Reference Section Research Articles

Extent of Accessibility and Utilization of Reference Materials by Nigerian University Undergraduates

The reference section of every library remains an important arm of such library. It contains materials needed for teaching, learning, community development and research. However, studies have shown that most of these materials are rarely consulted by library users, hence, the rationale of the present study which investigated the extent to which reference materials are accessed and utilized by the undergraduates of library and information science (LIS), Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo. Six research objectives with corresponding research questions were considered and answered. The descriptive survey method was adopted using a total population of 133 final year undergraduates of LIS, TSU, Jalingo. Furthermore, the complete census technique was employed to study the entire population. A fifty-eight (58) items questionnaire was used for data collection. 133 copies were distributed, but 127 (95.5%) copies were returned and found suitable for data analysis. The data analysis was done using descriptive statistics of mean scores and frequency counts. Findings revealed a high extent of accessibility of a good number of reference materials. Few of these materials were reported to be utilized to a high extent leading to a relationship between the extent of accessibility and utilization. However, numerous challenges were identified to be facing the accessibility and utilization of reference materials by the undergraduates. The study concludes that the extent of accessibility determines the extent of utilization which all proved to be high in the library studied. It was, however, among other things, recommended that the management of university libraries should intensify efforts to improve the number and quality of reference materials provided and make them accessible to their users.

New planktonic foraminiferal record across the Aptian–Albian transition in Interior Fars, Zagros Basin, SW Iran: Implication for latest Aptian paleogeography along the southern shallower Neo-Tethys

The Aptian–Albian (A–A) transition encompassed a critical timing in the evolution of Fars Platform (Zagros Basin, SW Iran), such that a number of previous studies on its proximal part (called “Coastal Fars”) illustrated platform recovery after sustained demise due to latest Aptian maximum sea-level lowstand. So far, much less attention has been given to the distal part of the platform – “Interior Fars” – where the lack of proper geological age interpretations, in particular, has been limiting a full paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the southern shallower Neo-Tethys. In order to establish the chronostratigraphic framework of Interior Fars, this study presents a novel set of planktonic foraminiferal record for the A–A Kazhdumi Formation at the Saroie section. The identified fauna comprises nine species from four genera, all of which are reported for the first time from Fars Platform. The observed new bioevents are generally consistent with those of the proposed reference section at a deeper intrashelf setting (Tang-e-Maghar, Dezful Embayment), allowing for the establishment of a local upper Aptian–Lower Albian zonation and leading to adequate constraints on the local Aptian/Albian boundary and the timing of prominent black shale deposition (possible “Jacob” equivalent). Based on this new Saroie chronostratigraphic scheme, it is evident that sedimentation across the A–A transition was maintained fully marine at the Saroie section, Interior Fars. This finding does not support the previous inference of extensive subaerial exposure of the entire Fars Platform at that time, thereby calling for a major revision of the published prevailing model for latest Aptian paleogeography of this region. These new insights will facilitate better understanding of the Fars Platform evolution in the Zagros Basin as well as paleoenvironmental reconstructions along the southern Neo-Tethys.

