Recent high-energy marine events in the sediments of the Lagoa de Óbidos and Martinhal (Portugal): Recognition, age and likely causes

© 2012 Author(s) - This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.This article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund.A key issue in coastal hazards research is the need to distinguish sediments deposited by past extreme storms from those of past tsunamis. This study contributes to this aim by investigating patterns of sedimentation associated with extreme coastal flood events, in particular, within the Lagoa de Óbidos (Portugal). The recent stratigraphy of this coastal lagoon was studied using a wide range of techniques including visual description, grain-size analysis, digital and x-ray photography, magnetic susceptibility and geochemical analysis. The sequence was dated by 14C, 210Pb and Optically Stimulated Luminescence. Results disclose a distinctive coarser sedimentary unit, within the top of the sequence studied, and shown in quartz sand by the enrichment of elements with marine affinity (e.g., Ca and Na) and carbonates. The unit fines upwards and inland, thins inland and presents a sharp erosive basal contact. A noticeable post-event change in the sedimentary pattern was observed. The likely agent of sedimentation is discussed here and the conceivable association with the Great Lisbon tsunami of AD 1755 is debated, while a comparison is attempted with a possibly synchronous deposit from a tsunami in Martinhal (Algarve, Portugal). The possibility of a storm origin is also discussed in the context of the storminess of the western Portuguese coast and the North Atlantic Oscillation. This study highlights certain characteristics of the sedimentology of the deposits that may have a value in the recognition of extreme marine inundation signatures elsewhere in the world.This article is made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund

Sequenced anaerobic - aerobic treatment of hemp pulping wastewaters

Biological treatment is an indispensable instrument for water management of non-wood pulp mills, either as internal measure to enable progressive closure of water cycles, or as end of pipe treatment. In this thesis, the sequenced anaerobic-aerobic treatment of hemp ( Cannabis sativa L. ) pulping wastewaters is described, with a focus on the treatability of thermomechanical pulping (TMP) effluents and soda pulping black liquors. The research was performed within the framework of the Dutch Hemp Programme, which aimed to develop environmentally safe and economically feasible pulping processes as a measure to explore non-food markets for arable farming.Pulp and paper industry wastewaters are highly heterogeneous, depending on the feedstock and the pulping processes utilized. Hemp TMP wastewaters were found to be non-toxic to methanogens and highly suitable for sequenced anaerobic-aerobic treatment, which enabled 63-66% COD removal at loading rates up to 27 g COD/ lUASBd. Hemp black liquors on the other hand, were somewhat more problematic, due to the high methanogenic toxicity, causing 50% inhibition of acetoclastic methanogenic activity (50% IC) at concentrations ranging from 2-6 g COD/ l , which is 10 to 100 times lower than the black liquor concentrations in industry and comparable to the methanogenic inhibition of wood pulping wastewaters.Apolar hemp extractives (resinous compounds) were observed to be the main source of inhibitory substances in hemp black liquors. Lignin derivatives on the other hand, were less important for methanogenic inhibition, since the main share of lignin in hemp black liquors was non-toxic. Despite the high methanogenic toxicity of hemp black liquors, anaerobic treatment was feasible, provided that adequate dilution was applied. Anaerobic treatment of diluted hemp stem wood black liquor (HSWBL) facilitated recovery of methane and high treatment efficiencies at high organic loading rates. Subsequent aerobic post-treatment provided almost complete removal of BOD, however COD-removal was limited due to the presence of recalcitrant lignin. Additionally, substantial detoxification was obtained after anaerobic-aerobic treatment. The major removal of inhibitory compounds was accomplished in the aerobic step.The effective reduction of methanogenic toxicity during sequenced anaerobic-aerobic treatment of hemp black liquors was used as a detoxification strategy denominated upfront dilution, recirculating the aerobic effluent to dilute the incoming influent to sub-toxic concentrations. The feasibility of the upfront dilution method was demonstrated in an experiment, in which direct anaerobic treatment and sequenced anaerobic-aerobic treatment with upfront dilution were compared. Direct anaerobic treatment of 12 g COD/ l HSWBL led to almost complete inhibition of the methanogenic activity within 14 days. While recirculation of 75% of the aerobic post-treatment effluent for upfront dilution of the toxic HSWBL, enabled anaerobic treatment at loading rates up to 21.5 g COD/ lUASBd without noticeable inhibition of methanogenesis. Extensive detoxification was confirmed during anaerobic-aerobic treatment of 20 g COD/ l HSWBL recirculating 86% of the aerobic effluent. COD and BOD removal was 47% and 68%, respectively, after anaerobic treatment; and 74% and 97%, respectively, after anaerobic-aerobic treatment at an overall loading rate of 3.6 g COD/ l d, while 30-35% of the incoming COD was recovered as methane.Lignin removal during anaerobic-aerobic treatment of hemp pulping wastewaters was remarkably high and ranged up to 44%, of which globally half was obtained anaerobically. Studies on hemp TMP wastewater revealed that lignin removal during anaerobic treatment corresponded to the lowest molecular weight derivatives, indicating that biodegradation was the major removal mechanism. Subsequently, aerobic post-treatment of hemp pulping wastewaters caused extensive polymerization of lignin to molecular weights in excess of 34 kD, which was associated with strong increases in wastewater color. Autoxidative polymerization of polyphenols formed out of lignin by anaerobic bioconversion is proposed as a mechanism for the observed increase in lignin molecular weight and color. Apart from the highly stable high molecular weight lignin-derived humic COD, biologically treated pulping effluents are relatively clean, which offers benefits for lignin removal during tertiary treatment, such as reduced fouling of ultrafiltration membranes and improved precipitation with divalent salts.Comparison of anaerobic-aerobic treatment and aerobic treatment shows that treatment efficiencies and detoxification were similar. The anaerobic-aerobic treatment system however, provided 50% lower surplus sludge production, production of methane as an energy source (0.16 m 3/kg COD removed ), less nutrient dosage and substantial reductions in aeration costs.The results of this research demonstrate that sequenced anaerobic-aerobic treatment is a suitable technology for the treatment of hemp pulping wastewaters. Upfront dilution effectively reduced inhibition of methanogenesis by extractive compounds during anaerobic treatment, whereas the observed increase in lignin molecular weight after biological treatment offers benefits for lignin removal during optional tertiary treatment.</p

