Earth and Environmental Sciences

Severe stone deterioration is evident at the Cologne cathedral. In particular, the ''Drachenfels'' trachyte, which was the building material of the medieval construction period, shows significant structural deterioration as well as massive formation of gypsum crusts. The present article investigates crust formation on limestone, sandstone, and volcanic rock from the Cologne cathedral as well as from the Xanten and Altenberg cathedrals. These three buildings, showing varying degrees of deterioration, are located in different areas and exposed to varying industrial, urban, and rural pollution. Thin laminar and black framboidal crusts form on calcareous as well as silicate stone. The lack of a significant intrinsic calcium and sulfur source for the formation of the gypsum crusts on the Drachenfels trachyte indicates major extrinsic environmental impact: a sufficient offer of SO x from pollutant fluxes as well as external calcium sources (e.g., pollution, mortars, neighboring calcite stones). Chemical analyses reveal strong gypsum enrichment within the crusts as well as higher concentrations of lead and other pollutants (arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tin, etc.), which generally can be linked to traffic and industry. The formation of weathering crusts in an industrial environment is clearly distinguishable from that in rural areas. Scanning electron microscopy observations confirm that the total amount of pollution is less at the Altenberg cathedral than at the Cologne and Xanten cathedrals. XRF analyses show that the formation of gypsum occurs in lower amounts at Altenberg. This correlates well with the measured SO 2 content and the intensity of the decay at the different locations. Furthermore, the different types of crusts, e.g., framboidal and laminar, can be differentiated and assigned to the different locations. The black weathering crusts on the silicate Drachenfels trachyte contribute to the degradation of the historic building material. They enhance mechanical moisture-related deterioration processes and the decay by chemical corrosion of rock-forming minerals. Although SO 2 concentrations in air have shown a strong decrease over the past 30 years, degradation in connection with weathering crusts is still observed. This indicates that not only contemporary or recent emissions, but also past pollutant concentrations have to be considered.

In Uruguay commercial granite varieties comprise mafic rocks, granitoids, and syenitoids. There is a long tradition in Uruguay, as well as worldwide, of using dimensional stones in architecture and art, specially granitic ones. Some of the present applications of these dimensional stones are as fac ¸ade cladding, countertops, and outdoor and indoor floor slabs. The color spectrum of the Uruguayan granitic dimensional stones varies from black to light gray, covering a wide variety of red and pink and minor greenish-gray. The de ´cor of these granitic dimensional stones is mainly determined by their fabric, fundamentally the grain size and the color distribution between the different minerals that compose the rocks. In the present research the most important commercial granites were sampled to analyze their petrography and petrophysical properties. A detailed structural analysis has been performed in several deposits, as well as the application of the software 3D Block Expert for modeling the possible raw block size distribution. Other factors controlling the mining viability of the deposits were also studied (e.g., homogeneity/heterogeneity of color and de ´cor) and the possible reserves were calculated.

Slates are internationally known as roof and fac ¸ade-cladding material since prehistoric times. The methods required to mine and manufacture these dimensional stones are relatively simple in comparison to those utilized in granitic dimensional stones. This has led to a worldwide rentable commercialization of slate in the last centuries and also to the development of characteristic cultural landscapes. In Uruguay several slates are mined and used in architecture, especially as fac ¸ade cladding and floor slabs. The most important slates regarding their production and utilization are the dolomitic slates. These dolomitic slates are associated with the Neoproterozoic thrust and fold belt of the Dom Feliciano belt. Representative samples have been geochemically and petrographically characterized, as well as petrophysically and petromechanically analyzed. The petrophysical and petromechanical properties were investigated in a very systematic way with respect to the new European standards, showing values comparable to those registered for internationally known slates. Detailed structural and deposit analysis were carried out in Uruguay in order to evaluate the dolomitic slate deposits. The slates are linked to calc-silicate strata in a greenschist facies volcano-sedimentary sequence and the deposits are located in the limb of a regional fold, where bedding and cleavage are parallel. The main lithotype is a layered and fine-grained dolomitic slate with a quite diverse palette of colors: light and dark green, gray, dark gray, reddish and black. The mined slate is split into slabs 0.5-2 cm thick. In the past, the average production in Uruguay was around 4,000 tons/year and a historical maximum of 13,000 tons was reached in 1993 (Oyhantc ¸abal et al. in Z dt Ges Geowiss 158(3):417-428, 2007). The oscillations in the regional demand were the cause of several flourishing and decay cycles in the activity, but our investigation shows a considerable volume of indicated resources and therefore a very good potential.

