Costal Sites Research Articles

QUANTITATIVE LAWS OF A MORPOLOGICAL PATTERN FOR ABRASION SLOPES WITN A LANDSLIDE PROCESS WITHIN THE CRYOLITHOZONE (THE COASTS OF THE KANIN AND YAMAL PENINSULAS AS EXAMPLES)<a href="#FN1"><sup>1</sup></a>

Coast landslide processes take a special place in the study and monitoring of processes in permafrost under the climate change, however, not much attention has been paid to the morphology and quantitative characteristics of the landslides. The aim of the work is to reveal quantitative relationships between the abrasion slopes and a landslide process for coasts within the cryolithozone, mainly in contact with the adjacent interfluves. The research is based on the interpretation of high-resolution space imagery at five costal sites of the Kanin and Yamal peninsulas. The study was focused on the morphological features of the upper part of the landslides at the border with the adjacent interfluve. This border is a combination of arc elements. Besides, there are arcuate residual sections of the interfluve surface, corresponding to different stages of landslide process, in some places on the slope. Analysis of the coastline from images gave us such characteristics of landslides as the length of the arcs forming the boundary, the length of the chords of the arcs, the arrows of the arcs, the average radii of curvature, the central angles of the arc, the angles of orientation of the chords with respect to the vector of the general strike of the corresponding section of the coastline. Some of these characteristics were obtained by direct measurement from satellite images, the others by calculation. The analysis included 30 samples with a volume of 103–183 elements. Statistical processing using Pearson’s goodness-of-fit test showed that in the vast majority of the sites, the distributions of the landslide upper boundary arc sizes, chords, arc arrows, and curvature radii, as well as central angles, correspond to a lognormal one. The chord orientations with respect to the strike of the site are normally distributed. The values of the distribution parameters of the studied quantitative characteristics of the landslide morphological features differ and depend on the physical-geographical and engineering-geocryological conditions of specific areas.

Identification of Alnus incana (L.) Moenx. × Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. Hybrids Using Metabolic Compounds as Chemotaxonomic Markers

Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Alnus incana (L.) Moenx. grow naturally in Lithuania, and their ranges overlap. They are considered ecologically and economically important species of forest trees. The objective of our study was to determine plant bioactive compounds, such as total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid compounds (TFC), in the wood of alders and their hybrids in order to specify the opportunity to use secondary metabolites (SM) for the identification of alder hybrids. The samples from juvenile and mature alder woods (n = 270) were collected at three different sites in the natural forests of Lithuania. The TPC and TFC content was determined using spectrophotometric methods and was expressed in mg/g of fresh mass. Obtained results showed that the TPC of A. incana was statistically higher compared to A. glutinosa; however, in hybrid alder wood it was intermediate. The TFC was statistically higher in hybrid alder wood and lowest in A. glutinosa. The TFC was higher in mature trees; however, the TPC showed the opposite tendency. In our case, the TPC was higher in continental sites, while TFC was higher in mature alders at costal sites. Obtained data allow us to assume that TPC and TFC in alder wood can be used as taxonomic markers. This study expanded the knowledge of alder physiology and contributed to the identification of alder hybrids. The correct identification of tree species is very important for the conservation of natural resources and for the sustainable use of higher value-added products.

Estimating Weibull Parameters for Wind Energy Applications using Seven Numerical Methods: Case studies of three costal sites in West Africa

In this study, the effectiveness of seven numerical methods is evaluated to determine the shape (K) and scale (C) parameters of Weibull distribution function for the purpose of calculating the wind speed characteristics and wind power density. The selected methods are graphical method (GPM), empirical method of Justus (EMJ), empirical method of Lysen (EML), energy pattern factor method (EPFM), maximum likelihood method (MLM) moment method (MOM) and the proposed. Hybrid method (HM) derived from EPFM and EMJ. The purpose is to identify the most appropriate method for computing the mean wind speed, wind speed standard deviation and wind power density for different costal locations in West Africa. Three costal sites (Lomé, Accra and Cotonou) are selected. The input data was collected, from January 2004 to December 2015 for Lomé site, from January 2009 to December 2015 for Accra site and from January 2009 to December 2012 for Cotonou. The results indicate that the precision of the computed mean wind speed, wind speed standard deviation and wind power density values change when different parameters estimation methods are used. Five of them which are EMJ, EML, EPF, MOM, ML, and HM method present very good accuracy while GPM shows weak ability for all three sites.

