Several Years Of Monitoring Research Articles

The influence of network characteristics and environmental conditions on voltage dip performance in MV networks

The paper is focused on the possible influence that some network characteristics (i.e. network configuration, type of neutral operation, geographical area, lines and cable length…) and environmental phenomena (lighting) may have on voltage dip performance in Medium Voltage (MV) networks. The investigation has been performed by applying both correlation techniques and Multiple Linear Regression analysis (MLR) on the voltage dips collected along several years of monitoring by the Italian MV network monitoring system QuEEN. As to the network characteristics and environmental factors used in the performed analysis they are referred to the data supplied in the past for the monitoring system and to the lighting data provided by the Italian lightning location system SIRF1. The percentage contribution of each network and environmental factor to the voltage dips statistic, irrespective of the other parameters, have been evaluated by multiple linear regression methods. The results of these analysis confirm that the overhead line length has got a significant influence on the phenomena while cable lines length has, as expected, only a negligible effect. The influence of lightning seems to be not so critical as expected and this happen also with the neutral type of operation while voltage dips performances depend, in a non-negligible way, on the belonging to a geographical area.

Quantification and characterization of macro- and mesoplastic items in the water column of the river Waal

Although studies on plastic concentrations mainly focus on the marine environment, recently, an increasing number of studies point out environmental consequences in freshwater environments around the world. However, there still is a paucity of field data on the abundance of riverine plastic items, in particular in the water column. In this study, we provide an overview of macro- and mesoplastic concentrations, categories, ages, and origin over several years in the water column of the river Waal, in the Netherlands. The river water column was passively sampled at two selected locations using a stow net at very low and low discharges (range 537 - 1345 m3.s−1). The most dominant macro- and mesoplastic categories were ‘Miscellaneous plastic waste’, including “Plastic film 2.5 - 50 cm (soft)” and “Plastic film 0 - 2.5 cm (soft)” as main categories. Macro- and mesoplastic categories were found to show limited variability during several years of monitoring. The mean macroplastic concentration (± SD) ranged between 2.2 × 10−3 ± 0.001 and 7.4 × 10−3 ± 0.003 particles.m−3 for October 2020 and November 2018, respectively. In 2020, the plastic concentrations showed a sharp decrease compared to the previous years, most likely as a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis. The origin of the plastics (e.g., countries) also showed little variability during monitoring. The consistency of several characteristics of the collected plastic suggests that the same sources were responsible for the macro- and mesoplastic input into the river Waal during low discharges and over multiple years. We present the first temporal assessment of macro- and mesoplastic concentrations and composition in the water column of the river Waal. The outcome of the current study can be used to support the development of management measures by decision makers.

Hymenophore configuration of the oak mazegill (Daedalea quercina)

ABSTRACT The complex hymenophore configuration of the oak mazegill (Daedalea quercina, Polyporales) is rarely quantified, although quantifications are important analytical tools to assess form and growth. We quantified the hymenophore configuration of the oak mazegill by manual counting of tubes and tubular branches and ends. Complementary measurements were made with the software AngioTool. We found that the number of tubular branches and ends varied substantially between specimens, with a positive correlation with hymenophore area (5–51 cm2). We then measured complexity as tubular branches and ends per area, and complexity was not correlated with the size of the basidiocarps. Basidiocarps from two locations were compared (Hald ege, N = 11; Hvidding krat, N = 7), and the prevalence of branches and that of ends were greater in the Hvidding krat hymenophores (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). Additionally, lacunarity, a measure of complexity (“gappiness”), gave a higher score for the Hald ege hymenophores (P = 0.002). Lacunarity analysis of multiple species of Polyporales showed that the oak mazegill hymenophore is comparatively complex. Concerning factors that affect hymenophore complexity of the oak mazegill, we observed that greater hymenophore complexity was associated with abrupt boundaries between growth zones on the pileus surface. Several years of monitoring documented that basidiocarps can remodel to gravitational changes and heal from damage. In conclusion, intra- and interspecies differences of hymenophore configuration can be quantified. In oak mazegill, hymenophore complexity is not dependent on size per se, although abrupt borders between growth zones are associated with increased complexity. Some of the variation between basidiocarps may reflect aspects of the ecology of the individual fungus.