In this paper we provide a methodological and operative contribution aimed at optimising the first post-event phases in case of seismic and volcanic events, as an advancement of the research conducted for the GIS4RISKS project. Particularly, we underline the importance of setting up a performant GIS platform able to synergistically use and manage data and images deriving from multiple sources to promote a system where refined methodologies and procedures converge for the development of digital representations, calculation models, spatial and multi-temporal analysis, through an integration of geomatic, engineering and geographic approaches. A synthesis of the characteristics of this platform, useful for increasing savability during the emergency phases and to better tackle situations of crisis due to geodynamic events is provided and particular attention is also given to the added value that can be derived from a coordinated use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs), permitting...

In present work, a coupled model of groundwater flow, thermal transport, and geochemical transport through saturated-unsaturated media, HYDROGEOCHEM, has been employing to simulate the uranium adsorption on the MX-80 bentonite. The numerical experiments were performed with different sodium and hydrogen concentrations. Uranium concentrations were kept below 10 mol/L to avoid precipitation of amorphous uranium-hydroxide. Adsorption of uranium on the bentonite shows significant dependency on sodium concentration, because of the competition between uranium and sodium ions. The numerical simulations of uranium transport in the MX-80 bentonite have also been proposed with deep groundwater condition. The simulation shows that the retention capacity of MX-80 bentonite and also demonstrate the capacity of HYDROIGEOCHEM model for simulation radionuclide migration in the near-field system.

In this paper we provide a methodological and operative contribution aimed at optimising the first post-event phases in case of seismic and volcanic events, as an advancement of the research conducted for the GIS4RISKS project. Particularly, we underline the importance of setting up a performant GIS platform able to synergistically use and manage data and images deriving from multiple sources to promote a system where refined methodologies and procedures converge for the development of digital representations, calculation models, spatial and multi-temporal analysis, through an integration of geomatic, engineering and geographic approaches. A synthesis of the characteristics of this platform, useful for increasing savability during the emergency phases and to better tackle situations of crisis due to geodynamic events is provided and particular attention is also given to the added value that can be derived from a coordinated use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAVs), permitting...

As a result of decades of excessive phosphorus fertilization, most acid sandy soils in Flanders (Belgium) and the Netherlands are phosphorus (P) saturated. This saturation entails a risk of significant P leaching to groundwater, and therefore very strict P fertilizer restrictions are enforced in these areas. One of the strategies to reduce the P concentration in these soils is through P mining by crops. However, despite the large P concentrations, the efficiency of mining rapidly decreases over time because most P is not directly plant available. Phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) transform unavailable P into plant available forms, and could thus proof to be very useful even in P saturated soils under severe fertilization restrictions, namely to increase the P mining efficiency. Until now, PSB have never been tested in such conditions, and therefore the goal of this research was to investigate the potential of PSB for increasing P extraction in conditions of high total P content.

Introduction Flanders, like many other European regions, has a n utrie t problem. This problem is the result of years of excessive animal manure producti on, an insufficient area to spread the slurry and an excessive use of mineral fertilizers. To meet the European Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEG) Flanders created a manure decree (23/0 1/1991). This decree has changed a lot during the following years which didn’t contrib ute to the understanding of the decree. Therefore a new manure decree came in force from th e first of January 2007, whereby flexibility and responsibility are key concepts.

Intensification of agriculture, with concentration of intensive livestock breeding and intensive horticultural cropping systems in certain areas in Western Europe, has resulted in excessive fertilization both with mineral fertilizers and organic manures especially between the 1970’s and 1990’s. This has resulted also in excessive P build-up in specific areas, and especially acid sandy soils are prone to P leaching. According to Van der Zee et al. (1990), an acid sandy soil is considered P saturated when the phosphate saturation degree (PSD) is > 25% (or when the P concentration in the shallow groundwater is > 0.1 mg o-P l. Between 1995 and 1997 and intensive sampling campaign was launched to make an inventory of the PSD of acid sandy soils in Flanders (DeSmet et al., 1996). This was used as a basis for enforcing strict P fertilization rules on P saturated soils. In 2009, we revisited a number of locations, part of which were P saturated fields with severe P fertilizer restrict...

High Arsenic (As) concentrations have been reported in superficial water in the Yamuna flood plains (YFP), Delhi, which is being extensively used for agriculture. The concentration of As in some common vegetables such as Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Abelmoschus esculentus (lady's finger), Solanum melongena (brinjal), Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd), Raphanus sativus (radish), Zea mays (corn), and Luffa acutangula (ridge gourd) has been studied in this work. The range of As concentrations (dry weight) varies from 0.6 to 2.52 mg/kg with the highest accumulation of 2.52 mg/kg in radish followed by tomato (2.36 mg/kg). The order of As concentration in the decreasing order is R. sativus [ S. lycopersicum [ Z. mays [ L. acutangula [ L. siceraria [ S. melongena [ A. esculentus. Thus, As accumulation is the highest in roots and the lowest in least juicy fruits. The daily dietary intake of As through the consumption of various vegetables was also calculated. Though the mean As concentration was the highest in radish (2.52 mg/kg) but the highest amount of As is being consumed through tomato (0.383 mg/day), which is nearly three times the World Health Organization's provisional maximum tolerable daily intake limit of 0.126 mg/day for a 60 kg person. High concentration of As in vegetables grown in YFP, Delhi is being reported here. This high contamination is primarily due to the presence of As in irrigation water having its source from coal-based thermal power plants in the vicinity of the area. If not checked properly, it will pose a serious health risk to people living in these densely populated areas surrounding YFP.

