Home – Home – Jornals – Contemporary Problems of Ecology 2013 number 3

Two methods of statistical estimation of the optimal regularization parameter of a nonlinear algorithm for signal recovery are proposed, one of which is based on the optimality criterion and the other one on the residual principle. These methods have simple algorithmic implementation and do not need a priori information about the quantitative characteristics of the sought solution. The results of numerical experiments show the effectiveness of the method based on the optimality criterion.

The effect of reduction of the signal sampling frequency by the signal mean value in the case of superposition of a harmonic noise component onto the original steady stochastic signal is studied. Conditions under which reduction of the observation frequency of this process significantly changes the observed mean values are found. In this regard, a number of statements are formulated and proved. The consequences of a reduction of the observation frequency of the dynamometer signal for the experiment performed in an ice basin with a tanker hull model are considered.

An approach to 3D image processing based on the modified generalized Hough transform is proposed. The possibility of processing images with unknown rotation and scaling parameters and images represented by individual fragments of the original image is shown. The efficiency of the proposed algorithms for solving problems of 3D image recognition is studied.

This paper presents an algorithm for determining the coordinates of small objects appearing in a sequence of scene images based on sum and difference processing of the detailing wavelet coefficients of the current and reference images, followed by a morphological analysis of the generated pseudo-image. The effectiveness of the algorithm is compared with the difference algorithm for analyzing changes in the observation scene. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is more resistant to the effects of relative shifts of the current and reference images.

Methods of processing of seismic signals from antennas of two seismic receivers for localization of several objects are considered. The possibility of localization is provided by means of multiplicative or broadband processing; in this case, a multielement antenna having a narrow direction diagram is synthesized from two detectors. The efficiency of the approaches based on localization of two sources of the signal is demonstrated by an example of modeling and real seismic data.

Various filtration methods are compared by an example of processing of model and experimental vector fields. A criterion for estimating the filtration efficiency is proposed. It is demonstrated that combined vector filters ensure more efficient filtration than other popular methods.

A mathematical model of multiple cracking of a zirconium nanocoating is proposed that makes it possible to obtain informative characteristics for quantitative analysis of the cracked surface taking into account the stochastic and cyclic nature of the process is proposed.

This paper considers the conceptual apparatus, basic ideas, structure, and some features of the establishment and development of a new area of research that emerged at the intersection of measurement theory and applied statistics. Examples and methods of solution of problems of classification measurements of random signal distribution shapes and the state of rechargeable batteries based on the use of categorical measurement scales are described.

An automatic method is proposed to resolve phase ambiguity in interpreting fringe patterns by a series of two phase distributions with different periods. The method does not require identification of local phase transitions in adjacent image regions and can determine the total phase at each point separately.

A new method for generating terahertz radiation by exposure to femtosecond laser pulses on the semiconductor surface is proposed. The essence of this method is that the exciting radiation intensity is subjected to spatial modulation by using a microlens array and by shading a part of the semiconductor surface by metal stripes. This gives rise to a concentration gradient of photo carriers along the surface at the sharp boundary of the metallic coating in the semiconductor (transverse Dember photoelectric effect), and its relaxation for times of ~1 ps results in the emission of electromagnetic pulses of the terahertz range. A terahertz emitter model based on the proposed method was developed and designed, its efficiency was demonstrated, and methods for increasing its efficiency were considered.

This paper presents a fabrication technique and results of studies of silicon binary diffractive optical elements (DOEs): a diffractive lens and a 1 : 2 diffractive beam splitter with an aperture diameter of 30 mm for the terahertz spectral range. The elements were fabricated in two versions: with and without an antireflection coating of parylene C. The DOE characteristics were investigated in the beam of the Novosibirsk free electron laser at a wavelength of 141 µm. The results are given of a study of the radiation resistance of the coating, which remained intact upon exposure to an average radiation power density of 4 kW/cm²; the peak power in a 100 ps pulse was almost 8 MW/cm². Experimental estimates of the diffraction efficiency of the elements coated with the antireflection coating are in good agreement with theoretical estimates.

