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The combined analysis of the Bicorb-Quesa diapir internal structure and the surrounding Mesozoic cover allows to recognize the main characteristics of the Eastern Prebetics as well as to make a new and unique evolutionary model of a squeezed and later reactivated diapir. Specifically, this work points out: 1) the Bicorb-Quesa diapir was generated during the Early Miocene due to the movement of a basement normal fault ENE-WSW oriented and dipping towards the NNW, 2) the diapir was squeezed during the Serravalian due to the displacement towards the NNW of the Jurassic-Cretaceous cover located in the footwall of the basement fault, and 3) the diapir was reactivated cutting the faults and thrusts previously generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so-called IPPC Directive concerning integrated pollution prevention and control came into force 10 years ago affecting those industrial installations enumerated in its annex I, mainly characterized for being highly polluting sources. One of the innovations of this regulation is that the installations must have an integrated environmental permit granted by the competent authority of the region in which they are located. This environmental permit should include, among others, the Emission Limit Values (ELV) for the more relevant and potential pollutants which cannot be overcome, taking into account the Best Available Techniques (BAT). In Spain this Directive was transposed by the Law 16/2002 on July 2002. This paper shows the application of this law to the surface treatment sector using electrolytic or chemical procedures, encompassed as epigraph 2.6 in its annex I, in Galicia (NW Spain). An overview of the sector is made by analyzing the productive operations applied and their environmental aspects to consider the options to prevent and/or reduce the potential pollution. To assist this task a simple method to determine whether a technique can be considered or not as BAT is offered. Finally, a support guide to apply for the environmental permit was exclusively elaborated for this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable losses of citrus trees have been observed in the major citrus-growing areas of Spain. Samples were collected from 132 orchards, and isolations and pathogencity tests were conducted to determine the aetiology of a serious canker disease. Affected trees showed cankers on the scion that frequently began on the branches. Three Phytophthora species were identified based on their morphological, cultural, physiological and molecular profiles. Phytophthora citrophthora was the main species associated with this new syndrome in 114 orchards. Phytophthora nicotianae (syn. P. parasitica) was isolated from nine orchards as the sole Phytophthora species and in coinfection with P. citrophthora from another nine orchards. Phytophthora citricola was isolated only from one orchard. In stem-inoculation studies conducted under greenhouse conditions, clementine mandarin cv. Hernandina and sweet orange cv. Navel Late were more susceptible to P. citrophthora than sour orange and Carrizo citrange rootstocks. Clementine cv. Hernandina was also highly susceptible in field inoculation experiments. In agreement with field surveys, clementine mandarin cultivars were the most affected, their rootstocks remaining healthy. Phytophthora citrophthora was found to be the predominant species in orchard soils; however, P. nicotianae was also isolated. This information changes the scenario of diseases caused by Phytophthora spp. in Spain and consequently, the present knowledge of epidemiology and the effectiveness of the current control measures should be reassessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a 16 months period, the characteristics of the wastewaters generated in a Rias Baixas winery (Spain) producing white wine were determined: The characterization study showed that white wine wastewater had an average CODt and TSS values of 7.3 and 5.2 kg/m³, respectively being the ratio wastewater/wine produced of about 1.6-2.0 L/L and the ratio between load pollution and produced wine of 9.7 kgCODt/m³ WINE. A strategy for the management of wastes and wastewaters allowed for an important reduction of a 55% of wastewater generation to be achieved. In order to select a suitable technology for the treatment of wastewaters two configurations were tested at pilot scale: i) An Anaerobic Filter (AF) of 430 L followed by an activated sludge unit of 510 L and: ii) one activated sludge unit of 510 L. The results showed that the anaerobic/aerobic configuration was more flexible as it adapted quickly to the different loads and flows produced during the different phases through the year. Besides it allowed higher COD removals (98.5-99.2%) to be achieved and proved to permit a quicker re-start up after starvation periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The projection of dip data onto a section plane can be a source of errors in the relative and absolute position of data depending on the choice of projection vectors. To properly transfer data in conical folds onto a plane of section, a best-fitting cone must be defined for the fold. Dip data must be projected along the best-fit cone generatrices, which are defined individually for each dip measurement according to its orientation. For