The application of morphodynamic indices to exposed beaches of Cadiz Bay

The aim of the present paper is to assess the validity of several energetic, morphological and morphodynamic indices, and their application to Vistahermosa and La Barrosa beaches (Cadiz Bay), as a preliminary attempt to establish the morphodynamic behaviour of these coastal zones. Earlier studies have used some of these indices, while others are completely new. All of them are involve the integration of field data, topographic restitution and granulometric analysis, as well as instrumental wave monitoring during a complete seasonal cycle. Although a good general behaviour of the indices can be concluded, the addition of high-energy data from storm events should be included in future studies.En el presente trabajo se valora la adecuación de diversos índices energéticos, morfológicos y morfodinámicos a las playas de Vistahermosa y La Barrosa como paso previo al establecimiento del comportamiento morfodinámico de las mismas. Estudios anteriores han empleado algunos de esos índices, mientras otros son totalmente nuevos. Estos índices se construyen mediante la integración de datos de campo, restitución topográfica y análisis granulométrico, y con datos instrumentales de oleaje a lo largo de un ciclo estacional completo. Aunque la valoración general del funcionamiento de los índices aplicados es buena, se concluye la necesidad de incluir situaciones energéticas de temporal en análisis ulteriores.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

Evaluación de la calidad de comunicación entre niveles asistenciales mediante el documento interconsulta

ObjetivosEvaluar la calidad y mejora de cumplimentación de los documentos de interconsulta en el equipo de atención primaria (EAP).DiseñoCiclo completo de calidad.EmplazamientoAtención primaria (AP).Componentes de la evaluaciónDimensión estudiada: calidad científico-técnica. Sujetos: todos los documentos de interconsulta (DI-1) dirigidos por los médicos de AP del centro de salud de Irún Centro a atención especializada durante 15 días, 223 DI-1 para la evaluación en abril de 1998 y 287 para la reevaluación en octubre 1998. Tipo de evaluación: retrospectiva. Fuente de datos: documentos interconsulta e historias clínicas. Criterios: explícitos y normativos. Medidas correctoras: educativas (discusión de resultados en reunión del EAP).ResultadosEn la reevaluación se observó una mejoría estadísticamente significativa: datos de filiación (91,5-96,8%), legibilidad (86-92,7%), antecedentes y/o medicación habitual (35,9-50%) y sintomatología (77,8-87,2%). Por niveles de calidad se ha pasado en los buenos del 20,6 al 42,5% y en los malos del 40,8 al 33,4%. Obtuvimos respuesta en un 22,2% de nuestras derivaciones. La falta de respuesta se produce en un 34% por no haber informe del especialista, un 47,8% se atribuyen al paciente o al circuito y el 18% de los pacientes está pendiente de pruebas.ConclusionesLa información proporcionada en los DI-1 ha mejorado significativamente después del ciclo de calidad. Conocer nuestra práctica habitual de trabajo sirve como estimulo de mejora. Los criterios que peor cumplimos son: referencia a antecedentes personales y/o medicación habitual, exploración física y medidas terapéuticas empleadas. Gran perdida de información en la respuesta a nuestras derivaciones.ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality and improvement of compliance in the inter-consultation documents of the primary care team (PCT).DesignEntire care cycle.SettingPrimary care (PC).MeasurementsDimension studied: scientific-technical quality. Subjects: all the inter-consultation documents (ID-1) sent by PC doctors from Irun Health Centre to specialist clinics over a 15-day period. 223 ID-1 for evaluation in April 1998, and 287 for re-evaluation in October 1998. Type of evaluation: retrospective. Source of data: inter-consultation documents and clinical records. Criteria: explicit and standard. Corrective measures: educational (discussion of results in meeting of the PCT).ResultsA statistically significant improvement was found at the re-evaluation: basic personal details (91.5%-96.8%), legibility (86%-92.7%), medical history and/or customary medication (35.9%-50%) and symptoms (77.8%-87.2%). Good quality levels rose from 20.6% to 42.5%; and bad quality levels fell from 40.8% to 33.4%. 22.2% of our referrals received a reply. 34% of the lack of replies was because of no report from the specialist, 47.8% were attributed to the patient or circuit, and 18% of the patients were awaiting test results.ConclusionsThe information supplied in the ID-1 improved significantly after the quality cycle. Knowing our habitual working practice can serve to stimulate improvement. The criteria we complied with least were: reference to personal antecedents and/or habitual medication, physical examination, and therapeutic measures employed. There was a huge loss of information in the replies to our referrals

