scholarly journals THE VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE ALLUVIAL CHEMO-FACIES OF BOUMERZOUG WADI, CONSTANTINE, NORTHEASTERN ALGERIA: PALEOENVEROMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE AND CLIMATE EVOLUTION

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-79
Author(s):  
Noureddine RABAHI ◽  
◽  
Foued DJAIZ ◽  
Nabil DEFAFLIA ◽  
Enrico GUASTALDI ◽  
...  

The authorities of Constantine city have been working on the redevelopment and calibration of the Rhumel and Boumerzoug wadis since 2015. The latter calebrage works caused great damage to the banks, thus affecting the Quaternary geological formations in place (alluvial terraces, flood plains). A multidisciplinary research project based on a geomorphological and sedimentological approach was quickly set up to create a scientific data base before their total destruction and loss of physical traces all along the wadis. The present study focuses on the sedimentological and geochemical analysis of the alluvial deposits of Boumerzoug wadi in order to describe the sediments, to reconstitute their nature, and to interpret both the climatic evolution and the paleo-environments of the region. Sedimentological and geochemical results confirm the succession of deposition cycles linked to progressive climate change.

Tomography ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54
Author(s):  
Veerle Kersemans ◽  
Stuart Gilchrist ◽  
Philip Danny Allen ◽  
Sheena Wallington ◽  
Paul Kinchesh ◽  
...  

Standardisation of animal handling procedures for a wide range of preclinical imaging scanners will improve imaging performance and reproducibility of scientific data. Whilst there has been significant effort in defining how well scanners should operate and how in vivo experimentation should be practised, there is little detail on how to achieve optimal scanner performance with best practices in animal welfare. Here, we describe a system-agnostic, adaptable and extensible animal support cradle system for cardio-respiratory-synchronised, and other, multi-modal imaging of small animals. The animal support cradle can be adapted on a per application basis and features integrated tubing for anaesthetic and tracer delivery, an electrically driven rectal temperature maintenance system and respiratory and cardiac monitoring. Through a combination of careful material and device selection, we have described an approach that allows animals to be transferred whilst under general anaesthesia between any of the tomographic scanners we currently or have previously operated. The set-up is minimally invasive, cheap and easy to implement and for multi-modal, multi-vendor imaging of small animals.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Genuite ◽  
Carole Nehme ◽  
Daniel Ballesteros ◽  
Dominique Todisco ◽  
Damase Mouralis

<p>The Seine river (France) drains today a catchment area of 80,000 km<sup>2</sup> covering almost the northern part of France. Despite its importance, few studies focused on the Seine catchment and its landscape evolution, unlike the Somme basin, which remains a European reference for the Quaternary, because of to the numerous archaeological sites it contains. The middle and lower Seine valley in Normandy shows nevertheless a particular meandering fluvial dynamic and a succession of fluvial terraces over 120 m height, dated back to Early Quaternary. Previous works focused on the stratigraphy of alluvial sequences and led to the accurate characterization of lower fluvial and estuarine levels from Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 1 to MIS 11. The alluvial terraces comprise also various Acheulean industries, showing human settlements in the valley for at least 400,000 years. Such archaeological remnants were retrieved in Saint-Pierre-Lès-Elbeuf, Tourville-la-Rivière, Vernon and La Celle.</p><p>Nowadays, the Seine connects to the drowned lower Seine course which continues in the Channel. This submerged part was subaerial during the last glacial cycle. Presently, the lower Seine course is still under the influence of marine tidal effects up to la Bouille (around 30 km from the coast). Additionally, estuarine deposits filled the valley up to Les Andelys (around 80 km from the coast) during the Holocene transgression and cover the penultimate and last glacial alluvial terraces. Nevertheless, the dynamic of the Seine river is broadly identified with few chronological constraints, but without any morphometric analysis combined with stratigraphical study.</p><p>This work provides a review of the stratigraphy of the quaternary alluvial deposits in the lower part of the Seine Valley, together with new morphometrical analysis of the paleo-meanders located at higher altitudes. The analysis of the paleo-morphologies compared with high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM), provides new means for constraining the fluvial incision and deposition over long distances and periods, and helps to discuss the river evolution related with quaternary uplift, catchment evolution and glacio-eustatic dynamics.</p>


GigaScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Paulus ◽  
Anne-Katrin Mahlein

Abstract Background The use of hyperspectral cameras is well established in the field of plant phenotyping, especially as a part of high-throughput routines in greenhouses. Nevertheless, the workflows used differ depending on the applied camera, the plants being imaged, the experience of the users, and the measurement set-up. Results This review describes a general workflow for the assessment and processing of hyperspectral plant data at greenhouse and laboratory scale. Aiming at a detailed description of possible error sources, a comprehensive literature review of possibilities to overcome these errors and influences is provided. The processing of hyperspectral data of plants starting from the hardware sensor calibration, the software processing steps to overcome sensor inaccuracies, and the preparation for machine learning is shown and described in detail. Furthermore, plant traits extracted from spectral hypercubes are categorized to standardize the terms used when describing hyperspectral traits in plant phenotyping. A scientific data perspective is introduced covering information for canopy, single organs, plant development, and also combined traits coming from spectral and 3D measuring devices. Conclusions This publication provides a structured overview on implementing hyperspectral imaging into biological studies at greenhouse and laboratory scale. Workflows have been categorized to define a trait-level scale according to their metrological level and the processing complexity. A general workflow is shown to outline procedures and requirements to provide fully calibrated data of the highest quality. This is essential for differentiation of the smallest changes from hyperspectral reflectance of plants, to track and trace hyperspectral development as an answer to biotic or abiotic stresses.


