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Fractured carbonate reservoirs are significantly developed in the eastern area of the Amu Darya Right Bank. However, their types, distributions, and fracture characteristics remain unclear. This uncertainty complicates reservoir prediction and hampers exploration and development processes. Given the strong correlation between fracture development and productivity, analyzing fractures is crucial. Comprehensive evaluation and prediction methods for fractured reservoirs are essential for advancing the oil and gas industry. Based on core and geological data analyses, it finds that these reservoirs exhibit low porosity and low to ultra-low permeability. By employing conventional logging alongside specialized methods, such as electrical imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance, and far detection logging, fractures and their effectiveness can be identified and evaluated, clarifying the characteristics of reservoir spaces. Constrained by the results from core and logging analyses, seismic single attribute analysis techniques is applied to predict fractures in the HX block of Amu Darya. To mitigate the limitations of single-attribute analysis, utilize a well-supervised BP neural network method for comprehensive fracture prediction. This multi-attribute approach increases the fracture prediction probability from less than 70%–72.7%. By integrating geological understanding and well logging, and considering the influence of lithology and structure on the reservoir, synthesize the fracture prediction results to optimally select favorable areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the chemical properties of river water and the controlling factors is crucial for devising efficacious strategies in water resources management and ecological conservation. This study investigates the hydrochemical characteristics and driving factors of the Beichuan River in the arid region of Northwest China. Surface water samples were collected during wet and dry seasons, and analyzed using hydrochemical diagrams, mathematical statistics, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that the pH value of Beichuan River is generally weakly alkaline, the main hydrochemical types are HCO3-Ca, and the average TDS are 224 mg/L and 236 mg/L respectively, which are higher than the world average level (115 mg/L). The seasonal variation of hydrochemical components is mainly controlled by rainfall, showing that the concentrations of Na+, Cl− and NO3 − in the wet season are higher than those in the dry season, while the concentrations of other chemical components show an opposite trend, while the spatial variation is mainly controlled by human activities, and the concentrations of hydrochemical components show a gradual increasing trend from upstream to downstream, especially Na+, Mg2+, Cl− and NO3 − . Rock weathering is the key natural factor controlling the Hydrochemical Composition of Beichuan River. Na+ and Cl− are mainly from the dissolution of silicate, Ca2+ and Mg2+ are mainly from the weathering of carbonate rocks and silicate, and SO4 2- is mainly from the dissolution of evaporite. It is noted that human activities, especially domestic sewage and agricultural runoff, contribute significantly to NO3 − in the water body. PCA identified rock weathering and agricultural runoff as major wet-season factors, while domestic sewage predominantly affects the dry season. This study can provide a scientific basis for the rational development of water resources and ecological environment protection in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special type of sandstone in which carbonate rock fragments (CRFs) dominate the composition developed in the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation's fourth member (Xu4) in the western Sichuan Basin, known as calcareous sandstone. Calcareous sandstones are widely distributed in the western Sichuan and is the main production target of tight sandstone gas in the Sichuan Basin. In this study, thin sections, porosity–permeability testing, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction are applied to examine the characteristics and control factors for high-quality reservoirs in the calcareous sandstones, with a view to providing guidance for natural gas exploration and development in calcareous sandstones. The results show that the calcareous sandstone belongs to litharenite, with an average framework grain composition of 30% quartz, 1% feldspar, and 69% rock fragments, while the Xu4 sandstone has a high quartz content (average content of 71%). Primary intergranular pores are the main storage space, and the reservoir quality is quite poor. Under the influence of different parent rock properties of sandstones, there are obvious differences in the composition of framework grains between the calcareous sandstone and the ordinary Xu4 sandstone, which in turn affects the reservoir storage space, diagenesis, and reservoir quality. High-energy depositional conditions, low content of late cements, and the development of fractures are the main controlling factors for the formation of high-quality reservoirs in Xu 4 calcareous sandstones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are potential materials in various areas such as engineering and medicine, and their applications are being studied for practical use. SMAs show competence in their main material properties in response to their working environment or external stimuli. Machining of NiTiCu10 SMAs is difficult using traditional machining because of their wide-ranging mechanical properties like high toughness, strength, and sensitivity to phase transformation temperature. Nonconventional machining methods such as electro-discharge machining (EDM) are suitable for effective machining SMAs. The work material NiTiCu10 SMA has been used in this study, and processed using the vacuum induction melting (VIM) technique. The addition of copper leads to increase in the martensitic transformation temperatures. This paper focuses on the electro-discharge drilling (EDD) of NiTiCu10 SMA using copper tool electrode. Experimental analysis of performance criteria has been evaluated by conducting experiments following one factor at a time (OFAT) approach. Machining features such as material removal rate (MRR), tool electrode wear rate (TEWR), and surface roughness (SR) have been studied by considering pulse current ( I p ), gap voltage ( V g ), pulse on time ( T on ), pulse off time ( T off ), and rotational speed of tool electrode (N). Experimental results have shown that machining at the highest I p of 12 A yields the highest MRR with the value of 4.077 mm3/min, whereas mcahining at T on of 15 μ s yields the lowest TEWR with the value of 0.031 mm3/min. The lowest SR is 2.8 μ m achieved at the lowest T on of 15 μ s. Surface morphology is significant in quality evaluation in the manufacturing, and building industries because it directly determines the mechanical performance of parts, and the service life of products. Morphological investigation via scanning electron microscope (SEM) has confirmed the formation of craters, debris, microcracks, and resolidified layers. The benefit of this study has been that we have been able to select the range of significant control factors, and predict their levels, for decisive experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, coal-type critical metal deposits have become a research hotspot in coal geology. As a major coal-accumulating basin in the Xinjiang area, the Turpan-Hami Basin contains abundant coal resources and has the potential to become a large coal-type critical metal deposit. However, previous studies on the enrichment characteristics of critical metal elements in coal are few and need further research. Based on SEM-EDS, XRF, and ICP-MS experiments, this study investigates the coal petrology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the No. 22 coal of the Xishanyao Formation from the Dananhu Coal Mine, Xinjiang, to identify the sediment source, depositional environment, and controlling factors of the critical metal elements of the No. 22 coal. The results showed that the Dananhu coals are characterized by a low ash yield, low total sulfur content, high volatile yield, and high inertinite proportions. Quartz, kaolinite, and illite are the main minerals in the coal. Compared with the world's low-rank coals, Ni, Co, Mo, and Ta are slightly enriched, Li, Rb, Cs, Ba, Tl, Bi, and Ge are depleted, and the concentrations of other trace elements are comparable to the average values of the world's low-rank coals. The REY of the Dannanhu coals exhibited high fractionation, with its enrichment patterns characterized by the H-type and M-H-type. Although most of the critical metals are not enriched in the Dannanhu coals, the Ga, Zr (Hf), and Nb (Ta) concentrations in the coal ash of the Dannanhu coals have reached the economic cut-off grade and have the potential to be a substitute for rare metal resources. The terrigenous detrital sources of the Dannanhu coals mainly come from the Paleozoic dacite, andesite, and a small amount of granite from the Harik Mountain and Eastern Bogda Mountain in the Turpan-Hami Basin. The Dannanhu coals are generally in a dry and hot depositional environment, with high salinity and weak reduction-oxidation. The low source input and weak reduction-oxidation environment have resulted in low concentrations of critical metal of the No. 22 coal from the Dananhu Coal Mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study takes the tight sandstone of the lower sub‐member of the first member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es1x) in the Suning area, Raoyang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. Furthermore, it determines the rock type of the middle‐deep tight sandstone through lithologic profiling, core observation and log data analysis. The genetic control factors of tight sandstone in the study area are analysed using conventional thin section, pore‐casted thin section and scanning electron microscope, and the characteristics and genetic control factors of tight sandstone reservoirs are summarized. The research results show that the tight sandstones in this area are primarily feldspathic sandstone and feldspathic lithic sandstone, with high quartz contents, around 61.50%. The average porosity of the reservoir in the study area is 4.69%, and the average permeability is 2.92 mD, which are characteristics of low‐porosity and low‐permeability reservoirs. Through research, it has been found that the distribution of sedimentary facies and diagenesis in the study area control the development and distribution of 'sweet spots'. Both compaction and cementation reduce the physical properties of the reservoir, while dissolution can increase porosity, thereby increasing the physical properties of the reservoir; dissolution resulted in an increase of approximately 3.57%–3.69% in the porosity of the tight reservoir in the study area, with an average porosity increase of 3.63%, and is the main controlling factor for the development of 'sweet spots' in the reservoir. The results provide an important basis for guiding the exploration and development of tight sandstone oil and gas in the lower sub‐member of the first member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (Es1x)in the Suning area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submarine geohazards significantly threaten human economic activities and essential infrastructure. Based on multi‐beam data and high‐resolution 2D seismic data, two types of submarine geohazards are identified: direct and indirect geohazards on the northwestern continental slope and the Xisha Uplift of the South China Sea (SCS). Direct geohazards include submarine landslides and active faults, while indirect geohazards include buried channels, submarine canyons, pockmarks, volcanoes and magma diapirs. This study comprehensively analyzes geomorphological features, including their characteristics, genesis and distribution. Statistical analysis reveals that the gradient of the Xisha Uplift slope is steeper than the shelf break, making it a more unstable region. However, assessing disaster potential indicates that submarine geohazards at the shelf break pose a greater threat than those at the Xisha Uplift. Many factors, including tectonic activity, sediment supply and relative sea‐level changes, influence submarine geohazards' formation. These hazards do not occur in isolation but often interact with one another. The research results provide a scientific basis for predicting deep‐sea geohazards near the northern continental margin and Xisha Island in the SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractured carbonate reservoirs are significantly developed in the eastern area of the Amu Darya Right Bank. However, their types, distributions, and fracture characteristics remain unclear. This uncertainty complicates reservoir prediction and hampers exploration and development processes. Given the strong correlation between fracture development and productivity, analyzing fractures is crucial. Comprehensive evaluation and prediction methods for fractured reservoirs are essential for advancing the oil and gas industry. Based on core and geological data analyses, it finds that these reservoirs exhibit low porosity and low to ultra-low permeability. By employing conventional logging alongside specialized methods, such as electrical imaging, nuclear magnetic resonance, and far detection logging, fractures and their effectiveness can be identified and evaluated, clarifying the characteristics of reservoir spaces. Constrained by the results from core and logging analyses, seismic single attribute analysis techniques is applied to predict fractures in the HX block of Amu Darya. To mitigate the limitations of single-attribute analysis, utilize a well-supervised BP neural network method for comprehensive fracture prediction. This multi-attribute approach increases the fracture prediction probability from less than 70%–72.7%. By integrating geological understanding and well logging, and considering the influence of lithology and structure on the reservoir, synthesize the fracture prediction results to optimally select favorable areas.