Identification of California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) estrogen receptor variants and their activation by xenoestrogens

California condors released in costal sites are exposed to high levels of xenoestrogens, particularly p,p′-DDE, through scavenging of marine mammal carcasses. As a result, coastal condors carry a higher contaminant loads and experience eggshell thinning when compared to their inland counterparts. Given that condor estrogen receptors (Esrs) are activated by physiologically relevant levels of xenoestrogens, differences in vulnerability to endocrine disruption may exist depending on which Esr variant(s) an individual condor possesses. This work aims to characterize genetic polymorphisms in estrogen receptor genes (ESRs) in California condors; one identified for condor estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) (N161S, E162D) and one in the ESR2 (T114M) gene. Each variant was confirmed in individual founder birds by direct PCR sequencing as well as in first generation offspring to understand the introduction of the alleles into the pedigree (6 birds for ESR1 and 5 birds for ESR2). Site-directed mutagenesis was performed on wild type receptors to produce each of the full-length ESR variants and activation of Esr1 and Esr2 variant and wild type receptors by xenoestrogens was compared. Maximal activation of the variant form of Esr1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in response to ethinyl estradiol (EE2), o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDD compared to wild type Esr1. For Esr2 the wild type maximal activation was higher in response to o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT. Although significant differences in activation of condor Esr variants by xenoestrogens occurred at high (micromolar) concentrations, they correspond to circulating concentrations previously reported in coastal birds. Release and relocation of California condors to the coast is a promising avenue for recovery, however, reproductive problems associated with xenoestrogen exposure pose a sub-lethal threat to long-term success. Based on above findings, future release decisions could be informed by ESR form(s) individual birds possess to reduce deleterious effects of xenoestrogen exposure and ultimately improve reproductive success in wild populations.

Optical aerosol properties of megacities: inland and coastal cities comparison

Measurements of aerosol optical depths allow the determination of microphysical and radiative characteristics of atmospheric aerosols and specially that of Megacities, which contribute to the deterioration of air quality live, increase health effects, and anthropogenic climate change. This paper analyzes the aerosol optical properties of ten megacities classified on inland and costal sites. The annual average of aerosol optical depths are around 0.5 and peaks can exceed 4 especially in summer for East Asia (Beijing and Bangkok) where the involvement of the anthropogenic aerosol is more important. Single scattering albedo is often greater than 0.8 and sometimes show wide variations between 0.6 and 0.98. The refractive index is constant and stands at 1.47 for the real part and 16 10−3 for its imaginary part. The PSDs are 0.16 μm for the fine mode and 2.3 μm for the coarse particle mode with a 3 μm magnification trend for the coastal sites. The volume concentrations are on average close to 0.1 μm3/μm2 for large particles and 0.04 μm3/μm2 for fines with peaks observed at Ilorin for large and at Beijing for fines. Radiative forcing are always negative (cooling trends), relatively low at the top of the atmosphere, larger at surface, and relatively higher at coastal sites. For the vertical atmospheric column, anthropogenic radiative forcing is always positive (warming trends) estimated average of + 14 W/m2 and natural registers three times increase for coastal sites. In reality, the coastal distinction is not at the origin of this increase since the maxima recorded are also included in the inland sites (Riyadh and Ilorin).

