bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water pollution in Kucukcekmece Lake, Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Pehlivan Rustem
Published: April 2021

Water samples collected in February and August 1997 from the Kucukcekmece Lake were analysed by ICPMS-200 to determine the heavy metal concentration s (i.e., Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni,  Zn,  Fe, Mn,  Se,  Ba, Al, and  U). A comparison of these data with those of 1985, 1989, and 1995 revealed Hg and U contamination in the northern region, whereas Pb, Cu and Se contamination in the southern region of the Kucukcekmece Lake. Beside s, the influent waters were collected from the respective stream mouths, and were also analysed for heavy metal concentrations. The results showed the following contaminants: Hg, Se and U in the Ispartakule Stream, Hg, Cu and Se in the Sazli Stream, and Cu, Se and U in the Nakka Stream. On the other hand, a comparison of the results of February 1997 with those of August 1997 revealed that the amounts of As, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ba and Fe had decreased, but those of Pb, Ni, Zn and Se had increased in the lake since February 1997. Such kind of seasonal variation in concentration of heavy metals is attributed to pollution of the lake water by domestic waste, industrial effluents, and water-rock interactions.
Geochemical characteristics and provenance studies of metasedimentary rocks Kullu-Rohtang Pass-Sissu section of NW Himalaya, India
Authors: Rao D. Rameshwar , Rashid S. A.
Published: April 2021

The metasedimentary rocks along the Kullu-Rohtang Pass-Sissu section, NW Himalaya, have been analysed geochemically to characterise the composition of their provenance. The studies carried out suggest that, the source for these rocks is mainly of felsic nature, remarkably similar in composition to average Phanerozoic upper continental crust. The deposition of the sediments took place in an oxidising environment, and in a tectonic setting that spans from active to passive continental margins.
Textural and compositional variation of sand along the Manahara-Bagmati river basin, Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Gurmaita Hari Nandan
Published: April 2021

The Manahara-Bagmati river basin is located in a humid climate and has a 51 km long low gradient profile. It collects sediments from metamorphic, metasedimentary, and fluvio-lacustrine sources. The sediment samples collected from 17 localities were studied texturally and compositionally to infer how sediment modifies due course of transport and whether the trends are interfered by mixing, recycling, and weathering. For this purpose, two size grades (i.e., 0-1ϕ and 2-3ϕ) were studied. Between them, the trends were more conspicuous in the 0-1ϕ sand grade. Mean (M2) and median (M6) grain sizes increase downstream exponentially. Sorting (σ1) also improves along the river course. Quartz content gradually increases downstream, whilst feldspars and rock fragments decrease remarkably along the river course.  Rapid dilution of feldspars and rock fragments (from coarser size grade) occurs after 27 km of transport. The Modified Maturity Index, which ranges from 19.8 to 214, increases from the Manahara to Bagmati River sands. The mica content in the Bagmati River is from 2 to 8 times higher than in the Manahara River.

Within the studied river course, the mean projection sphericity (ψp) of quartz remains high (0.80 in average) but does not show any consistent trend. The mean roundness (ρ) of the 0-1ϕ sand grade increases conspicuously against the distance of transport. The majority of samples belong to submature class. Local influx of sediments and recycling are profound from Sankhu to Sanothimi and from Chobhar to Hasdol. Rapid weathering of labile grains is inferred in the middle reach of the Manahara- Bagmati river system (i.e., between Sanothimi and Chobhar).
Geomorphology of the Arun Valley, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Thakur P. K. , Adhikary P. C.
Published: April 2021

The Arun Valley can be divided into the Upper Arun Periglacial Valley (UAPV) and Lower Arun Fluvial Valley (LAFV). The area separated by the linearly arranged ridges of Jaljale Danda, Harale Danda, and Sichok Danda. The UAPV lies in the north whereas the LAFV occupies the southern territories. The UAPV is further divided into four geomorphic provinces with fifteen distinct Holocene terrace levels, whereas the LAFV is divided into four geomorphic provinces with thirteen Pleistocene terrace levels.

The concept of geomorphic province is introduced to denote distinct geomorphological features formed in a type locality within a given geological time span. The identified geomorphic surfaces are morpho-stratigraphically defined at respective villages and have a wide geographic distribution.

This paper attempts to classify geomorphologically the whole Arun watershed and to compare the position of various terraces in terms of neo-tectonic activities. The main geomorphic features of the watershed and their relationship with the major geological structures are also discussed. The boundaries of the geomorphic province often coincide with the reported thrusts in the area.
Flood disasters in the Changjiang River and their geo-environmental implications
Authors: Liu Chuanzheng
Published: April 2021

The archaeological records of past 5,000 years revealed that a period of high (13.6 m) flood occurred in the Changjiang River in 2,000 years BP. A serious flood disaster happened in the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River in 1998. This event reverberated through the whole country and led to the very important attention by many scientists and engineers.