Clinical Efficacy of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Psychiatric and Cognitive Disorders: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a widely used noninvasive brain stimulation technique for psychiatric and cognitive disorders. In recent years, deep TMS (dTMS) has shown promise as an enhanced form of TMS able to stimulate deeper brain structures and target broader networks. Various magnetic Hesed-coil (H-coil) designs-a novel feature of dTMS-have been used to stimulate brain regions implicated in the pathophysiology of specific psychiatric and cognitive disorders, thereby producing therapeutic effects. Given the novelty of dTMS in psychiatry, little is known about the clinical efficacy of dTMS across psychiatric and cognitive disorders-that is, whether dTMS performs superiorly to sham or control. In this paper, we outline a protocol for a systematic review investigating the clinical efficacy of dTMS. The primary objective is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on dTMS for psychiatric and cognitive disorders and, if feasible, a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of active dTMS versus sham/control for psychiatric disorders. Dementia and related cognitive disorders will also be examined. A secondary objective will be to examine subgroup differences (by age, sex, H-coil design, and dTMS parameters [ie, pulses per session, percentage of motor threshold, etc]) to evaluate whether dTMS differentially influences clinical outcomes based on these factors. A comprehensive search of the APA PsycINFO, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases will be conducted using keywords such as "H-coil" and "dTMS." Two authors (AD and MD) will be responsible for screening relevant articles, assessing article eligibility (according to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria), and data extraction. All included articles will undergo a quality and risk of bias assessment. Data from included articles will be summarized qualitatively in a systematic review. If a sufficient number of equivalent studies are available, a meta-analysis will be performed to (1) determine the effect of active versus sham dTMS (or another control arm) across psychiatric and cognitive disorders, and (2) examine subgroup effects of clinical outcomes. The preliminary search rendered a total of 1134 articles from the APA PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. After full-text screening, 21 eligible articles remained. One additional article was identified from the references section of an existing systematic review. In total, 22 eligible articles were included. Data extraction and quality of assessment procedures are ongoing. We will outline the evidence relating to the clinical efficacy of dTMS in various psychiatric and cognitive disorders. The results of the prospective systematic review will provide clinicians with valuable insight into the clinical (ie, participant age, sex, psychiatric or cognitive disorder, etc) and methodological factors (ie, H-coil design, dTMS parameters, etc) which may contribute to dTMS efficacy, and thereby may assist clinicians in their decision to prescribe dTMS for specific psychiatric and cognitive disorders. PROSPERO CRD42022360066; https://tinyurl.com/5ev6byrn. DERR1-10.2196/45213.

Paired carbon isotope chemostratigraphy across the Ordovician–Silurian boundary in central East Baltic: Regional and global signatures

The latest Ordovician and earliest Silurian carbonate succession of the East Baltic region has served as a global reference for studying the Hirnantian mass extinction and global environmental changes recorded in geochemical archives. However, the data from the area have uneven spatial distribution, with the deeper shelf Livonian Basin poorly covered by integrated geochemical-paleontological data sets. Moreover, virtually no paired organic carbon (δ13Corg) and carbonate carbon (δ13Ccarb) isotope records are available from the Ordovician of Baltica, limiting the possibilities for chemostratigraphy and geochemical modelling. Here we studied the Likėnai 396 drill core from northern Lithuania to establish a late Katian to Rhuddanian bio- and chemostratigraphic reference section for the central East Baltic region. Our primary focus was on the Hirnantian carbon isotopic event (HICE) interval, together with the late Katian Parovėja excursion. The latter occurs within the Parovėja Formation, for which the Likėnai core serves as a neostratotype. The drill core was sampled for paired carbonate and organic carbon isotope analysis, other geochemical proxies and four groups of microfossils: chitinozoans, conodonts, ostracods and scolecodonts. The integrated data set allowed us to identify the main Baltic δ13Ccarb excursions in the Likėnai core: Moe, Parovėja and HICE. Additionally, a small-scale but distinct Jonstorp peak was distinguished between the Moe and Parovėja excursions. The Likėnai core is a suitable reference section for the Parovėja excursion as well as the falling limb of the HICE in Baltoscandia. Except for the HICE, the δ13Ccarb excursions were not clearly defined in the δ13Corg curve, and the correlation between δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb values appeares to be weak. However, the paired records co-vary in the HICE interval but have a negative correlation in the Parovėja excursion interval. This suggests different forcing mechanisms and poses challenges for chemostratigraphic correlations using mixed δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb records. On the other hand, the remarkable similarity between the δ13Corg curves from different deeper shelf sites indicates a time-constrained and at least basin-scale nature of these events. Our study highlights the existence of global, basin-scale as well as likely local features, but additional paired δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb data are needed to better discriminate between different scales.

