Vulnerability Mapping of an Apulian Deep Carbonate Aquifer Using GIS

Computer techniques such as Geographic Information Systems are applied to the evaluation of the vulnerability of a deep carbonate aquifer. The study area, of about 150 km2, is located in the low Murgia Plateau (Apulia) and characterized by Mesozoic limestone and dolomite rocks of several thousand meters thickness. A wide and thick aquifer resides in these carbonate rocks. Its groundwater flows toward the sea mainly under pressure and with maximum piezometric level of about 200 m a.s.l.. Due to their high quality, the water resources of this aquifer are particularly valuable for the local communities and therefore must be protected from pollution and inappropriate use. The vulnerability map of the aquifer is an indispensable tool for the effective management of groundwater resources and to support environmental planning. Several approaches have been proposed by different authors to evaluate intrinsic vulnerability. Most of the methods for detailed vulnerability mapping are based on the integrated analysis of several variables using different algorithms. Geographic Information Systems are advanced computer tools for the analysis of georeferenced data in 2D and 3D and can be effectively applied to the implementation of evaluation models. In this study the SINTACS evaluation method was implemented in a GIS and a digital vulnerability map produced. The different data taken into consideration in this analysis, such as depth to water, actual infiltration, pollution attenuation capacity of unsaturated zone, land cover, hydrogeological features of saturated aquifer, hydraulic conductivity, terrain slope, geology and geological structures, were georeferenced and converted into digital form. Each variable corresponds to a separate data layer made of graphic and attribute data. The computerized multilayer analysis performed by the GIS is time effective and leads to more comprehensive and accurate results with better spatial resolution

Vulnerability Mapping of an Apulian Deep Carbonate Aquifer Using GIS

Computer techniques such as Geographic Information Systems are applied to the evaluation of the vulnerability of a deep carbonate aquifer. The study area, of about 150 km2, is located in the low Murgia Plateau (Apulia) and characterized by Mesozoic limestone and dolomite rocks of several thousand meters thickness. A wide and thick aquifer resides in these carbonate rocks. Its groundwater flows toward the sea mainly under pressure and with maximum piezometric level of about 200 m a.s.l.. Due to their high quality, the water resources of this aquifer are particularly valuable for the local communities and therefore must be protected from pollution and inappropriate use. The vulnerability map of the aquifer is an indispensable tool for the effective management of groundwater resources and to support environmental planning. Several approaches have been proposed by different authors to evaluate intrinsic vulnerability. Most of the methods for detailed vulnerability mapping are based on the integrated analysis of several variables using different algorithms. Geographic Information Systems are advanced computer tools for the analysis of georeferenced data in 2D and 3D and can be effectively applied to the implementation of evaluation models. In this study the SINTACS evaluation method was implemented in a GIS and a digital vulnerability map produced. The different data taken into consideration in this analysis, such as depth to water, actual infiltration, pollution attenuation capacity of unsaturated zone, land cover, hydrogeological features of saturated aquifer, hydraulic conductivity, terrain slope, geology and geological structures, were georeferenced and converted into digital form. Each variable corresponds to a separate data layer made of graphic and attribute data. The computerized multilayer analysis performed by the GIS is time effective and leads to more comprehensive and accurate results with better spatial resolution

Vulnerability Mapping of Carbonate Aquifer using Geografic Information Systems

Computer techniques such as Geographic Information Systems are applied to the evaluation of the vulnerability of a deep carbonate aquifer. The study area is located in the low Murgia Plateau (Apulia) and characterized by Mesozoic limestone and dolomite rocks of several thousand meters thickness. A wide and thick aquifer resides in these carbonate rocks. Its groundwater flows toward the sea mainly under pressure. Due to their high quality, the water resources of this aquifer are particularly valuable for the local communities and therefore must be protected from pollution and inappropriate use. The vulnerability map of the aquifer is an indispensable tool for the effective management of water resources and to support environmental planning. Geographic Information Systems can be effectively applied to the implementation of vulnerability models. In this study the SINTACS evaluation method was implemented in a GIS and a digital vulnerability map produced. The computerized multilayer analysis performed by the GIS is time effective and leads to more comprehensive and accurate results with better spatial resolution