Geological identification of historical tsunamis in the Gulf of Corinth, Central Greece

Geological identification of tsunami deposits is important for tsunami hazard studies, especially in areas where the historical data set is limited or absent. Evidence left by historical tsunamis in the coastal sedimentary record of the Gulf of Corinth was investigated by trenching and coring in Kirra on the north coast and Aliki on the south coast. The Gulf of Corinth has a documented tsunami history dating back to the 4th century BC. Comparison of the historical records and the results of stratigraphical, sedimentological and foraminiferal analyses show that extreme coastal flooding events are detectable in the coastal sequences. The geological record from Kirra shows four sand layers deposited by high-energy marine flooding events. The deposits identified show many similarities with tsunami deposits described elsewhere. The lower sand deposit (layer 4) was radiocarbon dated to 3020–2820 BC. Assuming an average sedimentation rate of 2.6 cm (100 yr)?1, the ages of the other three sand layers were estimated by extrapolation to the time windows 1200–1000 BC, AD 500–600 and AD 1400–1500. There are no historical tsunamis which correlate with layers 2 and 3. However, layer 1 may represent the major AD 1402 tsunami. Sand dykes penetrating from layer 1 into the overlying silts suggest soil liquefaction during an earthquake event, possibly the 1 August 1870 one. At Aliki, no clear stratigraphical evidence of tsunami flooding was found, but results from foraminiferal and dating analyses show that a sand layer was deposited about 180 years ago from a marine flooding event. This layer may be associated with the historical tsunami of 23 August 1817, which caused widespread destruction in the Aegion area. The work presented here supports the idea that geological methods can be used to extend tsunami history far beyond the historical record. Although the tsunami database obtained will be incomplete and biased towards larger events, it will still be useful for extreme event statistical approaches

Marine aggregate extraction regulation in EU member states

This paper provides a brief review of regulations and procedures relevant to the authorization of marine aggregate (MA) operations in eight EU Member States. MA operations are affected by a multi-level legislative/regulatory regime, consisting of international conventions (e.g. the UNCLOS 1982, OSPAR, Helsinki, ICES, Barcelona and Espoo Conventions), secondary EC legislation (e.g. the Environmental Impact Assessment Directives (85/337/EEC and 97/11 EC) and the Freedom of Access to Environmental Information Directive (2003/4/EC)) and national legislation or regulation. It appears that rules and procedures relevant to MA extraction vary considerably between the considered Member States. In general, relevant information is not easily available in accurate, comprehensive and up-to date form. As a result, it is difficult to assess whether and to which extent national practice in relation to MA extraction authorization is in substantive compliance with the requirements of existing international and European rules and regulations aimed at sustainable development and protection of the marine and coastal environment

Incidence and management of acute otitis media in adults: a primary care-based cohort study

BACKGROUND: Although primarily considered a childhood disease, acute otitis media (AOM) also occurs in adults. Data on the burden of this condition in adults are, however, scarce. OBJECTIVE: To explore the primary care incidence and current management of AOM in adults. METHODS: All patients aged 15 and older included in the routine health care database of the Julius General Practitioners' Network were followed from 2015 to 2018 (contributing to a total of 1 261 575 person-years). We extracted data on AOM episodes, AOM-related consultations, comorbidities, and antibiotic and analgesic prescriptions. RESULTS: Five thousand three hundred and fifty-eight patients experienced one or more AOM episodes (total number of AOM episodes: 6667; mean 1.2 per patient). The overall AOM incidence was 5.3/1000 person-years and was fairly stable over the study period. Incidence was particularly high in atopic patients (7.3/1000 person-years) and declined with age (from 7.1 in patients 15-39 years of age to 2.7/1000 person-years in those aged 64 years and older). Oral antibiotics, predominantly amoxicillin, were prescribed in 46%, and topical antibiotics in 21% of all episodes. CONCLUSION: Over the past years, the incidence of AOM in adults in primary care has been stable. Oral antibiotic prescription rates resemble those in children with AOM, whereas a remarkably high topical antibiotic prescription rate was observed. Future prognostic research should inform on the need and feasibility of prospective studies into the best management strategy in this condition