The role of hydrodynamics in structuring in situ ammonium uptake within a submerged macrophyte community

In low-nutrient, macrophyte-dominated coastal zones, benthic ammonium (NH4+) uptake may be influencedby the structural properties of plant canopies via their effect on near-bed hydrodynamics. Using adual-tracer (uranine and 15NH4+) method that does not require enclosures, we examined how this processaffects nutrient uptake rates within a tidally dominated, patchy Caulerpa prolifera–Cymodocea nodosalandscape. NH4+ uptake was determined by calculating tissue 15N excesses and correcting for 15N enrichmentas derived from uranine concentration. Vertical hydrodynamic profiles were measured in thedownstream flow direction from outside to inside of the C. nodosa bed by using an array of acousticDoppler velocimeters. The transition from a C. prolifera to a C. nodosa bed included a change in bothbenthic canopy properties (short and dense to tall and sparse) and sediment topography (0.2-m increasein water column depth) that resulted in an increase in longitudinal advection and turbulent diffusivitywithin the C. nodosa canopy between 0.5 and 1.5mfrom the leading edge. Vertical differences in canopywater exchange appeared to explain variations in uptake between biotic functional groups; however, noclear differences in longitudinal uptake were found. Using in situ labeling, this study demonstrated for thefirst time the role of hydrodynamics in structuring NH4+ uptake within an undisturbed, patchy macrophytelandscape

Early evolution of the chromosomal structure of Triticum turgidum-Aegilops ovata amphiploids carrying and lacking the Ph1 gene

International audienc

Impact of the New Energy Context on the Feasibility of Solar Water Heating Systems in the Agri-Food Industry

The new energy context since 2021 has led to dramatic increases in the energy bills of agribusinesses, affecting the price of foodstuffs. A considerable part of energy consumption is due to the heating of water at high temperatures. The present study analyzed the feasibility of using a Solar Water Heating System (SWHS) with an evacuated tube collector. In particular, the required sizing changes, potential savings and cost-effectiveness were analyzed. The results show that the new energy context makes the SWHS investment highly attractive: a payback of less than 4 years in most of the scenarios analyzed; energy savings of more than 60% in the scenarios with higher irradiation; a reduction in total energy expenditure of more than 50% in the favorable scenarios close to the current reality. The new context especially favors cold and temperate climates, with very sharp drops in payback compared to the previous situation. To achieve these values, it is necessary to design an optimized sizing of the SWHS, reducing the risk of future variations in the price of energy. The results of the study should serve as a reference for decision making in the agroindustrial sector to reduce the energy bill and strategic dependence on fossil fuels from third countries

Integrated Assessment of the European WFD Implementation in Extremely Overexploited Aquifers Through Participatory Modelling