As one of the important indicators for evaluating the quality of pears, stone cells exhibit a supportive effect on pear fruits and improve its storability. However, excess stone cells in pear fruits are not conducive to the accumulation of nutrients, affecting the taste, flavor and health benefits, ultimately reducing the marketability of pears. Gaining insights into the formation pathways of stone cells and developing methods to regulate the formation of stone cells are beneficial to improve the quality of pear fruits and promote the development of processed pear products. In this article, we review the key internal factors controlling the development of stone cells in pear fruits such as enzymes, lignin, vascular bundles and genes and the external factors affecting the distribution, size and content of stone cells in pear fruits such as exogenous calcium, hormones, and the environment. Moreover, we also discuss the effects of stone cells on the sensory and nutritional quality of pear fruits. It is our hope that this review will provide a reference for the deep processing and utilization of pear fruits in the future.

In order to accurately and quickly predict the coal seam gas occurrence and determine its control factors, the gas occurrence law of No.10 coal seam in Luling Coal Mine was analyzed by using the sub-source forecast method and fuzzy matter-element evaluation method. The evaluation of control factors of gas occurrence was carried out. The results show that the gas emission of No.10 coal seam is generally high, with the distribution characteristics of high in the central and western regions and low in the southeast. Its gas emission increases with the increase of depth, and the emission range is 9.23-16.11 m3/t. Applying control factor analysis, the study area is classified into three types of regions: the shallow area in southwest is considered as type I, and the deep area in northeast is predominantly considered as class II and III.