Evaluating a cardiovascular disease risk management care continuum within a learning healthcare system: a prospective cohort study

Background: Many patients now present with multimorbidity and chronicity of disease. This means that multidisciplinary management in a care continuum, integrating primary care and hospital care services, is needed to ensure high quality care. Aim: To evaluate cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) via linkage of health data sources, as an example of a multidisciplinary continuum within a learning healthcare system (LHS). Design & setting: In this prospective cohort study, data were linked from the Utrecht Cardiovascular Cohort (UCC) to the Julius General Practitioners' Network (JGPN) database. UCC offers structured CVRM at referral to the University Medical Centre (UMC) Utrecht. JGPN consists of electronic health record (EHR) data from referring GPs. Method: The cardiovascular risk factors were extracted for each patient 13 months before referral (JGPN), at UCC inclusion, and during 12 months follow-up (JGPN). The following areas were assessed: registration of risk factors; detection of risk factor(s) requiring treatment at UCC; communication of risk factors and actionable suggestions from the specialist to the GP; and change of management during follow-up. Results: In 52% of patients, >1 risk factors were registered (that is, extractable from structured fields within routine care health records) before UCC. In 12%—72% of patients, risk factor(s) existed that required (change or start of) treatment at UCC inclusion. Specialist communication included the complete risk profile in 67% of letters, but lacked actionable suggestions in 86%. In 29% of patients, at least one risk factor was registered after UCC. Change in management in GP records was seen in 21%-58% of them. Conclusion: Evaluation of a multidisciplinary LHS is possible via linkage of health data sources. Efforts have to be made to improve registration in primary care, as well as communication on findings and actionable suggestions for follow-up to bridge the gap in the CVRM continuum

Electrochemical Ring-Opening and -Closing of a Spiropyran

The bistability of molecular switches is an essential characteristic in their use as functional components in molecular-based devices and machines. For photoswitches, light-driven switching between two stable states proceeds via short-lived changes of the bond order in electronically excited states. Here, bistable switching of a ditertbutyl-substituted spiropyran photoswitch is instead demonstrated by oxidation and subsequent reduction in an overall four-state cycle. The spiropyran structure chosen has reduced sensitivity to the effect of secondary electrochemical processes such as H+ production and provides transient access to a decreased thermal Z-E isomerization barrier in the one electron oxidized state, akin to that achieved in the corresponding photochemical path. Thus, we show that the energy needed for switching spiropyrans to the merocyanine form on demand, typically delivered by a photon, can instead be provided electrochemically. This opens up further opportunities for the utilization of spiropyrans in electrically controlled applications and devices

What is the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in patients presenting with arthralgia to predict inflammatory arthritis development? A systematic literature review

Pathophysiology and treatment of rheumatic disease

Evidence-based practice educational intervention studies: A systematic review of what is taught and how it is measured

Abstract Background Despite the established interest in evidence-based practice (EBP) as a core competence for clinicians, evidence for how best to teach and evaluate EBP remains weak. We sought to systematically assess coverage of the five EBP steps, review the outcome domains measured, and assess the properties of the instruments used in studies evaluating EBP educational interventions. Methods We conducted a systematic review of controlled studies (i.e. studies with a separate control group) which had investigated the effect of EBP educational interventions. We used citation analysis technique and tracked the forward and backward citations of the index articles (i.e. the systematic reviews and primary studies included in an overview of the effect of EBP teaching) using Web of Science until May 2017. We extracted information on intervention content (grouped into the five EBP steps), and the outcome domains assessed. We also searched the literature for published reliability and validity data of the EBP instruments used. Results Of 1831 records identified, 302 full-text articles were screened, and 85 included. Of these, 46 (54%) studies were randomised trials, 51 (60%) included postgraduate level participants, and 63 (75%) taught medical professionals. EBP Step 3 (critical appraisal) was the most frequently taught step (63 studies; 74%). Only 10 (12%) of the studies taught content which addressed all five EBP steps. Of the 85 studies, 52 (61%) evaluated EBP skills, 39 (46%) knowledge, 35 (41%) attitudes, 19 (22%) behaviours, 15 (18%) self-efficacy, and 7 (8%) measured reactions to EBP teaching delivery. Of the 24 instruments used in the included studies, 6 were high-quality (achieved ≥3 types of established validity evidence) and these were used in 14 (29%) of the 52 studies that measured EBP skills; 14 (41%) of the 39 studies that measured EBP knowledge; and 8 (26%) of the 35 studies that measured EBP attitude. Conclusions Most EBP educational interventions which have been evaluated in controlled studies focus on teaching only some of the EBP steps (predominantly critically appraisal of evidence) and did not use high-quality instruments to measure outcomes. Educational packages and instruments which address all EBP steps are needed to improve EBP teaching