Interaction of a probing laser beam with a liquid droplet is analyzed theoretically. It is shown that the amplitude of the Doppler signal obtained from a moving droplet depends on its position with respect to the beam waist. The possibility of determining the radii of droplets and bubbles moving in the flow from the spatial positions of the extreme points of the Doppler signal amplitude is justified theoretically and experimentally. The radius of glass spheres is measured (1.75 and 5 mm). The relative error of measurements is 1.1 and 8%. The radius of bubbles upfloating in a viscous liquid is measured. It is shown that the proposed method based on the Doppler anemometry offers prospects in studying two-phase flows.

A possibility of creating micrometer-sized microelectromechanical cavities operating at gigahertz frequencies is considered. A thin film of a dielectric (ferroelectric) with a high dielectric permeability and electric strength is included into the cavity structure. Specific features of device operation and its structure are described by a mathematical model that allows one to find exact relations between the parameters characterizing natural oscillations of the moving element and the triggering voltage.

Trends of increasing the informative content of the thermal imaging channel of optoelectronic observation devices are discussed, and a method of using the properties of the intrinsic polarized thermal radiation from objects to determine their three-dimensional shape is considered. The paper presents a model system for obtaining polarization thermal images and the mathematical model and results of experiments on the production and processing of polarization thermograms of objects and determination of their three-dimensional shape.

The first model estimates of anthropogenic black carbon (BC) transport in the atmosphere from Russian towns and regions to Nenetzky Nature Reserve (in the Pechora River Delta) have been made. The analysis was based on 10-year (2001–2010) everyday air mass transport trajectories for January, April, July, and October (HYSPLIT4 model, http://www.arl.noaa.gov/ready). The average (through 10 years) spatial distributions of source efficiancy in air pollution near the Reserve were calculated and presented on maps for different seasons. These results could be of use to analyze atmospheric pollution transport with fine aerosol particles from man-made sources existing today or planed, as well as from extended sources (such as wood and grass fires). The numerical estimates of anthropogenic BC concentrations in air and precipitations, as well as ВС fluxes onto the surface in the area of Nenetzky Reserve are included in the article. The computed results are in reasonable agreement with experimental data and other calculations. Also, we discuss the main aspects of modeling BC atmospheric transport and present short review of recent measuring and modeling investigations in this brunch for the Russian Arctic.

Based on the regional model the Arctic Ocean–North Atlantic, developed in ICMMG SB RAS, the variability of the Arctic Ocean water masses state was simulated for the period from 1948 to 2010. The analysis of the thermohaline characteristics of the East Siberia Shelf water in the model results showed a positive trend in the bottom temperature, which is in agreement with the observational data. Assuming the increase in the gas permeability of the perennial frozen sediment caused by climate change, the numerical simulation of the dissolved methane transport from the bottom reservoirs in the shelf water was performed. According to numerical results obtained in the period from 2002 to 2010, the total methane emission in the Eastern Arctic shelf waters can be estimated from 16 to 54 kilotons per year.

Results of the tropospheric thermodynamics monitoring on the base of multichannel microwave radiometric system “Microradcom” are presented in the paper. The system includes 4 microwave radiometers with the frequencies of 53–58 (6 channels), 56.6 (scanning), 22.235, and 37 GHz, a dopler radar for liquid precipitations measurements, and video system for cloud observations. Passive microwave system provides continuous unattended measurements of the tropospheric temperature profiles in altitude range 0–10 km, and also integral water vapour (IWV) and integral liquid water (ILW). Observations were provided in Dolgoprudny, Moscow region, from 1 March 2012 up to 31 December 2012. The comparison between radiometric and radiosonde measurements shows almost no bias, but a considerable scatter. The scatter is most probably due to radiosondes drifting away from an upright flight route.

Results of studies of ion composition and acidity of atmospheric precipitations at two rural stations of EANET network – Listvyanka (Irkutsk district) and Primorskaya (Primorskiy district) – are considered for period 2005–2011. The studies have shown that precipitations at Listvyanka station in average have lower mineralization but higher acidification as compared with Primorskaya site. During considered period at Listvyanka station the mineralization and pH of precipitations increased while at Primorskaya station they decreased. The contribution of nitrates into precipitation and their concentrations acidity have been growing during the considered period and their concentrations. Model HYSPLIT was used to estimate the influence of possible external sources on formation of chemical composition of precipitation. Analysis of air mass back trajectories has shown that the lowest precipitation pH at Primorskaya station in 2011 was observed during the entering of south-west cyclones from territories of China and Korea. In Listvyanka, higher precipitation acidity took place with air mass transfer from north-west, when precipitations were formed over industrial regions of East Siberia.

