaki Dimitra , Croft Jacob T. , Keuenhof Katharina , Larsson Berglund Lisa , Andersson Stefanie , Kohler Verena , Büttner Sabrina , Tamás Markus J. , Nyström Thomas , Neutze Richard , Höög Johanna L.
Published: July 2021

Significance

A defining feature of eukaryotes is the nuclear envelope, a double lipid bilayer that serves to isolate and protect the cell’s genetic material. Transport of large molecules over this barrier is believed to occur almost exclusively via the nuclear pores. However, herpes virions and mega-ribonucleoproteins (megaRNPs) use an alternative means of transport—via nuclear envelope budding (NEB). Here, we show NEB is a ubiquitous eukaryotic phenomenon and increases when exposed to various forms of cellular stress. NEB frequency was maximal when the cell was challenged with a drug that induces protein misfolding, indicating this transport pathway plays a role in protein quality control. These results imply that NEB is an underappreciated yet potentially fundamental means of nuclear transport.
Mean-performance of sharp restart: II. Inequality roadmap
Authors: Eliazar Iddo , Reuveni Shlomi
Published: July 2021

Restarting a deterministic process always impedes its completion. However, it is known that restarting a random process can lead to an opposite outcome—expediting completion. Hence, the effect of restart is contingent on the underlying statistical heterogeneity of the process’ completion times. To quantify this heterogeneity we introduce a novel approach to restart research: the methodology of inequality indices, which is widely applied in economics and in the social sciences to measure income and wealth disparities. Utilizing this approach we establish an ‘inequality roadmap’ for the mean-performance of sharp restart: a whole new set of universal inequality criteria that determine when restart with sharp timers (i.e. with fixed deterministic timers) impedes/expedites mean completion. The criteria are based on key Lorenz-curve inequality indices including Bonferroni, Gini, and Pietra. From a practical perspective, the criteria offer researchers highly useful tools to tackle the common real-world situation in which only partial information of the completion-time statistics is available. From a theoretical perspective, the criteria yield—with unprecedented precision and resolution—a powerful and overarching take-home-message: restart impedes/expedites mean completion when the underlying statistical heterogeneity is low/high, respectively. As sharp restart can match the mean-performance of any other restart protocol, the results established here apply to restart research at large.
Increasing the environmental safety of the initiating explosives production
Authors: Zainullin A M
Published: July 2021

The possibility of wastewater treatment from the initiating explosives production by physicochemical methods is shown by examples: lead trinitroresorcinate, diazodinitroquinone, kalium salt of 4,6-dinitrobenzofuroxan. Discovered, that the improvement of wastewater treatment methods of these industries allows to achieve high performance (treatment efficiency is more than 95%).
Determination the phase contact surface size of nitric acid with ammonia neutralization process for the ammonium nitrate production
Authors: Sakharov I U , Makhotkin A F , Sakharov U N , Makhotkin I A
Published: July 2021

Neutralization process of 64% nitric acid solution with 90% gaseous ammonia has been investigated. Kinetics of nitric acid solutions neutralization process with ammonia investigation was carried out on batch apparatus model. The contact surface minimum area value for the process at adjusted productivity has been determined. The process ways of intensify have been formulated.
A Study of Zn2+ ions adsorption by native and chemically modified pea (Pisum sativum) pods
Authors: Galimova RZ , Shaikhieva K I , Stepanova SV , Kraysman NV
Published: July 2021

The paper deals with a study of Zn2+ ions adsorption by native and modified fine-cut pea (Pisumsativum) pod shells. The sorption material under study was treated using 1%, 2% and 3% NaOH or H2SO4 solutions. Isotherms of Zn2+ ions adsorption by native and treated pea pod shells were plotted and calculated using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Tyomkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. It was determined that the isotherm of zinc ions adsorption by native shells of pea pods is most accurately described by the Langmuir model, by modified shells – by the Freundlich model. According to the values of the adsorption energy and the Gibbs energy, the adsorption is a physical process. The paper provides data on the degree of crystallinity, elemental analysis, and IR spectra of native and treated pea pods.
Obtaining Sapropel-Based Organomineral Fertilizers from the Mixed Acids Spent in Producing Nitrocellulose
Authors: Fazullin R Kh , Fazullina A A , Khalitov R A , Khuziakhmetov R Kh
Published: July 2021

