Large deep-seated gravitational slide off Ischia volcanic island, Eastern Tyrrhenian sea (Italy)

Ischia island develops at the edge of the shelf area and represents the sub-aerial section of a larger, E-W trending volcanic ridge including others submerged or buried volcanic edifices. In the past decade the island’s offshore has been the object of extensive hydrographic and marine geophysical surveys that have shown the structural complexity of the undersea sections and have overall shown the importance of gravity failures in island’s evolution. In this paper we report a previously unreported deep-seated slump structure and associated surficial mass wasting phenomena which occur off Ischia south-western flank. Recently acquired hydrological and geophysical data lead to identify the morphological features and the internal organization of the failed sediments which spread along the continental slope. The extent of this deep-seated deformations and the deep structural levels involved lead to investigate on the influence played by volcanic processes and regional tectonics on slope failure. The Ischia southern slope was explored through a multibeam survey and a single-channel seismic survey. Acquisition was carried out from aboard the R/V Urania at depths between 400 and 1200 m. The bathymetric data were collected using a hull mounted Reson 8160 multibeam sonar. Resolution resulted in a 20x20 m implemented with 50x50 gridded size provided by a previously collected data. Seismic survey consisted of 6 seismic lines run along the slope spaced 1 km between them and 5 cross lines. The acoustic source used was a 1Kjoule high-energy power supply system with a multi-tips (400) sparker array, fired at 2s time interval. The collected data show that a wide submerged area of 350 km2, between 400 to 1200 m depths is undergoing slow-moving deformation and associated secondary mass wasting phenomena. Morphological features include trenches, counterscarps, bulging and both extensional and contractional features while internal deformations show typical landward dipping reflectors with strong evidence of synsedimentary faulting and asymmetric anticlines. Deformation processes operate at various scales generating folds with wavelength ranging from hundreds meters to kilometers. Extensional and rotational rupture surfaces sole out at various low-angle detachment planes located at depths from few hundreds meters to 1 kilometer in subsurface

Large deep-seated slump structure off Ischia volcanic island, Eastern Tyrrhenian sea (Italy)