In this paper, it is proposed to carry out the following three flood control measures. The first is to improve the flood control standard, which includes dredging river course and reinforcing dykes or dams. The second is to dig a channel through the Dongjing River (an old course of the Changjiang River) to divert the flood for avoiding the simultaneous flooding from different rivers and to remove the flood disaster for the Wuhan City. The third is to form gradually a great lake across the Changjiang River to contain the Dongting Lakeand Jianghan Lakes, which will supp ly the fresh water to be enough for the society and economic development of the middle China in the 21st century.
Pile foundation in karstic limestone terrain: a geotechnical constraint and its solution
Authors: Shrivastava Alok Kumar , Craig Derek John , Sharma Maunsell , Zakaria S. B.
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

The karstic limestone terrain poses complex geotechnical problems, as there are many uncertainties in terms of position and dimension of cavities, sinkholes, pinnacles, and overhangs developed in it. The study deals with the 6.5 km long Ampang­ Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway over the rivers Kelang and Ampang in Malaysia. The large-diameter bored piles and cast in-place piles were constructed for this purpose.

The toll plaza area is underlain by karstic limestone. In that area, the piles were located in rows extended as columns connected by crosshead whereas they were provided in pile groups of 2, 3, 4, or 5 connected by a rigid pile cap elsewhere. An instrumented test pile was load tested using static method and calibrated with site investigation results. To design the friction piles and end bearing piles, direct methods (viz. exploratory drilling and rock probes) and indirect methods (viz. resistivity survey and transient electromagnetic survey) were adopted. Based on lithologs, the piles were designed using the safety factor of 2 and 3. The rock probe results were used for designing the rock socket length of the end bearing piles.

There was much variation between the designed and encountered rock head levels as revealed during the time of excavation. In such cases, the geotechnical design of end bearing piles was reviewed. As in most of the cases, rock probe holes were inclined (as they slid over a rock cliff, overhang, or pinnacle) giving rise to wrong information of rock head levels. To solve this problem at site, a new integrated approach was evolved considering the 3D subsurface topography of rock head level of the area, position and dimension of karstic features, rock mass classifications, and bearing capacity calculation. Based on the above parameters and other measures (underpinning, micropiling, grouting etc.), the piles were designed and load tested.
A technique to discriminate landslides
Authors: Gunmg N. , Iwao Y.
Published: April 2021

This paper describes an innovative way of distinguishing landslide-prone regions by simple and direct measurement and statistical interpretation of a topographic map. For this purpose, the topographic maps are enlarged and the contour interval and cross-slope distances are measured. A frequency distribution histogram based on chi-square method is constructed from the measurements. Generally, two fundamental patterns emerge from the histogram: the landslide-prone area shows several peaks whereas the remaining area shows just a single peak.

The technique was used to study the landslide-prone areas of the western Kyushu District of Japan. Six sub-regions were categorised depending upon the scale functions and probability parameters. The landslide-prone and safe areas were accurately discriminated under 0. 1 to 1% confidence level. The analysis independently discovered most of the hazardous areas that were later verified in the field.
Soil and rock strength parameters of the Shiraidake Landslide, Japan
Authors: Jelinek Robert , Paudel Prem Prasad , Omura Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

The Shiraidake area of northwest Kyushu has an extensive distribution of landslides. A series of undrained triaxial tests and unconfined compression tests were carried out to investigate the variation of strength properties in a selected borehole from the Shiraidake Landslide. It is a translational landslide (called the Hokusho-type in Japan) and is composed of the Early Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks that are prone to rapid weathering. Core rock samples and recompacted soil samples were used for the study. The results provided the fundamental characteristics of soil and rock under the triaxial and uniaxial tests, and indicated that the undrained behaviour of tested soils generally depends on the pre-shear consolidation pressure and dry density. In addition, the type of material used and the tests performed are important factors that influence the soil and rock strength.
Core drilling of the basin-fill sediments in the Kathmandu Valley for palaeoclimatic study: preliminary results
Authors: Sakai Harutaka , Fujii Rie , Kuwahara Yoshihiro , Upreti Bishal Nath , Shrestha Suresh Das
Published: April 2021

Core drillings in ancient lake sediments of the Kathmandu Valley, central Nepal Himalaya were carried out in order to clarify the past Indian monsoon climate and its linkage to the uplift of the Himalaya. This is the first large-scale drilling project in the valley with full core recovery, and solely dedicated to academic research purpose. The drilling penetrated the whole sequence of 208 m thick Kalimati Clay, newly defined as the Kalimati Formation.

Based on the drill-core study, the sediments are divided into three formations: 1) Bagmati Formation, 2) Kalimati Formation, and 3) Patan Formation in ascending order. These formations have very distinct sedimentary characteristics: Bagmati essentially gravelly, Kalimati clayey and Patan sandy. The lower part of the Kalimati Formation, showing marginal lake facies, has been designated as the Basal Lignite Member. Judging from the lithology and sedimentary facies and previous studies on the Lukundol Formation, the Bagmati Formation is interpreted to have been deposited by the Proto-Bagmati River prior to the appearance of the lake before 2 Ma. The clay-predominant Kalimati Formation lying over the Lignite Member was deposited in an open lacustrine environment, which is mainly composed of carbonaceous clay yielding abundant fossil leaves and diatomaceous laminite. The fluvial sand of the Patan Formation rests on the Kalimati clay bed with a marked erosional base. The 14C age of the uppermost part of-the Kalimati Formation suggests that the lake water of the Kathmandu Basin was drained out later than 10 kyr B. P. (Fujii and Sakai 2002). Based on comparison of the present altitude of the ancient lake floor and top set beds of the lacustrine delta sediments (dated as 29 kyr B.P.), the water-depth of the Palaeo-Kathmandu Lake in the central part of the valley is estimated to be about 70 m.
Palynological study of the drilled sediments from the Kathmandu Basin and its palaeoclimatic and sedimentological significance
Authors: Fujii Rie , Sakai Harutaka
Published: April 2021