Differences in soil types, climatic conditions, history and culture, policies and the proximity of input and output markets in a region have, over the ages, led to substantial differences in the agriculture of a region. Over time, these regional differences in agricultural systems have contributed to the creation of typical landscapes, typical fauna and flora in a region, diversity in agricultural products, traditions and cultural elements. However, as a result of globalization, technological developments and social migration, these regional differences are threatened to disappear which causes typical elements of local farming systems to gradually fade away. Another consequence of these processes is an increasing marginalization of regionally embedded small scale farms and farming systems. This paper argues that a possible solution to these problems is to stimulate the multifunctionality of agriculture by emphasizing its territorial embeddedness, its contribution to the identity of a region and as such to the competitiveness of regions. For this strategy to be successful there is a need for a territorial approach in agricultural policy and a polycentric governance system with different elements which strengthen each other.

This research compares data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 3B42 V6 with data obtained from 19 synoptic rain gauges during the period 1998-2010 over the semiarid climate of Khorasan Razavi, Iran. Validation was performed using three spatial extents, including 1 TRMM grid face from the synoptic station (1PTRM), 3 TRMM points surrounding the synoptic station (3PTRM) and 5 TRMM points surrounding the synoptic station (5PTRM), using ArcGIS 10.2 software. The perfect and poor r were obtained at stations S08 and S19, with values of 0.92 and 0.26, respectively. According to the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient, the TRMM satellite can predict the spatial variation of the mean annual rainfall by 0.23, 0.43 and 0.38 for 1PTRM, 3PTRM and 5PTRM, respectively, at 19 stations. The agreement significantly increases by 0.88, 0.83 and 0.80 for 1PTRM, 3PTRM and 5PTRM, respectively, when gauges S05, S07, S11 and S13 are excluded from the dataset, which may be associated with orographic or instrumental error at the stations.

This study aims to develop a methodology for generating a flood runoff susceptibility (FRS) map using a revised curve number (CN) method. The study area is in the Kuantan watershed (KW), Malaysia, which was seriously affected by floods in December 2013 and December 2014. A revised runoff CN map was developed for the study area and then compared with those available in the SCS standard tables. The CN obtained from the revised approach range between 18 and 100, which reveals a stretching effect on the CN, which initially ranged between 33 and 100. Subsequently, the FRS map was developed for the KW. Approximately 5 % of the study area was identified as a very high-risk zone and 13 % as high-risk zone. However, the spatial extent of a high-risk zone in the downstream end and lowland areas of the KW could be considered to be the main cause of flood damage in recent years. From practical point of view, the finding of this research provides a road map for government agencies to effectively implement flood mitigation projects in the study area.

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In the Upper Silesia 162.8 million m3 of mine waters are pumped from the operating and abandoned coal mines, but only 32.4 % of these waters is used. Mine waters are used as a source of drinking water, for sanitations, technological processes and in the hydraulic transport and the deposition of fumitory dusts in the abandoned mine workings. Mine waters should not be considered as a significant source of drinking or technological waters as their quality and quantity are not stable and even predictable in such a big and complicated coal basins as the Upper Silesia. Mine waters may be regarded as an alternative source of water in the extreme circumstances.

The study develops an integrated geospatial data-driven framework to map groundwater  potential in semi-arid Agra, addressing urbanization-induced stress on aquifers and the  limitations of ground-based assessments for regional planning. Using multicollinearityscreened factors—rainfall, elevation, slope, drainage, geology, LULC, and soil—the workflow  combines AHP-based multi-criteria weighting with machine learning techniques, converting  inputs into raster layers and validating outputs with groundwater well locations and waterlevel data. Rainfall emerged as the dominant predictor, contributing up to 75.17% in  Random Forest and 75% in Boosted Regression Tress feature importance, underscoring  monsoonal control on recharge. Model performance assessed via ROC-AUC showed RF  (81.6% pre-monsoon, 79.9% post-monsoon) and BRT (81.4%, 80.7%) substantially  outperform AHP (70.1%, 70.0%), indicating stronger discrimination from data-driven  learning. Spatially, high groundwater potential concentrates in the middle-eastern Agra  corridor between the Yamuna and Chambal rivers, reaching 32.93% areal extent in postmonsoon RF results, while southwestern and western tracts consistently remain very low to  low across all models. Seasonal groundwater-level analysis reveals post-monsoon depth  reduction—most pronounced in recharge-favorable zones—with observed ranges of 4.78–  50.7 m bgl (pre-monsoon) and 3.8–50.5 m bgl (post-monsoon). The hybrid MCDA–ML  framework offers a robust, scalable basis for groundwater zoning, guiding sustainable  extraction, recharge targeting, and urban-peri-urban water management.

