Line Shape Variability in a Sample of AGN with Broad Lines

The spectral variability of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is one of the key features that enables us to study in more detail, the structure of AGN emitting regions. Especially, the broad line profiles that vary both in flux and shape, give us invaluable information about the kinematics and geometry of the broad line region (BLR) where these lines are originating from. We give here a comparative review of the line shape variability in a sample of five type 1 AGNs, those with broad emission lines in their spectra, of the data obtained from the international long-term optical monitoring campaign coordinated by the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Science. The main aim of this campaign is to study the physics and kinematics of the BLR on a uniform data set, focusing on the problems of the photoionization heating of the BLR and its geometry, where, in this paper, we give for a first time, a comparative analysis of the variabilty of five type 1 AGNs, discussing their complex BLR physics and geometry in the framework of the estimates of the supermassive black hole mass in AGN.     

Selenium deficiency as a consequence of human activity and its correction

Problems of sustainable development in connection with the change of biogeochemical cycle of selenium and overcoming its deficiency in Russia, Serbia, Belarus and other countries are reported. The history of the biological role of selenium as an essential trace element is discussed. A special program of «Overcoming of selenium deficiency» has been developed by researches of Russia, Serbia and Belarus in view of high morbidity rates for cardiovascular, tumor and endemic diseases affecting the population of both the above and some other countries, including children, prevalence of selenium deficiency among livestock species and aggravation of the environmental situation as a result of man-made processes.     

Hydrogeological conditions for the forming and quality of mineral waters in Serbia

In the past researches conducted on the territory of Serbia, 5 regional geotectonic units have been distinguished with registered occurrences of 230 mineral springs. Recent analyses of the bottled mineral waters quality have not included systematic examinations of micro-components present in these waters. Based on the analyses of the bottled mineral waters (EuroGeoSurveys Geochemistry Expert Group), it has been observed that the water quality is greatly influenced by the chemical composition of igneous intrusions, regardless of the fact that the analyzed waters have been taken from different aquifers (Neogene sediments, limestone, flysch, schist).     

Synthetic pulsational line profile variations

We have produced simulated time series of high resolution spectroscopy for sdBs. We present the first results of testing classical mode identification techniques. Here, in particular, we analyse the behaviour of individual spectral lines and discuss the results and applicability of the moment method.     

Hydrochemical properties of transition zone between fresh groundwater and seawater in karst environment of the Adriatic islands,Croatia

Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea consists of karstified carbonates. It belongs to the well-known Dinaric karst region. The coast is extremely indented and there are 718 islands with numerous rock crags and reefs. Some of the inhabited islands use their own water resources for public water supply, or plan to do it in the future. Since karst rocks are extremely permeable, the seawater intrudes into underground water resources, thereby forming the wedge. A wide transition zone occurs between this seawater wedge and fresh water aquifers. Consequently, island groundwater reserves turn brackish to a certain extent. In this study, 77 water samples were collected from a wide variety of water resources. Comprehensive statistical and mathematical multivariate analysis of these data was performed. Simple statistical approach showed several useful correlations among some parameters, and more complex multivariate techniques extracted three factors in connection with three natural processes: (1) mixing with the seawater, (2) carbonate dissolution and (3) human influence (pollution) and nitrogen transformation processes. The results of this study demonstrate that in situ measurement of electrical conductivity is adequate for the very rough field estimation of numerous parameters.     

A modeling study of the physical processes affecting the development of seasonal hypoxia over the inner Louisiana-Texas shelf: Circulation and stratification

The physical processes affecting the development of seasonal hypoxia over the Louisiana-Texas shelf were examined using a high-resolution, three-dimensional, unstructured-grid, Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM). The model was forced with the observed freshwater fluxes from the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, surface winds, heat fluxes, tides and offshore conditions. The simulations were carried out over a six-month period, from April to September 2002, and the model performance was evaluated against several independent series of observations that included tidal gauge data, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data, shipboard measurements of temperature and salinity, vertical salinity and sigma-t profiles, and satellite imagery. The model accurately described the offshore circulation mode generated over the Louisiana-Texas shelf by the westerly winds during summer months, as well as the prevalent westward flow along the coast caused by the easterly winds during the rest of the study period. The seasonal cycle of stratification also was well represented by the model. During 2002, the stratification was initiated in early spring and subsequently enhanced by the intensity and phasing of riverine freshwater discharges. Strong stratification persisted throughout the summer and was finally broken down in September by tropical storms. The model simulations also revealed a quasi-permanent anticyclonic gyre in the Louisiana Bight region formed by the rotational transformation of the Mississippi River plume, whose existence during 2002 was supported by the satellite imagery and ADCP current measurements. Model simulations support the conclusion that local wind forcing and buoyancy flux resulting from riverine freshwater discharges were the dominant mechanisms affecting the circulation and stratification over the inner Louisiana-Texas shelf.     

S(IV) Autoxidation in Atmospheric Liquid Water: The Role of Fe(II) and the Effect of Oxalate

The reactivity of dissolved iron compounds towards different pollutants and photooxidants in atmospheric liquid water depends upon the oxidation state and speciation of iron. Our measurements of the oxidation state of dissolved iron eluted from aerosol particles (Dae: 0.4–1.6 m) collected in the urban atmosphere of Ljubljana showed that a large fraction of the iron content is present as Fe(II). The concentration ratio [Fe(II)]/[Fe(III)] varied between 0.9 and 3.1. The kinetics of S(IV) autoxidation catalyzed by Fe(II) under the conditions representative for acidified atmospheric liquid water and the influence of oxalate on this reaction under dark conditions was investigated. The reaction rate is the same if Fe(II) or Fe(III) is used as a catalyst under the condition that Fe(II) can be oxidized in Fe(III), which is the catalytically active species. Oxalate has a strong inhibiting effect on the S(IV) autoxidation in the presence of Fe(II). The reaction is autocatalytic with an induction period, that increases with higher concentrations of oxalate. The inhibiting effect of oxalate differs according to whether iron is initially in the Fe(II) or Fe(III) state. However, in both cases the inhibition by oxalate is a result of the formation of complexes with the catalyst.     

Macroseismic practice in Slovenia

In 1986, a project was started concerning the improvement of macroseismic data management in Slovenia. It was decided to establish a network of collaborators all over Slovenia (20 251 km², approx. 2 million inhabitants), dense enough to allow the use of the MSK scale. Since the uniform spatial distribution with desired density of collaborators is hard to achieve, several methods are being used to obtain new collaborators. At present we have approximately 4100 collaborators in our computer supported database.When an earthquake is felt in Slovenia, the seismologist decides to what areas the questionnaires are to be sent. The prospective observers can be chosen by two criteria: density and quality marks. The density mark allows us to choose a number of observers in the same town or village, based mostly on the quality of answers and demographic conditions. The quality mark is computed, combined with the previous marks, and updated every time a completed questionnaire is returned.The average number of shocks for which the questionnaires are being sent is about 25 per year during the normal seismic activity. The average number of questionnaires is approximately 300 per event. The percentage of the returned questionnaires is above 66%. A user-friendly, interactive program has been developed to manage the database with information about collaborators, to select an area, density and quality threshold of inquiry, and to print addresses onto questionnaires.