L'acquifero superficiale del territorio di Brindisi: dati geoidrologici diretti e immagini radar da satellite

A free shallow aquifer is present in the Pleistocene marine terrace deposits that widely outcrops in the Brindisi district. These deposits overlay impermeable clay and calcarenite of 'Fossa bradanica' sedimentary cycle, and Mesozoic carbonate rocks of 'Calcare di Altamura' formation. In the latter a regional karsic aquifer is present. The geological analysis was carried out also using stratigraphic data from drilled holes. Those data highlight a local high variability of aquifer and impermeable clay thickness, with a mean value of 14 m and 22 m respectively. On line with the results of hydrologic accounting, particular attention was paid to the recognition of local water loss toward the karsic aquifer. A hydrogeologic study of a sample area southward with respect to Brindisi, based on detailed field survey, highlights low values of aquifer permeability, with mean value of 7,5 x 10-5 m/s. The permeability of the clay deposits underlying the aquifer is too high to avoid any water infiltration (mean value of 3 x 10-7 m/s). The water table is locally influenced by hydrographic pattern. If we consider piezometric regimen it has a month minimum in the summer end and a month maximum in March or April, with a delay of 2-3 months with respect to month extreme rainfall. The analysis of a multitemporal satellite radar image provided useful information about the water content changes of the shallow aquifer. The color hue differences shown in the color composite image of three images acquired in different season, are strictly correlated to the changes in soil moisture content. Besides, structural lineaments were recognized in that image, along which water infiltration is likely. The applicability of remotely sensed data in this kind of study is also proved by the analysis of images acquired by an infra-red videocamera

Studio delle caratteristiche morfoevolutive del fondovalle del F. Basento fra Pisticci e la foce, finalizzato all'ottimizzazione dell'intervento antropico

An analysis is made of the evolutionary features of the Basento Plain landform in the stretch between Ferrandina Scalo and the sea, in context of the knowledge of the geomorphological and hydrological peculiarities of the whole catchment basin. The stretch in question lies in the south eastern portion of the Fossa bradanica where there are extensive outcrops of Plio-Pleistocene sedimentary deposits, represented mainly by blue-grey marly clays and, subordinately, sands and gravels. Between Ferrandina Scalo and Pisticci Scalo the Bradano is a braided river, while the reach between there and its mouth on the Ionian Sea is characterized by a meander belt. A detailed geomorphological examination, supported by air-photo interpretation (1953, 1973 and 1989 flights), has been made to ascertain the changes which have occurred on the plain in the last forty years. Knowledge of recent bed changes has been augmented by data derived from old maps. This has provided a picture of midifications over a hundred years or so. The principal hydrogeomorphological factors throughout the entire stretch studied can be correlated with the various fluvial trends identified. It ensues that there is substantial diversity in the relative stability conditions of the fluvial trends. More precisely, the potential instability within the meander belt can be tied in with the progressive increase in the sinuosity during the last hundred years. The in-depth hydrological study was made to highlight the main changes in use of the water resources available in the catchment, so as to establish possible relationships between man-made alterations and recent geomorphological conditions throughout the stretch concerned. It is also evident that during recent times man has been very active right up to the very banks of the river, modifying the original countryside by planting trees, growing crops and setting up industrial enterprises, once inexistent or at least located well away from the channel. On the basis of the factual picture acquired in this manner an evaluation has been made of the relationships between the recent variations in the natural geomorphological trends of the Basento in this reach, the direct and indirect upset of hydrodynamic parameters caused by man and the modifications in the landform of the flood-plain, triggered by human intervention. As the economic plan provides for a further increase in economic activities and for new hydraulic works throughout the catchment, various guidelines have been framed to optimize development

Intratumoral Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced CT Imaging: An in Vivo Investigation of Biodistribution and Retention