In this work, the measurements were performed 1 m above the ground in air and surface soils at certain points in the city of Gaziantep located at south of Turkey. Air dose rates were carried out by portable detectors and the radioactivity content in measured by gamma spectrometry system with a NaI detector. The ambient dose rate measurements were measured in the air in the range of 6.02-10.50 nSvh (average:7.6 nSvh) , and mean gamma counting rate was 50.43 cps (count per second) annual over 40 stations, thus resulted in effective annual dose rate was determined to be 66.81 μSv y and gamma counting of were found. On the other hand, as a result of gamma spectrometric analyses in the surface soil samples, average activity concentrations of Ra, Th and K were found to be 28.9, 29.5 and 255 Bq kg, respectively. Calculated absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose values depending on the activity concentrations, were found to be 38.5 nGy h and 47.2 μSv y. When the measured values are co...

Estudo integrado para transporte, tratamento, valorização e destino final das lamas produzidas na ETAR de Sobreiras, na ETAR do Freixo vii AGRADECIMENTOS Apesar de todo o esforço e trabalho individual, a elaboração desta tese não teria sido possível sem a ajuda de diversas pessoas, às quais presto desde já os meus mais sinceros agradecimentos. Ao Dr. Cheng, meu orientador, sem o qual não teria de todo atingido os meus objectivos. O meu obrigada por toda a ajuda prestada, pela disponibilidade, pela simpatia e por todo o apoio que sempre me concedeu. Obrigada por todas as criticas e sugestões efectuadas, foram e serão sempre tidas em consideração ao longo da minha carreira profissional. Obrigada por toda a bibliografia cedida, em especial a referente ao Professor Paulo Monteiro, que seria com toda a certeza uma grande ajuda nesta dissertação. Ao Professor Poças Martins, meu orientador por parte das Águas do Porto, EM por ter tornado possível a realização desta dissertação, por todas as críticas e sugestões prestadas. Ao Professor Pacheco Figueiredo pelo apoio prestado e pela disponibilidade com que sempre pude contar. Foi sem dúvida uma grande ajuda. À Eng a Patrícia Alves por toda a ajuda e disponibilidade ao longo do trabalho laboratorial. Pela companhia ao longo destes tempos e incentivo nas horas de algum desânimo. Às estagiárias Vanessa Silva e Vanessa Mesquita pela ajuda com as análises de laboratório. Ao António Mendes por toda a ajuda e informação cedida, por toda a simpatia e disponibilidade demonstrada. À minha família que desde sempre esteve incondicionalmente ao meu lado, acompanhando as minhas vitórias e derrotas, ajudando-me a crescer e sem dúvida, ensinando-me a viver. Em especial à minha mãe, avós maternos, ao Tio Pinto, Tia Mané, Gonçalo e Mariana. Sem este suporte familiar jamais teria sido possível chegar onde cheguei. Aos meus amigos que ao longo de todo este tempo se mostraram incansáveis. Um obrigada especial à Ana, ao Hélder e à Mafalda. Foram muitas vezes a força de vontade que teimava em faltar. Sempre presentes, sempre lá. Àqueles que são hoje sem qualquer dúvida os amigos de sempre, Joana,

This work presents the use of remote sensing data for hydrological and environmental analysis with a case of Dolomites Mountains, north Italy. The data includes remote sensing based micrometeorological measurements key hydrological parameters to calculate vertical turbulent fluxes within atmospheric boundary layers in coniferous forests. The period of measurements covered data from 2015. The operational workflow included statistical data processing in which the data were classified into categories of evapotranspiration, temperatures, precipitation, water pressure deficit and radiation obtained from various land cover types. The approach was implemented with aim at climate change and hydrological research and implications in forest ecohydrology in European Alps.

Tasmania traversed a belt of karst topography developed on limestone. Crossing a small cave system necessitated minor engineering works within the cave and careful alignment of the railway to avoid sinkholes. This may be the earliest example of karst engineering on a major Australian development project.