[Significance] The formation and preservation of large-scale oolites in marine environments are valuable tools in climate and environmental evolution studies, and also hold considerable importance as petroleum reservoirs. However, traditional studies on oolites have focused primarily on their depositional sequences, patterns and spatial distribution, almost overlooking the dynamic processes of ooid shoal accumulation, burial and diagenesis, as well as the influence of environmental controls on their development. [Progress] This study aims to address this gap by a comprehensive analysis of typical ooid factories (rimmed shelves and ramps) in modern marine environments. It examines their producers, composition, distribution, construction process, relationship with other carbonate factories and the physical, chemical and biological factors influencing their development. It was found that the key limiting factors on the development of ooid factories include strong turbulent water conditions, high carbonate mineral saturation, and effective active-stationary stage transitions. Additionally, the developmental environment and scale of these factories are determined by their specific depositional backgrounds. [Conclusions and Prospects] From a carbonate factory perspective, this study provides important insights into the initiation-flourishing-decline processes of large-scale ooid factories, and offers multidimensional evidence for evaluating their value in oil and gas exploration. Furthermore, it provides new insights for exploring the deep-time environment and predicting future changes on carbonate depositional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Catastrophic landslides occur frequently in Guizhou Province, China, and the landslides in this area have special geomorphological, geological, and anthropogenic features. In order to detect and explore the distribution pattern and control factors of active landslides in Guizhou, firstly, a total of 693 active landslides throughout Guizhou Province were mapped based on the deformation rate, which was obtained by spatiotemporal filtering and Intermittent Small Baseline Subset (ISBAS) Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) techniques. Then, the relationships between the detected landslides and elevation, aspect, slope gradient, and stratigraphic lithology were analysed. Moreover, it was found that the landslides were mainly concentrated in three stratigraphic combinations, that is T 1 f ~ P 2 l − d , T 1 f ~ T 1 y n , and T 2 g ~ T 1 y n . Thereafter, the correlation coefficients between the landslide density and elevation and distance to the stratigraphic boundary were 0.54 and −0.19, indicating that the distribution of landslides was significantly controlled by the elevation and the boundary of specific stratigraphic combinations. Finally, we chose a typical landslide to explore how landslide development was controlled by the combined effects of elevation and stratigraphy by using ascending and descending InSAR results. We revealed that landslides occurred primarily in areas with a steep slope and a stratigraphy characterized by mudstone and sandstone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological environment of the northwest inland basin is fragile. The groundwater environment is a crucial influencing factor for the harmonious and sustainable development of the local social economy and the ecological environment. It is significant to investigate the groundwater chemical characteristics, water quality, and the factors that influence groundwater chemistry for groundwater resources development and construction of the ecological environment. In this study, the Jinta Basin (JB), Gansu Province, was the selected study area. Three hundred and fifty groups of shallow groundwater samples in the JB were collected and analyzed, and the characteristics and controlling factors of groundwater were determined by using Piper diagram, Gibbs plot, ion ratio relationship, and factor analysis. Single index evaluation method, comprehensive evaluation method, and entropy-weighted water quality index method were used to evaluate the water quality of the groundwater. The results indicated that the shallow pore water in the JB was alkaline as a whole; the ranges of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the Beidahe River impact area (BIA), the transition area (TA) and the Heihe River impact area (HIA) were 328.4–12,400 mg·L−1, 372.70–3774.0 mg·L−1, and 366.30–75,200.0 mg·L−1, respectively; the major anions and cations of the shallow pore water were SO42−/Cl− and Mg2+/Na+, respectively. The Piper diagram illustrated that the hydrochemical type of groundwater in the JB were mainly HCO3·SO4-Mg type, SO4·HCO3-Mg type, SO4-Mg·Na type, SO4·Cl-Na·Mg type, and Cl-Na type. The overall water quality of the shallow groundwater in the JB was relatively poor, mainly falling into Class IV-V water quality. Sulfate, total hardness (TH), TDS, chloride and sodium were the main influencing factors of water quality. The chemical characteristics of groundwater in the JB were controlled by a variety of natural factors, including rock weathering, evaporative concentration, and cation exchange, among which the main controlling factors of shallow pore water were leaching, evaporative concentration and anthropogenic activities (contribution rate of 73.94%), and sulfate rock and carbonate rock dissolution (contribution rate of 14.91%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Sedimentologica Sinica is the property of Acta Sedimentologica Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract With the continuous improvement of oil and gas exploration in the middle and shallow layers, the deep Paleogene in Raoyang sag has become an important exploration field of “increasing reserves and production” in North China. The recognition and control factors of deep effective reservoirs are unclear, which restricts the recognition effect of oil and gas exploration. The key to identify effective reservoirs is to determine the lower limit standard of reservoir physical properties. The single method for calculating the lower limit of physical properties has limitations. The lower limit of the effective reservoir physical properties of the Shahejie Formation in the Dawangzhuang area was obtained by comprehensively using physical property, well logging and oil test data. The data were analysed by oil testing method, metre oil production index test method and frequency curve intersection method. On this basis, combined with the cast thin-section observations, scanning electron microscopy and other test results, the comprehensive control of effective reservoir development of the Shahejie Formation in the Dawangzhuang area of the Raoyang sag was studied from various factors, such as formation pressure, sand body thickness and diagenesis. The results show that the lower limit of porosity was 9.73, 9.44 and 8.85% at depths of Es1, Es2 and Es3, respectively. The lower limit of permeability was 1.21 × 10–3, 1.18 × 10–3 and 0.59 × 10–3 μm2, respectively. Effective reservoirs are easier to form in areas with formation pressure coefficient greater than 1.2. Formation overpressure inhibits compaction and promotes dissolution. The proportion of effective reservoirs of sand bodies with thicknesses greater than 2 m can reach more than 75%. The influence of diagenesis on the reservoir is mainly manifested in compaction and cementation making the reservoir compact. The porosity reduction rate caused by compaction can reach 20–75%, while dissolution makes the reservoir form secondary pores. The average pore throat radius of secondary pores can reach 4 ~ 6.3 µm. This study makes use of the applicability of different methods, which is more instructive for predicting the effective reservoir of the Shahejie Formation in the study area. In addition, the research results provide a reference for the development mechanism of medium-deep clastic reservoirs.