Conservation and structural stabilization of al Hayla tower in the Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi

ABSTRACTAl Hayla tower is a historic stone building located in Liwa Oasis in the vast ‘Empty Quarter’ desert of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As one of the few remaining unaltered stone buildings in the emirate, Halya is a rare record of stone construction techniques and a significant part of Abu Dhabi’s heritage. When first surveyed in 2009, the tower was in critical condition with large vertical cracks that threatened to cause total collapse of the structure. Emergency conservation measures including shoring and strapping were carried out and a conservation management plan was drafted to guide future interventions. Documentation, materials analysis and treatment trials were also carried out followed by conservation. The interventions included structural reinforcement, grouting, repointing, and application of a shelter coat. Geogrid fiber was chosen for reinforcement because of its high tensile strength and resistance to heat deformation and corrosion in the desert environment. After several years of monitoring following the interventions, the tower has remained stable. This paper describes the conservation and structural stabilization work in detail, focusing on materials analysis, mortar selection, and the conservation and structural solutions chosen to stabilize the tower.

Evaluating the Impact of Teaching and Learning of Mathematics and Science using Local Language (Language of Play) in Primary Schools in Muchinga Province, Zambia, a Case of Chinsali District

One of the factors blamed for poor academic performance in the Zambian primary Schools has been the use of English in place of mother tongue as a medium of instruction. In 2013, the government replaced English with a familiar local language in teaching grade one to four. The aim of this paper was to make a preliminary evaluation of the impact of using a local or familiar language as a medium of instruction for teaching and learning mathematics and science in Muchinga province of Zambia. Taking Chinsali district of Muchinga province as a case study, the research sampled 4(30%) of the 13 zones in the district. Schools within the sampled zones were randomly picked and questionnaires were administered to lower primary school teachers. The research findings show that, firstly, while teachers supported and appreciated the efficacy of the pedagogy, they also faced challenges in using it to teach mathematics and science. Secondly, teachers reported that using a local language as a medium of instruction freed pupils from timidity. There was tremendous class participation during lessons. Thirdly, the pedagogy reduced rote learning and increased concept assimilation of mathematics and science concepts. The major recommendations are that the ministry in charge of education should embark on many longitudinal studies in the province to see how the policy is working. A look at countries where using mother tongue to teach mathematics and science has succeeded, shows that it has gone through many years of evaluations. It is these several years of monitoring that lead to its success.

The rediscovery of Stachys virgata (Lamiaceae), a rare endemic of Peloponnisos, Greece: taxonomy, distribution, karyology and conservation

Stachys virgata, a rare Greek member of S. subsect. Rectae, was hitherto known from historical collections made in the north-eastern and southern parts of Peloponnisos, the last one dated in 1844. Its only recent record, on Poros Island in 1940, is not supported by a herbarium specimen. The species was rediscovered in 2005, 161 years after its last collection, and subsequently documented in 18 populations (1 of them now extinct) distributed along the eastern slopes of Mt. Parnonas and Mt. Madara in east Peloponnisos. We review the species’ description and distribution based on both historical records and recent collections, select a specimen deposited in the Natural History Museum, Paris (P) as a lectotype, and count its chromosome number, 2n = 34, for the first time. We evaluate the species’ taxonomic relationships and consider its threats and conservation status based on our own field work and several years of monitoring. S. virgata totals 355 mature plants and 12 out of its 18 populations comprise 20 plants or fewer. Based on the IUCN criteria, S. virgata falls under the Endangered (EN) category and specific conservation measures are proposed. Finally, we provide a key distinguishing S. virgata from the other Greek members of S. subsect. Rectae.