Palynological study of a series of slimes obtained from a 284-m-long drill well in the Kathmandu Basin revealed palaeoclimatic records and deposition al environmental changes in the Kathmandu Valley during the last 2.5 myr. The slimes consist of fluvio-deltaic and lacustrine sediments comprising 218 m long muddy beds and 66.3 m of sandy beds. As a result of palynological study on the 189 pieces of slime, a total 43 types of fossil pollen and spores were identified. They comprise arboreal pollen of one family and 20 genera, non-arboreal pollen of 10 families and 10 genera and spores. In the pollen diagram, Quercus and Cyclobalanopsis are predominant, with frequencies exceeding 70%. Pinus, Alnus and Gramineae are the next dominant taxa. Three fossil pollen zones, which reflect major climatic change, were discriminated: Zone I indicates a cool climate from ca. 2.5 to 2.1 Ma; Zone II shows a warm and relatively dry climate without remarkable fluctuation from ca. 2.1 to 1.0 Ma; and Zone III is characterized by seven cycles of warm-and-wet and cold-and-dry climate from 1.0 Ma to present, which reflect the repetition of glacial and interglacial periods. The last cold maximum at 11 m depth seems to correspond to the last glacial age around 20 kyr B.P.

The sedimentation rate of the drill-well was estimated from an approximate age-depth plot based on approximate ages inferred by comparison between the palaeoclimatic curve drawn by pollen analysis and δ18O curve obtained from planktonic foraminifers of deep-sea sediments in the Indian Ocean. Consequently, the average sedimentation rate of the uppermost part from 115 m to 11 m in depth is estimated at 104 mm/kyr.
Mineral composition changes recorded in the sediments from a 284-m-long drill-well in central part of the Kathmandu Basin, Nepal
Authors: Fujii Rie , Kuwahara Yoshihiro , Sakai Harutaka
Published: April 2021

The mineralogical study on the sub-surface obtained from drill-well JW-3, in the central part of the Kathmandu Basin was first performed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The minerals detected in the sediments are quartz, feldspar, mica, smectite, chlorite, kaolinite, gypsum and calcite. The former three minerals are main constituent of the sediments and their relative proportion is over 70%. In general, the relative proportion of quartz is congruous with that of feldspar but is reverse proportion to that of mica. The clayey phyllosilicate minerals, such as smectite, chlorite and kaolinite are next dominant minerals in the sediments, and the relative proportion of these minerals shows a similar variation pattern to each other. Gypsum and calcite occur sporadically and their ratio is less than a few percentages, except in some horizons where they exceed 5%.

Variation curves of relative amounts of the minerals are mainly divided into two zones, based on the variation patterns of the minerals. In Zone I below115 m depth, the variation curves of minerals show gradual cyclic patterns with low amplitude except gypsum and calcite. On the other hand, the variations of mineral contents in Zone II above 115 m depth are larger than those in the Zone I. Particularly, the variation curves of quartz, feldspar and mica show repetition of shorter cycles at 4-7 m intervals which are overlapping a longer cycle at 30 m intervals. The change in variation pattern across 115 m depth of the drill-well is similar to that of frequency of each pollen in the same sediments, which depicts the climatic variations in the Kathmandu Basin (Fujii and Sakai 2002). Hence, the mineralogical variation must reflect not only the changes of depositional environments in the Kathmandu Basin but also the climatic variations there. Similar difference of variation pattern of mineral composition in the Zone I and Zone II are also reported from the pollen analysis of the same slimes. This difference seems to be related to global climatic changes.
Preliminary study of fossil freshwater molluscs from the Plio-Pleistocene Kathmandu Basin sediments, central Nepal
Authors: Gurung Damayanti , Takayasu Katsumi , Nesemann Hasko
Published: April 2021

Fossils of freshwater Mollusca from the fluvio-lacustrine sediments of the Kathmandu Basin are collected from localities in the upper part of the Lukundol Formation, of Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene age, and the Gokarna Formation, of Late Pleistocene age. Despite the temporal differences of the two localities, the dominant molluscan species in each locality are similar. The fossil molluscan fauna in the older Lukundol Formation is entirely composed of prosobranch gastropod shells belonging to the genus Bellamya and opercula of the genus Digoniostoma. The fauna in the younger Gokarna Formation includes similar prosobranch species with addition of one prosobranch species, along with three pulmonate gastropods, an unidentified terrestrial gastropod and a bivalve species. The additional prosobranch species belong to the genus Gabbia, and the pulmonate gastropods are of the genera Lymnaea, Gyraulus, and Planorbis. The only bivalve species belong to the genus Pisidium.

