A granulometric, mineralogical, morphoscopic and exoscopic study and Rock-Eval analysis carried out on samples taken in the Loango Bay and at Kivesso on the Congolese coast have made it possible to highlight the highl...A granulometric, mineralogical, morphoscopic and exoscopic study and Rock-Eval analysis carried out on samples taken in the Loango Bay and at Kivesso on the Congolese coast have made it possible to highlight the highly erosive character of the well-documented wet phases ca 9000 - 3000 years B.P. and ca 320 B.P. in the sub-region. Supported by carbon-14 dating, total organic carbon analyses highlight two major phases of peat deposit emplacement. The first, ca. 7000 years B.P., corresponds to the beginning of the deposition of the yellow formation in the entire Loango Bay;the second, ca. 320 years B.P., is contemporary with the deposition of peat in the Kivesso sector. The granulometric analysis of the sediments shows that they are essentially sandy-clay and very poor in silt, alternating with beds of silty clay sometimes rich in organic matter. These sands have a predominant mode of 0.200 mm and an average varying between 0.150 and 0.300 mm. They constitute the flood phase of the carrier current. They are associated with a population of mode 0.125 mm sometimes 0.050 mm with an average varying between 0.100 mm and 0.126 mm which corresponds to the settling phase. Morphoscopic examination showed several varieties of quartz that argue for a source of supply close to the depositional sites.展开更多
Biomass is among the most important state variables used to characterize ecosystems. Estimation of tree biomass involves the development of species-specific “allometric equations” that describe the relationship betw...Biomass is among the most important state variables used to characterize ecosystems. Estimation of tree biomass involves the development of species-specific “allometric equations” that describe the relationship between tree biomass and tree diameter and/or height. While many allometric equations were developed for northern hemisphere and tropical species, rarely have they been developed for trees in arid ecosystems, limiting, amongst other things, our ability to estimate carbon stocks in arid regions. Acacia raddiana and A. tortilis are major components of savannas and arid regions in the Middle East and Africa, where they are considered keystone species. Using the opportunity that trees were being uprooted for land development, we measured height (H), north-south (C1) and east-west (C2) canopy diameters, stem diameter at 1.3 meters of the largest stem (D1.3 or DBH), and aboveground fresh and dry weight (FW and DW, respectively) of nine trees (n = 9) from each species. For A. tortilis only, we recorded the number of trunks, and measured the diameter of the largest trunk at ground level (D0). While the average crown (canopy) size (C1 + C2) was very similar among the two species, Acacia raddiana trees were found to be significantly taller than their Acacia tortilis counterparts. Results show that in the arid Arava (southern Israel), an average adult acacia tree has ~200 kg of aboveground dry biomass and that a typical healthy acacia ecosystem in this region, may include ~41 tons of tree biomass per km2. The coefficients of DBH (tree diameter at breast height) to biomass and wood volume, could be used by researchers studying acacia trees throughout the Middle East and Africa, enabling them to estimate biomass of acacia trees and to evaluate their importance for carbon stocks in their arid regions. Highlights: 1) Estimations of tree biomass in arid regions are rare. 2) Biomass allometric equations were developed for A. raddiana and A. tortilis trees. 3) Equations contribute to the estimation of carbon stocks in arid regions.展开更多
The pervasive use of photo editing applications such as Photoshop and FaceTune has significantly altered societal beauty standards, particularly for individuals with skin of color, often leading to unrealistic expecta...The pervasive use of photo editing applications such as Photoshop and FaceTune has significantly altered societal beauty standards, particularly for individuals with skin of color, often leading to unrealistic expectations regarding skin appearance and health. These tools allow users to smooth skin textures, lighten skin tones, and erase imperfections, perpetuating Eurocentric beauty ideals that frequently marginalize the natural diversity of skin tones and textures. Consequently, individuals with skin of color may seek dermatological interventions—such as skin lightening treatments, aggressive acne scar revisions, and other cosmetic procedures—aimed at achieving appearances that align more closely with digitally manipulated images. This pursuit of an unattainable aesthetic can result in increased dissatisfaction with common skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and keloids, which are often misrepresented in edited photos. Additionally, the psychological impact of these alterations can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, contributing to conditions such as anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder. Dermatologists face the dual challenge of addressing patients’ clinical needs while also managing their expectations shaped by digital enhancements. To combat this, it is essential for dermatologists to integrate patient education that emphasizes the beauty of diverse skin tones and the discrepancies between digital images and authentic skin health. By fostering an understanding of realistic outcomes and promoting the acceptance of natural skin characteristics, dermatologists can empower individuals with skin of color to prioritize authentic skin health over digitally influenced ideals, ultimately leading to more satisfying dermatological care and improved self-image.展开更多
In this study,different influence mechanisms associated with temperatures and pH values were investigated through cemented paste backfill(CPB)systems.CPB samples were prepared with temperatures ranging from 10 to 50℃...In this study,different influence mechanisms associated with temperatures and pH values were investigated through cemented paste backfill(CPB)systems.CPB samples were prepared with temperatures ranging from 10 to 50℃ in 10℃ increments and pH values of 3,7,and 13.Then,the CPB mixture were subjected to rheological tests,thermogravimetric analysis(TG),derivative thermogravimetry analysis(DTG),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Results demonstrated that the temperatures had significant effects on the rheological properties of CPB,whereas the effects of pH values were relatively unapparent.Higher temperatures(over 20℃)were prone to bring higher shear stress,yield stress,and apparent viscosity with the same pH value condition.However,an overly high temperature(50℃)cannot raise the apparent viscosity.Non-neutral conditions,for pH values of 3 and 13,could strengthen the shear stress and apparent viscosity at the same temperature.Two different yield stress curves could be discovered by uprising pH values,which also led to apparent viscosity of two various curves under the same temperatures(under 50℃).Microscopically,rheological properties of CPB were affected by temperatures and pH values which enhanced or reduced the cement hydration procedures,rates,products and space structures.展开更多
文摘A granulometric, mineralogical, morphoscopic and exoscopic study and Rock-Eval analysis carried out on samples taken in the Loango Bay and at Kivesso on the Congolese coast have made it possible to highlight the highly erosive character of the well-documented wet phases ca 9000 - 3000 years B.P. and ca 320 B.P. in the sub-region. Supported by carbon-14 dating, total organic carbon analyses highlight two major phases of peat deposit emplacement. The first, ca. 7000 years B.P., corresponds to the beginning of the deposition of the yellow formation in the entire Loango Bay;the second, ca. 320 years B.P., is contemporary with the deposition of peat in the Kivesso sector. The granulometric analysis of the sediments shows that they are essentially sandy-clay and very poor in silt, alternating with beds of silty clay sometimes rich in organic matter. These sands have a predominant mode of 0.200 mm and an average varying between 0.150 and 0.300 mm. They constitute the flood phase of the carrier current. They are associated with a population of mode 0.125 mm sometimes 0.050 mm with an average varying between 0.100 mm and 0.126 mm which corresponds to the settling phase. Morphoscopic examination showed several varieties of quartz that argue for a source of supply close to the depositional sites.