Ischia island is located over the Campania sector of Eastern Tyrrhenian margin and represents the sub-aerial section of a larger, E-W trending volcanic ridge including others submerged or buried volcanic edifices. The island itself result from the coalescence of a multitude of small to medium scale eruptions leading to the emplacement of domes, lava flow and pyroclastic deposits and ignimbrites (VEZZOLI et al., 1988) ranging from alkali basalts to trachytes. The oldest basement dates back to 150 ky and crops out along the perimeter of the island especially to the south. Latest eruption occurred in 1302 A.D. and together with strong hydrothermal activity, ground uplift and seismic shaking indicates the presence of a still active magmatic reservoir at depth. Most recent (Holocene) magmatic activity with local volcanic eruptions has clustered in the eastern island’s sector the while central sector is dominated by the Mt. Epomeo, consisting of an ignimbritic tuff (Green tuff Auct.) uplifted of 600-700 m in the past 33ka. In the past decade the island’s offshore has been the object of extensive hydrographic and marine geophysical surveys that have shown the structural complexity of the undersea sections and have overall shown the importance of gravity failures in island’s evolution. In particular a 1.5-3 km3 debris avalanche due to a subaerial and/or submarine flank collapse was emplaced along the steep and unbuttressed island’s flank during pre-historical or even historical times (CHIOCCI & DE ALTERIIS, 2006; de Alteriis et al., 2010) whereas three other similar deposits of comparable volumes were found over the continental shelf to the west and to the north (VIOLANTE et al, 2004; DE ALTERIIS & VIOLANTE, 2009). Here we report a previously unrecognized deep-seated slump structure and associated surficial mass wasting phenomena which occur off Ischia south-western flank. Recently acquired hydrological and geophysical data lead to identify the morphological features and the internal organization of the failed sediments which spread along the continental slope. The extent of this deep-seated deformations and the deep structural levels involved lead to investigate on the influence played by volcanic processes on slope failure. DATA AND METHODS Our dataset was acquired during the geophysical cruise PECOS 2010 carried out on R/V Urania (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR, Italy) between December 22th 2010 and January 2nd 2011 in the frame of a project leaded by Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero, (IAMC-CNR), Naples-Italy with the collaboration of Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (Palermo University), Palermo-Italy regarding coastal and offshore slope instability in the Bay of Napoli. The Ischia southern slope was explored through a multibeam survey and a single-channel seismic survey. Acquisition was carried out between 400 and 1200 m. The bathymetric data were collected using a hull mounted Reson 8160 multibeam sonar. Resolution resulted in a 20x20 m implemented with 50x50 gridded size provided by a previously collected data. The seismic survey consisted of 6 dip-lines NNE-SSW run along the slope and 5 cross lines parallel to the slope totalling 170 km. Average spacing between diplines was slightly less than 1 km while spacing between crosslines was variable from 1.2 to 2.5 km. NNE-SSW and WNW-ESE directions. The acoustic source used was a 1Kjoule high-energy power supply system with a multitips (400) sparker array, fired at 2s time interval. RESULTS The collected data show that a wide submerged area of 350 km2, between 400 to 1200 m depths is undergoing slow-moving deformation and associated secondary mass wasting phenomena. Morphological features include trenches, counterscarps, bulging and both extensional and contractional features while internal deformations show typical landward dipping reflectors with strong evidence of synsedimentary faulting and asymmetric anticlines. Deformation processes operate at various scales generating folds with wavelength ranging from hundreds meters to kilometers. Extensional and rotational rupture surfaces sole out at various low-angle detachment planes located at depths from few hundred meters to 1 kilometer in subsurface. The internal organization of the failing mass shows different pattern of deformation that allows the identification of three main units: 1) a basal unit consisting of a very broad, asymmetric slump fold with a wavelength of about 5 km and amplitude of some 100 m. The fold axis is not vertical and the three dimensional interpretation indicates that the structure is not cylindrical. The fold strictly correlates with a morphological bulge seen on bathymetry at about 20 km south of Ischia Island. 2) A wedge shaped intermediate unit characterized by discontinuous and folded reflectors, locally showing basal detachment planes and compressional features. 3) A surficial slump unit affecting the upper and middle slope characterized by a basal decollément surface and normal growth faults that sole out at depths ranging from 70 to 40 m in subsurface. It is still unclear whether the landslide process can be favored by the volcano-tectonic evolution and rapid vertical accretion of Ischia volcano or is solely due to possibly volcanic spreading of the Ischia Island. REFERENCES CHIOCCI, F. L. & DE ALTERIIS, G. (2006) - The Ischia debris avalanche. First, clear submarine evidence in the Mediterranean of a volcanic island pre-historic collapse. Terra Nova, 18, 202–209. DE ALTERIIS, G., INSINGA D. ET AL. (2010) - Age of submarine debris avalanches and tephrostratigraphy offshore Ischia Island, Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy. Marine Geology 278 (2010) 1– 18. DE ALTERIIS, G. & VIOLANTE, C. (2009) - Catastrophic landslides off Ischia volcanic island (Italy) during prehistory. In: C. Violante, (ed.) Geohazard in Rocky Coastal Areas. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 322, 73– 104. VEZZOLI, L. (1988) Island of Ischia. Quaderni de ‘La Ricerca Scientifica’ Progetto finalizzato ‘Geodinamica’, CNR Monografie finali, 10. VIOLANTE, C., BUDILLON, F., ET AL. (2004) - Submerged hummocky topographies and relations with landslides on the northwestern flank of Ischia island, southern Italy. In: ‘Occurrence and mechanisms of flow-like landslides in natural slopes and earthfills’, Sorrento, 14–16 May 2003. AGI, 2, 309–315

Flood Historical Data for Flood Risk Estimation in Coastal Areas, Eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy

A reconstruction of historical floods occurred along the Amalfi coast, during the last five 7 centuries is presented. The analysis of historical sources allowed to achieve a chronological 8 reconstruction of more than 100 floods, four of which classified as catastrophic events. In this 9 task, the level of information was decisive to carry out space–time identification, estimate the 10 affected area and define the type of damage to the structures, and the environment (e.g. mud 11 flow, debris flow, rock falls, shoreline progradation, fan deltas), which may be relevant for the 12 recognition of similar events within the geologic record. The magnitude of the events was 13 finally estimated, taking into account the size of the areas affected by flooding as well as the 14 type of effects induced on the urban and physical environment and the recurrence intervals

Efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab in recurrent ovarian disease: an update meta-analysis on phase III trials

