Composite microbialites: Thrombolite, dendrolite, and stromatolite associations in a modern environment, Pozo Bravo lake, Salar de Antofalla, Catamarca Puna, Argentina

ABSTRACT Pozo Bravo is a high-altitude Andean lake that harbors modern microbialites thriving in hypersaline conditions in the Salar de Antofalla, one of the driest sites on Earth and located in the Puna region of Catamarca, northwest Argentine. Due to the lake physiography, microbialites are restricted to a narrow belt following Pozo Bravo lake variations. Microbialites exhibit a wide range of external morphologies including domal, discoidal, tabular, and horseshoe-like bioherms which vary considerably in size, as well as large biostromal terraces. As documented by other studies on modern microbialites, external morphology appears to be mainly the product of the environmental setting. In Pozo Bravo lake, high evaporation rates and hypersalinity (driven by high temperature and strong winds), water-level fluctuations, and lake-bottom topography are major controlling factors. The distinctive feature of Pozo Bravo microbialites is their internal structure, showing a gradual transition from a thrombolitic core to dendrolitic structures and to a sharply overlying stromatolitic layer within a single microbialite. We suggest that these various microbialite textures represent a gradual change within an environmental gradient based on lake-level variations, and the influence of these environmental factors on biological activity, mainly by cyanobacteria and diatoms. The study of this site is particularly relevant given that it represents an active system where progressive changes in microbialite type (from thrombolites to dendrolites and stromatolites) are recorded, providing an excellent natural laboratory to study these textural changes from a mechanistic perspective, and it may provide insights for better understanding of the microbialite geological record. In addition, given that these systems are threatened by human activities (mining of lithium-rich brines), its study and preservation are necessary.

Determination of Appropriate Operation of Firefighting Facility using Fire and Evacuation Simulations

Recently, a performance-based design of a fire protection facility has been proposed that significantly contributes to the construction of safe and reliable buildings. Improving the performance of the fire protection facility will enable protection of the public along with the infrastructure. Designs focusing on the fire protection performance generally add or modify architectural aspects through fire and evacuation simulations. However, a secure evacuation system aided with CCTVs has rarely been considered as an active system. Particularly for apartments, it is very difficult to assure evacuation safety without using an active system in fire and evacuation simulations with the front door of the burning room open. Safety can be achieved by combining a passive system with an active system, on the basis that the building premises has the foundation of a passive system. The regulation on the evacuation delay time in the nation was brought in effect through the SFPE paper but was deleted since the data reliability was insufficient. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to analyze the operation of a fire protection facility required to ensure safety by planning multiple simulations of a fire and evacuation system. An apartment has been considered as an example to design the foundation for a standard evacuation safety system. An active system is applied to execute fire and evacuation simulations, with focus on the fire protection performance.

Upward Magma Migration Within the Multi-Level Plumbing System of the Changbaishan Volcano (China/North Korea) Revealed by the Modeling of 2018–2020 SAR Data

Changbaishan volcano (China/North Korea border) was responsible for the largest eruption of the first Millennium in 946 CE and is characterized by a multi-level plumbing system. It last erupted in 1903 and presently consists of a cone with summit caldera. An unrest episode occurred between 2002 and 2006, followed by subsidence. Here, we analyze the Changbaishan 2018–2020 deformations by using remote sensing data, detecting an up to 20 mm/yr, NW-SE elongated, Line of Sight movement of its southeastern flank and a −20 mm/yr Line of Sight movement of the southwestern flank. This reveals an unrest occurring during 2018–2020. Modeling results suggest that three active sources are responsible for the observed ground velocities: a deep tabular deflating source, a shallower inflating NW-SE elongated spheroid source, and a NW-SE striking dip-slip fault. The depth and geometry of the inferred sources are consistent with independent petrological and geophysical data. Our results reveal an upward magma migration from 14 to 7.7 km. The modeling of the leveling data of the 2002–2005 uplift and 2009–2011 subsidence depicts sources consistent with the 2018–2020 active system retrieved. The past uplift is interpreted as related to pressurization of the upper portion of the spheroid magma chamber, whereas the subsidence is consistent with the crystallization of its floor, this latter reactivated in 2018–2020. Therefore, Changbaishan is affected by an active magma recharge reactivating a NW-SE trending fault system. Satellite data analysis is a key tool to unravel the magma dynamics at poorly monitored and cross-border volcanoes.