1979 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. F. Snow

AbstractThe vertical distribution of flying mosquitoes beside an area of dry-season irrigated rice-fields was investigated at Bansang in the Gambia. Suction traps were set up at seven levels (0·1, 0·25, 0·5, 1·0, 2·1, 3·9 and 7·9 m) over a dry open field. Vertical distribution profiles were of two types. In the first, mosquito density decreased progressively with height and 80% or more of the total were taken below 1 m. Mosquitoes token included Anopheles gambiae Giles s. l., A. pharoensis Theo., Culex antennatus (Becker), C. ethiopicus Edw., C. neavei Theo. and Mansonia spp. Although the largest catches of A. rufipes (Gough) were taken in the lowest traps, this species Showed a tendency to a bimodal vertical distribution profile during. the early part of the night. In the second type, in which mosquitoes were frequent at all heights, C. poicilipes (Theo.) was the sole example. For the more common species at least, flight altitude declined with increasing wind speed. For a few categories of mosquitoes, flight levels decreased as the night progressed, but the presence of moonlight, or its absence, had no demonstrable effect.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Kuß ◽  
Dagmar Kubistin ◽  
Robert Holla ◽  
Christian Plaß-Dülmer ◽  
Erasmus Tensing ◽  
...  

<p>As a toxic and reactive gas, nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) influences air quality and health, the self-cleaning power of the atmosphere and photochemical smog formation. Reliable scientific data with high quality and comparability are required for national and international decision-makers. The quality of the NO<sub>2</sub> measurements is crucially dependent on the quality of the calibration standards. In order to achieve the quality goals required, the MetNO2 project within the EMPIR (European Metrology Program for Innovation and Research) program aims to provide accurate and stable NO<sub>2</sub> calibration standards for operational use at air quality stations.</p><p>To characterise the impurities of the newly developed standards a Thermal Dissociation - Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift (TD - CAPS) system has been set up, based on the design from Sadanaga et al. (2016). The device includes four heated channels for the differentiation of NO<sub>2</sub>, peroxy and alkyl nitrates and HNO<sub>3</sub>. In parallel, a gold converter coupled with a chemiluminescence detector was deployed for detection of the total sum of NO<sub>y</sub>. First results of the performance of the TD-CAPS used for impurity analysis of NO<sub>2</sub> standards will be presented.</p><p> </p><p>Reference: Sadanaga et al. Review of Scientific Instruments 87.7 (2016), 074102</p>


1976 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Gillies ◽  
T. J. Wilkes

AbstractMosquitoes flying at low levels over open farmland were sampled by means of electrical suction traps. These were set up at nine levels from ground level up to 6 m. From the vertical profiles obtained it was possible to recognise three patterns of behaviour: (1) a low-flying group with relatively very high densities below 1 m, comprising Mansonia (Man-sonioides) spp., Aedes spp. and some species of Anopheles; (2) an intermediate group with densities rather evenly distributed at the lower levels but declining above 2–4 m, comprising A. funestus Giles, A. gambiae Giles and Culex neavei Theo.; (3) a high-flying group with catches at 6 m greater, or much greater, than at 1 m, composed of C. antennatus (Becker), C. thalassius Theo. and C. poicilipes (Theo.). For all species, catches after 23.00 h showed an increase in the proportion of mosquitoes taken in traps at the lower levels, this being most marked at ground level and 0·5 m. No influence of either moonlight or wind speed could be detected to account for this. Biting catches on human baits showed a generally similar pattern to suction-trap catches, although differences between baits at 1-m intervals at the higher levels were less than with unbaited traps.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ε. Βερυκίου-Παπασπυριδάκου ◽  
Γ. Μπαθρέλλος ◽  
Χ. Σκυλοδήμου

Rhodes is the biggest island of the Dodecanese complex; its geology is very interesting for the researchers because it h located onto the eastern end of the Aegean arcade. This paper involves the physico-geographical features of the coastal zone of the NE part of Rhodes. Specifically, the major geological formations of the region were studied and classified, according to their morphology and lithology. In addition, the human interventions that have affected the region were also recorded. The geological formations met in the study region are the following: Mesozoic limestones, Oligocene flysch, Pliocene - Pleistocene marls, calcarenites, and Holocene deposits. Steep slopes and cliffs basically characterize the limestone coasts. Some mirror faults, indicate the intense tectonic movements whereas, some coastlines witness the former sea level. The flysch coasts have mainly steep slope. The coasts, which are developed on marls and calcarenites have got various morphological slopes. This has resulted to the formation of steep costs with cliffs and middle slope costs that are characterized by smooth relief. The coasts developed onto alluvial deposits have mainly gentle slope bearing the bulk of the beaches. They are featured by several geoforms such as coastal dunes, while the human intervention is significant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Błażej Śliwiński ◽  
Beata Możejko