The Aksu River, a quintessential inland river, exhibits elevated arsenic (As) concentrations in certain sections of its natural waters. Further investigation is necessary to determine the role of surface water and groundwater (SW-GW) exchanges in contributing to these high As concentrations. Both surface water and groundwater constitute crucial components of the basin water cycle, and the interaction between the two has been a central focus in basin water cycle research. In this study, a total of 59 groundwater samples and 41 surface water samples were collected along the river's course within the basin. Among the groundwater samples, 18.64% exceeded the permissible drinking limit for As concentrations (10 μg/L), while 39.02% of the surface water samples exceeded this threshold. The water bodies in the Aksu River Basin are mildly alkaline, with total dissolved solids (TDSs) in surface water significantly surpassing those in groundwater. The chemical compositions of surface water and groundwater are strikingly similar, with the predominant anions being chloride (Cl−) and sulfate (SO42−) and the principal cations being sodium (Na+). The dissolution of silicate and carbonate minerals primarily influences the water chemistry characteristics of surface water and groundwater in the Aksu River Basin, followed by the dissolution of salt rocks. Human activities also play a major role in affecting the river's water quality. The distribution of groundwater with elevated As content is entirely encompassed within the spatial distribution of surface water. Groundwater–surface water exchange plays a vital role in As enrichment in surface water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the combined exploitation efficiency of horizontal and vertical wells, and given the fact that the complex and varied spatial structure of sand bodies in the Fuyu oil layer in the Qian'an area of Songliao Basin leads to significant differences in production characteristics of horizontal wells, the sand body types and internal spatial structure are finely dissected according to the theory of configuration analysis, and the internal spatial structure is divided into three configuration styles: spatial clipping type, overlapping type, and separation type. Then, by comparing the productivity characteristics of horizontal wells with different configurations of sand bodies, combined with the analysis of fluid flow law under horizontal well volume fracturing, a main fracture–fracture network–matrix coupled fluid flow model in a tight reservoir based on composite sand body configuration is established. Combined with the actual volume fracturing the horizontal well area, the productivity curves of each cluster in the horizontal section after numerical simulation of volume fracturing of typical horizontal well groups are extracted, which are divided into four types: high-yield stable type, high-yield two-stage type, high-yield rapid-decline type, and low-yield rapid-decline type, and the coupling relationship between the productivity characteristics of each cluster in the horizontal well volume fracturing and sand body configuration style is established, which provides a theoretical basis for the adjustment of different sand body development methods in subsequent oilfields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous improvement of oil and gas exploration in the middle and shallow layers, the deep Paleogene in Raoyang sag has become an important exploration field of "increasing reserves and production" in North China. The recognition and control factors of deep effective reservoirs are unclear, which restricts the recognition effect of oil and gas exploration. The key to identify effective reservoirs is to determine the lower limit standard of reservoir physical properties. The single method for calculating the lower limit of physical properties has limitations. The lower limit of the effective reservoir physical properties of the Shahejie Formation in the Dawangzhuang area was obtained by comprehensively using physical property, well logging and oil test data. The data were analysed by oil testing method, metre oil production index test method and frequency curve intersection method. On this basis, combined with the cast thin-section observations, scanning electron microscopy and other test results, the comprehensive control of effective reservoir development of the Shahejie Formation in the Dawangzhuang area of the Raoyang sag was studied from various factors, such as formation pressure, sand body thickness and diagenesis. The results show that the lower limit of porosity was 9.73, 9.44 and 8.85% at depths of Es1, Es2 and Es3, respectively. The lower limit of permeability was 1.21 × 10–3, 1.18 × 10–3 and 0.59 × 10–3 μm2, respectively. Effective reservoirs are easier to form in areas with formation pressure coefficient greater than 1.2. Formation overpressure inhibits compaction and promotes dissolution. The proportion of effective reservoirs of sand bodies with thicknesses greater than 2 m can reach more than 75%. The influence of diagenesis on the reservoir is mainly manifested in compaction and cementation making the reservoir compact. The porosity reduction rate caused by compaction can reach 20–75%, while dissolution makes the reservoir form secondary pores. The average pore throat radius of secondary pores can reach 4 ~ 6.3 µm. This study makes use of the applicability of different methods, which is more instructive for predicting the effective reservoir of the Shahejie Formation in the study area. In addition, the research results provide a reference for the development mechanism of medium-deep clastic reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study clarified the sedimentary characteristics of hyperpycnal flow sediments, investigated the plane and vertical characteristics and the differences in hyperpycnal flow sedimentary systems from different provenances, and finally discussed the controlling factors of hyperpycnal flow in rift basins. The sedimentary characteristics of hyperpycnal flow in the Lower Shahejie Formation of the Qikou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin have been studied through the comprehensive analysis of drilling core, logging, seismic attribute, and grain data.The results show that there are three typical recognition features for the hyperpycnal flow deposits in the study area: ① The vertical sedimentary sequence is composed of a reverse grain grading in the lower part, a normal grain grading in the upper part and a relatively thick layer with no obvious change in grain size; ② The sediment is dominated by a gradual suspension. The types of cumulative probability curves include a complex multistage style, an upper arch style and a low slope two-stage style; ③ The lithofacies is characterized by erosional filling deposition and various bedding structures with the development of maroon argillaceous layers, maroon gravels, abundant plant debris and carbonaceous debris. The channelized hyperpycnal flow sediments have multiple sources. The most significant source is the Gegu source, which is characterized by a long-distance transportation path, multiple flower bodies and widespread deposits along the transportation path.Two types of sedimentary models are established in this study, and the controlling factors of hyperpycnal flow include paleogeomorphology, paleoprovenance and paleoclimate. Considering that hyperpycnal flow widely exists in rift lacustrine basins with its channel sandstone bodies being good reservoir properties, our study suggests that hyperpycnal flow is a breakthrough point for oil and gas exploration in continental rift lacustrine basins.

Taking Miaoziping tunnel of E-Han expressway as the research object, firstly, through the geological survey, tracer test and statistics of the number of karst caves exposed on the site, the characteristics of karst development in the tunnel site are clarified and its control factors are analyzed, and then the engineering influence of karst development is explored based on sorting and analyzing the on-site monitoring data. The results show that: under the coupling action of multiple solution control factors, the karst in the tunnel site shows remarkable characteristics of heterogeneity, concentration, directivity and connectivity. Among them, rock strata lithology, topography, hydrogeology and geological structure mainly make karst development uneven and concentrated; hydrogeology and topography mainly control the direction of karst development and whether karst is connected; climate further promotes karst development. The engineering impact of karst development in the tunnel site area is mainly manifested as the impact of tunnel stability and tunnel water inflow. The scale and size of karst have a certain impact on the stability of the tunnel, but the scope of impact is relatively limited. However, the water inflow makes the tunnel accumulate water for a long time, which even makes the personnel and machinery flooded or destroyed in the rainy season, which has a serious impact on the safety, progress and economy of the tunnel. The conclusion can provide reference for the design, construction, karst disaster prevention and control of tunnel along the E-Han Expressway and other similar projects.