In the Lukundol Formation, fossil molluscan shells are abundant but poor in number of species and the assemblage is dominated by lacustrine taxa preferring permanent lentic water body of shallow depth. Conversely, in the Gokarna Formation, species diversity is comparatively higher, with inhabitant of the shallow lacustrine to marginal less stable habitats. The fossil molluscan faunal composition is more similar to the recent fauna that inhabits the warmer southern Terai region of Nepal.
Neogene fluvial systems in the Siwalik Group along the Tinau Khola section, west central Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Ulak Prakash Das , Nakayama Katsuhiro
Published: April 2021

Along the Tinau Khola section of west central Nepal, the Siwalik Group is a 4 km thick pile of fluvial sedimentary sequence of mudstone, sandstone and conglomerate. It is exposed between the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) to the north and the Frontal Churia Thrust (FCT), also known as the Main Frontal Thrust (MFT), in the south. The Siwalik Group is lithologically divided into the Arung Khola, Binai Khola and Chitwan formations, in ascending order. Six facies associations (FA1 to FA6) are recognised within the group based on grain size distribution, nature of bedforms, and sandstone-mudstone ratio. The fine-grained sediments of the Lower and Middle members of the Arung Khola Formation belong to the FA1-facies association and were interpreted to have deposited by a low-discharge, low -relief meandering fluvial system. The multiple accumulated thin-layered muddy sandstone sequence in the Upper Member of the Arung Khola and the Lower Member of the Binai Khola formations belong to FA2 and FA3- facies associations and were deposited by a flood flow-dominated meandering fluvial system. The deep sandy braided facies association (FA4) and shallow sandy braided facies association (FA5) are well developed in the Middle and Upper members of the Binai Khola Formation, respectively. The gravelly braided facies association (FA6) is recognised in the Chitwan Formation.

The palaeomagnetically well-studied section of the Tinau Khola allows precise dating of the major change of fluvial system during the deposition of the Siwalk Group. The environment of predominantly shallow meandering rivers with low­ relief and low-discharge during the time of deposition of the Arung Khola Formation changed at 9.9 Ma and flooding in the rivers dramatically increased due to the intensification of monsoon precipitation. This hydrographic change also brought the change in facies from the earlier FA1 facies to FA2 and FA3 facies. Change from meandering to braided system occurred at 8.2 Ma because of the obvious regional tectonic upliftment of the Higher Himalaya bringing into FA4 and FA5-facies associations. Finally the FA6-facies association was developed due to the large gravelly braided system development at 2.5 Ma as a result of the Main Boundary Thrust movement along the frontal part of the Himalaya.
Tourmaline chemistry in the metamorphic rocks of the central Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Rai Santa Man , Fort Patrick Le
Published: April 2021

Tourmaline occurs in various tectonic units of the Himalaya. It is found in almost all formations, from the Lesser Himalaya to the Tibetan-Tethys Sedimentary Series. They are also found in the Cambro-Ordovician granite of the Kathmandu nappe and Miocene leucogranites of the Higher Himalaya.

The chemical composition of tourmalines from the central Nepal Himalaya is presented in schorlite (Fe)-dravite (Mg)­ elbaite (Al) diagram. The variation in chemistry of tourmaline in different types of rock is found to depend on the composition of the host rocks, the grade of metamorphism and the position in the structural edifice. The chemical results show that the Mg-rich tourmaline (dravite) is found to be concentrated in marble, calcic gneiss, whereas schorlite elbaite end members are found in the pelitic gneiss, mica schist, migmatitc, and quartzite, with little increase of elbaite content.

The Lesser Himalayan tourmalines show a correlation between their chemistry and the grade of metamorphism of the host rocks. The Mg content of the tourmaline increases whereas Fe and Al contents decrease from chlorite to kyanite isograd. In the chlorite isograd rocks, the tourmalines are detritic in origin and are affected very little by the low-grade metamorphism. With increasing grade of metamorphism, the fluids rich in boron are mobilized in the schist and quartzite, and reacted with aluminium silicate associated elements resulting in the crystallization of the tourmalines. In the Higher Himalayan Crystallines, where the temperature remains constant and the pressures decreases upward in the hanging wall of the MCT, the composition of the tourmaline is found to be evolved with an increase of Fe content and decrease of Mg and Al contents in the higher structural level.
Estimating streaming potentials associated with geothermal circulation at the Main Central Thrust: an example from Tatopani-Kodari hot spring in central Nepal
Authors: Perrier Frederic , Chitrakar Gyani Raja , Froidefond Thierry , Tiwari Dilliram , Gautam Umesh , Kafle Basanta , Trique Michael
Published: April 2021