individual dip measurements on bedding in a conical fold, their corresponding generatrix can be defined as the line of tangency between bedding and the conical fold. Dip measurements on bedding not fitting an ideal conical geometry must be corrected before a valid generatrix can be calculated. Graphical procedures to obtain generatrices for individual dip data are discussed, and a new analytical method is proposed to calculate generatrices for dip measurements on bedding not fitting an ideal conical geometry. The maximum projection distance within conical folds is discussed, and a way to estimate the natural extent of conical folds is defined. The proposed methods are illustrated with data from a conical syncline in NE Spain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Previous and new geological and geophysical datasets provide s the basis of an improved conceptual model explain the localization of hot geothermal fluid systems at relatively shallow depths. • Geothermal flow localization is enhanced further by the presence of fault-related structural complexities, such as high-fractured zones in relay ramps. • The complexity of the fault zone structure of normal faults is attributed to fault segmentation and the breaching of relay ramps, which provide enhanced intensities of dilational and hybrid fractures, surpassing those of conventional along-fault damage zones. • Fracture networks localize fluid flow, with the self-sealing of individual fractures a transient feature of a system characterized by the valving of overpressured fluids, and the seismic pumping associated with earthquake events. The Vallès-Penedès Fault is a Neogene normal fault marked by the presence of two established geothermal systems at La Garriga-Samalús and Caldes de Montbuí, within the Catalan Coastal Ranges (NE Spain). The analysis and collation of existing and new geological and geophysical datasets provide the basis for the development of an improved conceptual model that explains the presence and localization of hot geothermal fluid systems at relatively shallow depths (e.g., 60 °C at surface and 90 °C at 1 km). Geothermal flow is concentrated within Paleozoic granodiorites of the immediate footwall of the V-P fault, host rocks that are susceptible to fault-related fracturing, and the generation of both extension and hybrid fracture systems in association with active fault displacements. Flow localization is enhanced further by the presence of fault-related structural complexities, with both systems marked by 300 m wide steps in the main fault trace. These are attributed to relay development and breaching characterizing host rocks by high fracture intensities and fault rock development on a fault that locally has a vertical displacement of over 1.5 km. Accentuated fracturing and deformation are consistent with strain localization predicted by existing models for the development of fault zones along normal faults. The plumbing of the geothermal systems is attributed to up-fault flow in combination with lateral flow controlled by the intersection of the V-P fault with a low-angled Paleogene thrust defining the base of the host-rock granodiorites, with the geothermal systems localized at the distal end of the thrust. Sustained geothermal flow is attributed to groundwater flow circulation associated with seismic pumping and valving of warmer and deeper fluids, and the ingress of groundwater along faults and within fractured basement rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work presents the results from the environmental sustainability assessment of a wood-based particleboard manufacturing process located in Spain, using the Ecological Footprint methodology for the analysis. The consumption of material resources revealed as the major contributor to the Ecological Footprint due to the high amounts of roundwood used as particleboard component. Hence, the effect of increasing the ratio of recycled wood wastes employed for particleboard production was explored, obtaining a range for the indicator from 0.896 to 0.020 gha m−3 particleboard, corresponding to substitution ratios from 0 to 100%. These results suggest that the effort for improving environmental sustainability should be mainly focused on material resources category, although further study is required on types and ratios of recycled material used and their influence on particleboard's quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Predicting facies distribution and the stratigraphic architecture of sedimentary basins by process-oriented numerical models is nowadays an essential tool in geologic studies. They constitute a new approach to predict the geologic heterogeneity and the spatial distribution of the diverse facies generated in a depositional system jointly with the distribution of the physical, chemical, and petrophysical characteristics of the sedimentary deposits in a quantitative way. SIMSAFADIM-CLASTIC is a 3D process-based, forward numerical model for the simulation of clastic sediment transport and sedimentation in aquatic systems. It simulates the physical process of clastic transport using the advective, diffusive, and dispersive terms of the transport equation and clastic sediment deposition as a result of a variety of processes. The capabilities of SIMSAFADIM-CLASTIC have been confirmed through the application of the program to a