Magnetic nanomaterials are widely used in biosynthesis, catalysis, as electronic and microwave-absorbing materials, and in environmental treatment because of their high specific surface area, strong magnetism, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. The chemical coprecipitation method is widely used for the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials due to its simplicity, low cost, and easily-controlled operating conditions. The magnetic nanomaterials prepared by the chemical coprecipitation method are summarized according to the different compositions, including the basic preparation principles, and the factors affecting their morphology, size, and microstructure. The mechanisms of preparing magnetic nanomaterials by chemical precipitation and the process control factors are emphasized. Finally, the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials by chemical coprecipitation is summarized and prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Railway Investigation & Surveying is the property of Railway Investigation & Surveying Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The thermo-mechanical reliability of IMCs (Ni3Sn4, Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5) solder joints and Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu solder joints was investigated systematically in 3D chip stacking structure subjected to an accelerated thermal cyclic loading based on finite element simulation and Taguchi method. Effects of different control factors, including high temperature, low temperature, dwell time of thermal cyclic loading, and different IMCs on the stress-strain response and fatigue life of solder joints were calculated respectively. The results indicate that maximum stress-strain can be found in the second solder joint on the diagonal of IMC solder joints array; for Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu solder joints array, the corner solder joints show the obvious maximum stress-strain, these areas are the crack propagated locations. The stress-strain and fatigue life of solder joints is more sensitive to dwell temperature, especially to high temperature; increasing the high temperature, dwell time, or decreasing the low temperature, can reduce the stress-strain and enlarge the fatigue life of solder joints. Finally, the optimal design in the 3D-IC structure has the combination of the Cu6Sn5/Cu3Sn, 373 K high temperature, 233 K low temperature, and 10 min dwell time. The fatigue lives of Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu under 218–398 K loading in the 3D assembly based on the creep strain are 347.4 cycles, which is in good agreement with experimental results (380 cycles).

Suspended sediment transport and deposition are crucial physical processes controlling the geomorphological evolution of estuaries and bays. Specially, under the context of worldwide coastal erosion, knowledge of the spatio-temporal distribution of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and its associated sediment load have become increasingly important for bay management. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of suspended sediment dynamics continues to be hampered by the lack of high-resolution observations. Here, we present a study of the transport mechanisms and controlling factors of suspended sediment over Laizhou Bay. For this, we conducted continuous measurements of SSC, salinity, temperature, and flow velocity at nine stations throughout Laizhou Bay for one 25-h period during each of the spring and moderate tides. Based on these data, residual current, gradient Richardson numbers, and suspended sediment flux were calculated. Our results indicate that a strong current field occurs near the Yellow River mouth, corresponding to the zone with high SSC. The overall diffusion characteristics of suspended sediment are controlled by the tidal current field. Furthermore, our findings suggest that different degrees of stratification occur in the water column, which inhibit the effective vertical diffusion of suspended sediment; Higher water temperature was the main cause of stronger water column stratification of spring tide than moderate tide. Finally, our results reveal that the type of seabed sediment is an important factor controlling SSC by influencing resuspension flux. We conclude that the primary mechanisms controlling suspended sediment transport in Laizhou Bay are advection and tidal pumping, especially advection. Our research provides both a foundational reference for the sediment source-to-sink process from the Yellow River to the sea, as well as guideline implications for coastal engineering construction and channel dredging.

The Ljubija ore region is a part of the Triassic, regional, internal metallogenetic zone of the Middle Dinarides. It is located approximately in the middle of this larger metallogenetic unit and has many characteristics in common with its other parts. After many wanderings in the interpretation of the genesis of iron ore in Ljubija, it was definitely determined that the metallogeny of iron is of the Triassic age, then, that it is associated with the deep rift dislocations, which allowed the circulation of hydrothermal solutions originating from the Upper mantle, that the primary economic concentrations of iron are found only in the Olistostromic member of the Javorik flysch formation and the secondary ones, redeposited in the Neogene-Quaternary lake sediments of the Prijedor-Omarska basin. Based on the distribution of mineralization in the Ljubija ore region, two ore subregions, one polymetallic ore zone and a group of ore fields with barite, were identified. All the above knowledge, along with the analysis of control factors of mineralization and the main prospective indications, enabled the division of entire region into areas with various categories of perspectives according to the justification of further research. Based on the results of many years of research, this work presents the results of metallogenetic analysis of the Ljubija ore region. All results of the future research should continuously supplement, correct and improve the metallogenetic and prognostic map and our metallogenetic knowledge about the region.

Baihetan Dam Site is characterized by complex geological and structural conditions. The unloading effect of rock mass is strong and the number of faults, dislocation zones, deep fractures and other weak structural planes develops there . During the construction period, human activities have seriously damaged the stability of the high and steep slope, and affect the long-term safe and stable operation of the dam. Combined with the geological materials, this paper analyzes the monitoring data of the abutment slope during the construction period and studies the law of the slope deformation in different elevations of the abutment on both banks. Based on geological data, a three-dimensional finite element model of slope is built, and numerical simulation is carried out by FLAC3D software during slope excavation and support. The rationality of the numerical simulation results is verified by monitor data, and then the dam deformation law of the high and steep slope on both sides is studied according to the results of numerical simulation and in combination with monitoring data. The results show that both sides of the abutment slope is stable during the construction period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Validation of satellite albedo products is an essential step because their quantitative application lie in their ability to record the real state of the earth surface. Upscaling in situ measurements to the corresponding pixel scale is necessary due to the spatial scale mismatch between in situ and satellite measurements. Machine learning-based models have been increasingly used for upscaling because they can yield more reliable results than traditional methods. Nevertheless, the main controlling factors on upscaled results have rarely been discussed. This article explores the control factors that bring uncertainties to the upscaled results based on machine learning models. Three machine learning models, including random forest (RF), $k$ -nearest neighbor (KNN), and Cubist models, were selected to upscale single site in situ-based albedo to the coarse pixel scale. The upscaled results were carefully assessed through comparison with pixel scale albedo reference. The results indicate that the accuracy of upscaled results depends on the machine learning models, the inclusion of key variables related to albedo, the dataset selection of these variables, the amount of training data, and the sensitivity of machine learning models to these factors. Despite the dependence on control factors, the machine learning-based upscaling methods generally have excellent applicability across different spatial scales and over other untrained areas. Therefore, they open the door to generating a time series of globally, spatially continuous distributed reference datasets with sufficient length, consistency, and continuity to adequately fulfill the requirement of a comprehensive validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An iterative structural design process for the conventional, composite wing of a low speed, hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is presented in this paper. The relevant design goals are light weight, strength and stiffness derived from the customer specifications, conceptual design and STANAG-4671 airworthiness standards. To achieve the design goals, a modified Taguchi model was applied in conducting iterative Finite Element Analysis of the loads and stresses on the wing model, using ABAQUS CAE. In this analysis, the pitch of the rib and thicknesses of the spar and skin were applied as control factors in three levels, leading to an L9 orthogonal array. Mass, maximum deflection and Tsai-Hill failure index of the wing structure were measured as responses. The result shows that varying the skin thickness had the most impact on the wing mass, failure index and maximum deflection. The design goal of wing mass-less than 2.5kg, deflection of 10% and Tsai-Hill failure index value-less than 1 were achieved after 9 iterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermo-mechanical reliability of IMCs (Ni3Sn4, Cu3Sn, Cu6Sn5) solder joints and Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu solder joints was investigated systematically in 3D chip stacking structure subjected to an accelerated thermal cyclic loading based on finite element simulation and Taguchi method. Effects of different control factors, including high temperature, low temperature, dwell time of thermal cyclic loading, and different IMCs on the stress-strain response and fatigue life of solder joints were calculated respectively. The results indicate that maximum stress-strain can be found in the second solder joint on the diagonal of IMC solder joints array; for Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu solder joints array, the corner solder joints show the obvious maximum stress-strain, these areas are the crack propagated locations. The stress-strain and fatigue life of solder joints is more sensitive to dwell temperature, especially to high temperature; increasing the high temperature, dwell time, or decreasing the low temperature, can reduce the stress-strain and enlarge the fatigue life of solder joints. Finally, the optimal design in the 3D-IC structure has the combination of the Cu6Sn5/Cu3Sn, 373 K high temperature, 233 K low temperature, and 10 min dwell time. The fatigue lives of Sn-3.9Ag-0.6Cu under 218–398 K loading in the 3D assembly based on the creep strain are 347.4 cycles, which is in good agreement with experimental results (380 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanomaterials are widely used in biosynthesis, catalysis, as electronic and microwave-absorbing materials, and in environmental treatment because of their high specific surface area, strong magnetism, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. The chemical coprecipitation method is widely used for the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials due to its simplicity, low cost, and easily-controlled operating conditions. The magnetic nanomaterials prepared by the chemical coprecipitation method are summarized according to the different compositions, including the basic preparation principles, and the factors affecting their morphology, size, and microstructure. The mechanisms of preparing magnetic nanomaterials by chemical precipitation and the process control factors are emphasized. Finally, the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials by chemical coprecipitation is summarized and prospected.

