Light curve and O−C diagram analysis of RZ Cassiopeiae

The aim of the present paper is to analyze the light variation as well as the period changes of the eclipsing binary RZ Cas. New photometric elements are computed using the frequency-domain method. The possibility of the light-time effect and the apsidal motion is discussed.     

Interpretation of subhorizontal crustal reflections by metamorphic and rheologic effects in the eastern part of the Pannonian Basin

The geologic origin of subhorizontal reflections, often observed in crustal seismic sections, was investigated by establishing metamorphic facies and strength of rocks in depth, and correlating these properties to seismic reflection sections from eastern Hungary. Estimation of the depths of metamorphic mineral stability zones utilized the principles developed by Fyfe et al. and known geothermal data of the area. The strength versus depth profile was derived by relating local seismic P -wave interval velocities to Meissner et al. 's activation energy. The results show that the series of subhorizontal reflections, observed in the Pannonian Basin, are a consequence of combined metamorphic and rheologic changes in depths. The synthesis of the integrated data set suggests that the retrograde alteration of the pre-Tertiary basement above the percolation threshold was made possible by the softening effect of shear zones and their water-conducting capacity. The subhorizontal reflections of highest energy, of the consolidated crust below the percolation threshold, originate in the depths of greenschist, amphibolite and granulite metamorphic mineral facies, which were formed in geothermal and pressure conditions similar to those existing today. These results imply the overprint of earlier (Variscan) metamorphic sequences of the crust by more recent retrograde metamorphic processes.     

Low-frequency 3-D seismic survey of upper crustal magmatic intrusions in the northeastern Pannonian basin of Hungary

A specially designed 700-km² grid survey, deploying 1000 regularly distributed low-frequency seismic recording systems, successfully investigated one of the most complex geologic environments of the Pannonian basin. The wide-angle signals penetrated through over 1000 m of multi-phase igneous lithology and recognized, for the first time, the underlying enigmatic Permian to Early Triassic basement rocks. Tomographic inversion of the first arrival grid data resulted in determination of an accurate three-dimensional (3-D) velocity field, to a depth of 4 km. The anomalous changes of the spatial velocity data outline the regional extent of the Late Miocene magmatic intrusions, which are covered by over 2000 m of Mid-Miocene to Pleistocene clastics. Complex relationship was found between the surface potential data and the intrusive bodies. This multi-faceted geophysical data analysis established a functional technique for mapping a subsurface with intricate acoustic and structural complexity.     

Beziehungen der ansteckenden Krankheiten zur Witterung mit besonderer Berücksichtigung derHeine-Medinschen Epidemien in Ungarn in den Jahren 1931–1947

Zusammenfassung Einleitend werden verschiedene ungarische Arbeiten über den Zusammenhang zwischen Witterung und Krankheiten kritisch besprochen. Nach einer Übersicht über die verschiedenen Ansichten über die Abhängigkeit der Poliomyelitis von der Witterung wird eine 17jährige Statistik aus Ungarn über Witterungseinflüsse auf diese Krankheit untersucht. Es konnte kein Zusammenhang mit der Temperatur, mit dem Wechsel des Witterungscharakters und mit Fronten oder Abgleitflächen nachgewiesen werden. In den an Poliomyelitisfällen reichsten Jahren waren trockene Monate etwas häufiger. Es zeigen sich schwache Anzeichen für eine Doppelwelle während einer Sonnenfleckenperiode. Die Krankheit trat in den kühleren und niederschlagsreicheren nördlichen und nordöstlichen Teilen des Landes am häufigsten auf.

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Summary At first divers Hungarian papers on the relations between weather and diseases are critically discussed. After giving a survey of the different opinions as to the influence of weather upon poliomyelitis, a 17 years statistics from Hungary is investigated in this respect. No connection could be found, however, neither with the temperature and the change of weather character nor with fronts or surfaces of subsidence. Most poliomyelitis cases occurred in years in which dry months were a little more frequent. There are slight indications of a double wave during a sunspot period. The disease was found to be most frequent in the northern and north-eastern regions being relatively cooler and richer in precipitation.