Results of aerosols composition researches in the atmosphere of Mongolia, obtained during the Russian–Mongolian expedition in 2011 are presented. The chemical composition of aerosols in the Southern Gobi (Hanbogd and Dalanzadgad) during the winter period depends on emissions connected with the mining industry. It is revealed that long-range transport of pollutants from China is the main factor in formation of aerosols in Sainshand, where no large sources of anthropogenic emissions are situated. The comparative analysis of aerosols showed that the chemical composition of aerosol particles in Ulaanbaatar is considerably similar to aerosols in Beijing in winter time.

A two-parameter model is presented in this paper, which allows retrieving the aerosol extinction coefficients in the visible and IR wavelength ranges on a horizontal near-ground path using a small number of parameters obtained in a local volume of air. The input parameters of the model are the aerosol angular scattering coefficient at an angle of 45° at a wavelength of 0.52 mm and the mass concentration of crystal carbon in aerosol particles. The spectral dependence of the single scattering albedo in the wavelength range 0.4–3.9 mm is estimated.

This paper presents the dynamics of principal chemical components of particulate matter in a smoke screen over Novosibirsk and its suburb resulting from forest fires of the Tomsk region and Krasnoyarsk territory. It has been found that the levels of submicron mass concentration of atmospheric aerosol (AA) increased significantly in 2012 as compared to 2010 and 2011. This increase is correlated with the high presence of organic matter in the atmosphere accompanied by the raised acidity and higher concentration of potassium K⁺ and formiate HCOO^– ions. Changes in the element composition of AA are absent.

Technogenic geochemical transformation of atmospheric air of the urbanized territories is one of important problems of modern ecology. The most sensitive, accessible, and authentic indicator of pollution level of atmospheric air and the area of distribution of streams of polluting substances in the conditions of a city is the snow cover.

This paper presents the results of statistical analysis of concentrations of ten ions (NO₂^–, HCO₃^–, SO₄^2–, NO₃^–, CL^–, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and NH₄⁺) measured in atmospheric precipitation of the Baikal region for 12 years. Strong diurnal variations (in some cases up to two orders of magnitude) are recordet. The calculation results of smoothed average values are indicative of seasonal variations of all mentioned above ionic concentrations: their content in winter is 2–3 times higher than in summer. In most cases, the unified hierarchy of mean ionic composition of atmospheric precipitation sampled in Irkutsk, Listvyanka settlement, and at the mountain observatory Mondy (2005 m asl) is noted. This paper contains tabular data on the geometric mean concentrations of ten ions and the corresponding variances.

Using tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) columns obtained by OMI instrument, the analysis of NO₂ intraweek changes over the world largest urban agglomerations (including Moscow) was carried out. With the help of Kruskal–Wallis test the estimates of statistical significance of differences in NO₂ content between different days of the week were obtained. It was found that over all considered agglomerations tropospheric NO₂ content is higher during workdays than during weekend. The peak-to-peak amplitudes of the statistically significant weekly cycles vary in the range from 14 (Cairo, Jakarta) up to 64% (Los Angeles). Intraweek differences of NO₂ over densely populated Shanghai and Delhi are statistically insignificant and do not exceed 7%. The NO₂ weekly cycle over the Moscow agglomeration is investigated in more detail. The changes in the spatial distribution of tropospheric NO₂ content over the Moscow region in the course of week were analysed. Using the data from three ground-based stations of air pollution control network in Moscow the weekly cycles in surface NO₂ concentrations were investigated and statistical significance of the intraweek differences of them was tested. The weekly cycle in tropospheric NO₂ column over Moscow was compared with those in surface NO₂ concentrations and a satisfactory agreement was found. The transformation of diurnal courses in surface NO₂ concentrations during a week in the summer and winter periods was also analyzed.

Method for the definition of total cloudiness by searching a blue of the sky on a color total sky images is described. For image analysis is used an additive RGB color model. Total cloud amount is defined as the relative number of pixels marked as "no blue of the sky". A comparison of the proposed method for the definition of total cloudiness with traditional visual method is given.

