The First Post-Kepler Brightness Dips of KIC 8462852

We present a photometric detection of the first brightness dips of the unique variable star KIC 8462852 since the end of the Kepler space mission in 2013 May. Our regular photometric surveillance started in October 2015, and a sequence of dipping began in 2017 May continuing on through the end of 2017, when the star was no longer visible from Earth. We distinguish four main 1-2.5% dips, named "Elsie," "Celeste," "Skara Brae," and "Angkor", which persist on timescales from several days to weeks. Our main results so far are: (i) there are no apparent changes of the stellar spectrum or polarization during the dips; (ii) the multiband photometry of the dips shows differential reddening favoring non-grey extinction. Therefore, our data are inconsistent with dip models that invoke optically thick material, but rather they are in-line with predictions for an occulter consisting primarily of ordinary dust, where much of the material must be optically thin with a size scale <<1um, and may also be consistent with models invoking variations intrinsic to the stellar photosphere. Notably, our data do not place constraints on the color of the longer-term "secular" dimming, which may be caused by independent processes, or probe different regimes of a single process

An efficient methodology for estimating irrigation return flow coefficients of irrigated crops at watershed and seasonal scale

International audienceIrrigation return flow coefficients, i.e. the ratio between the quantity of water returned from the cultivated area to the groundwater system and the amount of abstraction, vary by more than 50% for rice cultivation using standing water irrigation to 0% in the case of drip irrigation technique. This component of the groundwater budget plays an important role, particularly in intensively irrigated areas. Thus, to avoid any inaccurate aquifer budgeting, modelling and consequently any erroneous watershed management, this component needs to be accurately assessed for a particular time-step (e.g. weekly, seasonally) onto the studied area. The present paper proposes a cost-effective and useful methodology for assessing irrigation return flow coefficients (Cf D irrigation return flow/pumping flow) based on (i) basic crops field survey and meteorological data and (ii) the use of a simple hydraulic model that combines both water balance technique and unsaturated/saturated flow theory. An attempt to estimate the uncertainty of irrigation return flow coefficient estimates based on the uncertainty introduced by the pumping and the natural spatial variability of the soil characteristics is also proposed. Results have been compared to real field conditions and allow us to (i) estimate the uncertainty and (ii) validate and demonstrate the robustness of the applied methodology. The proposed methodology allows relatively good estimates of the irrigation return flow coefficients at watershed and seasonal scale. The irrigation return flow coefficients are calculated as: 51 š 8% in rainy season (Kharif) and 48 š 4% in summer (Rabi) for rice; 26 š 11% in rainy season and 24 š 4% in summer for vegetables; 13 š 8% in rainy season and 11 š 3% in summer for flowers. These results were found to be consistent with the existing literature

Association of hydrogeological factors in temporal variations of fluoride concentration in a crystalline aquifer in India

International audienceThe major part of groundwater in India is found in granitic aquifers. Fluoride in groundwater from a crystalline aquifer in a semi-arid region of granitic rocks in India, known as Maheshwaram watershed, was analyzed for spatial and temporal variability during 1999-2002 to assess the effect of hydrogeological factors on fluoride concentration. Samples were collected from 32 representative wells in the area for the pre- and post-monsoon seasons and analyzed for F content. The CHESS computer program was used to calculate ionic activities of aqueous species and the mineral saturation index (SI) for calcite and fluorite. The GARDENIA computer program was used to calculate the recharge values in the study area. The influences of dissolution kinetics of fluoride minerals and recharge from rainfall on fluoride concentration were of interest and results clearly indicate that fluoride content in groundwater depends on the interaction period of groundwater with host rock. Results could also be utilized for designing remedial measures particularly with dilution method in an optimal way

Gestion des données géologiques en milieu urbain

National audienceLa banque de données BISMUTH (Banque d'Informations du Sous-sol en Milieu Urbain de Toulouse en géologie et Hydrogéologie) permet l'accès direct des services techniques de la ville de Toulouse aux informations géologiques et hydrogéologiques disponibles pour gérer l'impact des travaux aériens ou souterrains. Ce programme constitue une première étape pour une politique environnementale cohérente et durable en milieu urbai

Enseignements

Comment les savoirs se sont-ils historiquement constitués et sont-ils aujourd'hui transmis en Afrique ? Face aux politiques de mondialisation, comment s'expriment l'identité et la spécificité des systèmes éducatifs africains ? À partir d'approches originales et différenciées, sociologues, anthropologues, pédagogues, démographes, historiens et économistes décrivent les changements sociétaux, les transformations économiques et les crises politiques qui influent sur l'évolution de l'École africaine. Si la mondialisation accentue conjointement l'imposition d'un ordre scolaire mondial, les processus d'uniformisation des systèmes éducatifs et la croissance de la démographie scolaire, on constate que la production et la transmission des savoirs demeurent encore très hétérogènes en Afrique. À côté de l'École « officielle » ou « classique », se maintiennent et se transforment d'anciens modes de transmission des savoirs ou se créent de nouvelles écoles qui se dérobent volontiers à l'autorité des États. Née des crises financières ou politiques qui occasionnent le retrait des États de la sphère éducative, la diversification du champ scolaire africain est aussi la conséquence de ces nouvelles modalités d'appropriation de l'École et des savoirs par les sociétés

Review of current and "omics" methods for assessing the toxicity (genotoxicity, teratogenicity and nephrotoxicity) of herbal medicines and mushrooms

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The increasing use of traditional herbal medicines around the world requires more scientific evidence for their putative harmlessness. To this end, a plethora of methods exist, more or less satisfying. In this post-genome era, recent reviews are however scarce, not only on the use of new "omics" methods (transcriptomics, proteomics, metabonomics) for genotoxicity, teratogenicity, and nephrotoxicity assessment, but also on conventional ones. Methods: The present work aims (i) to review conventional methods used to assess genotoxicity, teratogenicity and nephrotoxicity of medicinal plants and mushrooms; (ii) to report recent progress in the use of "omics" technologies in this field; (iii) to underline advantages and limitations of promising methods; and lastly (iv) to suggest ways whereby the genotoxicity, teratogenicity, and nephrotoxicity assessment of traditional herbal medicines could be more predictive. Results: Literature and safety reports show that structural alerts, in silico and classical in vitro and in vivo predictive methods are often used. The current trend to develop "omics" technologies to assess genotoxicity, teratogenicity and nephrotoxicity is promising but most often relies on methods that are still not standardized and validated. Conclusion: Hence, it is critical that toxicologists in industry, regulatory agencies and academic institutions develop a consensus, based on rigorous methods, about the reliability and interpretation of endpoints. It will also be important to regulate the integration of conventional methods for toxicity assessments with new "omics" technologies. © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

ALICE addentum to the Technical Design Report of the time of flight system (TOF)

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ALICE Technical Design Report on Forward Detectors : FMD, T0 and V0

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ALICE Technical Design Report of the Computing

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