Search

This paper presents IH-LANSloc (IH-Long-term Anthropized coastlines Simulation tool for local-scale studies), a numerical model that solves shoreline and nearshore evolution at short and long-term time scales and in a wide variety of sandy coastal settings. IH-LANSloc results from the two-way fully coupling of a data-assimilated shoreline evolution model with a process-based wave propagation model and a rules-based profile translation tool. In contrast to shoreline evolution models, IH-LANSloc is able to reproduce the nearshore evolution in areas with complex bathymetries, considering the effects of human interventions (e.g., groynes, seawalls, breakwaters and nourishments) and natural ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs, seagrasses, and vegetation patches). This nearshore evolution model is less computationally expensive and is applicable to larger time scales than most process-based models and provides more accurate and richer results than present-day physics-based models. Model validation is carried out at an embayed beach in northern Spain showing great agreement with satellite-derived shoreline observations (RMSE<7m). • A physics-based nearshore evolution model for sandy coasts is presented. • It is composed of a multi-model coupling including a spectral wave model. • It can assess the nearshore evolution considering complex bathymetries. • The model accounts for the effects of hard structures and ecosystems. • Model outputs can be directly used for flood modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThere is a lack of consistent evidence regarding associations of neurological soft signs (NSS) with illness-related variables in schizophrenia. This study examined NSS in first-episode psychotic patients with respect to their factor structure and associations with risk factors, pre-morbid characteristics, psychopathology and spontaneous extrapyramidal syndromes.MethodFirst-episode, drug-naive patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n=177) were assessed for NSS using the Neurological Evaluation Scale, and its 26 constituting items were factor analysed. The identified neurological dimensions were then entered into hierarchical regression models as outcome dependent variables of a set of predictors including risk factors (familial loading for schizophrenia, obstetric complications), pre-morbid characteristics (neurodevelopmental delay, symptoms of attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder, pre-morbid functioning), psychopathological domains (reality distortion, disorganization, negative symptoms, mania, depression, catatonia) and spontaneous extrapyramidal syndromes (parkinsonism, dyskinesia, akathisia).ResultsFive neurological domains were identified: sequencing, release signs, sensory integration, abnormal movements and coordination. Multivariate analyses showed independent associations (p<0.01) of sequencing with familial liability to schizophrenia, deterioration of pre-morbid adjustment and parkinsonism; release signs with obstetric complications, catatonic symptoms and parkinsonism; sensory integration with familial liability to schizophrenia; abnormal movements with familial liability to schizophrenia, obstetric complications, parkinsonism and dyskinesia; and coordination with neurodevelopmental delay. The empirically derived factors explained additional variance over and above that explained by subscale scores across the examined variables.ConclusionsFamilial liability to schizophrenia, obstetric complications, neurodevelopmental delay, deterioration in pre-morbid functioning and observable motor disorders appear to contribute independently to domains of neurological dysfunction. The findings support a neurodevelopmental model of NSS in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: This paper examines, using data from the Cantabria First Episode Schizophrenia Study, the usefulness of subdividing, using a cluster analysis technique, this schizophrenia population into subgroups with similar symptoms profiles in terms of SANS and SAPS. Method: Diagnostic characteristics were determined using the Present State Examination (PSE-9) and the SANS/SAPS. Premorbid adjustment was assessed using a scale developed combining the Gittelman and Klein's Scales, and the Goldstein's scales. Social Adjustment was evaluated using the WHO-DAS. In addition clinical histories were used to assess the patients' clinical course. Results: Our schizophrenic patients could be subtyped into four categories: negative, positive non-paranoid, simple and disorganized schizophrenia. There is an absence of significant association between the majority of the variables investigated and the four-cluster model. Conclusion: Even though our sample could be subtyped into different categories, the model does not show predictive power according to the 3-year follow-up data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a methodology to obtain ensemble shoreline change projections at regional scale by combining multi-model projections of wave climate and water levels and the reduced-complexity shoreline evolution model in Alvarez-Cuesta et al. (2021) is presented. In order to account for climate change uncertainty, dynamically downscaled and bias corrected projected waves and storm surge series from five different combinations of global and regional climate models and three potential mean sea-level rise (SLR) trajectories for two representative concentration pathways, are used to force the erosion impact model IH-LANS. The methodology is applied to a 40 km highly anthropized coastal stretch in the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Thirty hourly time series of shoreline evolution between 2020 and 2100 are obtained, each of them linked to one future realization of waves and water levels. From the shoreline time-series analysis, long and short -term processes are unraveled, yielding permanent retreats and beach area losses, contribution of individual physical processes (longshore, short-term cross-shore, and SLR) to shoreline change and non-stationary extreme retreats. The methodology presented herein is intended to be a useful tool for evaluating potential climate change risks while enabling the evaluation and prioritization of adaptation measures. • An ensemble of end-of-century shoreline positions is obtained at a highly anthropized Mediterranean coastal area. • Waves and water