Streaming potential coefficient and electrical conductivity have been measured in the laboratory as a function of KCI electrolyte conductivity for six crushed rock samples collected at the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone, near the Tatopani­Kodari hot spring in Central Nepal. Surface conductivity values range from 0.11±0.07 to 1.19±0.13 mS/m and values of the inferred ζ potential vary from -16.3±0.2 mV to -41.2±1.0 mV. These experimental values are used to model the streaming potential coefficient and the rock resistivity as a function of permeability. The electric potential generated on sur face by the geothermal circulation at the MCT zone is then derived using a simple two-dimensional analytical calculation. The maximum expected anomaly depends on the values of poorly known parameters such as the permeability of the MCT but is estimated to be of the order of 20 mV, and in general tends to remain below 100 mV. Such anomalies, although they could reflect variations of crustal parameters associated with stress accumulation, are difficult to detect and do not appear as a promising possibility in the search for earthquake precursors.
Locating the Main Central Thrust in central Nepal using lithologic, microstructural and metamorphic criteria
Authors: Paudel L. P. , Arita K.
Published: April 2021

Although the Main Central Thrust (MCT) is believed to be an intracrustal thrust extending throughout the length of the Himalaya, its nature and location is very much obscured and debated for many years. In the present work, field observations, microstructural analysis and metamorphic data there combined in a study along the Seti River and Modi Khola valleys in the Pokhara area of central Nepal to figure out recognizable criteria for objectively locating the MCT. The study demonstrates that the MCT is a sharp and discordant tectono-metamorphic boundary separating the Lesser and Higher Himalayas in the Pokhara area. The MCT is marked by changes in 1) lithology, 2) style of microfolding, 3) deformation of quartz and feldspars. 4) garnet texture, compositions and zoning patterns, and 5) muscovite and plagioclase compositions. We believe that some or all of the above changes should be observed across the MCT in other pans of the Himalaya and provide important criteria to locate the MCT.
Palaeohydrology of the Siwalik Group along the Bakiya Khola section, central Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Ulak Prakash Das
Published: April 2021

Middle Miocene to Early Pleistocene fluvial sediments of the Siwalik Group comprises many fining-upward cycles from several to tens of metres thick. It is a foreland basin sediment with a coarsening-upward succession as a whole. The palaeohydrology and evolution of the fluvial depositional system of the group in the Bakiya Khola section of central Nepal was established using the grain size analyses, sedimentary structures and thickness of fining-upward cycles. Stratigraphically from older to younger sequence, the velocity and channel gradient of the palaeofluvial system varies from 0.28 m/s to 3.3 m/s and 2.9x10-5 to 3.4x10-4 m/m, respectively. The progressive changes in palaeovelocity and palaeochannel gradient reflect the southward propagation of thrust activities in the Himalayan front.
Environmental-friendly countermeasures applied to control instabilities in a high vertical rock slope: an example from Oita prefecture, Japan
Authors: Bhattarai Tara Nidhi
Published: April 2021

An analytical method for the selection of countermeasures to control instabilities in a high vertical slope composed of welded tuff underlain by gravelly palaeo-channel deposit has been described. Based on the engineering geological investigation, discontinuity features namely, orientation, spacing and persistence representing the slope were established as input data for the DEM (distinct element method) model construction. The model analysis reveals that the studied slope is prone to sliding (slumping) accompanied by to toppling failure, which may cause disaster by blocking the river at the toe of the slope. Construction of a concrete base structure at the toe of the slope is suggested to restrict sliding (slumping). But toppling and sliding of individual rock blocks at the upper part of the slope are allowed to take place naturally. This arrangement ensures long-term safety as well as maintenance of natural environment to reasonable limits and will encourage the local authority to offer the site as a place of learning natural phenomena and its method of preservation.
Sacred Buddhistic monuments in the Himalaya: indicators and protectors from mountain hazards
Authors: Weidinger Johannes T.
Published: April 2021

Sacred religious monuments such as chorten, and stone-walls (carved with religious inscriptions) can be found all along the Himalaya in and around villages dominated by Buddhist population. These structures are found to have been erected not only around monasteries and other holy places, but also in areas where mountain hazards such as torrent, debris flow and snow avalanche occur. Careful observation of the location of these structures indicate that they were erected also to serve as indicators, silent witnesses and even to protect settlements and farmland from hazards. The reason why this practice is typical for the Buddhistic-Lamaistic region of the Himalaya must partly be due to a wide prevalence of various hazardous geomorphological processes occurring within the Higher Himalaya and Trans Himalayan valleys, which forms the homelands of the Tibetan culture. The position of the sacred structures may be used as a good indicator for the past hazardous events that occurred at a certain time. Some structures also seem to have been built for only a symbolic value. Thus their position can be used for finding or delimiting areas, which may fall in the "red zone" on mapping mountain hazards.
The Sargipali sulphide deposit of Orissa, India: its atypical lead-high character and genesis
Authors: Chowdhury Sangita
Published: April 2021

The sulphide deposit of Sargipali, in the Proterozoic fold belt of Gangpur, is strikingly lead dominant in character. It has an ore reserve of 2.06 million tonnes with an average grade of 6.73% Pb and 0.33% Cu, with a little Ag (about 50 ppm). The Zn content in the ore is insignificant (<0.5%), below recoverable limit.