[EN] Participatory methods provide an increasingly accepted path to integrated water assessment. This research describes an interdisciplinary exercise of scenario design and modelling, which provides a methodology to couple hard science numerical modelling approaches with the involvement of key water actors and socioeconomic issues. A decision support system based on probabilistic methods (Bayesian networks) is the tool chosen for dealing with the interdisciplinary issues involved in this aquifer. Given the long-standing conflicts in the area, modelling work largely focuses on carrying out an impact assessment produced by different scenarios established under the light of the mandatory objectives established by the European Union Water Framework Directive. This methodology is applied to a semi-arid aquifer located in SE Spain (Serral-Salinas) that represents an extreme case of intensive groundwater use. Irrigation has been a catalyst for welfare in the area for the past 40 years, despite the resulting large groundwater drawdown and continuous rise of groundwater pumping energy costs. Modelling results suggest that only a drastic change in the abstraction regime can produce a solution to long term sustainability of the aquifers. In addition, the impact assessment advises that such objectives are unlikely to be met due to the high economic costs of this action. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.The authors gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the following people and organizations: Prof. Marino from the Land, Water and Air department of University California-Davis (UCD) for his help during the visit at UCD in 2009 and his contributions for this study; Spanish, Danish and English partners of the NEWATER project, for their cooperation with Geological Survey of Spain (IGME) and with this research; the OUCE for its great support during the academic visit of the first author; Segura River Basin Authority (CHS) for its cooperation with Geological Survey of Spain (IGME), all the stakeholders who have collaborated in this research and finally the commercial package HUGIN that was the software used for this study. The authors gratefully lacknowledge the interest and economic support from Euromediterranean Water Institute (Murcia Region, Spain), aimed to the continuation and future development of these research lines. The study has been partially supported by the European Community 7th Framework Project GENESIS (226536) on groundwater systems and from the subprogram Juan de la Cierva (2010) of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation as well as from the Plan Nacional I+D+i 2008-2011 of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (subprojects CGL2009-13238-C02-01 and CGL2009-13238-C02-02).Molina González, JL.; García-Arostegui, J.; Bromley, J.; Benavente, J. (2011). Integrated Assessment of the European WFD Implementation in Extremely Overexploited Aquifers Through Participatory Modelling. Water Resources Management. 25(13):3343-3370. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-011-9859-1S334333702513Anderson MP, Woessner WW (1992) Applied groundwater modelling. Academic, London, p 381Antunes P, Santos R, Videira N (2006) Participatory decision making for sustainable development; the use of mediated modelling techniques. L Use Policy 23:44–52Birol E, Karousakis K, Koundouri P (2006) Using economic valuation techniques to inform water resources management: a survey and critical appraisal of available techniques and an application. Sci Total Environ 365:105–122Borsuk ME, Stow CA, Reckhow KH (2004) A Bayesian network of eutrophication models for synthesis, prediction, uncertainty analysis. Ecol Model 173:219–239Bradley C (2002) Simulation of the annual water table dynamics of a floodplain wetl, Narborough Bog, UK. J Hydrol 261(1–4):150–172Bromley J (2005) Guidelines for the use of Bayesian networks as a participatory tool for water resource management, based on the results of the MERIT project. Centre for Ecology Hydrology, WallingfordBromley J, Jackson N, Clymer O, Giacomello