Background: To analyze the efficacy and toxicity of bevacizumab on survival outcomes in recurrent ovarian cancer. Results: Bevacizumab was associated with significant improvement of PFS and OS compared with standard treatment with HRs of 0.53 (95% CI 0.44 - 0.63; p < 0.00001) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.99; p = 0.03), respectively. Bevacizumab increased the incidence of G3/G4 hypertension (RR 19.01, 95% CI 7.77 - 46.55; p < 0.00001), proteinuria (RR 17.31, 95% CI 5.42 - 55.25; p < 0.00001), arterial thromboembolic events (ATE) (RR 4.99, 95% CI 1.29 - 19.27; p = 0.02) and bleeding (RR 3.14, 95% CI 1.35 - 7.32; p = 0.008). Materials and Methods: Three randomized phase III trials representing 1502 patients were identified. Pooled hazard ratio (HR), odd ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using fixed or random effects model. Conclusions: Adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy improved ORR, PFS and OS, and it had a higher, but manageable, incidence of toxicities graded 3 to 4

The geological record of storm events over the last 1000 years in the Salerno Bay (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea): new proxy evidences

International audienceThe shallow marine Late Holocene wedge of the northern Salerno Bay shelf (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea) discloses the presence of four decimetric shelf-tapering sand beds. Their internal features, depicted by cores analysis and their stratigraphic position, revealed by VHR seismic investigations, inferred sandy layers as being the result of flash deposition, storm controlled, thus episodic. Stratigraphic correlations among cores lead to constrain sandy layers deposition to storm events falling in the 11th, 16th, 19th and 20th centuries. A certain attribution of the most recent event bed to the major cloudburst that hit the Salerno region in 1954A.D. and resulted in a disastrous flood of the Bonea stream, was formerly achieved. A tentative link with two sea-storms that occurred in the 1544A.D. and in the 1879A.D. and well documented by historical sources is here proposed to explain the deposition of the two previous event beds. The deposition of these sandy layers must be related to major storm events, since their preservation in the stratigraphic record is not common. Lithostratigraphic and textural differences between flood and sea-storm emplacement emerge from the study of sandy layers in cores and point to a prevalence of sea-storm deposits in the middle shelf compared to flood deposits. Seismic stratigraphic evidence lead us to suppose that the style of episodic flash deposition has been running on for the last 2-3kyr and is probably linked to a climatic trend of the region

Quality of life, firm productivity, and the value of amenities across Canadian cities

We estimate quality‐of‐life and productivity differences across Canada's metropolitan areas in a hedonic general‐equilibrium framework. These are based on the estimated willingness‐to‐pay of heterogeneous households and firms to locate in various cities, which differ in their wage levels, housing costs, and land values. Using 2006 Canadian Census data, our metropolitan quality‐of‐life estimates are somewhat consistent with popular rankings, yet find Canadians care more about climate and culture. Quality of life is highest in Victoria for anglophones, Montreal for francophones, and Vancouver for allophones, and lowest in more remote cities. Toronto is Canada's most productive city; Vancouver is the overall most valuable city. Qualité de vie, productivité des entreprises, et la valeur des avantages dans les diverses villes canadiennes . On évalue les différences entre la qualité de vie et la productivité des entreprises entre les zones métropolitaines au Canada à l'aide d'un cadre d'analyse d'équilibre général hédonique. Ces métriques sont basées sur l'estimation de la volonté de payer de ménages et d'entreprises hétérogènes pour se localiser dans diverses villes, qui diffèrent tant pour ce qui est des niveaux de salaires, des coûts de l'habitation, et des prix des terrains. A l'aide des données du recensement canadien de 2006, on construit des évaluations de la qualité de vie des diverses zones métropolitaines qui s'arriment convenablement aux ordonnancements en vogue, mais on découvre que les Canadiens portent une attention particulière au climat et à la culture. La qualité de vie est la plus élevée à Victoria pour les anglophones, à Montreal pour les francophones, et à Vancouver pour les allophones, et la plus faible pour les villes éloignées des grands centres. Toronto est la ville la plus productive; Vancouver est généralement la plus appréciée.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/98300/1/caje12017.pd

Sarcoidosis in a dental surgeon: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Although the causes of sarcoidosis are still unknown, past and current studies have provided evidence that this disease may be associated with occupational exposure to specific environmental agents. We describe a case of sarcoidosis in a dental surgeon with long exposure to inorganic dusts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this kind in the literature.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>At the beginning of 2000, a 52-year-old Caucasian man, who worked as a dental surgeon, presented with shortness of breath during exercise, cough and retrosternal pain. After diagnosis of sarcoidosis, a scanning electronic microscopy with X-ray microanalysis of biopsy specimens was used in order to determine whether the disease could be traced to an occupational environmental agent. Results showed the presence of inorganic dust particles within sarcoidotic granulomas, and demonstrated that the material detected was identical to that found in a powder used by our patient for several years.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although these results cannot be considered as definitive proof, they do however provide strong evidence that this disease may be associated with material used by dental surgeons.</p