Microplanktonic Community Structure in a Coastal System Relative to a Phaeocystis Bloom Inferred from Morphological and Tag Pyrosequencing Methods

BackgroundMassive phytoplankton blooms, like the recurrent Phaeocystis proliferation observed every year in the Eastern English Channel (EEC), have a significant influence on the overall planktonic community structure and their food web dynamics. As well as being an important area for local fisheries, the EEC is an ideal ecosystem for work on microbial diversity. This is because, although its environmental context is relatively complex, it is reasonably well understood due to several years of monitoring and morphological observations of its planktonic organisms. The objective of our study was to better understand the under-explored microbial eukaryotic diversity relative to the Phaeocystis bloom.Methodology and Principal FindingsThe community structure of microplankton (diatoms, haptophytes, ciliates and dinoflagellates) was studied through morphological observations and tag pyrosequencing. During the annual Phaeocystis spring bloom, the phytoplankton biomass increased by 34-fold, while the microzooplankton biomass showed a 4-fold increase, representing on average about 4.6% of the biomass of their phytoplankton prey. Tag pyrosequencing unveiled an extensive diversity of Gymnodiniaceae, with G. spirale and G. fusiformis representing the most abundant reads. An extended diversity of Phaeocystales, with partial 18S rDNA genes sequence identity as low as 85% was found, with taxa corresponding to P. globosa, but also to unknown Phaeocystaceae.ConclusionsMorphological analyses and pyrosequencing were generally in accordance with capturing frequency shifts of abundant taxa. Tag pyrosequencing allowed highlighting the maintenance of microplankton diversity during the Phaeocystis bloom and the increase of the taxa presenting low number of reads (minor taxa) along with the dominant ones in response to biotic and/or abiotic changing conditions. Although molecular approaches have enhanced our perception on diversity, it has come to light that the challenge of modelling and predicting ecological change requires the use of different complementary approaches, to link taxonomic data with the functional roles of microbes in biogeochemical cycles.

Características clínicas y evolutivas de una familia con hemocromatosis hereditaria tipo 1

Introduction Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) type I is due to mutations in the HFE gene, located on chromosome 6 (6p21.3). This disease is characterized by increased intestinal iron absorption and progressive storage in the liver, skin, pancreas, bones, heart and endocrine organs. Patient prognosis depends on early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the disease. Patients and methods We reviewed the medical records of family members (eight men and five women) with HH type I, studied and followed-up between 1985 and 2008 in Hospital Donostia, San Sebastian (Spain). Molecular studies were performed of the HFE gene and of iron overload parameters in all the family members (N = 17) belonging to two generations. In family members with the C282Y/H63D mutation and incomplete phenotype, liver iron quantification and monitoring was done by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results The homozygous C282Y mutation was present in three family members, the heterozygous mutation (associated with H63D) in three, and the heterozygous mutation alone in six. Liver biopsy revealed fibrosis and / or cirrhosis in four family members (three with C282Y/C282Y and another with C282Y/-) aged over 40 years with hepatomegaly, arthralgia, and in some cases, skin pigmentation, fatigue, and hypogonadism. Liver MRI in two family members with the heterozygous mutation (C282Y/H63D) and transferrin saturation greater than 50% showed no iron overload after several years of monitoring, avoiding the need for phlebotomy. Conclusions We present the clinical manifestations of HH type 1 in this family and the molecular alterations found. Liver MRI should be incorporated into the monitoring of individuals with impaired iron metabolism and HFE gene mutations.

Oscarella balibaloi, a new sponge species (Homoscleromorpha: Plakinidae) from the Western Mediterranean Sea: cytological description, reproductive cycle and ecology

A new homoscleromorph sponge species was observed for the first time in 2002 along the coast of Provence (France) and since then, several investigations have been implemented. The new homoscleromorph species is devoid of skeleton and it is thus related to the Oscarella genus. Oscarella balibaloi sp. nov. has been found in several littoral submarine caves of the Western Mediterranean Sea (France and Spain). After several years of monitoring, we show that this sponge is becoming abundant in several locations. The species has a peculiar habit, often overgrowing massive sponges, gorgonians or some erected bryozoans. Oscarella balibaloi sp. nov. is thinly encrusting, with an irregular morphology, lobate surface, and soft and very slimy consistency. Its color is white to orange. At the cytological level, this new species is characterized by three distinct types of cells with inclusions in its mesohyl: one with vacuoles and the others with paracrystalline inclusions. The reproduction pattern is very similar to other Oscarella species. We also present a specific metabolic fingerprint and compare it to that of other Mediterranean Oscarella species.