Conceptualizing and Measuring Social Media Use in Health and Well-being Studies: Systematic Review.

Despite an increasing number of studies revealing both the benefits and harms of social media use on well-being, there is heterogeneity and a lack of consensus on how social media use is conceptualized, defined, and measured. Additionally, little is known whether existing literature focuses on ill-being or well-being outcomes and whether studies use theories. The main objective of this review was to examine (1) how social media use has been conceptualized and measured, (2) what health and well-being outcomes have been focused on, and (3) whether studies used theories. Studies were located through a comprehensive search strategy involving 4 steps. First, keyword searches were conducted on 6 major databases: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, ProQuest, and Annual Reviews. Second, a search was conducted on Google Scholar using the same sets of search terms, and the first 100 results were examined. Third, the reference sections of reviews identified in the first 2 rounds of searches were examined, and finally, the reference lists of the final set of papers included in the review were searched. Through a multistage screening, papers that met our inclusion criteria were analyzed. The review included a total of 233 papers published between 2007 and 2020 in 51 different countries. While 66 (28%) of the studies investigated the effects of the problematic use or addiction of social media on health and well-being, 167 (72%) studied the effects of social media use as a "normal" behavior. Most of the studies used measures assessing the time users spend using social media. Most of the studies that examined the effects of problematic social media use or addiction used addiction scales. Most studies examined the association of social media use with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and loneliness. While there are a considerable number of studies investigating physical health outcomes such as self-rated health, sleep, and sitting time or lack of physical activity, relatively a small number of studies examined social, psychological, and emotional well-being. Most of the studies 183 (79%) did not use any theory. Most studies conceptualized social media use as a "normal" behavior and mostly used time-spent measures, whereas a considerable number of studies conceptualized social media use as an addiction and used various addiction measures. The studies disproportionately focused on investigating the associations of social media use with negative health and well-being outcomes. The findings suggest the need for going beyond time spent to more sophisticated measurement approaches that consider the multiplicity of activities that users perform on social media platforms and the need for more theory-based studies on the association of social media use with not only negative well-being or "ill-being" but also with positive health and well-being outcomes.

"Prescriptive authority for psychologists: The next step": Correction.

Reports an error in "Prescriptive authority for psychologists: The next step" by Steven Eric Curtis, Samantha Hoffmann and Maeve O'Leary Sloan (Psychological Services, Advanced Online Publication, May 05, 2022, np). In the original article, changes were needed to clarify the timeline of state legalizations of prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP) and the current status of RxP with regard to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). In the second paragraph of the "RxP From 2011 to Present" section, the citations relating to legalization in Idaho and Iowa were corrected, and the year in the Prescribing Psychologist reference was corrected in the References section and in text citations throughout. Additionally, in the last paragraph of the "RxP From 2011 to Present" section, the text was updated to clarify that at the present time, prescribing psychologists are not able to prescribe for the BOP. All versions of this article have been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2022-58802-001). Since the endorsement of prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP) by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1995, it has become legal in five states (Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico). The Department of Defense, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, as well as the Public Health Service, and the Indian Health Service, continue to utilize prescribing psychologists as well. There are now over 200 prescribing psychologists in the United States. Five APA-designated RxP training programs offer a pathway to attain prescription privileges and future board certification when approved. The purpose of this article is to provide information for those with minimal exposure to RxP, updates for those more informed, and recommendations for the next phase of RxP. This article examines scholarship related to RxP as well as newsletter columns, state legislative efforts, current RxP laws, policies, training programs, and critical events in the RxP history. Public access to quality and comprehensive mental health services can be expected to improve as more psychologists complete the necessary RxP training and licensure requirements. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Prescriptive authority for psychologists: The next step.