Basic nitrocellulose wastes are spent mixed acids. Neutralizing them with potassium hydroxide and/or ammonia, or ammonia water produces nitrogen or nitrogen-potash mineral fertilizers sought after in the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation. However, using a crystalline fertilizer leads to some difficulties with transporting, storing, or applying them to the fields. Granulation is the preferable solution aimed at reducing the caking ability and uniformly dosing the fertilizers. This present study is aimed at granulating mineral nitrogen and nitrogen-potash fertilizers mixed with lake sapropel in different proportions. Sapropel is a natural binder in the mixture, it is also a source of organic and additional mineral substances, and it reinforces mineral fertilizers. Technology used to manufacture granulated organomineral fertilizers includes neutralizing the mixed acids spent in producing nitrocellulose, mixing with sapropel in given proportions, followed by granulating the obtained mixture on a screw granulator. In terms of containing In terms of nutrients contained in them, the most optimal is the mass relation of mineral fertilizer: sapropel in a mixture as 70-80 : 20-30, while in case of using the fertilizer as an ameliorant, it should be 10-20 : 80-90. Different component proportions in the mixture were considered.
The use of digital twin in the industrial sector
Authors: Rozhok A P , Zykova K I , Suschev S P , Revetria R
Published: July 2021

The paper discusses one of the most active areas of production digitalization, capable of reducing the risks of environmental pollution - a solution for the virtual representation of the real static and dynamic characteristics of a technological system, briefly called “Digital Twin”. The concept and classification of Digital Twin are described. The application of Digital Twins is also considered, starting with the analysis of the work of smart products in real operating conditions and ending with the creation of a fully digital robot factory.
Integrated sulfide alkali wastewater treatment using spent galvanic solutions
Authors: Savelyev S N , Savelyeva A V , Anamova R R , Fridland S V
Published: July 2021

We identified the efficiency of spent Ni2+-containing galvanic solutions for removing sulfide ions from sulfide alkali wastewater. It was found that the removal of sulfide ions led to achieving 89.7 % of purification degree by the chemical oxygen demand value. We also studied how various concentrations of nickel (II) and copper (II) ions affect the oxidation intensity of pollutants in mixed wastewater with ambient oxygen and with ozone-air mixture. Optimal conditions were identified for cleaning sulfide alkali wastewater from hydrocarbons: Oxidation of organic components by ozone-air mixture for 30 minutes, containing 300 mg/dm3 of nickel (II) ions; implementing such conditions resulted in the greatest reduction of the chemical oxygen demand value (down to 798 mg of O/dm3. A comprehensive method for the purification of sulfur-alkaline wastewater is proposed, which includes the stages of removing readily volatile hydrocarbons by simple distillation, sulfide ions by reagent deposition using spent Ni2+-containing galvanic solutions, and soluble hydrocarbons by oxidation of ozone-air mixture with adding 300 mg/dm3 of nickel (II) ions contained in galvanic wastewater. Implementation of this technique led to achieving 96% of the wastewater purification degree by the chemical oxygen demand value, which allows discharging wastewater into biological treatment.
Development of organobentonite based on bentonite clay for the purpose of disposing of oil spills on water bodies
Authors: Skvortsov A V , Islamova G G , Ryazanova A S , Sayakhov R I , Mishagin K A , Tverdov I D , Khayrullina Z Z , Khatsrinova Y A
Published: July 2021