Incidence and tumor characteristics of breast cancer diagnosed before and after implementation of a population-based screening-program

Background. Randomized controlled trials and service screening programs have shown that breast cancer screening reduces the mortality from the disease. Several years of monitoring are needed to prove such an effect. In the meantime attention should be paid to early surrogate measures, such as histopathological tumor characteristics. The Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program started November 1995. This study compares incidence, prognostic tumor characteristics and surgical treatment in breast cancer cases diagnosed in the pre-screening (1987–1995, n=2 618) and screening period (1996–2004, n=5 417), in women aged 50–69 years, residing in the first four counties implementing the screening program. The screening period is divided into those invited versus those not invited to the screening program, and those exposed (participants) versus those not exposed to the program (non-participants). Results. The incidence of invasive breast cancer rose from 170 per 100 000 women years (wy) in 1987 to 355 per 100 000 wy in 1997. The proportion of DCIS was 5% in the pre-screening period, and 14% in the screening period. Tumors 20 mm or less were diagnosed in 56% of the invasive cases in the pre-screening period, in 74% of the invited, and in 77% of the exposed women. The relative risk of diagnosing breast cancer with metastases was 0.85 (95% CI 0.84–0.87) for invited and 0.82 (95% CI 0.81–0.84) for exposed women, relative to those diagnosed in the pre-screening period. Ablation was performed in 85% of the invasive cases diagnosed in the pre-screening period, and in 45% of the cases in the screening period. Conclusion. Breast cancer diagnosed in the screening period had prognostically favorable tumor characteristics compared to breast cancer diagnosed in the pre-screening period. Implementation of organized population based screening and the time trend are considered possible reasons.

Efficacy of alternative low-cost approaches to mangrove restoration, American Samoa

Three mangrove restoration methods were tested at Nu’uuli, Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Since clearing 27 years ago converted the mangrove into a mudflat, the ecosystem was sufficiently altered that it could not self-correct; the ecosystem showed no natural regrowth despite an ample supply of propagules. While several years of monitoring may ultimately be required to determine the project’s success, and several decades could be required to fully return the full suite of functions, the project’s low-cost, nontechnical restoration techniques, using readily available materials, have proven to be modestly successful, with 38% sapling survival after six months. Several years of monitoring will be necessary to determine if the restoration site’s small elevation deficit relative to a reference site ultimately requires modifying the site’s physical structure to correct the hydrology. Direct community participation in the project was critical to reduce the risk of human disturbance of the restoration site. One year project costs were about USD $2,150 or USD $13,030 ha−1. Labor comprised 84% of expenses; replicating the restoration project in developing countries would cost less due to lower wage levels. Six months after initial restoration activities, there was a highly significant difference betweenBruguiera gymnorrhiza andRhizophora mangle sapling survival, with 21% and 45% of the original 42R. mangle and 95B. gymnorrhiza saplings remaining, respectively. The lowerR. mangle survival may have resulted from an unavoidable need to source saplings from an area with different environmental conditions than the restoration site. Saplings were transplanted into tires filled with sediment as a simple, low-cost method to raise the elevation of the sediment surface. Saplings were also transplanted adjacent to rebar and without any support mechanism. There was no significant difference in sapling survival by treatment for individual or combined species. The restoration project is a model for the community-based, simple, low-cost approaches to ecological restoration needed in the region. Pilot projects using similar techniques may be worth pursuing at the other 15 Pacific Island countries and territories where mangroves are indigenous.

Long-term monitoring of the intra-day variable quasar PKS 0405−385

The quasar PKS 0405−385 is one of three radio sources (the other two are PKS 1257−326 and J1819+385) which exhibit unusually strong and rapid interstellar scintillations at GHz frequencies. Such a behaviour suggests a nearby (<30 pc away) scattering screen along the line of sight to these radio sources. While quasars PKS 1257−326 and J1819+385 scintillate continuously over several years of monitoring, PKS 0405−385 shows episodes of strong scintillations which last only a few months. Here, I present the results of flux-density monitoring of PKS 0405−385 over 6 yr at four Stokes parameters and four frequencies. Two explanations of the episodic behaviour of interstellar scintillation in this source are discussed; morphological evolution of the source and changes in the properties of the interstellar medium along the line of sight.