The unusual compositional character of the deposit will be evident when compared with that of many known sulphide deposits. Pb- and S- isotope studies reveal extreme uniformity of Pb isotope composition, along with high source µ (238U / 204 Pb) value of Pb, which suggest a single- stage lead, derived from isotopically homogeneous, uranium enriched, felsic upper crustal source, though sulphur was derived from reduction of contemporary sea water sulphate source. However, the Pb- isotope study may well indicate that the Sargipali is a 1682- 1695- Ma- old sedimentary- exhalative (SEDEX) deposit. The petrographic and chemical studies of ore and host rocks indicate the metamorphosed synsedimentary­ exhalative genesis of the deposit. The abnormal enrichment of Pb in the residual fluid is suggested to have caused by the buffering of metal containing hydrothermal fluids by mica present in the felsic rocks or sediments, to a low pH at relatively low temperature. Pb-Pb ages of ores (ranging between 1682-1695 Ma) suggest that mineralisation occurred during the closing phase of sedimentation in the Gangpur basin.

The present study may help in throwing new light about the genesis of similar sediment- hosted Pb-rich deposists in terms of the SEDEX model.
Geomorphology, sedimentology, and hazard assessment of the Sapta Koshi alluvial fan in eastern Nepal
Authors: Thakur Pramod Kumar , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi
Published: April 2021

The Sapta Koshi River that is known for exceptionally high sediment-carrying and channel-shifting nature forms a broad alluvial fan into the Indo-Gangetic Plain after its emergence from the Siwalik Hills. The Sapta Koshi alluvial fan has a radial length of about 45 km and width of about 15 km in the Nepalese territory, where it forms a proximal to midfan segment extending from NE to SW, showing various geomorphic surfaces characterised by gravel to fine sand and mud lithofacies associations. The alluvial fan deposits are of Holocene epoch, and are unconsolidated and vulnerable to rapid erosion. Flooding, river oscillation and soil erosion are the main environmental problems in the alluvial fan region.

The flood hazard assessment was made using criteria such as slope, relative relief, distance from the active channel and its shifting pattern, engineering protection-structures, and man-induced activities. The alluvial fan region was zoned into three hazard levels such as high, medium and low. The western bank of the Sapta Koshi River, around Balardaha. Bhardaha, and HanumanNagar are identified to be highly prone to flooding and waterlogging. Man-induced activities play important role in increasing the hazard level in these areas. Therefore, short- and long-termed preventive measures have been suggested.
Geo-environmental problem of snow avalanche defensive structures in mudstone zones, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Aoyama K. , Bhattarai P. , Fukuda M. , Oku J. , Sakai T.
Published: April 2021

Fence-type defensive structures are very common on highway hillsides in Japan. They are constructed to protect the highway mainly from snow avalanche. Initially, these structures behave well. However, as the time lapses, the foundation of these well designed structures weakens and collapses. The situation is further aggravated by the static load of accumulated thick snow cover behind them. As mudstone is the dominant rock type in the Niigata Prefecture, it is a challenging task for geotechnical engineers to cope with such a severe geo-environmental problem.

Although the mudstone exhibits a high strength while it is dry and fresh, it becomes quite unstable after sometime. When it comes in contact with water and atmosphere repeatedly, it starts weathering. Consequently, its shear strength is reduced and cannot resist the imposed shear stress and moment, and ultimately fails.

For the laboratory investigation, mudstone blocks of various sizes were collected from the two typical mudstone areas: the Matsunoyama area and Nagaoka area in the Niigata Prefecture. These samples were sub merged and then dried alternately for several cycles. The particle size analysis of the weathered material showed that the proportion of fine particles increased with the degree of weathering. The laboratory tests of these samples exhibited a decrease in shear strength with an increasing degree of saturation. The periodic swelling and contraction of the clay fraction leads to volume change of foundation inducing its further weathering.
Estimation of S-wave velocity structure and its application to ground motion simulation
Authors: Kafle Basant , Yamanaka Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

Microtremor array is the most inexpensive and easy to perform technique for the estimation of S-wave velocity structure. Microtremor array measurements have been carried out in the Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan to estimate S-wave velocity structure up to the basement. Phase velocities at wide period range were determined by frequency-wavenumber spectral analysis of vertical microtremor array records. The determined phase velocity is inverted to obtain one-dimensional S-wave velocity profile by genetic algorithm inversion method. A four layer S-wave velocity model with a basement velocity of 3.5 km/s was constructed. Simulation of ground motion has been carried out with two-dimensional finite difference method. Simulation of subsurface structural model was derived from the microtremor array measurement and previous seismic refraction survey. Two profiles were taken for simulation one from Hamaoka to Ryuhyoh and another from Hamaoka to Shimada. 2-D effect of subsurface structure is observed in the propagation of ground motion in the basin. The importance of determination of 2-D subsurface structure for the estimation of ground motion is shown.
Engineering and environmental geological investigations in Butwal area
Authors: Duvadi A. K. , Sikrikar S. M. , Piya B. , Rimal L. N.
Published: April 2021

The Butwal town lies at the junction of the Siddhartha and Mahendra highways. It is endangered by landslides and floods every year during the monsoon season.

The area consists of the Tertiary sedimentary rocks (Siwaliks) in the north and Quaternary sediments (Terai Plain) in the south. The Main Frontal Thrust (MFT) marking the contact between the Siwaliks and Terai runs along the topographic break, north of the main settlement of Butwal.