Featured Application: Landslide susceptibility assessment and other geological disaster assessment issues. Digital elevation models (DEMs) are fundamental data models used for susceptibility assessment of landslides. Due to landscape change and reshaping processes, a DEM can show obvious temporal variation and has a significant influence on assessment results. To explore the impact of DEM temporal variation on hazard susceptibility, the southern area of Sichuan province in China is selected as a study area. Multitemporal DEM data spanning over 17 years are collected and the topographic variation of the landscape in this area is investigated. Multitemporal susceptibility maps of landslides are subsequently generated using the widely accepted logistic regression model (LRM). A positive correlation between the topographic variation and landslide susceptibility that was supported by previous studies is quantitatively verified. The ratio of the number of landslides to the susceptibility level areas (RNA) in which the hazards occur is introduced. The RNA demonstrates a general decrease in the susceptibility level from 2000 to 2009, while the ratio of the decreased level is more than fifteen times greater than that of the ratio of the increased level. The impact of the multitemporal DEM on susceptibility mapping is demonstrated to be significant. As such, susceptibility assessments should use DEM data at the time of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption and desorption of coalbed methane are generally at a dynamic equilibrium state under the undisturbed coal reservoir. However, as the reservoir pressure drops to a certain value during the extraction of coalbed methane, the equilibrium state is destroyed and thus more coalbed methane desorbs and escapes from coal to wellbore. Here the corresponding bottom-hole fluid pressure is called initial gas production pressure (IGPP) in the development practice of coalbed methane wells. This paper, which has taken Changzhi-Anze block in the central-southern part of Qinshui basin as the study object, addresses the distribution characteristic and control factors of IGPP of coalbed methane wells and then explores the key factors affecting IGPP using grey correlation analysis theory. The results indicate that IGPP varies from 1.09 MPa to 6.57 MPa, showing a distribution law with high in the middle and low in the west and east of the study area, which presents a similar distribution characteristic with burial depth, thickness, coal rank, gas content, original reservoir pressure, and in-situ stress. Further, through grey correlation analysis, it concludes that the correlation degrees of control factors affecting IGPP of coalbed methane wells in the descending order are decline rate of working fluid level, water yield before gas production, reservoir pressure, coal thickness, coal rank, minimum horizontal principal stress, burial depth, and gas content. Among these factors, engineering factors, including decline rate of working fluid level and water yield before gas production, present a key controlling effect, because they can determine the smooth migration pathway directly during initial water production. And another key factor, original reservoir pressure also builds strong and positive correlation with IGPP under the interaction of other geology and reservoir factors, revealing the capability of gas desorption and the transmission of pressure drops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woo, H.J.; Lee, J,-H.; Choi, J.U., and Kang, J., 2020. Changes in sedimentary processes in macrotidal flats in Garolim Bay, West Coast of Korea. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 722-726. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Garolim Bay, on the central western coast of Korea, is a semi-enclosed macro-tidal bay with extensive tidal flats that occupy approximately 77% of the bay surface area. The study investigated the sediment characteristics and sedimentation rates to elucidate the spatial and temporal variations in the sedimentary processes in the bay. Surface sediments were sampled to grain-size distributions at 158 stations in July 2002 and July 2014 in the spring tidal cycle. Grain-size distributions were analyzed using standard sieving for the sand fraction and a particle size analyzer for the mud fraction. The geomorphic changes associated with sediment deposition or erosion were investigated along six transect lines on the tidal flats from February 2014 to February 2015 in the ebb tide. The area of sand and muddy sand sediments had extended from the outer to the middle bay in summer 2014, and the percentages of mud were higher in the inner bay compared to the surface sediment distributions in summer 2002. The short-term sedimentation rates from February 2014 to February 2015 showed that erosion was dominant on the tidal flats in the inner bay during spring and on those in the outer bay during winter, with net erosion rates of –1.55 and –55.23 mm/year, respectively. In the middle bay, deposition dominated on the tidal flats, with net deposition rates from 4.85 to 18.94 mm/year. The sediment transport vectors calculated using grain-size parameters for 2002 and 2014 showed that in 2002, sandy sediments were predominantly transported along tidal channels at the bay entrance. However, in winter, sediments from the tidal flats in the outer and middle bay areas are transported to the inner bay by wind-driven waves and tidal currents, resulting in the deposition of sediment on the tidal flats in the inner bay. In summary, the results show that the sediment transport patterns in Garolim Bay changed between 2002 and 2015 due to increased suspended sediment supply and erosion of the tidal flats in the outer bay. Based on these knowledge of sedimentary processes, the major control factors for seasonal variations in sedimentation on the tidal flats in Garolim Bay are tidal currents, wind-driven waves, and sediment inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in the condition of markets of non-banking financial services under the influence of state regulation instruments are investigated. As a result of using diagnostic tools for assessing the condition of markets of non-banking financial services based on forecasting scenarios of changes in the condition of the credit services market, the market of private pension provision and the insurance market, the influence of the Regulator’s activities and external factors has been evaluated and forecasted. There made a conclusion about the necessity of using the developed diagnostic tools in determining the priority of the influence of the Regulator’s activities with the aim of leveling the negative influence of external factors on the condition of markets of non-banking financial services.