large deep elongated artificial lake, the Camarasa reservoir in the Noguera Pallaresa River, NE of Spain. Simulation results yield sedimentation rates ranging from 0.04 to 0.09 cm·yr− 1 close to the dam, and from 1.73 to 1.63 cm·yr− 1 in the upper reservoir section. The sample experiment results match well with the observed transport pattern linked to the flow system in Camarasa''s reservoir near-bottom water layer, which transports more than 50% of the sediment that is supplied to the reservoir. Opening and closure of turbine gates and the basin geometry are the main controlling factors on the fluid flow and depositional pattern in the reservoir, with a more diversified pattern obtained when an open boundary is defined. However, the resulting model also shows some limitations of the program as it does consider a stratified water column that is consistently observed in the reservoir. Refined modeling exercises of the type described in this paper are of potential application to predict and quantify sedimentation patterns allowing the implementation of efficient preservation measures against reservoir siltation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since 2002, considerable losses of Clementine trees (Citrus clementina) have been observed in Spain due to Phytophthora branch canker of citrus caused by Phytophthora citrophthora. Due to the low efficiency of the available cultural and genetic control measures, application of fungicides is required for economic management of the disease. Fosetyl-Al, metalaxyl, and its enantiomer mefenoxam are the only systemic fungicides registered for control of Phytophthora diseases in Spain. However, their efficacy has not been tested against Phytophthora branch canker. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted for 3 years in Spain to evaluate the ability of these fungicides and application methods to reduce lesion expansion. Nevertheless, with the inoculation technique used, it was not possible to evaluate the protective activity of fungicides, which can play an important role in their performance under field conditions. None of the fungicide treatments inhibited lesion expansion when applications were made on a curative basis. The residual effect was better on young than on mature trees. Paint treatments were generally more effective in reducing lesion expansion that drip chemigation or foliar sprays. However, this application method is laborious and becomes uneconomical in Spain. Trunk and branch sprays as well as long-term programs of foliar sprays or drip chemigation for control of spring and autumn infections are proposed as targets for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While data show improvement in terms of educational access, dropout rates are significant in many countries. In Spain, 28% of students drop out of school without finishing secondary school, more than double the EU average. Thus, extensive research has shown the consequences of the dropout phenomenon, including negative effects on employment, welfare dependency, as well as health and emotional problems. The transition from primary to secondary education is a critical turning point. This situation worsens in the case of refugee and migrant minors who are refugees or with migrant backgrounds. Although there is strong evidence revealing the potential of SEAs to advance educational success for all in different contexts, no research has yet explored the effect of SEAs on enabling a successful transition from primary to secondary education, which could considerably impact decreasing dropout rates. Drawing on a qualitative case study of a secondary educational centre in Spain, this study analyses the impact of the implementation of three SEAs in key aspects related to primary-secondary transitions. Findings show how the systematic implementation of SEAs impacts the ease of the primary-secondary transition: positive relationships between the educational community are promoted, school connectedness across transition is strengthened, and academic support networks are enhanced. The study therefore suggests the benefits of SEAs as strategies that can enhance positive primary-secondary school transitions in terms of students' perception of belongingness, and academic performance., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Roca et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The objective of this study was to describe the measures introduced at the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Barcelona, aimed at achieving a smoke-free environment, and encouraging research, training, and clinical approaches with respect to smoking. The experience gained as a center attached to the Catalan Network of Smokeless Hospitals since 2002 shows that preventing and controlling smoking requires a specific agenda developed by a competent committee comprising workers from all hospital areas. Likewise, coordination with other centers in the network is essential as it permits the sharing of experiences. The involvement of hospital management is critical for the effective introduction of health protection and promotion strategies, both in workers and in users. The raising of awareness and the ongoing training of all health workers and coordination with other health care providers in the Health network are the main aspects that require strengthening in the future.