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Résumé On examine tout d'abord différentes études hongroises concernant les relations entre le temps météorologique et les maladies. Après un aperçu sur les diverses opinions émises au sujet de la poliomyélite et de sa dépendance à l'égard du temps, on étudie sur le même sujet une statistique de 17 ans établie en Hongrie. On n'a pas pu prouver de relation avec la température, avec les changements de temps, ni avec les fronts ou les surfaces de subsidence. Les années les plus riches en poliomyélite ont eu un peu plus de mois secs. De faibles indices parlent en faveur d'une double période à l'intérieur de la période des taches solaires. La maladie a été la plus fréquente dans les parties nord et nord-est du pays qui sont aussi les plus froides et les plus humides.

     

PAH in fish bile detected by fixed wavelength fluorescence

Fixed wavelength fluorescence (FF) for detection of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites in fish bile has been studied, and is presented through a laboratory and a field experiment. The method, which can be regarded as a biomarker of exposure to PAH, has proved to be a simple, rapid and cost effective method for monitoring PAH contamination.     

The Arctic is no longer put on ice: Evaluation of Polar cod (Boreogadussaida) as a monitoring species of oil pollution in cold waters

The withdrawing Arctic ice edge will facilitate future sea transport and exploration activities in the area, which calls for the establishment of relevant cold water monitoring species. The present study presents first results of field baseline levels for core oil pollution biomarkers in Polar cod (Boreogadussaida) sampled from pristine, Arctic waters. Furthermore, biomarker response levels were characterized in controlled laboratory exposure experiments running over 2 weeks. Fish exposed to a simulated petrogenic spill (1 ppm dispersed, crude oil) exhibited elevated hepatic EROD activity, bile PAH-metabolites, and hepatic DNA-adducts, whereas male individuals exposed to simulated produced water (30 ppb nonylphenol) exhibited a strong induction of plasma vitellogenin. In conclusion, the results demonstrated low and robust biomarker baseline levels that were clearly different from exposure responses. In combination with its high abundance and circumpolar distribution, the Polar cod seems well qualified for oil pollution monitoring in Arctic waters.     

Special Contribution: ALP 2002 Seismic Experiment

Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica -     

Analysis of soil boundary conditions of flash floods in a small basin in SW Hungary

Flash floods are one of the most significant natural hazards of today. Due to the complexity of flash flood triggering factors, to prevent or mitigate flood triggered losses, numeric model based flood forecasting models are capable tools to predict stream water levels. The main goal of the current research was to reproduce two flow peaks with the HEC-HMS rainfall-runoff model and test the model sensitivity for various input parameters. To obtain sufficient input data, we monitored soil depth, maximum infiltration rate, soil moisture content, rainfall, time of concentration and flow. To obtain input data, parameters were calculated, measured in the Sás Valley experimental watershed (SW Hungary) or optimized with the built in function of the HEC-HMS. Soil moisture was monitored in the 1.7 km2 pilot catchment over the period between September 2008 and September 2009. HEC-HMS had a good performance reproducing the two events, however simulated flow time series are highly influenced by the antecedent soil moisture, infiltration rate and canopy storage. Outflow modeled data were verified for two flood events (June 4, 2008 and July 9, 2009). The HEC-HMS was over-sensitive for input soil moisture and with increasing input rainfall and increasing outflow, larger simulation errors were observed.     

In-mine geoelectric investigations for detecting tectonic disturbances in coal seam structures

The methods of in-mine seam-sounding and transillumination (geoelectric tomography) for the detection of tectonic disturbances of coal seams were developed by the Department of Geophysics of the University of Miskolc in the 1970–80’s with the effective support of the former “Borsod” Coal Mines Ltd. The paper gives an overview about the theory of seam-sounding and a special geoelectric tomographic inversion, and introduces the in-mine geoelectric seam-sounding and transillumination measurement systems using vertical electrode dipoles. In the second part the paper, the results of an in-mine geoelectric measurement are presented, which was carried out in order to detect tectonic disturbances of the Miocene aged coal seams situated in Slovakia. As results of the geophysical investigation, the authors forecasted the tectonic features in the coal seam. The company confirmed the results by independent information about seam disturbances and tectonic features arising from the excavation of the investigated area.