A, Jensen F (2005) The use of Hugin to develop Bayesian network as an aid to integrated water resource planning. Environ Modell Softw 20:231–242Cain J (2001) Planning improvements in natural resources management. Centre for Ecology Hydrology, WallingfordCarbognin L, Gatto P, Mozzi G et al ( 1984) Venice subsidence case history 93. In: Pol JF (ed) Guidebook to studies of l subsidence due to ground-water withdrawal. International Hydrological Programme, working group 84, Chelsea, pp 161–174. http://wwwrcamnlwrusgsgov/rgws/Unesco/PDF-Chapters/Chapter9-3pdfCarmona G, Varela C, Bromley J (2011) The use of participatory object-oriented Bayesian networks and agro-economic models for groundwater management in Spain. Water Resour Manag 25:1509–1524. doi: 10.1007/s11269-010-9757-yCastelletti A, Soncini-Sessa R (2007) Bayesian Networks participatory modelling in water resource management. Environ Modell Softw 22:1075–1088Chebud YA, Melesse AM (2009) Numerical modelling of the groundwater flow system of the Gumera sub-basin in Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Hydrol Process 23:3694–3704Cheng AD, Cheng T (2005) Heritage early history of the boundary element method. Eng Anal Bound Elem 29:268–302Chiang HW (2005) 3D groundwater modelling with PMWIN, 2nd edn. Springer, Berlin, p 411Chiang HW, Kinzelbach W (2001) 3D-groundwater modeling with PMWIN. Springer, BerlinCustodio E (2002) Aquifer overexploitation: what does it mean? Hydrogeol J 10:254–277. doi: 101007/s10040-002-0188-6Downs TJ, Mazari H, Domínguez-Mora M, Buffet IH (2000) Sustainability of least cost policies for meeting Mexico City’s future water dem. Water Resour Res 36(8):2321–2329. doi: 101029/1999WR900234EC 2000/60/ Directive of the European Parliament of the Council, establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. Official Journal 327 European Commission, Brussels, BelgiumFarmani R, Henriksen HJ, Savic D (2009) An evolutionary Bayesian belief network methodology for optimum management of groundwater contamination. Environ Modell Softw 24(3):303–310Feitelson E (2006) Impediments to the management of shared aquifers: a political economy perspective. Hydrogeol J 14(3):319–329ganETxl (2007) Available at: http://wwwprojectsexacuk/cws/ganetxl , last visited May 2007Garrido A, Martinez-Santos P, Llamas MR (2006) Groundwater irrigation its implications for water policy in semiarid countries: the Spanish experience. Hydrog J 14(3):340–349Gedeon M, Wemaere I, Marivoet J (2007) Regional groundwater model of northeast Belgium. J Hydrol 335(1–2):133–139Geurts JLA, Joldersma C (2001) Methodology for participatory policy analysis. Eur J Oper Res 128:300–310Glicken J (2000) Getting stakeholder participation “right”: a discussion of participatory processes possible pitfalls. Environ Sci Policy 3:305–310Harbaugh AW, McDonald MG (1996) Programmer’s documentation for MODFLOW-96, an update to the U.S. Geological Survey modular finite-difference ground-water flowmodel: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 96-486, p 220Hare M, Pahl-Wostl C (2002) Stakeholder categorisation in participatory integrated assessment processes. Integr Assess 3(1):50–62Henriksen HJ, Barlebo HC (2007) Reflections on the use of Bayesian belief networks for adaptive management. J Environ Manag 88(4):1025–1036. doi: 101016/jjenvman200705009Henriksen HJ, Rasmussen P, Brt G, Von Bülow D, Jensen F (2007) Public participation modelling using Bayesian networks in management of groundwater contamination. Environ Modell Softw 22:1101–1113Henriksen HJ, Refsgaard JC, Holberg AL, Ferr N, Gigsbeer P, Scholten H (2009) Harmonised principles for public participation in quality assurance of integrated water resources modelling. Water Resour Manag 23:2539–2554Ibáñez J, Martínez J, Puigdefrabregas J (2008) Assessing overexploitation in Mediterranean aquifers using system stability condition analysis. Ecol Model 218:260–266Jakeman AJ, Letchter RA (2003) Integrated assessment modelling: features, principles examples for catchment management. Environ Modell Softw 18:491–501Janssen W, Goldworthy P (1996) Multidisciplinary research for natural resource management: conceptual practical implications. Agric syst 51:259–279Jensen FV (1996) An introduction to Bayesian networks. UCL, LondonJensen FV (2001) Bayesian network decision graphs. Department of Computer Science, Aalborg University, AalborgKoundouri P (2004) Potential for groundwater management: Gisser-Sanchez effect reconsidered. Water Resour Res 40:6. doi: 101029/2003WR002164Lin YC, Medina M (2003) Incorporating transient storage in conjunctive stream–aquifer modelling. Adv Water Resour 26(9):1001–1019Little LR, Kuikka S, Punt AE, Pantus F, Davies CR, Mapstone BD (2004) Information flow among fishing vessels modelled using a Bayesian network. Environ Modell Softw 19:27–34Llamas MR, Custodio E (2003) Intensive use of groundwater: challenges opportunities AA. Balkema, Lisse, p 478Malekmohammadi B, Kerachian R, Zahraie B (2009) Developing monthly operating rules for a cascade system of reservoirs: application of Bayesian networks. Environ Modell Softw 24(12):1420–1432Martínez-Cortina L, Cruces J (2005) The analysis of the intensive use of groundwater in the Upper Guadiana basin, central Spain by using a numerical model. In: Sauquillo A, Capilla J, Martinez-Cortina L, Sanchez- Villa X (eds) Groundwater intensive use. Balkema, Leiden, pp 285–294Martinez-Santos P, Martinez-Alfaro PE, Murillo JM (2004) A method to estimate the artificial recharge capacity of the Crestatx aquifer (Majorca, Spain). Env Geol 47(8):1155–1161Martínez-Santos P, Llamas R, Martínez-Alfaro P (2008) Environ Modell Softw 23:1145–1162McDonald MG, Harbaugh AW (1988) A modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water flow model. Technical report, US Geol Survey, Reston, VAMolina JL (2009) Integrated aquifers management in semiarid regions, altiplano water system case study (Murcia, SE Spain). Thesis dissertation. ISBN 978-84-692-3851-6Molina JL, García-Aróstegui JL (2006) Intensive aquifers exploitation its impacts: a case study in Serral-Salinas (Murcia-Alicante). Boletín Geológico y Minero 117:597–599Molina JL, García-Aróstegui JL (2007) Identificación preliminar de impactos del uso intensivo del agua subterránea en el sureste español: Acuífero Serral-Salinas (Murcia-Alicante). Boletín Geológico y Minero 118:597–599Molina JL, García-Aróstegui JL, Benavente J, Varela C, De la Hera A, López-Geta JA (2009) Aquifers overexploitation in SE Spain: a proposal for the integrated analysis of water management. Water Resour Manage 23:2737–2760Moore JE (2002) Effects of groundwater mining on aquiferscase histories Denver CO, Tucson AZ, Chicago IL, Central Valley CA Las Vegas NV, Groundwater Human Development. In: Bocanegra E, Martínez D, Massone H (Eds) Red book. IAH, Mar del Plata, pp 419–422Morgan MG, Dowlatabadi H (1996) Learning from integrated assessment of climate change. Clim Chang 34:337–368Mostert E (2003) The challenge of public participation. Water Policy 5(2):179–197Newton AC, Stewart GB, Diaz A, Golicher D, Pullin AS (2007) Bayesian Belief Networks as a tool for evidence based conservation management. J Nat Conserv 15(2):144–160Ortiz-Zamora D, Ortega-Guerrero A (2010) Evolution of long-term l subsidence near Mexico City: review, field investigations, predictive simulations. Water Resour Res 46:W01513. doi: 10.1029/2008WR007398Park J, Seaton RAF (1996) Integrative research sustainable agriculture. Agric Syst 50:81–100Parker P, Letcher R, Jakeman AJ (2002) Progress in integrated assessment modelling. Environ Modell Softw 17:209–217Pearl J (1988) Probabilistic reasoning in intelligent systems. Morgan Kaufmann, San Mateo, CAPraveena SM, Aris A (2010) Groundwater resources assessment using numerical model: a case study in low-lying coastal area. Int J Environ Sci Technol 7:135–146Prommer H, Barry DA, Davis GB (2002) Modelling of physical reactive processes during biodegradation of a hydrocarbon plume under transient groundwater flow conditions. J Contam Hydrol 59(1–2):113–131Refsgaard JC, Van Der Sluijs JP, Hojberg AL, Vanrolleghem PA (2007) Uncertainty in the environmental modelling process framework