Aljustrel mine is located in SW Portugal, in the western sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The Aljustrel village was developed around the exploitations of massive polymetallic sulphides that occur in the area (4 orebodies mined, 2 in exploration phase). The pyrite ore was extensively exploited from 1850 to 1993, when production was discontinued. A mining restart occurred in 2008, only during a few months. The objectives of the study were to assess the levels of soil contamination, to determine associations between the different chemical elements and their spatial distribution, as well as to identify possible sources of contamination that can explain the spatial patterns of soil pollution in the area. Principal component analysis combined with spatial interpretation successfully grouped the elements according to their sources and provided evidence about their geogenic or anthropogenic origin. From this study, it is possible to conclude that soils around Algares/Feitais tailing deposits, Este ´reis and A ´guas Claras mine dams and S. Joa ˜o mine show severe contamination. The highest concentrations of As (up to 3,936 mg kg -1 ) and certain heavy metals (up to 321.7 mg kg -1 for Bi, 5,414 mg kg -1 for Cu, 20,000 mg kg -1 for Pb, 980.6 mg kg -1 for Sb, and 22 mg kg -1 Cd) were obtained near Algares area while the highest concentration of Cd (up to 61.6 mg kg -1 ) and Zn (up to 20,000 mg kg -1 ) were registered in samples collected in the S. Joa ˜o area. The highest pollution load index ([4.0) was recorded at the Algares area where the metal concentrations exceed typical soil background levels by as much as two orders of magnitude.

Alcaligenes species capable of degrading highly recalcitrant, carcinogenic, water soluble dye -Congo red were isolated from Indian West coastal sediments. Individual strains showed decolorization rates ranging from 76.49-98.76% within 24-48h. Decolorization was most efficient at anoxic conditions catalyzed by intracellular azoreductase enzyme with an activity of 0.032 µmol min -1 mg -1 of protein. Degradation was confirmed by HPLC and FTIR analysis. LC/MS analysis of degraded metabolites established the cleavage of the Azo bond producing biphenyl diamine and 1,2'-diaminonapthalene-4sulfonic acid. These results signify the effectiveness and ease to engineer processes such as feed batch/ immobilized-cell systems using these strains as biocatalysts to address the problem of global coastal water pollution caused by increased disposal of Azo dye containing industrial effluents.

Objective-Low bone quality is a contributing factor to motor vehicle crash (MVC) injury. Quantification of occupant bone mineral density (BMD) is important from an injury causation standpoint. The first aim of this study was to validate a technique for measuring lumbar volumetric BMD (vBMD) from phantom-less computed tomography (CT) scans. The second aim was to apply the validated phantom-less technique to quantify lumbar vBMD in Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) occupants for correlation with age, fracture incidence, and osteopenia/osteoporosis diagnoses. Methods-Quantitative CT (qCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were collected prospectively for 50 subjects and used to validate a technique to measure vBMD from 281 phantom-less CT scans of CIREN occupants. Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements were collected from the L1-L5 vertebrae, right psoas major muscle, and anterior subcutaneous fat for all subjects and from three phantom ports with known mg/cc calcium hydroxyapatite values for the validation group. qCT calibration was accomplished using regressions between the phantom HU and mg/cc values to convert L1-L5 HU values to mg/cc. A phantom-less calibration technique was developed where the fat and muscle HU values were linearly regressed against fat (-69 mg/cc) and muscle (77 mg/cc) to establish a conversion for L1-L5 HU measurements to mg/cc. vBMD calculated from qCT versus the phantom-less method was compared for the 50 subjects to assess agreement and a mg/cc osteopenia threshold was established using DXA T-scores. CIREN HU measurements were converted to mg/cc using the phantom-less technique and the mg/cc osteopenia threshold

In motor vehicle crashes (MVCs), thoracic injury ranks second only to head injury in terms of the number of fatalities and serious injuries, the body region most often injured, and the overall economic cost. The shape, size, bone density, and cortical thickness of the thoracic skeleton vary significantly with age and sex. Computational modeling has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool to assess injury risk and improve the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems. However, current computational models only represent certain ages and sexes in the population. The purpose of this study was to morph an existing finite element (FE) model of the thorax using thin-plate spline interpolation to accurately depict thorax morphology for males and females of ages 0-100. The thin-plate spline is a smooth function that interpolates the connections between the nodes while minimizing the amount of change in landmark positions. In order to execute the thin-plate spline interpolation, homologous landmarks on the reference, target, and FE model are required. Homologous landmarks on the target geometries were previously collected using the Generalized Procrustes Analysis to create functions describing the size and shape changes and shape changes in the ribs and sternum for males and females of ages 0-100. The Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) thorax model was used as the reference mesh and the ribs, sternum, costal cartilage, intercostal muscles, spine, and simplified thoracic cavity were morphed accordingly based on the target homologous landmark data for the ribs and sternum. A total of 416 models were generated representing size and shape changes and shape changes of males and females for the following ages: 0 month, 3 month, 6 month, 9 month, and 1-100 years in one year increments. The biomechanical response of an average individual of a given age and sex was studied through simulations of various frontal and lateral impacts using hub loading and seatbelt loading. The development of these age and sex-specific FE models of the thorax will lead to an improved understanding of the complex relationship between thoracic geometry, age, sex, and injury risk.

