Graphic-based concept retrieval

Two ways of expressing concepts in the context of image retrieval are presented. One, Keypics, is on the side of an image owner, who wants the image itself to be found on the Web; the second, Trittico, is on the side of the image searcher. Both are based on the paradigm of human intermediation for overcoming the semantic gap. Both require tools capable of qualitative analysis, and have been experimented by using persistent homology

Analysis of reach-scale elevation distribution in braided rivers: Definition of a new morphologic indicator and estimation of mean quantities

This work has been carried out within the SMART Joint Doctorate (Science forthe MAnagement of Rivers and theirTidal systems) funded with the support of the Erasmus Mundus programme of the European Union. Data of the Rees River were derived as part of UKNatural Environment Research Council grant (NE/G005427/1) awarded to PI Brasington, along with further support from the NERC Geophysical Equipmen tFacility (Loan 892) and Leverhulme Trust IAF2014-03

Morpho-sedimentary characteristics of proximal gravel braided river deposits in a Froude-scaled physical model

A Froude‐scaled physical model of a proximal gravel‐bed braided river was used to connect the river morphological characteristics, and sedimentary processes and forms, to deposit geometry. High resolution continuous three‐dimensional topographic data were acquired from sequential photogrammetric digital elevation models paired with grain‐size surface maps derived from image analysis of textural properties of the surface. From these data, the full three‐dimensional development of the braided river deposit and grain‐size sorting patterns was compiled over an experimental time period of 41 h during which the model river reworked a large portion of the braided channel. The minimum surface of the deposit is developed progressively over time by erosion, migration and avulsion of channels, and by local scour at channel confluences. The maximum surface of the deposit is formed by amalgamation of braid bar surfaces and has less overall relief than the minimum surface. Confluence scour constitutes about 5% of the area of the minimum surface. Migration of individual confluences is limited to distances of the order of the width and length of the confluence, so that confluences do not form laterally extensive deposits and basal surfaces. Maximum and minimum surfaces have very similar grain‐size distributions, and there is no extensive basal coarse layer. Deposit maximum thickness is strongly associated with large channel confluences which occur as deeper areas along the main channel belt and make up a large proportion of the thickest portions of the deposit

An Assessment of Variants in the Professional Judgement of Geomorphologically-based Channel Types.

River classification is a useful tool for researchers and managers wishing to organise, simplify and understand the forms and processes within freshwater systems. Many classifications require surveyors to classify reaches into specific channel types in a field environment. Channel types should be identifiable based on a field surveyor’s judgement of channel characteristics and landscape settings; these include channel planform, valley confinement, dominant bed material, and/or instream geomorphic features (e.g. gravel bars). Accurate classification of reaches into the correct channel type is important to ensure consistency in management strategies, and to assess the impact of engineering activities on the physical and ecological status of rivers. In this paper, we examine the variation in professional judgement of geomorphologically based channel types by scientists with different disciplinary backgrounds, and varying levels of involvement in classification systems using a photo-questionnaire. Results indicate that there can be a large level of discrepancy in typing rivers; the choice of the modal channel type for each reach varied between 25.9% and 75.1% of the respondent selections. There were also differences in the level of agreement between earth scientists (with hydrogeomorphological or geological training), ecological scientists (with freshwater biology training) and practitioners involved in river conservation and management. A high level of experience in classification systems translates to a lower number of channel types being chosen per reach. In response to these results, the use of a photographic approach to typing needs to be fully tested and users fully trained before operational use. Furthermore, we advocate that designers of geomorphic typologies should aim to have a representative and workable number of classes within a typology with an emphasis for rationalisation of classes rather than expansion of numbers

Riparian zones - from policy neglected to policy integrated

[EN] 1. Riparian zones are vital areas of interaction between land and rivers and are often degraded by several pressures such as urbanisation, intensive agriculture and river engineering works. 2. This policy brief provides five key policy messages and recommendations to be considered by policy-makers, scientists, managers, and stakeholders to enhance riparian zone management. 3. Adopting an integrated socio-economic and environmentally dynamic view will ensure the sustainable management of riparian zones. 4. In light of climate change, it is critically important to conserve and/or restore the ecological integrity of riparian zones. 5. European Union Directives and national-scale legislation and regulations need updating to ensure coordinated implementation of riparian zone-related policies. 6. Stakeholder knowledge exchange, policy co-creation and adaptive management are key to enhancing riparian zone functions.Funding was provided by COST Action CONVERGES (CA16208) and by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union. GU was partially supported by the Slovenian Research Agency. PR-G was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the CEEC Individual Programme (2020.03356. CEECIND), and Forest Research Centre was supported through the FCT UIDB/00239/2020. Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) funded Inês Gomes Marques through a PhD scholarship (SFRH/BD/133162/2017). AA was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (Grant No. 451-03-68/2022-14/200010).Urbanic, G.; Politti, E.; Rodríguez-González, PM.; Payne, R.; Schook, D.; Alves, MH.; Andelkovic, A.... (2022). Riparian zones - from policy neglected to policy integrated. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 9(5):1-8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.868527189

Chylous mesenteric cyst: A diagnostic dilemma

A mesenteric cyst is defined as a cyst that is located in the mesentery of the gastrointestinal tract and may extend from the base of the mesentery into the retroperito- neum. A case report of a patient with mesenteric cyst is presented. In addition, a systematic review was performed of English language literature on chylous mesenteric cysts in adult hu- mans. Of the 18 articles included in the review, there were 19 cases of chylous mesenteric cysts reported. Male to female ratio was 1.4:1 with a median age of 46 years. A preoperative diagnosis of mesenteric cyst was made in four patients based on computed to- mography. All patients underwent surgery and there were no reports of recurrence on follow up. Chylous mesenteric cyst is a rare entity that needs to be recognized whenever a prelimi- nary diagnosis of intra-abdominal cystic mass is made

The ecological risk dynamics of pharmaceuticals in micro-estuary environments

Micro-estuarine ecosystems have a surface area < 1 km2 and are abundant in Mediterranean regions. As a result of their small size, these systems are particularly vulnerable to effects of chemical pollution. Due to fluctuating flow conditions of base-flow dominated by treated wastewater effluents and flood events transporting rural and urban non-point-source pollution, micro-estuaries are under a dynamic risk regime, consequently, struggling to provide ecological services. This two-year study explored the occurrence and risks of pharmaceutical contamination in the Alexander micro-estuary in Israel. Pharmaceuticals were detected in all samples (n=280) at as high as 18 µg L-1 in flood events and 14 µg L-1 in base-flow. Pharmaceutical mixtures composition was affected by flow conditions with carbamazepine dominating base-flow and caffeine dominating flood events. Median annual risk quotients for fish, crustaceans and algae were 19.6, 5.2, and 4.5, indicating that pharmaceuticals pose high risk to the ecosystem. Ibuprofen, carbamazepine and caffeine were contribute most to the risk quotients. The current work highlights that micro-estuary ecosystems, like the Alexander estuary, are continuously exposed to pharmaceuticals and most likely to other pollutants, placing these ecologically important systems under an elevated risk, in comparison to the more frequently studied large estuarine systems.