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported online in Psychological Services on Jul 11 2022 (see record 2022-79840-001). In the original article, changes were needed to clarify the timeline of state legalizations of prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP) and the current status of RxP with regard to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). In the second paragraph of the "RxP From 2011 to Present" section, the citations relating to legalization in Idaho and Iowa were corrected, and the year in the Prescribing Psychologist reference was corrected in the References section and in text citations throughout. Additionally, in the last paragraph of the "RxP From 2011 to Present" section, the text was updated to clarify that at the present time, prescribing psychologists are not able to prescribe for the BOP. All versions of this article have been corrected.] Since the endorsement of prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP) by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 1995, it has become legal in five states (Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and New Mexico). The Department of Defense, including the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy, as well as the Public Health Service, and the Indian Health Service, continue to utilize prescribing psychologists as well. There are now over 200 prescribing psychologists in the United States. Five APA-designated RxP training programs offer a pathway to attain prescription privileges and future board certification when approved. The purpose of this article is to provide information for those with minimal exposure to RxP, updates for those more informed, and recommendations for the next phase of RxP. This article examines scholarship related to RxP as well as newsletter columns, state legislative efforts, current RxP laws, policies, training programs, and critical events in the RxP history. Public access to quality and comprehensive mental health services can be expected to improve as more psychologists complete the necessary RxP training and licensure requirements. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Urban neighbourhood elements that influence psychoactive substance use among populations with adverse childhood experiences: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events experienced before the age of 18 years old. ACEs have been associated with an increased risk for substance use in adulthood....

Ferruginous biolaminations within the pre-Hirnantian (Late Ordovician) of the Carnic Alps, Austria

Well preserved laminated structures occur within the Upper Ordovician of the Cellon section in the Carnic Alps (Austria), a world-famous reference section for Silurian conodont biostratigraphy. Microfacies from the Upper Ordovician Uqua Formation were characterised by using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with microanalyses (SEM/ESEM-EDX) and a confocal laser Raman microscopy. Ferruginous laminated structures overgrowing specific skeletal fragments occur in the lower part of the studied unit in the form of finely red-to greenish coatings composed of chamosite and goethite alternating with calcite bands. Laminae have arborescent to dendrolitic morphologies. Such morphologies suggest a biomediated genesis and the existence of a potential microbial factory acting in a nearby location from which coated material was later redeposited. These ferruginous coatings around organisms are not documented within the latest Ordovician Plöcken Formation at Cellon or in the coeval Wolayer Formation elsewhere.

Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Fibromyalgia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been reported as an emerging treatment regimen for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), with a paucity of solid evidence. Accordingly, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to address the effectiveness of HBOT on FMS. We searched the Cochrane Database, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and PsycINFO, and the reference sections of original studies and systematic reviews from inception to May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of FMS with HBOT were included. Outcome measures included pain, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Tender Points Count (TPC), and side effects. Four RCTs, with 163 participants, were included for analysis. Pooled results showed that HBOT could benefit FMS with significant improvement at the end of treatment, including FIQ (SMD = -1.57, 95% CI -2.34 to -0.80) and TPC (SMD = -2.50, 95% CI -3.96 to -1.05). However, there was no significant effect on pain (SMD = -1.68, 95% CI, -4.47 to 1.11). Meanwhile, HBOT significantly increased the incidence of side effects (RR = 24.97, 95% CI 3.75 to 166.47). Collectively, emerging evidence from RCTs indicates that HBOT can benefit FMS patients in FIQ and TPC throughout the observation time phrases. Although HBOT has some side effects, it does not cause serious adverse consequences.

