The color of soils as a basis for proximal sensing of their composition

The color is one of the main morphological properties of soils, as it integrally reflects their material composition. Most of the macro-, micro- and nano-morphological methods in pedology are based on the analysis of soil reflectance characteristics within the visible spectrum (i.e., soils color). The evolution of soil color study methods and the features of modern instruments are described in the report. The main directions in the development of this field of soil science as well as the achievements and problems to be addressed in the study of soil color are demonstrated by specific examples

Soil Electroconductivity as a Proxy to Monitor the Desertification in the Hungry Steppe (Uzbekistan)

Soil salinity caused by desertification is a principal limiting factor for agriculture and lands development in Central Asia. High spatial heterogeneity of soil salinity constrains monitoring desertification and decision making on land management and soil remediation. Low-cost express methods to monitor soil salinity are highly demanded especially at the regions, where implementation of more expensive conventional measurements is constrained due to budget limitations. This research aimed to test onsite and laboratory measurements of soil electroconductivity (EC) as a proxy of soil salinity in the Hungry Steppe (Syrdarya province of Uzbekistan). Four Water Consumer Associations (WCA) with different land quality were analyzed and the EC observations were compared to the results derived from soil salinity maps. An overall satisfactory performance of the indicator was shown with an average 28% of the correctly predicted soil salinity classes. Field EC observations significantly positively correlated to the lab observations (r = 0.57; p < 0.05), but underestimated the absolute values in 66% of the cases. The best performance (53% of corrected predictions) was obtained for the Beruni WCA with the lowers land quality, therefore EC can be recommended as a relevant proxy in areas with high salinity rather than in areas with low concentrations of water-soluble salts. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Smart and Sustainable Cities: From Environmental Threats Towards Nature Based Solutions and Sustainable Management

Sustainable urban development has become an increasingly important topic in scientific and political agendas. “Smart and Sustainable Cities - 2018” continues the series of conferences, organized by RUDN University under the umbrella of Jean Monnet Project EDEMS, to discuss environmental, technological and socio-economical challenges and perspectives of sustainable urban development

Smart and Sustainable Cities: From Environmental Threats Towards Nature Based Solutions and Sustainable Management

Sustainable urban development has become an increasingly important topic in scientific and political agendas. “Smart and Sustainable Cities - 2018” continues the series of conferences, organized by RUDN University under the umbrella of Jean Monnet Project EDEMS, to discuss environmental, technological and socio-economical challenges and perspectives of sustainable urban development. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG

EXPERIENCE OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF INJURIES OF MIDDLE AND LOWER CERVICAL SPINE WHILE DIVING

Objective - to analyze the long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with injuries of middle- and lower cervical spine in diving. Materials and methods. An analysis of surgical treatment of 27 patients and assessment of the long-term results of 20 patients in a period of 6 months to 6 years were performed with analysis of clinical, neurological, radiographic data and mortality. Results. Mostly the C5 vertebra was damaged - in 17 patients (63%). Compression fractures of vertebral bodies met in 6 (22%), compression-comminuted fractures - in 16 (59%) patients, dislocations - in 5 (19%). All patients had neurological disorders. All observations noted rigid stabilization of the spine with an implant made of porous nickel-titanium, the presence of bone-metal block at the level of the damaged vertebral body Mortality in the postoperative period was 26%. In the long-term period the initial neurological symptoms were observed in 7 (30%) patients, 13 (48%) patients had marked regression of neurological symptoms. Full functional maladjustment was observed in 6 patients with no motor function below the damaged segment, originally belonging to groups A and B on the classification of H.L. Frankel. Moderate and mild degree of functional adaptation disorders were present in 5 and 4 patients respectively. In the remaining patients we did not reveal a functional maladjustment. Range of motion in the cervical spine in all patients was considered as good. Conclusions. Anterior decompressive-stabilizing surgeries on the spine with an implant made of porous nickel-titanium and metal plate CSLP allows reliably stabilization of the injured spine and the rehabilitation of this severe category of patients