Today, oil spill response is an urgent problem for oil-producing countries. This paper researches the elimination of oil pollution using organomineral sorbents. The authors present a scheme for obtaining sorbents based on natural bentonite clays by modifying with a quaternary ammonium salt. Two variants of modification of natural bentonites have been studied: with preliminary Na2CO3 treatment to convert the main component of bentonite into the sodium form and without preliminary treatment. The obtained organobentonites have high sorption and hydrophilic properties. The sorbent obtained from natural bentonite with preliminary treatment with Na2CO3 has better properties in comparison with the sorbent without preliminary treatment. The authors also demonstrated the ability of the obtained organobentonites for oil sorption. Organobentonites upon contact with oil films on the water surface form dense agglomerates that can be easily removed mechanically.
Historical and cultural heritage of the Atyrau region as tourism development resource
Authors: Akhmedenov K , Sdykov M
Published: July 2021

Kazakhstan, including Atyrau region, is becoming a popular tourist destination due to its natural heritage, archaeological, historical and religious sites. This valuable natural and historical-cultural heritage, revealing the culture and history of the Kazakhs between the 16th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, is an important part of our tourism industry. Archaeological and historical tourism in the region, as part of the larger tourism industry, can make a major contribution to the total income from tourism. The attractiveness of the region among tourists is largely due to the resources available on its territory. The region favorably combines favorable geographical position, preserved natural potential and rich cultural and historical heritage. This is a unique combination of historical and natural wealth; create a good basis and perspective for the development of modern forms of tourism. There are collections of historical and cultural monuments in the region, but these data are scattered, fragmented. In these conditions, to determine its regional specificity and prospects for use, we have created an interactive map of the 50 most significant monuments to demonstrate the cultural and historical potential of the Atyrau region.
Rural settlement in the steppe zone of Russia in the post-Soviet period: adaptation to the current challenges
Authors: Akhmetov R , Sviatokha N , Filimonova I
Published: July 2021

The rural population and settlement in Russia’s steppe zone, as on the territory of the country on the whole, continually is transformed. This transformation hastened and obtained new features in the post-Soviet period; it became more complex and heterogeneous. Based on the statistical analysis and GIS-technologies, in the paper, we attempted to reveal central tendencies and specifics of the rural population’s temporal and spatial dynamics in the steppe zone during the three post-Soviet decades of the country’s development. The authors detected a shift of the rural population of the country to the west and south-west. The process of territorial compression leads to a concentration of people in areas with a higher potential for effective development. The main area of the rural population increase and the amount of the rural settlements are North Caucasus. Significant areas of the rural population decline are located in territories less provided by agroclimatic resources in the European part of the steppe zone and its Asian part. Understanding total tendencies and territorial peculiarities of the rural population dynamics and settlement allows forecasting these processes and considering them in the frame of territorial planning and socio-economic development in regions in conditions of the current challenges.
To the study of the nesting cycle of yellow wagtail within the Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania”
Authors: Artemyeva E A , Grudinin D A
Published: July 2021

Peculiarities of the nesting cycle of Motacilla flava beema Sykes, 1832 (Passeriformes, Motacillidae) within Steppe Research Station “Orenburg Tarpania” are considered in conditions of protected, fallow and pasturable lands in Orenburg region. The role of mutually-useful relations between yellow wagtails and ungulate mammals in steppe communities is underlined. According to preliminary results, we can suppose that the state of the population of model species of yellow wagtail depends on the presence and density of ungulate mammals in the nesting plot. The development of new habitats by M. f. beema is connected with the movement to the south-west of principal vegetation communities and food items of several species of yellow wagtails that, in its turn, are conditioned by climate aridization in the steppe and forest-steppe within Russia and adjacent countries.
Status of local populations of protected species Psephellus marschallianus (Asteraceae) in the Stavropol region
Authors: Arutyanova L , Ogandzhanian A , Shilnikov D
Published: July 2021