The shape, size, bone density, and cortical thickness of the thoracic skeleton vary significantly with age and sex, which can affect the injury tolerance, especially in at-risk populations such as the elderly. Computational modeling has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool to assess injury risk. However, current computational models only represent certain ages and sexes in the population. The purpose of this study was to morph an existing finite element (FE) model of the thorax to depict thorax morphology for males and females of ages 30 and 70 years old (YO) and to investigate the effect on injury risk. Methods: Age-and sex-specific FE models were developed using thin-plate spline interpolation. In order to execute the thin-plate spline interpolation, homologous landmarks on the reference, target, and FE model are required. An image segmentation and registration algorithm was used to collect homologous rib and sternum landmark data from males and females aged 0-100 years. The Generalized Procrustes Analysis was applied to the homologous landmark data to quantify age-and sex-specific isolated shape changes in the thorax. The Global Human Body Models Consortium (GHBMC) 50th percentile male occupant model was morphed to create age-and sex-specific thoracic shape change models (scaled to a 50th percentile male size). To evaluate the thoracic response, 2 loading cases (frontal hub impact and lateral impact) were simulated to assess the importance of geometric and material property changes with age and sex. Results: Due to the geometric and material property changes with age and sex, there were observed differences in the response of the thorax in both the frontal and lateral impacts. Material property changes alone had little to no effect on the maximum thoracic force or the maximum percent compression. With age, the thorax becomes stiffer due to superior rotation of the ribs, which can result in increased bone strain that can increase the risk of fracture. For the 70-YO models, the simulations predicted a higher number of rib fractures in comparison to the 30-YO models. The male models experienced more superior rotation of the ribs in comparison to the female models, which resulted in a higher number of rib fractures for the males. In this study, age-and sex-specific thoracic models were developed and the biomechanical response was studied using frontal and lateral impact simulations. The development of these age-and sex-specific FE models of the thorax will lead to an improved understanding of the complex relationship between thoracic geometry, age, sex, and injury risk.

Objective-Low bone quality is a contributing factor to motor vehicle crash (MVC) injury. Quantification of occupant bone mineral density (BMD) is important from an injury causation standpoint. The first aim of this study was to validate a technique for measuring lumbar volumetric BMD (vBMD) from phantom-less computed tomography (CT) scans. The second aim was to apply the validated phantom-less technique to quantify lumbar vBMD in Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) occupants for correlation with age, fracture incidence, and osteopenia/osteoporosis diagnoses. Methods-Quantitative CT (qCT) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were collected prospectively for 50 subjects and used to validate a technique to measure vBMD from 281 phantom-less CT scans of CIREN occupants. Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements were collected from the L1-L5 vertebrae, right psoas major muscle, and anterior subcutaneous fat for all subjects and from three phantom ports with known mg/cc calcium hydroxyapatite values for the validation group. qCT calibration was accomplished using regressions between the phantom HU and mg/cc values to convert L1-L5 HU values to mg/cc. A phantom-less calibration technique was developed where the fat and muscle HU values were linearly regressed against fat (-69 mg/cc) and muscle (77 mg/cc) to establish a conversion for L1-L5 HU measurements to mg/cc. vBMD calculated from qCT versus the phantom-less method was compared for the 50 subjects to assess agreement and a mg/cc osteopenia threshold was established using DXA T-scores. CIREN HU measurements were converted to mg/cc using the phantom-less technique and the mg/cc osteopenia threshold

MotivationThe availability of user‐friendly, high‐resolution global environmental datasets is crucial for bioclimatic modelling. For terrestrial environments, WorldClim has served this purpose since 2005, but equivalent marine data only became available in 2012, with pioneer initiatives like Bio‐ORACLE providing data layers for several ecologically relevant variables. Currently, the available marine data packages have not yet been updated to the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predictions nor to present times, and are mostly restricted to the top surface layer of the oceans, precluding the modelling of a large fraction of the benthic diversity that inhabits deeper habitats. To address this gap, we present a significant update of Bio‐ORACLE for new future climate scenarios, present‐day conditions and benthic layers (near sea bottom). The reliability of data layers was assessed using a cross‐validation framework against in situ quality‐controlled data. Thi...

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The WUDAPT (World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools project goal is to capture consistent information on urban form and function for cities worldwide that can support urban weather, climate, hydrology and air quality modeling. These data are provided as urban canopy parameters (UCPs) as used by weather, climate and air quality models to simulate the effects of urban surfaces on the overlying atmosphere. Information is stored with different levels of detail (LOD). With higher LOD greater spatial precision is provided. At the lowest LOD, Local Climate Zones (LCZ) with nominal UCP ranges is provided (order 100 m or more). To describe the spatial heterogeneity present in cities with great specificity at different urban scales we introduce the Digital Synthetic City (DSC) tool to generate UCPs at any desired scale meeting the fit-for-purpose goal of WUDAPT. 3D building and road elements of entire city landscapes are simulated based on readily available data. Comparisons with real-world urban data are very encouraging. It is customized (C-DSC) to incorporate each city's unique building morphologies based on unique types, variations and spatial distribution of building typologies, architecture features, construction materials and distribution of green and pervious surfaces. The C-DSC uses crowdsourcing methods and sampling within city Testbeds from around the world. UCP data can be computed from synthetic images at selected grid sizes and stored such that the coded string provides UCP values for individual grid cells.