Arsenic content and groundwater geochemistry of the San Antonio-El Triunfo, Carrizal and Los Planes aquifers in southernmost Baja California, Mexico

The San Antonio-El Triunfo mining district, located at a mountainous region 45 km south-east of La Paz, Baja California, has been worked since the late 1700s. Mine waste material produced during 200 years of mineral extraction area poses a risk of local groundwater pollution and eventually, regional pollution to the Carrizal (west basin) and the Los Planes (east basin) aquifers. There are different types of deposits in the mining area. These are dominated by epithermal veins, in which arsenopyrite is an important component. Carrillo and Drever (1998a) concluded that, even though the amount of mine waste is relatively small in comparison to the large scale area, significant As in groundwater derived from the mine waste piles is found locally in the groundwater. This paper shows the results of geochemical analyses of groundwater samples from the San Antonio-El Triunfo area and the Carrizal and Los Planes aquifers during several years of monitoring (1993–1997). The highest values of total dissolved solids (TDS) and As are in the mineralized area where the mining operations occurred (∼1500 ppm TDS and 0.41 ppm As). The lowest concentrations of TDS and As are, in general, away from the mineralized area (∼500 ppm TDS and 0.01 ppm As). Sulfate and bicarbonate (alkalinity) are, in general, high near the mineralized area and low away from it. The arsenic concentrations vary seasonally, especially after the heavy summer thunderstorms. Geochemical modeling (MINTEQA2 and NETPATH) and analysis of the regional geochemical evolution of the groundwater from the mining area towards the aquifer of Los Planes shows that the most likely hydrochemical processes include: dilution, precipitation of calcite, and adsorption of As onto surfaces of iron oxyhydroxides (ferrihydrite). These processes act as natural controls to the extent and amount of As pollution in the Carrizal and Los Planes aquifers.

Recent results from goldstone orbital debris radar

On a limited basis, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Goldstone X-band radar has been available to monitor the orbital debris environment. This powerful radar, which can detect a 3 mm diameter conducting sphere at a range of 1,000 km, fills a niche in NASA's ongoing program to monitor and mitigate the hazard of orbital debris. In this paper, we present flux measurements and other results of several years of monitoring. Some of the debris objects are observed to orbit in clusters, which indicates a common origin for them. One such cluster appears to be the remnants of 350 million copper dipoles, launched in 1961 as a communications experiment.

Atmospheric Radon: Origin and Transfer

Abstract Atmospheric indoor and outdoor radon surveys have been performed in several locations of Mexico. In order to estimate the radon transfer from different origins to the atmosphere, soil and ground water, together with the exhalation rate from bare and coated building materials have also been studied. The radon detection was performed with SSNTD, an automatic silicon-based radon monitor and the liquid scintillation technique. The results from several years of monitoring indicate that the atmospheric radon behaviour is different for the countryside as compared with more complex inhabited regions; transfer from soil being inhibited by the specific structures of the cities. The effect of wall coatings reduced from 50% to 90% the radon exhalation from bare building materials. A low radon content was observed in the ground water samples studied.

Study of the performance of the solar heating system of a multifamily building

The computer program TRNSYS was used to simulate the heating system of the Bourgoin-Jallieu experimental solar building and added quantitative results to the survey of several years of monitoring. The building, situated near Lyon, France, consists of two identical three-storey blocks; the south face is a curtain wall with water solar collectors (the parameters of the solar system can be varied). The floors are equipped with coils of water imbedded in the concrete. The heating system was simulated by a model which took into account the independent electric auxiliary heating and the thermal capacitance of the floor and of the walls. It gave good information about the energy balance according to the experiments. The overall performance of the system has been investigated by the Chang model and the concept of decay constant was analyzed. It was shown to be relevant only for intermediate solar radiation, to be a function of the utilizability and to be inversely proportional to the load of the building. It was also shown that the most interesting solution is to use the largest storage allowed by the tanks, although the direct use of the concrete mass of the floor could achieve nearly equivalent energy performance at a lower cost.