SYSTEMATIZATION OF IDENTIFICATION CRITERIA AND POSITIONING PARAMETERS OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES: INNOVATIVE ASPECT

The article deepens theoretical and methodical provisions on the attractive image formation for the territorial communities in terms of systematization of their identification criteria and positioning parameters, strengthened in this context local innovative aspect of the implementation of sustainable development concept. The theoretical and methodical provisions regarding the marketing tools of economic entities at the local level have been analysed, which made it possible to research the territorial community as a complex and innovatively active system characterized by emergence and synergistic metasystem connections between its elements that require ordering. This ordering became possible due to the methodological research platform, which based on the positions of the systemic and integrated approach, D. Forrester counterintuitive method of system dynamics, A. Marshall partial equilibrium approach and the principle of stable disequilibrium. The authors proved that the process of determining and ordering identification criteria and positioning parameters depends on the existing institutional frames for the functioning and development of territorial communities, which have a narrowing effect on the search opportunities and alternatives in choice. The discreteness of the coverage of the unique characteristics, which made it possible to distinguish the community among many others based on the established scientific hypothesis, justified the choice of 15 identification criteria and 13 positioning parameters that form the idea of a territorial unit. The provisions of the article systematized of certain criteria and parameters by constructing appropriate classification schemes based on a descending hierarchical chain of classification taxa “class – type – criterion / parameter – result (value) of criterion / parameter”. This made it possible to distinguish between the classes of identification criteria into key and auxiliary ones, and the classes of positioning parameters into single (quantitative) and complex (qualitative) ones. The article proves importance of the implementation of identification criteria and positioning parameters in the practice of the territorial communities strategizing to improve their innovative activity and determine key development positions in a strategic perspective.

Lahar risk assessment from source identification to potential impact analysis: the case of Vulcano Island, Italy

Lahars are rapid flows composed of water and volcaniclastic sediments, which have the potential to impact residential buildings and critical infrastructure as well as to disrupt critical services, especially in the absence of hazard-based land-use planning. Their destructive power is mostly associated with their velocity (related to internal flow properties and topographic interactions) and to their ability to bury buildings and structures (due to deposit thickness). The distance reached by lahars depends on their volume, on sediments/water ratio, as well as on the geometrical properties of the topography where they propagate. Here we present the assessment of risk associated with lahar using Vulcano island (Italy) as a case study. First, we estimated an initial lahar source volume considering the remobilisation by intense rain events of the tephra fallout on the slopes of the La Fossa cone (the active system on the island), where the tephra fallout is associated with the most likely scenario (e.g. long-lasting Vulcanian cycle). Second, we modelled and identified the potential syn-eruptive lahar impact areas on the northern sector of Vulcano, where residential and touristic facilities are located. We tested a range of parameters (e.g., entrainment capability, consolidation of tephra fallout deposit, friction angle) that can influence lahar propagation output both in terms of intensity of the event and extent of the inundation area. Finally, exposure and vulnerability surveys were carried out in order to compile exposure and risk maps for lahar-flow front velocity (semi-quantitative indicator-based risk assessment) and final lahar-deposit thickness (qualitative exposure-based risk assessment). Main outcomes show that the syn-eruptive lahar scenario with medium entrainment capability produces the highest impact associated with building burial by the final lahar deposit. Nonetheless, the syn-eruptive lahar scenario with low entrainment capacity is associated with higher runout and results in the highest impact associated with lahar-flow velocities. Based on our simulations, two critical infrastructures (telecommunication and power plant), as well as the main road crossing the island are exposed to potential lahar impacts (either due to lahar-flow velocity or lahar-deposit thickness or both). These results show that a risk-based spatial planning of the island could represent a valuable strategy to reduce the volcanic risk in the long term.

Influence of Incorporation of Different dn-Electron Metal Cations into Biologically Active System on Its Biological and Physicochemical Properties

Three new compounds, namely [HL]2+[CuCl4]2−, [HL]2+[ZnCl4]2−, and [HL]2+[CdCl4]2− (where L: imipramine) were synthesized and their physicochemical and biological properties were thoroughly investigated. All three compounds form isostructural, crystalline systems, which havea been studied using Single-Crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (SC-XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The thermal stability was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and melting points for all compounds have been determined. Magnetic measurements were performed in order to study the magnetic properties of the compounds. The above mentioned techniques allowed us to comprehensively examine the physicochemical properties of the newly obtained compounds. The biological activity was investigated using the number of Zebrafish tests, as it is one of the most common models for studying the impact of newly synthesized compounds on the central nervous system (CNS), since this model is very similar to the human CNS.