guidance. Environ Modell Softw 22(11):1543–1556Risbey J, Klikar MA, Patwardhan A (1996) Assessing integrated assessments. Clim Change 34:369–395Rogers P, Llamas MR, Martinez-Cortina L (2006) Water crisis: myth or reality? Taylor & Francis, London, p 331Rothman DS, Robinson JB (1997) Growing pains: a conceptual framework for considering integrated assessments. Environ Monit Assess 46:23–43Rotmans J, Van Asselt M (1996) Integrated assessment: growing child on its way to maturity. An editorial essay. Clim Chang 34:327–336Sadoddin A, Letcher R, Jakeman A, Newham LTH (2005) A Bayesian decision network approach for assessing the ecological impacts of salinity management. Math Comput Simul 69(1–2):162–176Said A (2006) The implementation of a Bayesian network for watershed management decisions. Water Resour Manag 20:591–605Salem OA (2005) Aquifer overexploitation in Libya—the Gefara plain case. Groundw Intensive Use 7:127–136. IAH (ed)Samper J, Huguet LL, Ares J (1999) Visual Balan Tutorial V 20 Interactive code to making hydrological balances recharge estimation. ENRESA, MadridSchlager E (2006) Challenges of governing groundwater in US western states. Hydrog J 14(3):350–360Scibek J, Allen DM (2006) Comparing modelled responses of two high-permeability, unconfined aquifers to predicted climate change. Global Planet Change 50(1–2):50–62Ticehurst JL, Newham LTH, Rissik D, Letcher RA, Jakeman AJ (2006) A Bayesian network approach for assessing the sustainability of coastal lakes in New South Wales, Australia. Environ Modell Softw 22(8):1129–1139Tsur Y, Zemel A (2004) Endangered aquifers: groundwater management under threats of catastrophic events. Water Resour Res 40:6. doi: 101029/2003WR002168Van den Belt M (2004) Mediated modeling. A system dynamics approach to environmental consensus building. Island Press, WashingtonVarela C, Blanco I, Carmona G, Esteve P (2007) Field work report in the Upper Guadiana basin (Spain). In: Varela C (ed) Report of the NeWater project, New Approaches to Adaptive Water Management Under Uncertainty. Available at www.newaterinfoVaris O, Fraboulet-Jussila S (2002) Water resources development in the Lower Senegal River Basin: conflicting interests, environmental concerns policy options. Water Res Dev 18:245–260Videira N, Antunes P, Santos R, Gamito S (2003) Participatory modelling in environmental decision-making: the ria Formosa natural park case study. J Environ Assess Policy Manag 5(3):421–447World Commission on Environment Development (1987) Our common future. Oxford University Press, OxfordXepapadeas A, Koundouri P (2004) Introduction to special section on Groundwater Economics Policy. Water Resour Res 40:6. doi: 101029/2003WR00215

Feasibility of Photovoltaic Systems for the Agrifood Industry in the New Energy and Climate Change Context

The role of the agrifood industry is key to mitigating the impact of climate change, as it is one of the industrial sectors with the highest energy consumption. The optimisation of photovoltaic systems in agroindustries faces problems such as the fluctuation of energy prices or the evident seasonal nature of some producers. This paper provides a global view of the profitability and optimal sizing of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the new energy context. For this purpose, almost 4 million cases were analysed, including different consumption patterns, energy prices, etc. Some general conclusions can be drawn from the results. First, the adaptation to the new context requires adjustments in the sizing of PV systems in all industries analysed, which is also associated with changes in the return on investment. Second, seasonality strongly conditions the optimal size of PV installations, the return on the investment and the potential savings. Finally, in the face of future energy price variations, the ratio “Savings/payback” seems to be an appropriate reference for sizing, combining savings and profitability. In addition, they may justify special subsidies to seasonal industries. The conclusions of this paper should be considered to optimise the design of PVs