Etude hydrogéologique des séries triasiques dans la région de Jeffara-Dahar (Sud Tunisien): Apport des diagraphies et de la sismique réflexion

The present study concentrates on the interpretation of well logs and seismic reflection data in the Jeffara- Dahar region (Southeast part of Tunisia) for a better characterization of the Triassic aquifer, a potential target of water supply. Lithological columns and their corresponding well logs reveal that Sidi Stout, Kirchaou and Touareg sandstones as well as Mekraneb and Rehach dolomites are the main reservoirs of the Triassic aquifer. Well log analysis highlights many permeable and fractured layers that could play an important role in the groundwater circulation. The interpreted seismic sections and the resulting isochrone maps show a tectonic influence on the Triassic aquifer geometry in the Jeffara-Dahar region. The normal faulting of E-W and NW-SE accidents created an aquifer compartmentalized by raised and tilted blocks. Seismic cross-sections reveal that this structure controls the depth of permeable formations and the circulation of groundwater. These results will be useful for rationalising the future hydrogeological research that will be undertaken in the Jeffara-Dahar area.[fr] La présente étude concerne l’interprétation des données de la sismique réflexion et celles des puits y compris les enregistrements diagraphiques en vue d’une meilleure caractérisation de l’aquifère triasique de la région de Jeffara-Dahar (Sud-Est de la Tunisie) qui constitue une cible potentielle pour l’alimentation en eau. Les logs lithologiques associés aux enregistrements diagraphiques correspondants montrent que les principaux réservoirs sont les grés de Sidi Stout, Kirchaou et Touareg ainsi que les dolomies de Mekraneb et Rehach. L’interprétation diagraphique met en évidence des niveaux de faible perméabilité et d’autres perméables et bien fracturées qui pourraient jouer un rôle dans l’acheminement des eaux souterraines. Les profils sismiques interprétés et la cartographie élaborée en conséquence mettent en évidence que l’aquifère triasique est compartimenté en blocs soulevés et affaissés. Cette structuration, contrôlée par la réactivation des accidents E-W et NW-SE en failles normales au cours du Trias, influence l’épaisseur des formations perméables ainsi que le sens d’écoulement de la nappe d’eau. Les résultats obtenus seront utiles pour la rationalisation des futures recherches hydrogéologiques dans la région de Jeffara – Dahar

STAAR: a randomised controlled trial of electronic adherence monitoring with reminder alarms and feedback to improve clinical outcomes for children with asthma

Background Suboptimal adherence to inhaled steroids is common in children with asthma and is associated with poor disease control, reduced quality of life and even death. Previous studies using feedback of electronically monitored adherence data have demonstrated improved adherence, but have not demonstrated a significant impact on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine whether introduction of this approach into routine practice would result in improved clinical outcomes. Methods Children with asthma aged 6–16 years were randomised to the active intervention consisting of electronic adherence monitoring with daily reminder alarms together with feedback in the clinic regarding their inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use or to the usual care arm with adherence monitoring alone. All children had poorly controlled asthma at baseline, taking ICS and long-acting β-agonists. Subjects were seen in routine clinics every 3 months for 1 year. The primary outcome was the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score. Secondary outcomes included adherence and markers of asthma morbidity. Results 77 of 90 children completed the study (39 interventions, 38 controls). Adherence in the intervention group was 70% vs 49% in the control group (p≤0.001). There was no significant difference in the change in ACQ, but children in the intervention group required significantly fewer courses of oral steroids (p=0.008) and fewer hospital admissions (p≤0.001). Conclusions The results indicate that electronic adherence monitoring with feedback is likely to be of significant benefit in the routine management of poorly controlled asthmatic subjects