Carbon and nitrogen isotopes unravels sources of aerosol contamination at Caribbean rural and urban coastal sites

The constant increase of anthropogenic emissions of aerosols, usually resulting from a complex mixture from various sources, leads to a deterioration of the ambient air quality. The stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N) of total carbon (TC) and nitrogen (TN) in both PM10 and emissions from potential sources were investigated for first time in a rural and an urban Caribbean costal sites in Cuba to better constrain the origin of the contamination. Emissions from road traffic, power plant and shipping emissions were discriminated by coupling their C and N contents and corresponding isotope signatures. Other sources (soil, road dust and cement plant), in contrast, presented large overlapping ranges for both C and N isotope compositions. δ13CPM10 isotope compositions in the rural (average of −25.4 ± 1.2‰) and urban (average of −24.8 ± 1.2‰) sites were interpreted as a mixture of contributions from two main contributors: i) fossil fuel combustion and ii) cement plant and quarries. Results also showed that this last source is impacting more air quality at the urban site. A strong influence from local wood burning was also identified at the rural site. These conclusions were comforted by a statistical analysis using a conditional bivariate probability function. TN and δ15N values from the urban site demonstrated that nitrogen in PM10 was generated by secondary processes through the formation of (NH4)2SO4. The exchange in the (NH4)2SO4 molecule between gaseous NH3 and particle NH4+ under stoichiometric equilibrium may control the observed 15N enrichment. At low nitrogen concentrations in the aerosols, representing PM10 with both the highest primary N and lowest secondary N proportions, comparison with the δ15N of potential sources indicate that emissions from diesel car and power plant emissions may represent the major vectors of primary nitrogen.

Arsenic and arsenic species in shellfish and finfish from the western Arabian Gulf and consumer health risk assessment

This study reports the levels of total arsenic and arsenic species in marine biota such as clams (Meretrix meretrix; N=21) and pearl oyster (Pinctada radiata; N=5) collected from nine costal sites in Jan 2014, and cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis; N=8), shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus; N=1), and seven commercially important finfish species (N=23) collected during Apr–May 2013 from seven offshore sites in the western Arabian Gulf. Total As and As species such as dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AB), trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), arsenocholine (AC), tetramethylarsonium ion (Tetra), arsenosugar-glycerol (As-Gly) and inorganic As (iAs) were determined by using ICPMS and HPLC/ICPMS. In bivalves, the total As concentrations ranged from 16 to 118mg/kg dry mass; the toxic iAs fraction contributed on average less than 0.8% of the total As, while the nontoxic AB fraction formed around 58%. Total As concentrations for the remaining seafood (cuttlefish, shrimp and finfish) ranged from 11 to 134mg/kg dry mass and the iAs and AB fractions contributed on average 0.03% and 81% respectively of the total As. There was no significant relationship between the tissue concentrations of total As and iAs in the samples. There was also no significant relationship between As levels in seafood and geographical location or salinity of the waters from which samples were collected. Based on our results, we recommend introducing a maximum permissible level of arsenic in seafood from the Gulf based on iAs content rather than based on total As. Our analyses of cancer risks and non-cancer hazards identified non-negligible risks and the potential for hazards; the greatest risks were identified for expatriate consumers of bivalves and high-end consumers of seafood. Despite this, many uncertainties remain that would be best addressed by further analyses.

Occurrence of microplastics in the beach sand of the Chinese inner sea: the Bohai Sea

The occurrence of microplastics in the beach sand of the Bohai Sea was investigated for the first time. The Bohai Sea is the largest Chinese inner sea and its coastal region is one of the most densely urbanized and industrialized zones of China. Samples from three costal sites (i.e., Bijianshan, Xingcheng and Dongdaihe) were collected, quantified and identified for microplastic analysis. Effects of sample depth and tourism activity were investigated. Surface samples (2 cm) contained higher microplastic concentrations than deep samples (20 cm). Samples from the bathing beach exhibited higher microplastic concentrations than the non-bathing beach, suggesting the direct contribution of microplastics from tourism activity. Of eight types of microplastics that were found, PEVA (polyethylene vinyl acetate), LDPE (light density polyethylene) and PS (polystyrene) were the largest in abundances. Moreover, the non-plastic items from samples were analyzed and results revealed that the majority abundance of the observed non-plastics were viscose cellulose fibers. Further studies are required to evaluate the environmental hazards of microplastics, especially as they may “act as a contaminant transporter” to the Bohai Sea ecosystem.