A study was made of the sedimentation of the pollen particulates of Siberian silver fir, ash maple, corn, manchzhursky nutwood, sea-buckthorn. It is shown that the dispersion of the pollen of these six species provides a considerable number of agglomerates of two or more grains, composing from 33.3 to 44.8% of the resulting particles. In this case, these agglomerates contain from 60.4 to 72.3% of the pollen dispersed. The sedimentation rate of the agglomerates, including from 1 to 6 pollen grains, was determined. The dependence of the agglomerate sedimentation rate on the number of the pollen grains included was established.

In 2006–2010 in the 52–56th Russian Antarctic Expedition on the route RV "Akademik Fedorov" detailed measurements of the microphysical and chemical properties of aerosols were carried out along with detailed measurements of meteorological parameters and the parameters of the navigation upper ocean layer. We analyze the latitudinal distribution and interannual variability of integral aerosol parameters: aerosol number concentration N_a, aerosol mass concentration M_a and aerosol mass concentration of “soot” (black carbon) M_вс, the chemical composition of the soluble fraction of aerosol in the drive due to the variability of meteorological parameters on the transatlantic sectional view, taken in 2006–2010 years.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the ecological risks of oil spills using satellite data. This paper presents the use of data Landsat and TERRA satellites from 1999 to 2007. We used archives of thematic products TERRA/MODIS (MOD11A1 and MOD13Q1) and Landsat satellite images. The approach, using MOD11A1 and archived weather data for estimate the probability of the atmospheric corrosion of pipelines, was developed. The paper presents a graph of average NDVI values ​​for 2000, 2001, and 2007 on the mechanically disturbed and contaminated territories. The coefficients of correlation between MOD13Q1 in oil fields and indicators of weather conditions were calculated.

The studies of the Siberian isolates of Beauveria bassian а (Bals-Griv.) Vuill. fungus revealed that their viability and virulence were dependent on storage time at positive temperatures (8 °C or 18 °C ). It was proved that only at 8 °C the isolates kept their viability and virulence during 3 years. According to correlation anаlysis data, the virulence of the investigated fungus isolates at 18 °C depended mainly on storage time (57–72 %) and to a less degree on other uncontrolled factors (28–43 %).

On the basis of perennial monitoring (1995–2010) of hyperhaline water reservoirs of the south of West Siberia with salinity 28 to 417 g/l, four seasons in the development of biocoenoses were distinguished, integrating results of the investigation of the effect of environmental factors on the species composition and productivity of biocoenoses were presented. The decisive effects of temperature on the seasonal cycles of hydrocole development, salinity on the productivity and composition of biocoenoses were revealed. The highest species diversity was observed in summer at temperatures above 12 °C; at negative temperatures the fauna is represented only by artemia cysts. With an increase of salinity from 28 to 100 g/l the number of species decreases. For salinity 100 g/l, the fauna is represented mainly by gill-footed Artemia crustaceans artemias. Hyperhaline biocoenoses are the most productive at salinity 150–180 g/l.

Morphometric analysis of the crustaceans of Artemia genus in nine Siberian populations was carried out. The effects of total mineralization of water reservoirs and some ions on the characteristics of Artemia growth were revealed. The number of setae on furca and its length are the most affected by the factors under consideration. A trend to decrease the manifestation of fluctuating asymmetry with an increase in total mineralization of water reservoirs was observed.

The first results of the study of phytoplankton and chemical composition of water of the entire Kolyma River are reported. The study revealed spatial structure of the phytoplankton communities in river sections with various hydrologic conditions. High diversity of phytoplankton in the Kolyma river was established. It was established that the physicochemical characteristics of water are determined by environmental factors, mainly permafrost soils. Water quality was estimated from phytoplankton bioindicators and chemical characteristics of water.

On the basis of the results of winter route censuses of birds at the territory of Central Altay, an hierarchical classification of bird species was filed with the help of multidimensional factor analysis on the basis of similarity in distribution, classification of population; the spatial-typological organization was described. Major environmental factors that determine non-uniformity of bird distribution were revealed. It was demonstrated that the classification of bird species and population in the Central Altay province and the Altay in general, similarly to its separate provinces, as well as the mountains of Southern Siberia, is similar. The structure of winter population depicts the arched character of differences in the main row, which is characteristic of the mountains in the south of Siberia in general, though somewhat less than for the summer period. The system of environmental factors approximating the spatial non-uniformity of ornithocomplexes is close both to the system revealed previously for the Altay in general and to its separate provinces and mountains of southern Siberia. Bird distribution coincides first of all with the forestation and anthropogenic impact on a territory. These factors mainly determine the food and shelter capacity of habitats.