After the Teutonic Knights successfully broke through Gdańsk’s defenses on 12/13 November 1308, they set about massacring not only those knights who supported the rule of the margraves and Brandenburg, but also Gdańsk’s burghers. In 1310, Pope Clement v set up a special commission to investigate whether it was true that the Teutonic Knights had killed more than ten thousand people in Gdańsk. The Teutonic procurator, in response to allegations of slaughter, argued that Gdańsk was harboring thieves who were causing great damage to the Order. After the massacre, it was claimed that the burghers who survived were asked several times to expel the lawbreakers, and were threatened with the destruction of the town if they failed to do so. Fearing for their lives, the burghers handed over fifteen criminals to the Teutonic Knights, and left the town to go and live elsewhere, their abandoned houses falling into ruin. Though it is unknown what happened to the exiled burghers who survived the massacre in Gdańsk, it is likely that they took refuge in other German cities, possibly Lübeck. For over ten years historical records make no mention of life in Gdańsk or of its burghers, until 1327, when it is noted once again as a thriving city. There is little doubt that its favorable location—on the Baltic coast—ensured its revival. The resurrected city was founded next to the one destroyed in 1308.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Khiat ◽  
M Pibarot ◽  
J Roux ◽  
P Bottin ◽  
J Saïas-Magnan ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question How a new specialized e-meeting for complex cases in oncofertility is used by fertility preservation specialists (FPS)? Summary answer The e-meeting for complex oncofertility cases is an innovative tool that fulfils the needs of FPS and could help them to improve their oncofertility practice. What is known already Little is known about the management of fertility preservation (FP) in rare cancer that could be challenging for FPS due to lack of experience and scientific data. To our knowledge, there is no specially dedicated meeting reported in published literature to provide highly specialized advices to FPS in these challenging situations of FP. Study design, size, duration We present three years of activity of a national French e-meeting dedicated to the management of challenging oncofertility cases. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all submitted cases. Second, a survey was conducted to evaluate the use of this e-meeting at participating FPS. Participants/materials, setting, methods The E-meeting for Complex Cases in Oncofertility was created in 2016 September in France, allowing for National oncofertility experts to share viewpoints about challenging cases for which they do not have experience and/or no sufficient data available in published literature. Demographic and clinical data, number of replies and proposal for each case were collected retrospectively. A survey to investigate the use and the interest of FPS for this tool was sent to its members. Main results and the role of chance: One hundred and four experts have joined the e-meeting since its set-up and 109 challenging cases have been submitted. Mean age of patients was 22.0 ± 8.9 years old and 87% were female. Most of cases were hematological cancers (n = 32/109; 29%), gynecologic cancers (n = 30/109; 27%) and neurological cancers (n = 12/109; 10.9%). Each submitted case received on average 2 ± 1 different strategy for FP and the opinion of 7 ± 2 experts. Among the FPS who submitted cases, seeking the opinions from others FPS allowed them to confirm their care plan (N = 49; 84%), to offer different options to their patient (N = 34; 58%) and to compare their practices with other specialists (N = 23; 39%). All respondents reported a self-perceived improvement in their practice of oncologic FP (n = 80; 100%). Limitations, reasons for caution Although this study showed a perceived improvement at FPS in the management of challenging oncofertility cases, we did not study in details their adherence to the e-meeting’s proposals. The value of this new tool has also not been assessed regarding patient’s quality of life and further fertility. Wider implications of the findings: Specific attention should be paid for challenging cases in oncofertility for which only experiences of individual exist. Enhancing communication between FPS through national and international networks, pooling experiences and collecting the most complex cases are required in order to improve the management of these patients. Trial registration number Not applicable


Soil Research ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
PH Walker ◽  
RJ Coventry

Soil profile data from river terrace sequences on the New South Wales coast and southern highlands have been summarized. In all sequences the profiles have a progressive increase in soil development from low alluvial benches to flood plains to terraces. The general similarity of soils among these and other alluvial sequences in eastern New South Wales is the basis of a descriptive generalization in terms of five profile stages: stratic stage on low alluvial benches; cumulic stage on flood plains; low-contrast solum stage on low terraces; high-contrast solum stage on high terraces; extended subsolum stage on highest terraces. Sufficient lack of correlation occurs between sequences to suggest that the profile stages are groupings within a continuous spectrum of profile variation, the whole representing the one pedogenetic pathway. Pedogenesis in these alluvial landscapes is considered to progress through the development, first of a biotic profile which reaches a maximum within 1000 years, which is then degraded with the onset of mineral weathering and B horizon development, to a maximum solum form within 30 000 years. The rates of change of biotic and mineral profile components are sufficiently slow that only broad limits of confidence can be applied to soil stratigraphic correlations based on field morphology alone.


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