Fecal transplantation for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Fecal transplantation for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Chemostratigraphy of the lower Danubian Cretaceous Group (Cenomanian–lower Turonian, Bavaria, SE Germany)—A new carbon isotope reference curve and inter-basinal correlation

Core section KB 06-2020, drilled north of Regensburg (SE Germany), covering the lower Danubian Cretaceous Group, has been logged in detail and sampled for chemostratigraphic investigation throughout the Cenomanian–lower Turonian. Resting unconformably on Upper Jurassic carbonates, the succession includes the Regensburg (lower Cenomanian–middle upper Cenomanian), the Eibrunn (Cenomanian–Turonian boundary interval), the Winzerberg (lower Turonian; Reinhausen and Knollensand members) and the Kagerhöh formations (middle Turonian, Eisbuckel and Pulverturm members only). The correlation of carbon stable-isotope trends from core section KB 06-2020 with the expanded Dover section (southern England) and the Bad Abbach section (south of Regensburg) provides evidence for a diachronous, NE-directed onlap of the Cretaceous strata onto the Bohemian Massif. Several Cenomanian carbon isotope events have been recognised (Mid-dixoni, P/B Break, Monument as well as the b1 and b2 peaks) while the selective absence of events above conspicuous sedimentary unconformities provides evidence for stratigraphic gaps associated with sea-level falls. A significant positive carbon isotope excursion in the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary interval, Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2), has been recorded in the Eibrunn Formation. Correlation with the European reference section from Eastbourne (southern England), Pont d'Issole (southern France), and the regional Grub section provides evidence of a rather complete development of OAE 2 in the Danubian Cretaceous Basin. The δ13C curve obtained from core section KB 06-2020 is proposed as a regional reference curve. Additionally, the Plenus Cold Event (PCE) is recognisable in the oxygen stable-isotope data.

The “Guttenberg” positive δ13C excursion (GICE) interval of Latest Sandbian–early Katian (Late Ordovician) spans ca. 1.2 Myr in Asian reference sections

The boundary between the Sandbian and Katian stages of the Late Ordovician is directly followed by the onset of the Guttenberg positive isotope carbon excursion (GICE), which is potentially a means to aid in global correlation of this stage boundary. The sedimentary record of the GICE in mid-continent North American sections often spans only a few meters and has been estimated to span <400 kyr. In contrast, a major sustained positive excursion that has been considered equivalent to the GICE spans over 100 m within some other sections in North America and in the Qilang Formation of the Tarim Basin in northwest China. In addition to enhancing the carbon-isotope records of this expanded record of the GICE, we applied cyclostratigraphy analysis to detailed natural-gamma logging from the Dawangou section, Tarim Basin, which is the auxiliary GSSP for the Sandbian Stage, and from the nearby Sishichang section. The average proportion of carbonate to marl in the outer shelf facies of these sections exhibits cycles of ca. 30 m. Superimposed on these large-scale cycles are ca. 1.5-m oscillations. We interpret these cycles as a sedimentary record of long-eccentricity (405 kyr) and precession cycles. Three secondary low-amplitude oscillations in δ13C are superimposed on the broad GICE plateau and are in phase with the long-eccentricity cycles. The astronomical-tuned sedimentary stratigraphy of these sections implies that the main GICE interval has a duration of ca. 1.2 Myr, with an uncertainty of ca. 200 kyr depending upon how the onset and termination of the GICE is defined. Similar secondary peaks in δ13C on the main GICE excursion reported from other regions have been termed G1, G2 and G3. In the Dawangou section, the estimated placement of the Sandbian-Katian stage boundary is midway between G1 and G2. The GICE record in the composite δ13C stratigraphy from the Cincinnati region of Ohio-Kentucky exhibits an initial “Logana” positive excursion followed by a “Macedonia” positive excursion, and we suggest that these are correlative to the G2 and G3 secondary peaks on the broad GICE as identified in Asia. In both the Tarim region and in the Cincinnati composite, these two secondary peaks in δ13C occur during intervals of greater clay content relative to carbonate. If verified, this astronomically tuned reference scale of the δ13C modulations will enable high-resolution global correlation of biozones and other events near the Sandbian-Katian stage boundary and during the Early Katian.