Landslide at Jyotinagar (north of Butwal) triggered after the heavy monsoon of 27th August 1998 is considered as one of the main geo-hazard in the area. Wide-open cracks are marked around the crown of the slide with the slope of 40-60 degrees. Infiltration and percolation of water through these cracks is further aggravating the situation.

Engineering and environmental geological investigations were carried out in the area with an objective to prepare the engineering and environmental geological map at 1:15,000 scale. This map would be a great help to engineers, urban planners and decision- makers particularly in urban planning, landuse planning, infrastructure development, hazard mitigation, sustainable utilization of natural resources and environmental management. The types of information included in the map are lithological description of rocks and sediments, geo-hazards, mineral resources, features of environmental significance, riverbed mining, landfill site, landuse and urban geology.
Geotechnical properties of soil at Sundhara and Jamal area in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Ranjan Kumar , Aryal Arjun
Published: April 2021

The Kathmandu Valley lies in a synclinal basin filled up by fluvio-lacustrine sediments of Pleistocene age. Sundhara and Jamal lie at the core of Kathmandu City. The area is mostly occupied by public buildings. This paper primarily deals with distribution and engineering and geotechnical properties such as allowable bearing capacity of soil at Sundhara and Jamal area. For the purpose of identification of geotechnical properties of subsurface strata for multi­storeyed buildings, data of borehole logging from fifteen drill holes and laboratory test of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples was used for the investigation. In the laboratory, index and mechanical properties such as grain size, natural moisture content, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, penetration resistance, cohesion, uniaxial compressive strength, angle of shearing, rate of consolidation, and settlement were evaluated.

According to the National Building Code of India, the Kathmandu Valley is located in Seismic Zone V, and the recommended coefficient of horizontal acceleration for this zone is 0.08 g. Based on the present study of geotechnical properties of subsurface strata, it is recommended to increase the coefficient by up to 50 per cent for important structures. For multi-storeyed building, the tentative allowable bearing capacity for different types of foundation (strip, isolated. and raft) at different depths are determined as per the average parameters valid for the whole area.
“Jobs that Really Matter”: Critical Reflections on Changes in Academic Life during/after the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kalmus Veronika
Published: April 2021

The prioritisation of the coronavirus pandemic in the public sphere has resonated in the field of sciences, with Covid-19 occupying the interest of many researchers in various disciplines. This article aims to analyse features of interpersonal and institutional discourses, published data, and the author’s observations to reflect critically upon the impact of Covid-19 on academic life and sketch some trends in the field of sciences. The analysis demonstrates that Covid-19 serves as an accelerator for science; this process, however, is asynchronous across countries, disciplines, and research streams. The “Covid-isation” of research systems reinforces the instrumentalisation and projectification of science and creates intra-institutional hierarchies. The coronavirus crisis amplifies existing inequalities and prompts the double movement of acceleration versus deceleration. In the potential social morphogenesis in the field of science, the role of the humanities and social sciences scholars in asking critical questions and facilitating meta-reflexivity becomes paramount.
Manejo multimodal del dolor crónico
Authors: Blanco Naranjo Erick Gerardo , Chavarría Campos Gary Felipe , Garita Fallas Yorlin María
Published: April 2021

El dolor crónico es aquel que persiste más allá del tiempo de recuperación de una lesión, o aquel que se mantiene o recurre más allá de tres meses. Cuando el dolor agudo no es tratado correctamente puede cronificarse. El dolor crónico se considera una enfermedad propiamente dicha y debe ser tratado según su etiología. El dolor no es solo nocicepción, también implica las esferas psicológicas y sociales por lo que el manejo exitoso del dolor crónico requiere abordar todas las condiciones físicas y psicológicas desagradables. El manejo de esta patología requiere un abordaje multimodal que incluye combinaciones de terapias farmacológicas, no farmacológicas e intervencionistas.
Abordaje moderno del hiperparatiroidismo primario
Authors: Baraquiso Pazos Maribel , Corella Solano Alejandro José
Published: April 2021

El hiperparatiroidismo primario representa el tercer padecimiento endocrinológico más frecuente en la actualidad. La mayoría de los casos cursa de manera asintomática, por lo que es una patología infradiagnosticada. Existen tres etiologías principales de hiperparatiroidismo primario: el adenoma, la hiperplasia y el carcinoma paratiroideo. Los métodos diagnósticos van desde estudios de laboratorio hasta métodos de imagen como ultrasonido, cintigrama, tomografía axial computarizada y resonancia magnética. El tratamiento de estas entidades se basa principalmente en la resección de las glándulas paratiroideas.
Enfermedad celíaca
Authors: Rojas Vargas Carolina
Published: April 2021