文摘Biomass is among the most important state variables used to characterize ecosystems. Estimation of tree biomass involves the development of species-specific “allometric equations” that describe the relationship between tree biomass and tree diameter and/or height. While many allometric equations were developed for northern hemisphere and tropical species, rarely have they been developed for trees in arid ecosystems, limiting, amongst other things, our ability to estimate carbon stocks in arid regions. Acacia raddiana and A. tortilis are major components of savannas and arid regions in the Middle East and Africa, where they are considered keystone species. Using the opportunity that trees were being uprooted for land development, we measured height (H), north-south (C1) and east-west (C2) canopy diameters, stem diameter at 1.3 meters of the largest stem (D1.3 or DBH), and aboveground fresh and dry weight (FW and DW, respectively) of nine trees (n = 9) from each species. For A. tortilis only, we recorded the number of trunks, and measured the diameter of the largest trunk at ground level (D0). While the average crown (canopy) size (C1 + C2) was very similar among the two species, Acacia raddiana trees were found to be significantly taller than their Acacia tortilis counterparts. Results show that in the arid Arava (southern Israel), an average adult acacia tree has ~200 kg of aboveground dry biomass and that a typical healthy acacia ecosystem in this region, may include ~41 tons of tree biomass per km2. The coefficients of DBH (tree diameter at breast height) to biomass and wood volume, could be used by researchers studying acacia trees throughout the Middle East and Africa, enabling them to estimate biomass of acacia trees and to evaluate their importance for carbon stocks in their arid regions. Highlights: 1) Estimations of tree biomass in arid regions are rare. 2) Biomass allometric equations were developed for A. raddiana and A. tortilis trees. 3) Equations contribute to the estimation of carbon stocks in arid regions.
文摘The pervasive use of photo editing applications such as Photoshop and FaceTune has significantly altered societal beauty standards, particularly for individuals with skin of color, often leading to unrealistic expectations regarding skin appearance and health. These tools allow users to smooth skin textures, lighten skin tones, and erase imperfections, perpetuating Eurocentric beauty ideals that frequently marginalize the natural diversity of skin tones and textures. Consequently, individuals with skin of color may seek dermatological interventions—such as skin lightening treatments, aggressive acne scar revisions, and other cosmetic procedures—aimed at achieving appearances that align more closely with digitally manipulated images. This pursuit of an unattainable aesthetic can result in increased dissatisfaction with common skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and keloids, which are often misrepresented in edited photos. Additionally, the psychological impact of these alterations can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, contributing to conditions such as anxiety and body dysmorphic disorder. Dermatologists face the dual challenge of addressing patients’ clinical needs while also managing their expectations shaped by digital enhancements. To combat this, it is essential for dermatologists to integrate patient education that emphasizes the beauty of diverse skin tones and the discrepancies between digital images and authentic skin health. By fostering an understanding of realistic outcomes and promoting the acceptance of natural skin characteristics, dermatologists can empower individuals with skin of color to prioritize authentic skin health over digitally influenced ideals, ultimately leading to more satisfying dermatological care and improved self-image.
基金Project(2019zzts678)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China。
文摘In this study,different influence mechanisms associated with temperatures and pH values were investigated through cemented paste backfill(CPB)systems.CPB samples were prepared with temperatures ranging from 10 to 50℃ in 10℃ increments and pH values of 3,7,and 13.Then,the CPB mixture were subjected to rheological tests,thermogravimetric analysis(TG),derivative thermogravimetry analysis(DTG),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Results demonstrated that the temperatures had significant effects on the rheological properties of CPB,whereas the effects of pH values were relatively unapparent.Higher temperatures(over 20℃)were prone to bring higher shear stress,yield stress,and apparent viscosity with the same pH value condition.However,an overly high temperature(50℃)cannot raise the apparent viscosity.Non-neutral conditions,for pH values of 3 and 13,could strengthen the shear stress and apparent viscosity at the same temperature.Two different yield stress curves could be discovered by uprising pH values,which also led to apparent viscosity of two various curves under the same temperatures(under 50℃).Microscopically,rheological properties of CPB were affected by temperatures and pH values which enhanced or reduced the cement hydration procedures,rates,products and space structures.