Since 1995, the Department of Archeology (UGent) has studied and inventorized the rich archaeological heritage and ecological landscape in the Altai mountain range in southern Siberia, Russia. During the expeditions of 2014 and 2015, the Department of Archeology and the Department of Geography (Ghent University) conducted research and fieldwork in the eastern part of the Altai Mountains, in the Valley of Turu Alty. This research area knows an unusually high concentration of archaeological structures (kourganes, steles, petroglyphs, etc.), mostly dated in the Bronze Age. These are mainly found in the northwestern part of Turu Alty (Bourgeois et al., 2007). This area, and more specifically a bowl shaped landscape -amphitheater -in the northwest of Turu Alty, was already studied by Jacobson & Kubarev (1994).

Machine learning (ML) methods of satellite image analysis were applied in this study for geological-environmental analysis of glacier extent in Tibetan Plateau, China. The purpose of this work is to map the changes in glacier extent as a hydrological resource and its effects on land cover types using remote sensing data. A quantitative cartographic method of image analysis has been developed using ML algorithms and GRASS GIS scripts. Fluctuations of glacier extent are a key trigger for landscape dynamics in Tibetan Plateau. However, the links between spatio-temporal changes in snow and glacier, and associated land cover changes remain elusive. Six Landsat 8-9 multispectral satellite images covering Lhasa were evaluated. The images show fluctuation in glacier coverage from 2013 to 2023 with a 2-year gap between the observations, characterized by strong heterogeneities caused by climate changes. Glacier dynamics was evaluated for northern range of Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and Lhasa Terrane, Tibetan Plateau, China. The results present an exploratory analysis of six images (on 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023) for glaciological modelling using ML.

Understanding species distributions and the factors limiting them is an important topic in ecology and conservation, including in nature reserve selection and predicting climate change impacts. While Species Distribution Models (SDM) are the main tool used for these purposes, choosing the best SDM algorithm is not straightforward as these are plentiful and can be applied in many different ways. SDM are used mainly to gain insight in 1) overall species distributions, 2) their pastpresent-future probability of occurrence and/or 3) to understand their ecological niche limits (also referred to as ecological niche modelling). The fact that these three aims may require different models and outputs is, however, rarely considered and has not been evaluated consistently. Here we use data from a systematically sampled set of species occurrences to specifically test the performance of Species Distribution Models across several commonly used algorithms. Species range in distribution patterns from rare to common and from local to widespread. We compare overall model fit (representing species distribution), the accuracy of the predictions at multiple spatial scales, and the consistency in selection of environmental correlations all across multiple modelling runs. As expected, the choice of modelling algorithm determines model outcome. However, model quality depends not only on the algorithm, but also on the measure of model fit used and the scale at which it is used. Although model fit was higher for the consensus approach and Maxent, Maxent and GAM models were more consistent in estimating local occurrence, while RF and GBM showed higher consistency in environmental variables selection. Model outcomes diverged more for narrowly distributed species than for widespread species. We suggest that matching study aims with modelling approach is essential in Species Distribution Models, and provide suggestions how to do this for different modelling aims and species' data characteristics (i.e. sample size, spatial distribution).

Due to renewed interest in hydropower dams in the face of climate change, it is important to assess dam operations and management in combination with downstream impacts on rivers in (semi-)arid environments. In this study, the impacts of the Tekeze hydropower dam on downstream hydrology and river morphology were investigated, including impacts under normal and extreme reservoir operation conditions. Field observations, in-depth interviews, repeat terrestrial photographs, multi-year high-resolution satellite images, daily reservoir water levels and data on hourly to daily energy production were collected and studied. The results show that high flows (Q5) have declined (with factor 5), low flows (Q95) have increased (with factor 27), seasonal flow patterns have smoothened, river beds have incised (up to 4 m) and locally aggraded near tributary confluences. The active river bed has narrowed by 31%, which was accelerated by the gradual emergence of Tamarix nilotica and fruit plantations...