New Data on the Structure of the Terminal Part of the Volgian Stage of the Upper Jurassic in the Reference Section near the Village of Vasilyevskoye, Yaroslavl Oblast

New Data on the Structure of the Terminal Part of the Volgian Stage of the Upper Jurassic in the Reference Section near the Village of Vasilyevskoye, Yaroslavl Oblast

The Role of Skin Substitutes in Dermatologic Surgery: A Practical Review.

The number of skin substitutes (SS) available for wound care management has increased markedly in the last few decades. This presents a challenge as dermatologists attempt to determine the appropriate setting for a skin substitute use. This is a practical review of SS used in dermatologic surgery to assist clinicians in their selection of SS by providing information about the efficacy, risk, availability, shelf-life, and relative cost of the available options. Relevant data were identified through a search of PubMed, a manual search of relevant company websites, a manual search of the reference sections of relevant papers, and communicating with subject experts. SS can be divided into 7 categories based on composition: amnion, cultured epithelial autograft, acellular allograft, cellular allografts, xenografts, composites, and synthetics. These groups offer unique benefits and disadvantages that are outlined in the manuscript and tables. Considerations of the characteristics, settings of use, and efficacies of SS may allow more effective wound care and the potential for faster healing times. Additional studies are needed to evaluate and compare the healing benefits of these substitutes. Trials comparing the efficacy of each of the common SS vs each other and granulation are needed. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5): doi:10.36849/JDD.7132.

Oxidative Stress in a Wild Population of the Freshwater Fish Hyphessobrycon Luetkenii Chronically Exposed to a Copper Mining Area: New Insights into Copper Toxicology.

In this study, we examine markers of oxidative stress in the tetra Hyphessobrycon luetkenii collected from two locations in the copper contaminated João Dias creek (southern Brazil). Also, specimens were translocated from a clean reference section of the creek to a polluted stretch and vice-versa. Fish were held at in submerged cages for 96h and then sacrificed. Nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes and total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation in gills, brain, liver and muscle displayed similar trends in both groups. Lipid peroxidation increased in all tissues of individuals translocated to the polluted site but only in liver and muscle of those translocated to the reference site. Increased protein carbonylation was also observed in gills of individuals translocated to the reference location. These results suggest similar oxidative stress among fish from the reference and polluted locations and that long-term metals exposure may require adaptations toward oxidative stress responses.

Effectiveness of healthcare workers and volunteers training on improving tuberculosis case detection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tuberculosis is the second most common infectious cause of death globally. Low TB case detection remains a major challenge to achieve the global End TB targets. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether training of health professionals and volunteers increase TB case detection. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials and non-randomized control trials reporting on the effectiveness of health professionals and volunteers training on TB case detection. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and reference sections of included articles from inception through to 15 February 2021, for studies published in English. Study screening, data extraction, and bias assessments were performed independently by two reviewers with third and fourth reviewers participating to resolve conflicts. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Meta-analyses were performed with a random effect model to estimate the effectiveness of training intervention on TB case detection. Of the 2015 unique records identified through our search strategies, 2007 records were excluded following the screening, leaving eight studies to be included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that providing training to health professionals and volunteers significantly increased TB case detection (RR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.53, 1.66). There was not a significant degree of heterogeneity across the included study on the outcome of interest (I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.667). Providing training to healthcare workers and volunteers can increase TB case detection.

Geological features of the Special Nature Reserve of Montalbano Jonico Badlands (Basilicata, Southern Italy)

ABSTRACT A geological, geomorphological and geo-touristic map, at 1:5000 scale, has been produced for the most representative area of the regional ‘Special Nature Reserve of Montalbano Jonico Badlands’, with the aim to represent the scientific and landscape features which allowed the establishment of the Reserve. The area is located in the Province of Matera (Basilicata), on the southwestern sector of the Apennines Quaternary foredeep, in Southern Italy. The map highlights stratigraphic signatures of international interest and badland landscapes, imprinted on a clayey marine succession straddling the Early-Middle Pleistocene boundary. This stratigraphic interval can be considered as an international reference section for global paleoclimatic signatures during Marine Oxygen Isotopic Stages 20–18 and for the base of the Middle Pleistocene Subseries/Subepoch. With the goal to disseminate these knowledges, to improve future research and to promote sustainable geo-tourism, the map allows visitors to enjoy the scientific features and scenery of the Reserve.