Features of the formation and existence of the benthos population of amphibiotic insects, mainly mayflies (Ephemeroptera) and stoneflies (Plecoptera), in small rivers with subaerial deltas were studied in Central Tuva as example. The life of biota, first of all benthos, was revealed to be a complicated combination of migration, drift and re-drift of the uneven-aged larva of amphibiotic insects, which exhibit definite seasonal confinement to different parts of these rivers along their channels, coinciding with the seasonal dynamics of watering and food capacity.

Composition, structure and spatial distribution of zoobenthos and zooperiphyton at plant-filled regions of the littoral of Lake Teletskoe were analyzed. A dependence of the taxonomic composition, number and biomass of zoobenthos on vegetation type was discovered. A multilevel character of the distribution of invertebrates in macrophyte overgrowth was showed. Anаlysis of the trophic structure of the communities of macro-invertebrates revealed predominance of algodetritophagous animals in zooperiphyton. The role of plant overgrowth as a «life concentrator» in oligotrophic lake was revealed.

Changes in Lepidoptera fauna (without micromoths) from Southern Primorye to the Amur River mouth is analyzed. The most significant change in south-to-north direction is recorded on the northern border of rich broad-leaved forests. This line is suggested to be considered as the north-eastern border of the Amur-Manchurian (Stenopean of Palaearchaearctic) choron. An additional barrier is recorded along the river Gur. In the opposite direction, the faunal change is gradual and insignificant. The territory to the north from this border, at the Amur River mouth, is inhabited by transitional fauna with a significant share of nemoral species. The main faunistic barriers for different phenological complexes (spring, summer and autumn) differ by their positions: for the summer complex the barrier goes along the rich broad-leaved forest border; for the spring complex – between Khabarovsk and Komsomolsk-on-Amur, for the autumn complex – between Southern Primorye and Komsomolsk-on-Amur. All these regularities were registered in all Lepidoptera groups studied.

Noninvasive methods (polling, collection of excrements, DNA analysis, photo capturing) allowed us to reveal the most widespread mustelid species and evaluate the character of their distribution over the territory of the region. Two mustelid species – American mink and common marten – are most usual in the Southern Urals. American mink during the summer and autumn season tends to brooks flowing into large rivers, while common marten more frequently occurs at the banks of forest brooks and rivers with channel width not more than 3 m. Under usual conditions, there is a trend of space separation between different mustelid species, while under the critical conditions multi-species communities are formed on the banks of water flows. Mutual avoidance is achieved in these communities through the separation of diurnal activity.

On the basis of long-term studies of the ecology of yellow wagtail in the nature of the Lower Ob region and the results of experimental research, the factors determining the penetration of the species into the tundra of Yamal peninsula are analyzed.

Changes in the summer bird population of birch forests in the gradient of pollution with the emissions from the Karabash copper smelter (Chelyabinsk Region) were studied in 2009 by means of point counts. With increasing pollution, total density, species richness and diversity of bird population decrease, the fraction of hole-nesters in the community decreases, while the fraction of species nesting on ground and in the upper layer of forest increases. Changes in the majority of characteristics of bird population are limited to a local territory (at a distance of 6–8 km from the plant).

Changes in environmental variables were analyzed according to the data obtained in 2009 at 10 sites in the gradient of pollution with emissions from the Karabash copper smelter (Chelyabinsk Region): pollution level, basic structural characteristics of phytocoenosis, abundance of invertebrate phyllophages and ground-living invertebrates. The height of the top canopy, stand basal area, cover of all forest layers, biomass of ground-living invertebrates decrease with an increasing pollution. The damage of birch leaves (an index of the abundance of phyllophages) changes only insignificantly. It appears impossible to separate the contributions from abiotic and biotic variables into the formation of bird population in the region under study because of a close correlation between them. Pollution seems to affect bird population indirectly, through changes of habitat.