Holocene climate, fire and vegetation dynamics at the treeline in the Northwestern Swiss Alps

Treelines are expected to rise to higher elevations with climate warming; the rate and extent however are still largely unknown. Here we present the first multi-proxy palaeoecological study from the treeline in the Northwestern Swiss Alps that covers the entire Holocene. We reconstructed climate, fire and vegetation dynamics at Iffigsee, an alpine lake at 2,065m a.s.l., by using seismic sedimentary surveys, loss on ignition, visible spectrum reflectance spectroscopy, pollen, spore, macrofossil and charcoal analyses. Afforestation with Larix decidua and tree Betula (probably B. pendula) started at ~9,800cal. b.p., more than 1,000years later than at similar elevations in the Central and Southern Alps, indicating cooler temperatures and/or a high seasonality. Highest biomass production and forest position of ~2,100-2,300m a.s.l. are inferred during the Holocene Thermal Maximum from 7,000 to 5,000cal. b.p. With the onset of pastoralism and transhumance at 6,800-6,500cal. b.p., human impact became an important factor in the vegetation dynamics at Iffigsee. This early evidence of pastoralism is documented by the presence of grazing indicators (pollen, spores), as well as a wealth of archaeological finds at the nearby mountain pass of Schnidejoch. Human and fire impact during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages led to the establishment of pastures and facilitated the expansion of Picea abies and Alnus viridis. We expect that in mountain areas with land abandonment, the treeline will react quickly to future climate warming by shifting to higher elevations, causing drastic changes in species distribution and composition as well as severe biodiversity losses

Разработка автоматизированной системы измерений количества топливного газа

Цель работы – разработка автоматизированной системы управления системы измерения количества и качества топливного газа с использованием ПЛК и выбор SCADA-системы. В этой работе была разработана система контроля и управления технологическим процессом СИКТГ на базе промышленных контроллеров Delta V MD Plus, с использованием SCADA-системы DeltaV. В процессе исследования проводились: Изучение технологического процесса в целом и его отдельных участков; Подбор датчиков и исполнительных механизмов; Изучение необходимой технической документации; Разработка и анализ схем для осуществления поставленной задачи.The purpose of the work is the development of an automated control system for measuring the quantity and quality of fuel gas using a PLC and selecting a SCADA system. In this work, a system for monitoring and controlling the technological process of SICT was developed on the basis of industrial controllers Delta V MD Plus, using the DeltaV SCADA system. In the process of research were conducted: Study of the technological process as a whole and its individual sections; Selection of sensors and actuators; Study of the necessary technical documentation; Development and analysis of schemes for the implementation of the task

Researching COVID to enhance recovery (RECOVER) tissue pathology study protocol: Rationale, objectives, and design.

ImportanceSARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or organ dysfunction after the acute phase of infection, termed Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are poorly understood. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) tissue pathology study (RECOVER-Pathology) are to: (1) characterize prevalence and types of organ injury/disease and pathology occurring with PASC; (2) characterize the association of pathologic findings with clinical and other characteristics; (3) define the pathophysiology and mechanisms of PASC, and possible mediation via viral persistence; and (4) establish a post-mortem tissue biobank and post-mortem brain imaging biorepository.MethodsRECOVER-Pathology is a cross-sectional study of decedents dying at least 15 days following initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eligible decedents must meet WHO criteria for suspected, probable, or confirmed infection and must be aged 18 years or more at the time of death. Enrollment occurs at 7 sites in four U.S. states and Washington, DC. Comprehensive autopsies are conducted according to a standardized protocol within 24 hours of death; tissue samples are sent to the PASC Biorepository for later analyses. Data on clinical history are collected from the medical records and/or next of kin. The primary study outcomes include an array of pathologic features organized by organ system. Causal inference methods will be employed to investigate associations between risk factors and pathologic outcomes.DiscussionRECOVER-Pathology is the largest autopsy study addressing PASC among US adults. Results of this study are intended to elucidate mechanisms of organ injury and disease and enhance our understanding of the pathophysiology of PASC

„Daumen hoch“ für das virtuelle Klassenzimmer. Zur Förderung mündlicher Interaktion in studienvorbereitenden Online-Sprachkursen durch den Einsatz eines virtuellen Klassenzimmers mit ergonomischer Benutzeroberfläche

Grammatik und Wortschatz, Lesen, Hören und Schreiben gehören zu den Kompetenzen, die sich sehr gut für die mediale Vermittlung in Online-Sprachkursen eignen. Zweifel bestehen aber bezüglich der Frage, ob mündliche Kompetenzen ebenso gut ausgebildet werden können, verlangen sie doch synchrone, direkte Kommunikation. Virtuelle Klassenzimmer setzen genau hier an und versuchen die mündliche Interaktion medial zu vermitteln. Sie können deshalb eine sinnvolle Ergänzung gängiger Lernprogramme sein. Die Sprachdidaktiker der Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO), einer multimedialen Sprach lernplattform, versuchen diesen Herausforderungen durch den Einsatz der am Fraunhofer Institut entwickelten Software vitero (virtual team room) zu begegnen. Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt die verschiedenen Schritte bei der Implementierung des virtuellen Klassenzimmers in die Kurse der Deutsch-Uni Online sowie die Ergebnisse der ersten Erprobungsphase der Arbeit im virtuellen Klassenzimmer. Dabei zeichnet sich ab, dass die angestrebte Verbesserung vor allen Dingen in den Bereichen Sprechen, Hören, Wortschatz liegt und die Treffen insgesamt zu einem besseren Verständnis der Themen im Online-Kurs führen. (DIPF/Orig.

Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment – A critical reappraisal. An international consensus statement

Objectives Medical compression therapy is used for non-invasive treatment of venous and lymphatic diseases. Medical compression therapy-associated adverse events and contraindications have been reported, although some contraindications are theoretically based. This consensus statement provides recommendations on medical compression therapy risks and contraindications. Methods A systematic literature search of medical compression therapy publications reporting adverse events up until November 2017 was performed. A consensus panel comprising 15 international experts critically reviewed the publications and formulated the recommendations. Results Sixty-two publications reporting medical compression therapy adverse events were identified. The consensus panel issued 21 recommendations on medical compression therapy contraindications and adverse event risk mitigation, in addition to reviewing medical compression therapy use in borderline indications. The most frequently reported non-severe medical compression therapy-associated adverse events included skin irritation, discomfort and pain. Very rare but severe adverse events, including soft tissue and nerve injury, were also identified. Conclusion This consensus statement summarises published medical compression therapy-associated adverse events and contraindications, and provides guidance on medical compression therapy. Severe medical compression therapy-associated adverse events are very rarely encountered if compression is used correctly and contraindications are considered