Psephellus marschallianus is distributed in the steppe zone of Eastern Europe, in the North Caucasus only in the Stavropol region. This species has a narrow ecological affinity and can disappear when overgrown with stony substrates. Therefore, the work aimed at studying the state of local populations of P. marschallianus is of scientific interest and is relevant. Field studies were conducted according to the methods recommended for the study of rare species. Geobotanical descriptions are made according to generally accepted methods. The area, number and density of individuals were determined, and the ontogenetic structure was studied, which allowed us to characterize the state and prospects for the development of Psephellus marschallianus populations. For the first time, the state of the species was assessed according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The condition and structure of 5 local populyations of Psephellus marschallianus (ASTERACEAE), a protected species in the Stavropol Krai, has been studied. The area of the local populyations, number and density of individuals are determined, the ontogenetic structure, allowing to characterize a condition and the prospects of development of populyations of Psephellus marschallianus is studied. For the first time, an assessment of the condition of the species according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is given.
Brief analysis of the vegetation cover native to the Russian Caucasus
Authors: Astamirova M A-M , Taysumov M A , Umarov M U , Baybatyrova E R , Magomadova R S , Abdurzakova A S
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of a study of the vegetation cover within the Russian Caucasus. The natural belts present on this territory are listed-steppe, forest, oeroxerophyte belt, subalpine, alpine. A brief description of each of them is given-distribution over altitude levels and different territories (subjects) of the North Caucasus, distinctive features of vegetation cover, plant communities and groupings along altitudinal belts and in the longitudinal direction. Typical representatives of the flora of the territories under consideration are listed, among which relics, endemics, economically useful and rare species are widely represented. The materials of the article can be taken into account when monitoring the state of the populations of these species and the vegetation cover in general in the subjects of the North Caucasus.
Steppe-runner Eremias arguta (Reptilia: Lacertidae): new encounters at the northern boundary of range in the Trans-Volga region
Authors: Bakiev A G , Gorelov R A , Klenina A A , Velmovsky P V , Kalmykova O G
Published: July 2021

The information about the northern range boundary of the steppe-runner Eremias arguta (Pallas, 1773) has changed in recent decades. Based on the reliable recordins in 2001-2020 from 12 locations the northern range boundary between Volga and Ural was specified. It runs through the Engelsky District of the Saratov Region, through the Stavropolsky, Kinelsky, Bogatovsky and Borsky Districts of the Samara Region, through the Buzuluksky and Tashlinsky Districts of the Orenburg Region of Russia. The northern limit of the range should be considered the Volga above-floodplain slope in the left-bank part of the Stavropolsky district in Samara region. All specimens encountered had body coloration typical of Eremias arguta deserti (Gmelin, 1789). The locations of steppe-runner are confined to open spaces treeless and without a dense herbaceous vegetation on the southern sandy slopes.
Precipitation and yield of spring wheat in the semiarid zone of Orenburg Cis-Urals
Authors: Bakirov F , Vasilyeva T , Vasilyev I
Published: July 2021

Spring wheat is produced in Orenburg Cis-Urals in conditions of moisture deficiency. Among 69 years studied (1951-2019), 16 turned out to be dry, 25-arid, with a total precipitation of less than 380 mm. In terms of precipitation during the growing season 50 years were dry and arid, a total was less than 130 mm. According to the annual amount of precipitation, a cyclicality was established with alternation of two humid decades with one dry one. In support of the hypothesis, precipitation in the first half of the growing season of wheat is dominant, and the least in the second of all categories. Significant relationships were established between them and the yield, r = 0.814 and r = 0.574. Annual moisture resources have a weaker relationship with yield (r = 0.566) than precipitation during the growing season (r = 0.730). The surge in yield due to precipitation in the first half of the growing season of wheat is its response to the moistening of the upper soil layer during tillering and the formation of a secondary root system. Hence, the main requirement for the technology of growing spring wheat is to moisten the top 0-5 cm of the soil layer in the tillering phase to 17% of the mass of dry soil and above.
Actual problems of biodiversity conservation in the central Russian Plain forest-steppe
Authors: Bakka S V , Kiseleva N Y , Shestakova A A , Birykova O V
Published: July 2021