Ecophysiological characteristics of Porphyra spp. (Bangiophyceae, Rhodophyta): seasonal and latitudinal variations in northern-central Chile

The red macroalga Porphyra C. Agardh is one of the most ecologically successful genera that lives in the upper intertidal zone. Biochemical, physiological, and morphological acclimation strategies allow their growth and distribution as well as a quick recuperation between tidal regimens. Studies of Porphyra are poorly developed in Chile, and management and exploitation proposals need to be supported by biological and ecophysiological approaches. This study evaluated seasonal and latitudinal physiological performances of Porphyra spp. via maximum quantum yield (F v / F m), pigments, proteins, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity in order to describe how algae can acclimate to their environment and to provide insights to their management and use. Sampling was done at three costal sites in Chile between 25°S and 34°S between winters 2010 and 2011. A total of four different morphotypes were identified (one in the north, one in the center, and two in the south locations) and evaluated separately. Results showed seasonal and latitudinal patterns for all ecophysiological variables studied, with a general tendency of decrease in F v / F m, pigments, and soluble proteins during spring–summer seasons accompanied by an increase in the antioxidant capacity. Latitudinal differences were observed with a tendency of higher values for ecophysiological traits in central and southern morphotypes. Phenology patterns were different between an annual population in the north location and a perennial one for central-south populations. The taxonomic clarity should be evaluated in order to better understand if there exists intraspecific (dependent on morphology) or interspecific variation.

Assessment of electricity generation by wind power in nine costal sites in Malaysia

In this article, the wind power potential in Malaysia is examined. Hourly wind speed data for nine sites in Malaysia are used to optimally design wind power systems for remote housing electrification. These nine sites are Bintulu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuching, Kudat, Mersing, Sandakan, Tawau and Pulau Langkawi. The designed wind power systems are supposed to supply hourly load demand 6.13 kWh/day, 0.52 kW peak with 1% loss of load probability. The unit cost of the energy produced by each system is calculated and compared to the unit cost of the energy produced by a standalone photovoltaic (PV) power systems and a diesel generator power systems. The results show that the average unit cost of the energy produced by a wind power system in Malaysia is 1.6–7.29 USD/kWh while it is 0.35–0.5 USD/kWh and 0.27–0.30 USD/kWh for PV power system and diesel generator power system, respectively. Based on this, the use of wind power systems as standalone systems is not recommended for the selected sites.