Inhaled CO2 Concentration While Wearing Face Masks: A Pilot Study Using Capnography

Background: Face masks are recommended based on the assumption that they protect against SARS-CoV-2 transmission, however studies on their potential side effects are still lacking. We aimed to evaluate the inhaled air carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, when wearing masks. Methods: We measured end-tidal CO2 using professional side-stream capnography, with water-removing tubing, (1) without masks, (2) wearing a surgical mask, and (3) wearing a FFP2 respirator (for 5 minutes each while seated after 10 minutes of rest), in 146 healthy volunteers aged 10 to 90 years, from the general population of Ferrara, Italy. The inhaled air CO2 concentration was computed as: ([mask volume × end-tidal CO2] + [tidal volume − mask volume] × ambient air CO2)/tidal volume. Results: With surgical masks, the mean CO2 concentration was 7091 ± 2491 ppm in children, 4835 ± 869 in adults, and 4379 ± 978 in the elderly. With FFP2 respirators, this concentration was 13 665 ± 3655 in children, 8502 ± 1859 in adults, and 9027 ± 1882 in the elderly. The proportion showing a CO2 concentration higher than the 5000 ppm (8-hour average) acceptable threshold for workers was 41.1% with surgical masks, and 99.3% with FFP2 respirators. Adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and smoking, the inhaled air CO2 concentration significantly increased with increasing respiratory rate (mean 10 837 ±3712 ppm among participants ⩾18 breaths/minute, with FFP2 respirators), and among the minors. Conclusion: If these results are confirmed, the current guidelines on mask-wearing should be reevaluated

Flood Risk Estimation through Document Sources Analysis: the Case of the Amalfi Rocky Coast

In the last century the Amalfi Coast was affected by numerous severe floods in conjunction with exceptional rainfall that caused major damage in terms of lost lives and economic cost. Historical documentary sources are an important source of information for reconstructing exceptional flood events occurring prior to the instrumental era. Historical analysis also provides an opportunity to extend the time scale window for flood risk studies. To study historical floods we collected all the available information concerning the period between the 16th and the 20th centuries by analysing both published and unpublished sources. The great variety of historical sources made it necessary to formulate an ad hoc scientific procedure that takes into account not only the completeness and reliability of documents related to the period, but also the intrinsic quality of the material. Experience in historical data collection shows that not all documentary sources can provide useful information for flood characterization, but it is necessary to have a selective criteria in order to obtain the best information rather than the best dataset quality. Analysis of the data in question allowed us to achieve a chronological reconstruction of more than 100 floods. In this task, the level of information was decisive to carry out space–time identification, estimate the affected area and define type of damage to public and private structures, and the geological effects induced

Role of Nanoclays in Carbon stabilization in Andisols and Cambisols

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their consequent effect on global warming are an issue of global environmental concern. Increased carbon (C) stabilization and sequestration in soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the ways to mitigate these emissions. Here we evaluated the role of nanoclays isolated from soil on C stabilization in both a C rich Andisols and C depleted Cambisols. Nanoclays were analyzed for size and morphology by transmission electron microscopy, for elemental composition and molecular composition using pyrolysis-GC/MS. Moreover, nanoclays were treated with H2O2 to isolate stable SOM associated with them. Our result showed better nanoclay extraction efficiency and higher nanoclay yield for Cambisol compared to Andisols, probably related to their low organic matter content. Nanoclay fractions from both soils were different in size, morphology, surface reactivity and SOM content. Nanoclays in Andisols sequester around 5-times more C than Cambisols, and stabilized 6 to 8-times more C than Cambisols nanoclay after SOM chemical oxidation. Isoelectric points and surface charge of nanoclays extracted from the two soils was very different. However, the chemical reactivity of the nanoclay SOM was similar, illustrating their importance for C sequestration. Generally, the precise C stabilization mechanisms of both soils may be different, with nanoscale aggregation being more important in Andisols. We can conclude that independent of the soil type and mineralogy the nanoclay fraction may play an important role in C sequestration and stabilization in soil-plant systems