Objective: There are two scales (Centor and McIsaac) that describe the frequent signs and symptoms in pharyngotonsillitis and determine the attitude to be followed for diagnosis and treatment; among them, the McIsaac criteria are one of the most widely used scales. The goal of the study was to determine the predictive value of the McIsaac criteria in the diagnosis of pharyngotonsillitis due to EbhGA in a Pediatric Emergency Service. The predictive value of these criteria is decisive in the adequate use of TDR test and antibiotics as a treatment., Methods: Cross-sectional study. The target population were all patients between 0 and 14 years old treated in the Pediatric Emergency Service of the Casa de Salud Hospital of Valencia during 2016, with discharge diagnoses, tonsillitis, pharyngotonsillitis or pharyngitis and with the TDR performed. Two groups were set up according to whether TDR was positive or negative. The presence of the McIsaac criteria was studied in both groups. A sensitivity and specificity study was carried out and the Total and Bayes Probability theorems were applied as well as the likelihood ratio measures., Results: A negative result of TDR was obtained in 58.1% (n=330) and was obtained a positive result in 41.9% (n=238). At least three criteria met 48.3% (n=115) with TDR+ of which the most frequent was age >3 years (97.4%); and 46.7% (n=154) of children with TDR- where the most frequent was the absence of catarrh (91.6%). The output from the predictive analysis of meeting the McIsaac criteria was a sensitivity (P(+/E)=48.3%), a specificity (P(-/NE)=53.3%), a positive predictive value P(E/+)=42.7% and likelihood ratios LR+=1.04 and LR-=0.97., Conclusions: The results indicate a poor predictive value of the McIsaac criteria in the population being studied. The TDR test should be implanted more frequently and the McIsaac criteria should be re-evaluated for the correct diagnosis of pharyngotonsillitis due to EbhGA and with it an adequate treatment to avoid the overprescription of antibiotics., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Background and Objective: It is well-known the relationship between Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) bacteremia and colon cancer, liver cirrhosis and others neoplasms. However, a study protocol to rule out these underlying diseases has not been carried out yet. Our objective was to describe S. bovis bacteremia and associated diseases., Patients and Method: Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. S. bovis bacteremias episodes between 2001 and 2009 were included. Mean variables: colon neoplasm, non-colonic neoplasm or liver cirrhosis. Epidemiologist aspects, bacteremia related variables, personal and familiar history and clinical and analytical data were collected., Results: Ninety three patients were included. One out of four individuals had a colon neoplasm. Fifty seven per cent were concomitant cases with bacteremia and six cases were diagnosed after bacteremia (time bacteremia-diagnosis of neoplasm [months], median [Q1-Q3], 2.6 [1-11]). Fourteen (15%) patients were diagnosed with any non-colonic neoplasm (mainly biliary and pancreatic [6 cases] or esophagus-gastric [3 cases]). There were three patients (21%) with concomitant bacteremia non-colonic neoplasm and two after it (1.2 and 10.4 months). Twenty-one (23%) patients suffered from liver cirrhosis., Conclusions: Patients with S. bovis bacteremia must undergo a study designed to rule out underlying diseases. We suggest that this study should include: a colonic evaluation, ideally by colonoscopy, a liver evaluation by serum chemistry, an abdominal ultrasound scan or a method of liver fibrosis assessment, a gastroscopy and an evaluation of biliary and pancreatic areas by magnetic resonance imaging., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

A composite index, based on function analysis and including thirteen sub-indices, was developed to assess the overall quality of urban and urbanized beaches in the Mediterranean area. The aggregation of components and sub-indices was based on two questionnaires completed by beach users and experts. Applying the new Beach Quality Index (BQI) demonstrated that the quality of beaches could be improved. In general, the strongest aspects of the beaches assessed were those related to short-term user demand, and the weakest were those related to the consequences of human pressure on the area, in particular, erosion problems. The composite index is intended to be used together with Environmental Management Beach Systems (EMBs) as a hierarchical management scorecard and in monitoring programs. This new tool could also make planning more proactive by synthesizing the state of the most important beach processes.

The heavy ceramic industry (building materials and refractory products manufacture) is an important source of pollutants to the environment. For this reason these industrial sub-sectors are included in prevention and control pollution policies, specifically those of the European Union. The IPPC Directive pays particular attention to the mineral industries, not least to the ceramic industry (epigraph 3.5, Annex I). In this paper, a methodology which is being applied to support IPPC installations and the competent administrative authority in Galicia (NW Spain) is presented. For that, the Galician heavy ceramic industry is analysed, as also are the ways to study the Best Available Techniques (BAT) with a view to establishing the emission limit values (ELV) for each specific case. Hence, a technological state of the art has been carried out for both sub-sectors, from the point of view of implementation of the IPPC in Galicia. Following this, the processes are described briefly and an analysis of the consumption and emission levels of the main pollutants is made. An inventory that includes the best environmental practices and the preventive and abatement candidate techniques as BAT was elaborated for both considered sub-sectors. An information data sheet for each candidate BAT is presented as a method to help both the industries and the competent authority to identify a candidate technique of the inventory as BAT. Three illustrative examples of the application of this procedure are presented for different emissions to environmental media for Galician installations.