La enfermedad celíaca es una enfermedad de origen autoinmune, de carácter inflamatorio, que afecta, principalmente, la mucosa del intestino delgado debido a la exposición continua al gluten o a proteínas relacionadas en la dieta, en personas con una susceptibilidad genética. El gluten contiene prolaminas resistentes a las proteasas gástricas y pancreáticas, produciendo polipéptidos parcialmente hidrolizados, los cuales pasan del estómago al intestino, aumentando su antigenicidad e induciendo una respuesta inmune. Su diagnóstico se realiza en combinación de la historia clínica del paciente, los resultados de exámenes de laboratorio y las alteraciones histopatológicas compatibles con la enfermedad.
THE CONTENT OF EDUCATIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL FORECASTING IN UKRAINE (1917 – 1920)
Authors: Cherniak S. G.
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of the content of educational and pedagogical forecasting in Ukraine in the period 1917 – 1920. The author concludes that the content of educational and pedagogical forecasting in Ukraine in the period 1917-1920 is manifested in the development of its national paradigm, the search for variable systems and models, technologies and methods of training teachers. The problem of educational and pedagogical forecasting within certain limits is a component and objectively existing, independent, defining direction, which allows to study the holistic process of development of preschool, secondary and higher education in Ukraine, its features, color; identify the leading trends, ideas, creative experience of training, which determines the positive transformation of the values of Ukrainian society; to outline ways to update educational and pedagogical forecasting in modern socio-political and economic conditions and to update the accumulated material from the past in the realities of pedagogical theory and practice of today.
Challenges and responses of the Russian agri-food complex
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian University – MSKhA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Golubev A.V.
Published: April 2021

The author analyzes the main challenges facing the agri-food complex in accordance with the Strategy of scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation and the key challenges formulated by the author. The essence of event-joker is revealed. The system of responses to calls is justified. The article describes the possibilities of increasing the production of organic products, for which Russia has all the initial conditions. The conclusion is made about the prospects for the development of the agri-food complex in the context of keys challenges.
Economic efficiency of creating a modular cheese factory in an agricultural enterprise in the region
Authors:   Russian State Agrarian University - MSKhA named after K.A. Timiryazev, Russkiy V.G.
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the issues of designing the creation of a modular cheese dairy in an agricultural enterprise in the region. The optimal scheme for financing the project is presented. The costs of production are justified. The proceeds from sales and profit are determined. The payback period of the cheese dairy is calculated.
Labor resources of rural territories of the Nizhny Novgorod region
Authors:   Nizhny Novgorod State Agricultural Academy, Navdaeva S.N. , Ozeryanik M.E. ,   Nizhny Novgorod State Agricultural Academy
Published: April 2021

The problem of providing agriculture with qualified personnel is very relevant at the present stage, and the level of development of rural areas largely depends on the availability of labor resources. The article deals with the availability of labor resources of agricultural organizations of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The dynamics of the availability of labor resources, the level of wages, and labor productivity are evaluated. The degree of influence of the availability of labor resources on the efficiency of production and the level of development of rural areas is revealed.
Evaluation of the development of Russian fisheries complex
Authors:   Perm State Agro-Technological University named after Academician D.N. Pryanishnikov, Yarkova T.M.
Published: April 2021

The fishery complex of the country is a significant segment of the economy, concentrating all kinds of resources for socio-economic development. The main goal of the country’s fishery complex is the production of fish and fish products for the population. Along with this, an expert assessment of the economic activity of the studied sector of the economy made it possible to identify some problems. The solution to these problems in 2013 was consolidated into a general concept, which served as the basis for the formation and implementation of the state program with total funding until 2020 in the amount of more than 92 billion rubles. In 2020, the program was prolonged, and some target areas were updated according to planned results, while financial support for the coming period amounted to about 52 billion rubles. Currently, the catch (extraction) of aquatic biological resources has increased, safety control has been strengthened, new water areas for fishing activities are being reclaimed, etc. However, there are some problems: marketing activities, updating the material and technical base, reconstructing coastal ports, increasing the share of proceeds through the sale of primary and deep processing products, and developing freshwater aquaculture. At the same time, there is an increase in the economic efficiency of the subjects of the fishery complex, as well as a noticeable social effect in terms of creating new jobs and increasing wages. An analysis of the consumption of fish and fish products by the population showed that a certain deficit has formed in the food market over the past three years, which is caused by numerous factors of internal and external influence. Despite the complexity of the emerging problems in the studied complex, Russia acts as an active partner in the supply of fish and other aquatic biological resources to the world market.
Review of Intersphincteric Resections for Rectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Saklani Avanish , Ephraim KAZUMA Seke Manase , Nittala Rigved , Sukumar Vivek , Kazi Mufaddal , Saklani Avanish
Published: April 2021

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, second most common cancer in women, and the fourth leading cause of death in the world. Radical surgical treatment with Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) is considered the best treatment for cancer found in the lower third of the rectum and has benefits of complete tumor removal to reduce risk of recurrence and to improve survival. Advances in preoperative chemoradiation therapy have increased chances of achieving a 1 cm distal margin and allowed successful sphincter-preserving surgery by intersphincteric resection (ISR) and Coloanal Anastomosis (CAA) that allows normal defecation. MRI is particularly useful in evaluating localization of the tumor, involvement of anal sphincter (internal and external sphincters), levator ani muscles, and adjacent structures to the anus, with an accuracy of 85%, sensitivity of 87%, and specificity of 75%. Performing ISR with TME oncologic principles achieves similar results to Low Anterior Resection (LAR), but depends on the presence of sufficient Distal Rectal Margin (DRM); if a sufficient DRM cannot be achieved, then patients are offered an Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) with permanent colostomy and poor quality-of-life results.