<p>Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are an ... more <p>Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are an actual topic of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many prehistoric societies in drylands were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppes and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type fortified settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2 – 2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was suggested for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological, paleoecological and hydrological modelling data to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in the Shiraki Plain, and identify possible natural and anthropogenic causes as well as possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but an incipient Chernozem developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting obviously caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from intensive soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification obviously caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to also small-scale human or natural influences with serious consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate long-term human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.</p>
Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorpho... more Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many dryland societies were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppe and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2-2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was postulated for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological and paleoecological data with hydrological modelling to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes, to identify natural and human causes and to study possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but a pellic Vertisol developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for
Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolate Breast Milk in Diabetic Wistar Mice. Lactobacillus pl... more Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolate Breast Milk in Diabetic Wistar Mice. Lactobacillus plantarum is a Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) that has the potential to be used as a probiotic agent. Probiotics are antidiabetic because they can inhibit alpha-glucosidase enzymes. This study aims to was to determine the antidiabetic effects of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum isolates of breast milk (ASI). The study was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Muhammadiyah Semarang and the Pharmacology Laboratory of the Semarang College of Pharmacy during the month of April-June. Experimental research with 25 male wistar mice was divided into 5 groups (K-, K+, P1, P2, P3) Alloxan monohydrate induction was carried out intraperitoneally at a dose of 150mg/kg BW. Fasting blood glucose measurements were performed at baseline (before alloxan induction), post alloxan and at the end of treatment. Diabetic mice fasting blood glucose levels should be ±200mg/dL. Suspension of Lactobacillus plantarum isolate ASI was carried out orally for 7 days. Based on the ANOVA test there were significant differences in the decrease in blood glucose with a significant value of p-value=0,009<0,05. Based on the Tuckey post hoc test treatment group P1, P2, P3 there were no significant differences between treatment groups even though the dosage was different. 1 time a day treatment is an efficient dose in reducing blood glucose.
Bollettino Di Geofisica Teorica Ed Applicata, 2004
In the present study we have compiled probabilistic seismic hazard maps of the Tbilisi area; for ... more In the present study we have compiled probabilistic seismic hazard maps of the Tbilisi area; for different parameters (macroseismic intensity, PGA, SA) and different probabilities. The hazard is dominated by the geometry of the seismic source zones that are situated in the immediate vicinity of the city. The northern part of the city, according to all maps, represents the area of highest hazard. Tectonic and seismic information indicates that the maximum expected earthquake in the Tbilisi area should not exceed M = 4.5. The accuracy of these maps was checked by the earthquake of April 25, 2002. It turned out that we did not consider any seismic source zone in the city itself because data about active tectonics and seismicity in the central part of the city were not sufficient. In general, the intensity hazard maps are in good agreement with the effects of the earthquake, the PGA hazard maps partly underestimate the ground motion and the SA hazard maps show quite a big difference. Th...
Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorpho... more Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many dryland societies were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppe and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2-2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was postulated for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological and paleoecological data with hydrological modelling to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes, to identify natural and human causes and to study possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but a pellic Vertisol developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to small-scale human or natural influences with severe consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.
This study assesses the static stability of the artificial Sabereebi Cave Monastery southeast of ... more This study assesses the static stability of the artificial Sabereebi Cave Monastery southeast of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. The cliff into which these Georgian-Orthodox caverns, chapels, and churches were carved consists of a five-layered sequence of weak sedimentary rock—all of which bear a considerable failure potential and, consequently, pose the challenge of preservation to geologists, engineers, and archaeologists. In the first part of this study, we present a strategy to process point cloud data from drone photogrammetry as well as from laser scanners acquired in- and outside the caves into high-resolution CAD objects that can be used for numerical modeling ranging from macro- to micro-scale. In the second part, we explore four distinct series of static elasto-plastic finite element stability models featuring different levels of detail, each of which focuses on specific geomechanical scenarios such as classic landsliding due to overburden, deformation of architectural fea...