동해 북부해역 유광층에서 TEP 분포와 이산화탄소 인자와의 상호관련성

Transparent exopolymer particles(TEP)는 식물플랑크톤이 배출하는 다당류 물질이 자가응집을 통해 생성되는 끈적거리는 특성을 가진 물질로 해중설 형성에 중요한 역할을 담당한다고 밝혀져 왔다. 본 연구는 동해 북부해역에서 TEP 농도 분포특성과 탄소순환에서 역할을 이해하기에 이산화탄소계 인자, 엽록소-a 농도들을 관측하였다. 동해 북부해역의 TEP는 <TEX>$0{\sim}338{\mu}g\;Xeq\;l^{-1}$</TEX>로 연안역의 농도보다 낮으나 다른 외양역의 대번식기와 유사한 값이 나타났다. TEP의 공간분포는 엽록소-a의 공간 분포특성과 유사하게 나타나고 있는 것으로 보아 식물플랑크톤이 TEP의 주요 기원으로 사료된다. 직접 측정한 pH와 총 알칼리도의 값을 이용하여 총 용존 무기탄소(<TEX>$TCO_2$</TEX>)를 계산하였으며, 염분 35 psu에 해당하는 값으로 변환된 <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX>는 수온에 대해 선형적으로 감소하고 있다. 수온으로 계산된 <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX>와 현장에서 측정한 <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX>와의 차이는 생물적인 과정에 의한 이산화탄소의 제거(<TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX>)를 나타내는데, 난수역에서 <TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX>값이 음의 값이 나타났고 TEP의 농도가 높은 것으로 보아 생물적인 과정에 의해서 해수중의 이산화탄소가 감소한 것으로 사료된다. 북위 <TEX>$44^{\circ}-46^{\circ}$</TEX> 냉수역은 표층에서 TEP 농도는 낮지만, 엽록소-a 최대층에서 TEP의 농도 또한 높게 나타났고 TEP에 포함된 탄소(TEP-C)가 <TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX>의 약 40%를 기여하였다. 본 연구에서 TEP농도가 해수 중의 이산화탄소 농도 및 pH와 뚜렷한 상관관계가 나타나지 않아서 이산화탄소 농도에 따른 TEP의 반응은 살펴볼 수 없었으나 해수 중의 탄소순환에서 생물적인 과정을 이해하는데 TEP가 중요하게 고려되어야 함을 시사한다. Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) are formed by aggregation of polysaccharide products excreted by phytoplankton and have sticky character like gel. They play important role in the production of marine snow in water column. To study the distribution pattern of TEP concentration and its role in carbon cycle in the surface ocean, we measured pH, Total alkalinity (TA), and chlorophyll-a in addition to physical characteristics of seawater within the surface water column. TEP concentrations ranged from nearly undetectable values to <TEX>$338{\mu}g\;Xeq\;l^{-1}$</TEX>. They were considerably lower than previously reported values from costal sites, but showed similar values observed in other oceanic region during phytoplankton bloom periods. The spatial distribution of TEP concentrations were similar to those of chlorophyll-a, which indicate that the production of TEP were closely related to phytoplankton. Calculated total dissolved inorganic carbon (<TEX>$TCO_2$</TEX>) from the pH and TA was normalized to 35 psu of salinity (<TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX>) and showed negative linear relationship with temperature. Biological drawdown of <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX> (<TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX>) was estimated from the difference between theoretical <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX> values and observed <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX>. In the warm region located south of <TEX>$40^{\circ}N$</TEX> along the <TEX>$132.5^{\circ}N$</TEX> meridional lines, <TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX> showed negative value and TEP concentrations were high. This suggested that negative <TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX> may be attributed to the biological processes. At the stations located between 44 and <TEX>$46^{\circ}N$</TEX>, TEP concentrations showed high concentration at the chlorophyll-a maximum layer within the water column while they showed low concentration in the surface layer. Carbon content of TEP constituted about 40% of <TEX>$NTCO_{2bio}$</TEX> at the chlorophylla maximum layer. In this study, we could not observe any positive and negative relationship between TEP concentration and <TEX>$NTCO_2$</TEX> or pH. It is obvious that we should consider the importance of TEP in the biological carbon cycling processes within surface layer.

Identification and origin of nocturnal ozone maxima at urban and rural areas of Northern Portugal – Influence of horizontal transport

Nocturnal ozone maxima have been reported by several authors in different environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of horizontal transport on the occurrence of nocturnal ozone maxima. Frequency, concentration and time of the nocturnal ozone maxima were investigated during three consecutive years (2005–2007) in two urban and two rural sites of Northern Portugal using hourly ozone concentrations. These concentrations were further related with temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and speed. Results showed that urban sites had frequencies of nocturnal ozone maxima between 40% and 50% and rural sites of 15%. Rural sites were those with higher concentrations being in average 117 ± 35 μg m −3 , with minimum and maximum concentrations of, respectively, 51 μg m −3 and 283 μg m −3 ; information and alert thresholds were exceeded ( Directive 2002/3/EC ). At urban sites, the nocturnal ozone maxima occurred most at 5 h and at rural sites at 23 h/24 h. Among the meteorological parameters analysed, wind direction was the only one that had influence on the occurrence of nocturnal O 3 maxima. When nocturnal O 3 maxima occurred it was possible to observe at the urban sites, prevailing winds from ESE, related with land–sea breezes, meaning that land–sea breeze influenced the occurrence of nocturnal O 3 maxima trough the transport of O 3 from places where its concentrations were higher. At rural sites similar behaviour has been observed, nevertheless with different wind directions according to meteorological characteristics of the sites; frequent wind directions were from WNW for LO and from the North quadrant for SM. Additionally, between 70% and 99% of the nocturnal O 3 maxima for urban and rural sites occurred when there was a shift in the wind direction. Results allowed concluding that horizontal transport might have high importance on the occurrence of those maxima. Nevertheless, other factors, such as vertical transport, may also be important, as have been suggested by other authors. ► Monthly frequency of nocturnal O 3 maxima is lower at rural than at urban ones. ► Nocturnal O 3 maxima occurred in general at 5 h in urban costal sites. ► Nocturnal O 3 maxima occurred in general at 23 h in rural sites. ► Nocturnal O 3 maxima were related with land–sea breeze system at urban coastal sites. ► Nocturnal O 3 maxima were related with regional wind system at rural sites.