The relevance of the study is determined by the critical state and negative trends in the development of remained fragments of meadow steppe and upland oak forest ecosystems in the Nizhny Novgorod region, located in the center of the Russian Plain. The paper’s aim is to substantiate the activities required to conserve biological diversity on the northern border of the meadow steppes. It targets to assess the current state of endangered ecosystems of the forest-steppe zone of the region, to analyze their role in maintaining species diversity in the Nizhny Novgorod region, to substantiate approaches to the organization of nature management and territorial protection of the forest-steppe nature, ensuring the conservation of biodiversity. We provide the results of perennial surveys of meadow steppes and upland oak forests in 1982 – 2019, and analysis of these ecosystems as habitats for wildlife species listed in the Red Data Book of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Meadow steppes on the northern border of distribution are shown to encompass currently only 0.36% of the former area. Furthermore the modern area of old-growth upland oak forests of the region comprises 0.3% of the former one of broad-leaved forests. We have discovered 33.3% of wildlife species listed in the Red Data Book to associate with the zonal ecosystems remaining in the Nizhny Novgorod forest-steppe; and argued the necessity of a comprehensive solution to the problem of biodiversity conservation in the forest-steppe zone as well. Territorial protection of rare wildlife species and remained fragments of zonal ecosystems should be combined with elements of restorative economic impact. A complete prohibition of economic activities in protected areas is not advisable. The need for special programs for the restoration of certain lost elements of the biological diversity of the forest-steppe is discussed.
Effects of the Russian-Kazakh frontier zone: Increased mortality of red-listed diurnal birds of prey on overhead power lines in the Orenburg Region frontier steppe
Authors: Barbazyuk E
Published: July 2021

The report focuses on rare diurnal birds of prey killed by electrocution on 6 – 10 kV hazardous overhead power lines in the Orenburg Region steppe, located in the extreme southeastern European part of the Russian Federation, on the border with Kazakhstan. Field surveys of power lines over a ten-year period indicated that 94% of rare diurnal birds of prey (steppe eagle, imperial eagle, long-legged buzzard, lesser kestrel, red-footed falcon) killed in the study area died from electrocution within a 50-km wide Russian-Kazakh frontier zone. Within that frontier area, 75% of birds died in a 25-km wide band. Statistically significant differences were found in the average values for dead birds in the distance ranges of 0 – 25 km, 25 – 50 km and > 50 km from the Russian-Kazakh border. The total number of killed birds also differed significantly among the marginal distance groups of 0 – 25 km and > 50 km. It is assumed that the increased concentration of birds of prey in the frontier zone is associated with better feeding conditions and reduced anthropogenic load, compared to other more developed and transformed areas in agricultural and technogenic terms. Complete insulation of power lines within at least the 25-km frontier zone would significantly reduce mortality of red-listed diurnal raptors on overhead power lines in the region.
An assessment of the potential effect of oil-and-gas 6 – 10 kV overhead power lines on bird mortality in the western Orenburg Region steppe
Authors: Barbazyuk E V , Myachina K V , Ryakhov R V , Dubrovskaya S A
Published: July 2021

This paper calculates a possible damage to avifauna during the oil and gas production in the western Orenburg Region steppe. Based on field data on bird mortality by electrocution at 6 – 10 kV overhead power lines in the study area (3.22 individuals/km), we calculated possible values of bird mortality within the model site of oil and gas fields with a broad road and electrical network. The total estimated number of dead birds reached 432.64 individuals at the power lines of the model site with a total length of 134.36 km, and the estimated amount of damage was 991560 rubles. Birds pertaining to the Corvids, Accipitrids, and Falcons perished most frequently at unsafe power lines. When oil and gas fields are located near specially protected natural areas or in the Russian-Kazakh border zone, the estimates of bird deaths at unsafe power lines are supposed to be closer to actual values.