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lake Paravani is located in the Republic of Georgia at an altitude of 20... more &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lake Paravani is located in the Republic of Georgia at an altitude of 2073 m on the volcanic Javakheti Plateau (Lesser Caucasus). Although first studies were conducted at the lake the last years, many questions remain unsolved regarding to the sedimentation pattern and the landscape evolution in general. Hence, we aim to deepen the understanding of landscape genesis during the Holocene and beyond. Therefore, a coring transect of eight cores was taken in the southern part of the lake and two of these sediment cores, ICE001 and ICE006, were analysed with respect to (i) landscape, vegetation and climate evolution since the Pleistocene, and (ii) their processes. By using an applied multi-proxy approach, sediment properties in terms of granulometry, geochemical composition, magnetic susceptibility, organic content, and palynology were analysed.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The results suggest high lake levels for the period from about 28 to 16 ka BP, inferring a cold and humid climate in the Lake Paravani basin. The landscape was covered by glaciers, which act as drivers for the prevailing physical weathering while sparse vegetation and poorly developed soils dominated around Lake Paravani. Since 16 ka BP, a declining lake level is identified, from which a significant increase in aridity is inferred while temperatures remain constantly low. The accompanying shift of facies into the sublittoral establishes variable depositional conditions at the site of borehole ICE001. For this reason, the transition from glacial to interglacial is poorly recorded. Early and middle Holocene deposits were eventually eroded during lake level fluctuations. A palaeobeach facies at approximately 4.5 ka BP displays low lake level and indicates high aridity. The period from 4.5 ka BP to present was characterized by rising lake level to recent conditions. Furthermore, increasing productivity within the lake, as shown by the total organic content, indicates warmer temperatures, and consequently increasing intensity of chemical weathering. In addition, vegetation cover established and soils developed.&amp;amp;#160;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
&lt;p&gt;Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are an ... more &lt;p&gt;Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are an actual topic of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many prehistoric societies in drylands were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppes and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type fortified settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2 &amp;#8211; 2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was suggested for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological, paleoecological and hydrological modelling data to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes in the Shiraki Plain, and identify possible natural and anthropogenic causes as well as possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but an incipient Chernozem developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting obviously caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from intensive soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification obviously caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to also small-scale human or natural influences with serious consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate long-term human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.&lt;/p&gt;
Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorpho... more Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many dryland societies were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppe and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2-2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was postulated for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological and paleoecological data with hydrological modelling to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes, to identify natural and human causes and to study possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but a pellic Vertisol developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for
Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolate Breast Milk in Diabetic Wistar Mice. Lactobacillus pl... more Activity of Lactobacillus plantarum Isolate Breast Milk in Diabetic Wistar Mice. Lactobacillus plantarum is a Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) that has the potential to be used as a probiotic agent. Probiotics are antidiabetic because they can inhibit alpha-glucosidase enzymes. This study aims to was to determine the antidiabetic effects of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum isolates of breast milk (ASI). The study was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Muhammadiyah Semarang and the Pharmacology Laboratory of the Semarang College of Pharmacy during the month of April-June. Experimental research with 25 male wistar mice was divided into 5 groups (K-, K+, P1, P2, P3) Alloxan monohydrate induction was carried out intraperitoneally at a dose of 150mg/kg BW. Fasting blood glucose measurements were performed at baseline (before alloxan induction), post alloxan and at the end of treatment. Diabetic mice fasting blood glucose levels should be ±200mg/dL. Suspension of Lactobacillus plantarum isolate ASI was carried out orally for 7 days. Based on the ANOVA test there were significant differences in the decrease in blood glucose with a significant value of p-value=0,009<0,05. Based on the Tuckey post hoc test treatment group P1, P2, P3 there were no significant differences between treatment groups even though the dosage was different. 1 time a day treatment is an efficient dose in reducing blood glucose.
Bollettino Di Geofisica Teorica Ed Applicata, 2004
In the present study we have compiled probabilistic seismic hazard maps of the Tbilisi area; for ... more In the present study we have compiled probabilistic seismic hazard maps of the Tbilisi area; for different parameters (macroseismic intensity, PGA, SA) and different probabilities. The hazard is dominated by the geometry of the seismic source zones that are situated in the immediate vicinity of the city. The northern part of the city, according to all maps, represents the area of highest hazard. Tectonic and seismic information indicates that the maximum expected earthquake in the Tbilisi area should not exceed M = 4.5. The accuracy of these maps was checked by the earthquake of April 25, 2002. It turned out that we did not consider any seismic source zone in the city itself because data about active tectonics and seismicity in the central part of the city were not sufficient. In general, the intensity hazard maps are in good agreement with the effects of the earthquake, the PGA hazard maps partly underestimate the ground motion and the SA hazard maps show quite a big difference. Th...
Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorpho... more Long-term human-environmental interactions in naturally fragile drylands are a focus of geomorphological and geoarchaeological research. Furthermore, many dryland societies were also affected by seismic activity. The semi-arid Shiraki Plain in the tectonically active southeastern Caucasus is currently covered by steppe and largely devoid of settlements. However, numerous Late Bronze to Early Iron Age city-type settlements suggest early state formation between ca. 3.2-2.5 ka that abruptly ended after that time. A paleolake was postulated for the lowest plain, and nearby pollen records suggest forest clearcutting of the upper altitudes under a more humid climate during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Furthermore, also an impact of earthquakes on regional Early Iron Age settlements was suggested. However, regional paleoenvironmental changes and paleoseismicity were not systematically studied so far. We combined geomorphological, sedimentological, chronological and paleoecological data with hydrological modelling to reconstruct regional Holocene paleoenvironmental changes, to identify natural and human causes and to study possible seismic events during the Late Bronze/Early Iron Ages. Our results show a balanced to negative Early to Mid-Holocene water balance probably caused by forested upper slopes. Hence, no lake but a pellic Vertisol developed in the lowest plain. Following, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age forest clear-cutting caused lake formation and the deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to small-scale human or natural influences with severe consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.
This study assesses the static stability of the artificial Sabereebi Cave Monastery southeast of ... more This study assesses the static stability of the artificial Sabereebi Cave Monastery southeast of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. The cliff into which these Georgian-Orthodox caverns, chapels, and churches were carved consists of a five-layered sequence of weak sedimentary rock—all of which bear a considerable failure potential and, consequently, pose the challenge of preservation to geologists, engineers, and archaeologists. In the first part of this study, we present a strategy to process point cloud data from drone photogrammetry as well as from laser scanners acquired in- and outside the caves into high-resolution CAD objects that can be used for numerical modeling ranging from macro- to micro-scale. In the second part, we explore four distinct series of static elasto-plastic finite element stability models featuring different levels of detail, each of which focuses on specific geomechanical scenarios such as classic landsliding due to overburden, deformation of architectural fea...
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lake Paravani is located in the Republic of Georgia at an altitude of 20... more &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lake Paravani is located in the Republic of Georgia at an altitude of 2073 m on the volcanic Javakheti Plateau (Lesser Caucasus). Although first studies were conducted at the lake the last years, many questions remain unsolved regarding to the sedimentation pattern and the landscape evolution in general. Hence, we aim to deepen the understanding of landscape genesis during the Holocene and beyond. Therefore, a coring transect of eight cores was taken in the southern part of the lake and two of these sediment cores, ICE001 and ICE006, were analysed with respect to (i) landscape, vegetation and climate evolution since the Pleistocene, and (ii) their processes. By using an applied multi-proxy approach, sediment properties in terms of granulometry, geochemical composition, magnetic susceptibility, organic content, and palynology were analysed.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The results suggest high lake levels for the period from about 28 to 16 ka BP, inferring a cold and humid climate in the Lake Paravani basin. The landscape was covered by glaciers, which act as drivers for the prevailing physical weathering while sparse vegetation and poorly developed soils dominated around Lake Paravani. Since 16 ka BP, a declining lake level is identified, from which a significant increase in aridity is inferred while temperatures remain constantly low. The accompanying shift of facies into the sublittoral establishes variable depositional conditions at the site of borehole ICE001. For this reason, the transition from glacial to interglacial is poorly recorded. Early and middle Holocene deposits were eventually eroded during lake level fluctuations. A palaeobeach facies at approximately 4.5 ka BP displays low lake level and indicates high aridity. The period from 4.5 ka BP to present was characterized by rising lake level to recent conditions. Furthermore, increasing productivity within the lake, as shown by the total organic content, indicates warmer temperatures, and consequently increasing intensity of chemical weathering. In addition, vegetation cover established and soils developed.&amp;amp;#160;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
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Papers by Mikheil Elashvili
deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to small-scale human or natural influences with severe consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.
deposition of lacustrine sediments derived from soil erosion. Subsequently, regional aridification caused slow lake desiccation. Remains of freshwater fishes indicate that the lake potentially offered valuable ecosystem services for regional prehistoric societies even during the desiccation period. Finally, colluvial coverage of the lake sediments during the last centuries could have been linked with hydrological extremes during the Little Ice Age. Our study demonstrates that the Holocene hydrological balance of the Shiraki Plain was and is situated near a major hydrological threshold, making the landscape very sensitive to small-scale human or natural influences with severe consequences for local societies. Furthermore, seismites in the studied sediments do not indicate an influence of earthquakes on the main and late phases of Late Bronze/Early Iron Age settlement. Altogether, our study underlines the high value of multi-disciplinary approaches to investigate human-environmental interactions and paleoseismicity in drylands on millennial to centennial time scales.