Fluvio-deltaic record of increased sediment transport during the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO), Southern Pyrenees, Spain

Abstract. The early Cenozoic marine sedimentary record is punctuated by several brief episodes (&lt;200 kyr) of abrupt global warming, called hyperthermals, that have disturbed ocean life and water physicochemistry. Moreover, recent studies of fluvial–deltaic systems, for instance at the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum, revealed that these hyperthermals also impacted the hydrologic cycle, triggering an increase in erosion and sediment transport at the Earth's surface. Contrary to the early Cenozoic hyperthermals, the Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO), lasting from 40.5 to 40.0 Ma, constitutes an event of gradual warming that left a highly variable carbon isotope signature and for which little data exist about its impact on Earth surface systems. In the South Pyrenean foreland basin (SPFB), an episode of prominent deltaic progradation (Belsué–Atarés and Escanilla formations) in the middle Bartonian has been usually associated with increased Pyrenean tectonic activity, but recent magnetostratigraphic data suggest a possible coincidence between the progradation and the MECO warming period. To test this hypothesis, we measured the stable-isotope composition of carbonates (δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb) and organic matter (δ13Corg) of 257 samples in two sections of SPFB fluvial–deltaic successions covering the different phases of the MECO and already dated with magnetostratigraphy. We find a negative shift in δ18Ocarb and an unclear signal in δ13Ccarb around the transition from magnetic chron C18r to chron C17r (middle Bartonian). These results allow, by correlation with reference sections in the Atlantic and Tethys, the MECO to be identified and its coincident relationship with the Belsué–Atarès fluvial–deltaic progradation to be documented. Despite its long duration and a more gradual temperature rise, the MECO in the South Pyrenean foreland basin may have led, like lower Cenozoic hyperthermals, to an increase in erosion and sediment transport that is manifested in the sedimentary record. The new data support the hypothesis of a more important hydrological response to the MECO than previously thought in mid-latitude environments, including those around the Tethys.

The fossil assemblage from Pontils, a middle Eocene primate-bearing locality from Northeastern Spain

ABSTRACT The Pontils fossil site (middle Eocene, Ebro Basin, Spain) includes several vertebrate-bearing levels situated in a sequence recording a continental to marine transition. Although the locality has been known since the 1980s and scarce mammal remains have been already documented, an intensive sampling has not been developed until now. This work presents the first results of the recent field campaigns carried out at this site. Seven levels have yielded significant vertebrate remains, revealing a diverse assemblage which includes chondrichthyans, actinopterygians, amphibians, crocodilians, squamates, metatherians, eulipotyphlans, apatotherians, chiropterans, rodents, artiodactyls, perissodactyls, and primates, besides other non-vertebrate fossils. The Pontils assemblage indicates a mangrove swamp environment with warm and humid conditions and increasing marine influence towards the top of the sequence. Among mammals, primates are particularly diverse, including abundant remains of a minuscule, still undetermined omomyiform, and scarce teeth of Pseudoloris, Necrolemur, and an undetermined anchomomyin. The occurrence of larger benthic foraminifera allows the assignment of Pontils to Shallow Benthic Zone 17 (Bartonian), solving the debate about the age of the locality, previously assigned either to the Bartonian or the Lutetian. These data, together with previous magnetostratigraphic analyses, allow correlation to chrons C18r or C18n.1r, constraining the age of Pontils to between 39.58 and 41 Ma. Therefore, the Pontils site represents a new reference section for the correlation of marine and continental biostratigraphy during the middle Eocene.