Estimation of Organic Pesticide Residues in Wines of Moldova

This paper presents the study of pesticide residues in Moldovan wine products originating from traditional agriculture because the appreciation of these compounds is an important aspect of food safety. During 2007–2010, about 3000 analyses of wine samples using GC‐MS were investigated. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), i.e., α‐, β‐, γ‐HCH, aldrine, and heptachlor were not found in any of the samples. Insignificant quantities of metalaxyl and mefenoxam were found in some wine samples. The missing of POPs in wine products represents an important quality feature. The study showed that if growers comply with rules of phytosanitary treatments and the waiting period is respected, the content of pesticide residues can be reduced to safe limits. Also, the list of approved pesticides must be regularly revised, taking into account the degree of toxicity. Additionally, growers are to be constantly informed about effectuated changes.     

Radiative properties of stellar plasmas and open challenges

The lifetime of solar-like stars, the envelope structure of more massive stars, and stellar acoustic frequencies largely depend on the radiative properties of the stellar plasma. Up to now, these complex quantities have been estimated only theoretically. The development of the powerful tools of helio- and astero- seismology has made it possible to gain insights on the interiors of stars. Consequently, increased emphasis is now placed on knowledge of the monochromatic opacity coefficients. Here we review how these radiative properties play a role, and where they are most important. We then concentrate specifically on the envelopes of ?? Cephei variable stars. We discuss the dispersion of eight different theoretical estimates of the monochromatic opacity spectrum and the challenges we need to face to check these calculations experimentally.     

Climate–water quality relationships in Texas reservoirs

Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and concentrations of salts in surface water bodies can be affected by the natural environment and local human activities such as surface and ground water withdrawals, land use and energy extraction, and variability and long‐term trends in atmospheric conditions including temperature and precipitation. Here, we quantify the relationship between 121 indicators of mean and extreme temperature and precipitation and 24 water quality parameters in 57 Texas reservoirs using observational data records covering the period 1960 to 2010. Over time scales ranging from 1 week to 2 years, we find that water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, chloride, sulfate, and phosphorus all show consistent correlations with atmospheric predictors, including high and low temperature extremes, dry days, heavy precipitation events, and mean temperature and precipitation. Based on these relationships combined with regional climate projections, we expect climate change to increase water temperatures, decrease dissolved oxygen levels, decrease pH, increase specific conductance, and increase levels of sulfate and chloride in Texas reservoirs. Over decadal time scales, this may affect aquatic ecosystems in the reservoirs, including altering the risk of conditions conducive to algae occurrence, as well as affecting the quality of water available for human consumption and recreation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the hemispheric correlations of vertical and meridional wind components

Summary Using the values of vertical velocities computed byJensen (1960) and the values of the meridional component of the wind for the months of January and April 1958, the covariances of both quantities were evaluated at different levels at various latitudes. These covariances are tabulated and the terms associated with transient eddies are compared to the standing eddy terms, the relative magnitudes of both contributions being finally investigated.

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Résumé En employant les valeurs du mouvement vertical calculées parJensen (1960) et les valeurs des composantes méridionales des vents pour les mois de Janvier et Avril 1958, les covariances des deux quantités ont été evaluées aux différents niveaux dans différentes latitudes. Ces covariances sont tabulées et les valeurs associées aux perturbations transientes et stationnaires sont comparées afin de donner un aperçu sur l'importance relative des deux procès.

     

The Restricted Three -Body Problem. Comments on the `Spatial' Equilibrium Points

In the photogravitational restricted three-body problem, the role of theradiation-pressure is reviewed. By the analytical considerations, the existence of the `spatial' equilibrium points is analysed. In order to avoid the unknown parameters of the infinitesimal body, for the two component stars an analytical function ₂ =f(₁ ) is established.In contrast to results given by other authors, here only one pair of suchpoints is found. A numerical simulation for RW Monocerotis is undertakenand it is found L ₆(–0.055; 0; +1.07) and L ₇(–0.055; 0; –1.07).