Despite public awareness of unintended impacts (1980s) and well-developed international standards (2000s), downstream impacts of large hydropower projects still very often are not properly assessed. Impacts of (hydropower-regulated) interbasin water transfers (IBWTs) are considered self-evidently positive, although they can have far-reaching consequences for hydrogeomorphological systems and consequently river-dependent communities. In this study, the downstream direct and indirect impacts of the Ethiopian hydropower-regulated Tana-Beles IBWT are evaluated in an interdisciplinary way. The components of the framework of rural livelihoods are considered and changing contexts, resources' availabilities and livelihood strategies are analysed. Mixed methods are applied, combining hydrogeomorphological field observations, GIS analyses, scientific literature, policy documents, and semi-structured interviews with local people and local to federal authorities. Results show that the IBWT drastically increased the Beles river's discharge (with an average release of + 92 m³ s -1 at the outlet; *2 in rainy season and *12 in dry season 100 km downstream of the water release) and introduced dangerous situations for local communities (over 250 people drowned in the river). River bank erosion resulted in the uncompensated loss of farmland (163 ha) and the establishment of largescale commercial farms increased the pressure on land and led to the impoverishment of displaced communities (4310 households). The project was implemented top-down, without any transparency, benefit sharing or compensation for external costs. This stresses the importance of downstream interdisciplinary impact assessments and highlights the need for decent in-depth ex post-analyses of hydropower projects. Environmental impact assessments should be taken seriously and cannot be considered a formality. In Ethiopia and in many developing countries, the hydropower industry is booming. Although dams and IBWTs can be the best solution for water-related problems in specific contexts, national development goals (such as the expansion of the electricity network) should not be at the expense of rural livelihoods.

Transnational land deals are among the most contested but inadequately understood topics. In this paper, we focus on the features of large‐scale transnational land deals (LSTLDs) in the Global South through an examination of Ethiopia. We apply a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) research design.Results indicate that in 2005–2015, the government leased nearly 2·47 million ha of the country's approximate total 114 million ha area and offered 11·5 million ha of cultivable land to domestic and transnational investors. We explore the prevalence of LSTLDs deals by companies of the Global South, particularly entrepreneurs from India. Ethiopia's example validates emerging arguments on the rise of South–South investment deals rather than the established explanation of North–South capital flows. However, 75% of the land deals show poor performance. The study shows that LSTLDs have contributed to raising domestic agricultural production but have resulted in non‐performing loa...

Low mineral fertiliser use received much attention in Africa over the last decades. As fertiliser sales have exponentially grown in Ethiopia, and evidence exists of a supply that is beyond the demand in the drier northern parts of the country, we investigated the geographical determinants of inorganic fertiliser sales and its resale prices in north Ethiopia. Quantitative data on fertiliser provision and prices on the black market in 2016 were obtained from official statistics and from key informants in each of the 35 studied districts and in all municipalities of the Raya area. Environmental variables were collected from spatial databases. To promote inorganic fertiliser, agricultural experts use incentives, and also barter the purchase of fertiliser by a farmer against food aid or other advantages from the authorities. The high application rate that is aimed at (200 kg ha -1 ) contrasts with the dominance of less-responsive soils in the study area, for which inorganic fertiliser application does not result in higher crop yields, or even leads to root burn. The quantitative analysis shows that 40.7 10 3 Mg of fertiliser were officially sold in the study area in 2016, which corresponds to 52 kg ha -1 . This is notably different from the application rate, as reselling widely occurs, at 50% of the official price for diammonium phosphate (DAP) and 54% for urea, mostly to users outside the community. By accepting the opportunity offered by agricultural companies and traders, smallholders save themselves from greater losses. The black market rate is strongly and positively correlated to monthly rainfall at sowing time (July 2016) (R 2 = 0.44; n = 31; p < 0.01). In the four districts with spate irrigation, black market prices for inorganic fertiliser are low (35% of the official rate) and small quantities are sold officially (32 kg ha -1 ). This corresponds to the farmers' saying that there "nobody needs inorganic fertiliser since the spate irrigation adds organic and inorganic nutrients yearly". We found similarities to the 'Green Revolution' in Mexico: the forced delivery of high-cost fertiliser, and the reselling at half price in the black market. Inorganic fertilisers are one of the elements that have allowed boosting agricultural production in Ethiopia; our findings indicate however that in the study area, the fertiliser policy needs to be much fine-tuned so that it is led by agronomic needs, rather than by statistics of inorganic fertiliser consumption, that hide complex environmental variability and socio-political relations.

The catchments in the western Rift Valley escarpment of northern Ethiopia are highly responsive in terms of hydro‐geomorphic changes. With deforestation, dense gully and scar networks had developed by the 1980s on the escarpment between the towns of Alamata and Korem, transporting huge amounts of runoff and sediment down to the fertile and densely populated Raya Valley. To reverse this problem, catchment‐scale rehabilitation activities were initiated in the mid‐1980s. In this study, we examine the major hydro‐geomorphic response of streams after catchment rehabilitation. Scar networks in 20 adjacent catchments were mapped on Google Earth imagery of 2005, and their density was explained in terms of its corresponding Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and slope gradient. Soil and water conservation measures and vegetation recovery have reduced discharge and sediment flow which in turn resulted in various hydro‐geomorphic changes. In a multiple regression analysis, scar density was...