levels from several climate models and emissions scenarios are used to drive a shoreline evolution model. • Results at multiple time scales are unraveled, yielding useful information for coastal planning and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a methodology to obtain ensemble shoreline change projections at regional scale by combining multi-model projections of wave climate and water levels and the reduced-complexity shoreline evolution model in Alvarez-Cuesta et al. (2021) is presented. In order to account for climate change uncertainty, dynamically downscaled and bias corrected projected waves and storm surge series from five different combinations of global and regional climate models and three potential mean sea-level rise (SLR) trajectories for two representative concentration pathways, are used to force the erosion impact model IH-LANS. The methodology is applied to a 40 km highly anthropized coastal stretch in the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Thirty hourly time series of shoreline evolution between 2020 and 2100 are obtained, each of them linked to one future realization of waves and water levels. From the shoreline time-series analysis, long and short -term processes are unraveled, yielding permanent retreats and beach area losses, contribution of individual physical processes (longshore, short-term cross-shore, and SLR) to shoreline change and non-stationary extreme retreats. The methodology presented herein is intended to be a useful tool for evaluating potential climate change risks while enabling the evaluation and prioritization of adaptation measures. • An ensemble of end-of-century shoreline positions is obtained at a highly anthropized Mediterranean coastal area. • Waves and water levels from several climate models and emissions scenarios are used to drive a shoreline evolution model. • Results at multiple time scales are unraveled, yielding useful information for coastal planning and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychotropic drug use was investigated using a two-stage survey of a random sample of persons aged 17 and over from a rural Spanish community. It was found that 6.9%, 11.8% and 25.1% of the population were consuming psychotropic, analgesic and somatic medicines respectively. Women presented a higher rate of psychotropic use than men (prevalence for women 10.7%, for men 2.6%). This female predominance was found to be significantly related to sociodemographic and medical factors. Psychotropic use was also associated with the physical health of the respondent. The coexistence of physical and mental illness generated an increase of consumption, whereas the absence of both types of illness was associated with a very low rate. The rates for physical and for mental illness alone were intermediate and were almost equal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Interministerial Price Commission for Medicines (CIPM) has the competence of approving or rejecting the P&R proposals for medicines in Spain. The aim of this study is to analyse the decisions made by the CIPM recently and estimate the time between the European Commission (EC) approval and the CIPM assessment. The median time between EC approval and final reimbursement decision by the CIPM was 16.4 months (range: 3.3-84.1) for new drugs and 10.6 months (range: 1.7-32.3) for new indications. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this study was to review the literature on economic evaluations of health interventions for solid and haematologic tumours in Spain. Approximately 60% of cancer interventions evaluated were cost-effective in Spain under a threshold of €21,000/QALY. [Extracted from the article]

Prehistoric caves represent cultural and tourist resources because of their archaeological, geological and geomorphological heritage. Geomorphologic mapping techniques have been applied to Tito Bustillo Cave (Ribadesella, Asturias, N Spain) during a research concerning the geotechnical stability of the cave. In this work, we present a methodology that includes: 1) Availability of a topography at a1: 250 scale. 2) A systematic and detailed inventory of endokarstic geomorphologic features. 3) Geomorphological mapping. 4) Digitalization of the geomorphological map and its transference to a GIS. 5) Quantitative managment of GIS derived information. A simple index (Iagc) is proposed to evaluate environmental impact on tourist caves in a scale ranging from 1 to 100, showing a value of 36,22 for the case of Tito Bustillo Cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work shows the petrrographic and geochemical results obtained from the study of Asturian jet (Kimmeridgian, Jurassic) from Oles (Asturias, Northwestern Spain). By means of this research it was possible to determine the nature of this material, its composition and to explain its exceptional and anomalous properties. Asturian jet is a perhydrous coal, whose characteristics were promoted by the adsorption and retention of migrated hydrocarbons within its macromolecular structure in its early diagenetic stages. This gave rise to an anomalous evolution during the subsequent coalification processes. Moreover, the modification of its textural properties by the adsorbed hydrocarbons within the jet structure explains the great stability of this material which remains unaltered over long periods of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of an educational intervention based on the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) on dietary and exercise behavior in a Spanish region.Methods: A two-arm pilot research was developed. The intervention consisted of a 6-month period with guidelines and 4 in-person interventions. The outcome was changes in behaviors, motivation, competence, autonomy, social support to implement the recommendations, HbA1c, and body composition.Results: n = 111 patients were recruited. Individuals in the intervention experienced a significative improvement on adherence to dietary recommendations (+1.23; p = 0.026), exercise (+0.86; p = 0.001), and a decrease in HbA1c levels (-0.6%; p = 0.002) and BMI (-0.73; p < 0.001).Conclusion: The intervention for DM2 individuals, based on the BCW framework, developed, and implemented by primary care nurses has been effective in improving the adherence to healthy eating, exercise, HbA1c levels, and body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]