Contribution of anthropogenic and natural sources to the levels of trace elements in two costal sites in campeche, mexico

The influence of anthropogenic and geochemical sources on trace metal levels in wet deposition was studied in two coastal sites – Isla del Carmen and San Antonio-Cardenas – both located in the State of Campeche. Simultaneous samplings of precipitation were carried out by automatic samplers from June 1 to October 31, 2004. A total of 52 samples were collected to determine trace metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni). A mean pH value of 4.64 was found for San Antonio-Cardenas, whereas in Isla del Carmen this value was 5.38, indicating levels of acidity in rainwater in San Antonio-Cardenas while Isla del Carmen showed a natural buffer capacity to neutralize the acidity. The influence of the crustal was evident in both sampling sites, specifically for Al, Fe and Mn. In both sites, high percentages of dissolved fractions were found for Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni. However, these percentages were more significant in San Antonio-Cardenas, suggesting that these trace elements had an anthropogenic source.

E-Government in China: A Content Analysis of National and Provincial Web Sites

The Chinese government has actively encouraged and invested in the growth of the Internet to capture the technology's vast commercial potential, while exerting state control. Even before the country was fully connected to the global “network of networks,” China began to implement programs that would facilitate e-government. Despite some valuable examinations of e-government in China, no studies were found that systematically explored the content of both national and provincial Chinese government Web sites. This study fills that gap in the literature by analyzing the content of the opening pages of 177 government Web sites. The study found that broad e-governance, e-knowledge, and e-service functions were implemented at sites of national, costal, and inland government units. Generally, national and costal sites were more sophisticated, but inland sites seemed designed to meet the specific needs of government, citizens, and businesses in inland areas. The coding form and method designed for analyzing these sites holds promise for future researchers and the findings suggest that China may have begun to achieve its goals of facilitating government functions via the Internet.

Effect of muscle length on electromyogram in a canine diaphragm strip preparation.

The relationship between diaphragm electromyogram (EMG), isometric force, and length was studied in the canine diaphragm strip with intact blood supply and innervation under three conditions: supramaximal tetanic (100 Hz) phrenic nerve stimulation (STPS; n = 12), supramaximal phrenic stimulation at 25 Hz (n = 15), and submaximal phrenic stimulation at 25 Hz (n = 5). In the same preparation, the EMG-length relationship was also examined with direct muscle stimulation when the neuromuscular junction was blocked. EMG from three different sites and via two types of electrodes (direct or sewn-in and surface) were recorded during isometric contraction at different lengths. Direct EMGs were recorded from two bipolar electrodes sutured into the strip, one near its central end and the other near its costal end. A third EMG electrode configuration summed potentials from the whole strip by recording potentials between central and costal sites. Surface EMGs were recorded by a bipolar spring clip electrode that made contact with upper and lower surfaces of the muscle strip with light pressure. In all conditions of stimulation with different types of electrodes, all EMGs decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) when muscle length was changed from 50 to 120% of resting length (L0). Minimal and maximal force outputs were observed at 50 and 120% of L0, respectively, in all experiments. The results of this study indicated that the muscle length is a significant variable that affects the EMG recording and that the diaphragmatic EMG may not be an accurate reflection of phrenic nerve activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)