Silk Fibroin and Pomegranate By-Products to Develop Sustainable Active Pad for Food Packaging Applications

In this study, a bio-based polymeric system loaded with fruit by-products was developed. It was based on silk fibroin produced by the silkworm Bombyx mori and pomegranate peel powder, selected as active agent. The weight ratio between fibroin and pomegranate powder was 30:70. Pads also contained 20% w/w of glycerol vs. fibroin to induce water insolubility. Control systems, consisting of only fibroin and glycerol, were produced as reference. Both control and active systems were characterized for structural and morphological characterization (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and optical microscope), antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity against two foodborne spoilage microorganisms. Results demonstrate that under investigated conditions, an active system was obtained. The pad showed a good water stability, with weight loss of about 28% due to the release of the active agent and not to the fibroin loss. In addition, this edible system has interesting antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In particular, the pad based on fibroin with pomegranate peel recorded an antioxidant activity of the same order of magnitude of that of vitamin C, which is one of the most well-known antioxidant compounds. As regards the antimicrobial properties, results underlined that pomegranate peel in the pad allowed maintaining microbial concentration around the same initial level (104 CFU/mL) for more than 70 h of monitoring, compared to the control system where viable cell concentration increased very rapidly up to 108 CFU/mL.

Analisis dan Perancangan Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Data Aktivitas Mahasiswa Berbasis Website (Studi Kasus: STMIK Primakara)

STMIK Primakara still has problems in managing student activity data because the active system is considered not running optimally. The purpose of this research is to produce an accurate and structured activity data management. The method used in this research is the prototype method and for data collection by conducting observations and field analysis and interviews. The results of this study are students are able to input the activities that have been followed independently. The student department and the operator in charge only validate the data that has been inputted by the student. This study uses the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) prototype model. To design the system design using the VueJs framework with the primevue component library version 3.0.0 with the sigma-vue template. With this system design, it is hoped that it will make it easier for the development department to design the system so that it can be implemented immediately to students. Keywords— System Design, Data Management, VueJs, Prototype Model, Student Activity

RE-EVALUATION OF THE EGYPTIAN CODE OF HOUSING AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION WITH EMPHASIS ON SHADING DEVICES ROTATION ANGLES

The passive system technique is dynamically used as an alternative to the active system, in order to minimize the peak loads and the total EUI in kWh/ m2 for any building prototype. Sun breaker or shading device is a basic traditional method and Mashrabiya previously used for privacy and reduces the heat gained and emitted from sun`s rays, in addition to the fabricated wood material and its specs of bad conductor. the study aims to investigate the effect of rotational shading devices around the y-axis, will the rotation have a significant impact on the EUI or not? The research methodology is built upon generative modeling tool of parametric design, Rhinoceros Version 6.0, with the cooperation of Grasshopper, Ladybug& Honeybee, and Toolbox. Five hundred running simulations are carried out to determine the optimal angle of rotation with maximum reduction in cooling loads, and the interpretation is 30°. Two linear regression equations are derived out of this valuable study to deduce the correlation between independent and dependent variables when the sun breaker material is matt or reflective, and how the total EUI kWh/m2 can be minimized?

Application of Attenuation Correction to Quantitative Precipitation Estimation on C-Band Weather Radar in Bengkulu

A weather radar is an active system remote sensing tool that observes precipitation indirectly. Weather radar has an advantage in estimating precipitation because it has a high spatial resolution (up to 0.5 km). Reflectivity generated by weather radar still has signal interference caused by attenuation factors. Attenuation causes the Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) by the C-band weather radar to underestimate. Therefore attenuation correction on C-band weather radar is needed to eliminate precipitation estimation errors. This study aims to apply attenuation correction to determine Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) on the c-band weather radar in Bengkulu in December 2018. Gate-by-gate method attenuation correction with Kraemer approach has applied to c-band weather radar data from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology and Geophysics (BMKG) weather radar network Bengkulu. This method uses reflectivity as the only input. Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) has obtained by comparing weather radar-based rain estimates to 10 observation rain gauges over a month with the Z-R relation equation. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is used to calculate the estimation error. Weather radar data are processed using Python-based libraries Wradlib and ArcGIS 10.5. As a result, the calculation between the weather radar estimate precipitation and the observed rainfall obtained equation Z=2,65R1,3. The attenuation correction process with Kreamer's approach on the c-band weather radar has reduced error in the Qualitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE). Corrected precipitation has a smaller error value (r = 0.88; RMSE = 8.38) than the uncorrected precipitation (r = 0.83; RMSE = 11.70).