This study aims to evaluate the in vivo distribution of Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) at different time points after intratumoral (IT) injection, exploiting their properties as contrast agents for Computed Tomography (CT). GNPs approximately 40 nm in diameter were synthesized with a surface plasmon peak at ~530 nm, capped with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) to improve colloidal stability, and characterized with standard methods. CT phantom imaging was performed to quantify X-ray attenuation as a function of GNP concentration and surface functionalization and to determine the appropriate particle dose for in vivo studies. Concentrated GNPs were intratumorally (IT) injected into Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) solid tumors grown on the right flank of 6-week old female C57BL/6 mice. Ten days post-injection, follow up CT imaging was performed to assess the distribution and retention of the particles in the tumor. Using the CT attenuation quantification, images for each timepoint were segmented, and 3D volumes rendered, to conduct biodistribution analyses. The successful retention and permanence of the GNPs into the solid tumor after ten days suggests the significance of GNPs as a potential theranostic agent

Nuclear Mitochondrial DNA Activates Replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The nuclear genome of eukaryotes is colonized by DNA fragments of mitochondrial origin, called NUMTs. These insertions have been associated with a variety of germ-line diseases in humans. The significance of this uptake of potentially dangerous sequences into the nuclear genome is unclear. Here we provide functional evidence that sequences of mitochondrial origin promote nuclear DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that NUMTs are rich in key autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) consensus motifs, whose mutation results in the reduction or loss of DNA replication activity. Furthermore, 2D-gel analysis of the mrc1 mutant exposed to hydroxyurea shows that several NUMTs function as late chromosomal origins. We also show that NUMTs located close to or within ARS provide key sequence elements for replication. Thus NUMTs can act as independent origins, when inserted in an appropriate genomic context or affect the efficiency of pre-existing origins. These findings show that migratory mitochondrial DNAs can impact on the replication of the nuclear region they are inserted in

Digital Therapeutics Care Utilizing Genetic and Gut Microbiome Signals for the Management of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Results From a Preliminary Retrospective Study

Diet and lifestyle-related illnesses including functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and obesity are rapidly emerging health issues worldwide. Research has focused on addressing FGIDs via in-person cognitive-behavioral therapies, diet modulation and pharmaceutical intervention. Yet, there is paucity of research reporting on digital therapeutics care delivering weight loss and reduction of FGID symptom severity, and on modeling FGID status and symptom severity reduction including personalized genomic SNPs and gut microbiome signals. Our aim for this study was to assess how effective a digital therapeutics intervention personalized on genomic SNPs and gut microbiome signals was at reducing symptomatology of FGIDs on individuals that successfully lost body weight. We also aimed at modeling FGID status and FGID symptom severity reduction using demographics, genomic SNPs, and gut microbiome variables. This study sought to train a logistic regression model to differentiate the FGID status of subjects enrolled in a digital therapeutics care program using demographic, genetic, and baseline microbiome data. We also trained linear regression models to ascertain changes in FGID symptom severity of subjects at the time of achieving 5% or more of body weight loss compared to baseline. For this we utilized a cohort of 177 adults who reached 5% or more weight loss on the Digbi Health personalized digital care program, who were retrospectively surveyed about changes in symptom severity of their FGIDs and other comorbidities before and after the program. Gut microbiome taxa and demographics were the strongest predictors of FGID status. The digital therapeutics program implemented, reduced the summative severity of symptoms for 89.42% (93/104) of users who reported FGIDs. Reduction in summative FGID symptom severity and IBS symptom severity were best modeled by a mixture of genomic and microbiome predictors, whereas reduction in diarrhea and constipation symptom severity were best modeled by microbiome predictors only. This preliminary retrospective study generated diagnostic models for FGID status as well as therapeutic models for reduction of FGID symptom severity. Moreover, these therapeutic models generate testable hypotheses for associations of a number of biomarkers in the prognosis of FGIDs symptomatology

A Geological Itinerary Through the Southern Apennine Thrust-Belt (Basilicata—Southern Italy)

Open access via Springer Compact AgreementPeer reviewedPublisher PD