Abstract Mega-blowouts are very large-scale deflationary landforms, formed by wind erosion. They are abundant in the Gonghe basin, northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and little is known about the evolution, dynamics or controls on the mega-blowout development. Here we report on mega-blowouts' morphodynamic expansion rates based on 4 years of monitoring. Also presented is a remotely sensed longer-term (48 years) morphologic change record which is used to understand the initiation, growth and evolution of mega-blowouts in alpine grasslands. Links between the morphodynamics and blowout-controlling factors are analysed. The expansion rates of the monitored blowouts vary according to blowout area, with different parts of the blowouts expanding at different rates. Generally longitudinal (downwind) mega-blowout expansion is greatest, with upwind headwall expansion via collapse being particularly significant. The growth of depositional lobes downwind of mega-blowouts tends to be faster than growth of the deflation basins. Merging of adjacent blowouts is one of the key mechanisms for mega-blowout development and extension. Sediment characteristics, wind erosion, water erosion, and freeze-thaw processes also all play a part in mega-blowout initiation and expansion. However, the relative roles that these factors play may differ according to a blowout's evolutionary stage. Due to an almost unlimited depth of sand, very low water table, and short grass vegetation cover, evolution into parabolic dunes is limited. A large proportion of sand patches and small blowouts around the mega-blowouts are still developing in the Gonghe basin proving that land degradation is still ongoing. Future work will focus on the feedback mechanisms between the blowout morphodynamics, climate change and anthropogenic impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are emerging pollutants that can adsorb heavy metals and threaten human health through food chain. Recently, there has been increasing interest in understanding the adsorption behavior of heavy metals by microplastics in farmland soil. In particular, arsenic (As), as a carcinogen, has the potential to be adsorbed by soil microplastics. However, the mechanisms and controlling factors of As adsorption by microplastics in farmland soil under natural conditions are still unknown. Here, microplastics and As were respectively added to farmland soils with different physicochemical properties from twelve provinces of China for adsorption experiment. We performed surface analysis of microplastics, quantified As accumulation through quasi-first-order kinetic equation and developed regression models to screen the factors controlling As adsorption. The results showed that the adsorption of As by soil microplastics was a chemical process accompanied by the loss of electrons from oxygen-containing functional groups. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) was the main factor controlling the adsorption rate, while soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN) and CEC mainly influenced the equilibrium adsorption capacity. This is the first report on microplastic-As adsorption in natural soil, which allows deeper insights into risk assessment, prediction and control of microplastic-As pollution in agricultural soil. [Display omitted] • As was captured by the oxygen on the soil microplastic surface after adsorption. • The rate of As adsorption by soil microplastics was mainly controlled by CEC. • The equilibrium adsorption capacity of As was affected by CEC, TN and SOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large landslides (volume greater than or equal to 106 m3) usually have disastrous consequences and clearly influence the evolution of the local landscape. In this study, a detailed investigation of large landslides, across 20 towns over an area of 5000 km2, was carried out on the northeastern margin of the Bayan Har Block, at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China. The results show that there are 129 large landslides in this area. Among them, 79 landslides have volumes within 106–107 m3, 52 landslides have volumes within 107–108 m3 and 2 landslides have volumes larger than 108 m3. Most of these landslides are distributed along rivers, and more than 32% are densely concentrated in three small regions. The landslides mainly occur in high slopes and exhibit obvious sturzstrom characteristics. Analysis of the factors controlling landslide occurrence shows that elevation, slope angle, slope aspect, lithology, faults and rivers (valley) clearly influence landslide occurrence, while rainfall has no obvious influence. Earthquakes are considered an important trigger of and contributor to landslide occurrence.

Digital elevation models (DEMs) are fundamental data models used for susceptibility assessment of landslides. Due to landscape change and reshaping processes, a DEM can show obvious temporal variation and has a significant influence on assessment results. To explore the impact of DEM temporal variation on hazard susceptibility, the southern area of Sichuan province in China is selected as a study area. Multitemporal DEM data spanning over 17 years are collected and the topographic variation of the landscape in this area is investigated. Multitemporal susceptibility maps of landslides are subsequently generated using the widely accepted logistic regression model (LRM). A positive correlation between the topographic variation and landslide susceptibility that was supported by previous studies is quantitatively verified. The ratio of the number of landslides to the susceptibility level areas (RNA) in which the hazards occur is introduced. The RNA demonstrates a general decrease in the susceptibility level from 2000 to 2009, while the ratio of the decreased level is more than fifteen times greater than that of the ratio of the increased level. The impact of the multitemporal DEM on susceptibility mapping is demonstrated to be significant. As such, susceptibility assessments should use DEM data at the time of study.

The loess caves developed on Chinese loess plateau are not only a typical phenomenon of soil and water loss, but also a special kind of geological hazard. Many loess dilapidations, collapses and medium to small-sized landslides are related to the loess caves. To understand the characteristics and the geo-disasters induced by loess caves, the loess caves developed on Chinese loess plateau were rigorously investigated. Based on a long-term field surveys on about 800 fixed points in Gansu, Ningxia and northern Shaanxi, the classifications and characterization of loess caves in Chinese loess plateau are discussed in detail. Moreover, the regionally developmental regularity hierarchical development regularity of loess cave and its characteristics are studied in this paper, which show that the density of loess caves on the northwestern loess plateau is higher than that in the southeastern loess plateau than that in the southeast in China. And the main control factors affecting the development of loess caves are analyzed. Interestingly, the development of the caves is related to the loess layer, land characteristics, geologic structure (including the joints and the fracture system), micro topography, hydro-geological factors and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the specificity of the openness of the system of social morality to influence of the various phenomena of natural and social being. To achieve this goal it is necessary to identify the control factors of the system of social morality and describe characteristics of their interaction with the system. Methodology. The research is based on the use of synergetic methodology, according to which social morality is treated as an open complex self-organizing system. The openness and non-linearity are the main methodological principles of synergetics, which were used in the study. Scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact, that the idea of openness of the system of social morality to influence of the various phenomena of natural and social being and, above all, those that can be called «control factors» has been comprehensively investigated for the first time. It is noted nonlinear connection between system of social morality and its control parameters, the existence of circular causality between them, the difference in the intensity of the influence of different control factors on morality. Conclusions. Openness of the system of social morality provides, that external factors have an impact on it. Among them there are factors which impact is most relevant. We call them the control factors of the system of social morality. They can be divided into two main groups: the first are those, that have a social origin, and the second – biological. Macro level of morality (moral consciousness) is a new quality in comparison with the control factors. It is not their linear extension, because though it is formed by their influence, but the immediate cause of its appearance is self-organization mechanisms. Control factors are differ by the intensity of their impact on the system of social morality. Among them are those, which can be considered as fundamental, because structures, which are formed under their influence, are the basis of morality. The influence of others is usually lower, although at certain periods of system development it may increase or decrease. Interaction between the system of social morality and its controlling factors is characterized by circular causality: controlling factors affect morality and, in turn, they are subject to its influence.

Recently, the abundant occurrence of galls of Contarinia petioli (Kieffer) was noted on Populus tremula in the Brno region and elsewhere in southern Moravia. The bionomics and cecidogenesis of the gall midge was studied on 5 to 15-year-old aspens in Forest District Bílovice nad Svitavou, Training Fo­rest Enterprise Masaryk Forest in Křtiny in 2007 and 2008. Imagoes fly there at the end of April and at the beginning of May. Females lay eggs in several partial clutches at 1 to 6(10) pieces. About 91% newly hatched larvae settle on petioles of unfolding leaves, about 8% on the bark of terminal parts of shoots and about 1% on leaf blades. By means of sucking the larvae of the 1st and 2nd instars galls are crea­ted in the 1st half of May. Larvae of the 3rd instar occur in galls from the 20th May when galls are grown-up. Larvae abandon the galls in the 1st decade of June through an oval hole 0.6 × 0.4 mm in diameter. Galls are on average 6 mm long, 5.4 mm wide and 5.1 mm high. If they are localized within a short distance of each other then often create formations up to 17 × 11 × 9 mm in size. There are 1 to 6(10) chambers in galls and in each of them, only one larva develops. The paper deals in detail with the differentiation of galls including chambers as well as natural enemies of the gall midge. Torymus quercinus Boh., T. cultrans Graham & Gijswijt (Torymidae) and Tetrastichus sp. (Eulophidae) rank among natural enemies of larvae in galls.1

Despite the benefits arising from incorporating crop residue in the soil, some farmers decide to burn or sell it. The objective of the work described in this paper was to quantify the adoption of crop residue incorporation by Italian farmers, and to identify the barriers and drivers that they perceive towards this agricultural management practice. We applied a behavioural approach, based on the theory of planned behaviour. In agriculture, this theory can be used to study individual farmer beliefs to understand the intention to adopt agricultural management practices. Based on preliminary semi-structured interviews with 24 farmers, we have prepared and disseminated a structured questionnaire in dairy farms in the plain of northern Italy, in arable farms in the plain of northern, central, and southern Italy, and in arable farms in the hill of central and southern Italy. The questionnaire contained questions to reveal subjective beliefs of the farmers on the outcomes of incorporating crop residue, and on the referents and control factors that might influence adoption. We have received 315 filled questionnaires from 16 regions and 54 provinces. The survey has identified major drivers and barriers towards the incorporation of crop residue in the soil. The main drivers were the expected improvement of soil quality (higher soil organic matter, improved structure and fertility), the expected increase of grain protein concentration in the following wheat crop, the availability of adequate machinery, the prohibition of burning crop residue, and the knowledge that incorporation is important (which emphasizes the importance of an effective advisory service). The main barriers were the costs of incorporation, the need to increase the use of nitrogen fertiliser when straw is incorporated, and the problems to sow the following crop in the presence of residue. While on the basis of the preliminary interviews we expected that the possibility to sell the straw and the slow residue decomposition in the soil could be barriers against residue incorporation in the soil, questionnaire results did not confirm this expectation. The survey did not indicate that farmers are particularly worried about crop residue as potential sources of weeds, pests and diseases. Even if the methodology applied did not identify any of the referents as important barriers or drivers, there were important differences with respect to the perceived opinion of the social environment between adopters and non-adopters. This emphasizes the importance of an encouraging social environment for the propagation of good practices.

Evolutionary trajectories and related control factors of the Fortore River (southern Italy) are analyzed over a 150-year period as to assess channel modifications. A multitemporal GIS analysis of topographic maps and aerial photographs together with topographic and geomorphological field surveys were performed. Attention was focused on the impact caused by human disturbance, above all the presence of the Occhito dam at only 40 km upstream of the Fortore mouth (central Adriatic coast). Results show that channel adjustments occurred in three distinct phases and were primarily driven by human disturbance that diversely affected reaches located upstream and downstream of the dam. From the last decades of the nineteenth century to the 1950s (phase 1), channel widening prevailed along upstream reaches whilst narrowing along downstream reaches. Major channel adjustments occurred from the 1950s until the end of the 1990s (phase 2), especially channel narrowing of up to 81% in upstream reaches and 98% in downstream reaches. Narrowing was accompanied by channel-bed lowering of 1 to 5 m and by pattern changes in prevalence from multithread to largely prevailing single-thread channel configurations. In-channel mining, channel works, and hydraulic interventions are considered key driving factors of observed channel adjustments. The closure of the Occhito dam in 1966 had significant and permanent effects on downstream reaches through overall discharge regulation and permanent sediment trapping as also proved by the progressive retreat of the Fortore river mouth area. From 2000 to 2015 (phase 3), a substantial trend inversion was observed with overall channel widening and partial aggradation of upstream reaches and total stabilization of downstream reaches. As highlighted by an integrated multitemporal analysis of recent channel changes and flood events, the latter have played an important role in channel recovery of upstream reaches. Comparison between the Fortore River and other rivers in southern Italy has allowed us to ascertain that the reconstructed evolutionary trajectories are quite similar and that control factors are essentially the same. In particular, it confirms the role of major hydraulic structures as to the amount of channel adjustments of downstream reaches and the ensuing scarce to nil potential to channel recovery of regulated reaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]