scholarly journals Regional analysis of groundwater nitrate concentrations and trends in Denmark in regard to agricultural influence

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 5321-5346 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hansen ◽  
T. Dalgaard ◽  
L. Thorling ◽  
B. Sørensen ◽  
M. Erlandsen
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Regional Analysis ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Trend Analyses ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Past ◽  
Nitrate Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
High Level

Abstract. The act of balancing between an intensive agriculture with a high potential for nitrate pollution and a~drinking water supply almost entirely based on groundwater is a challenge faced by Denmark and similar regions around the globe. Since the 1980s, regulations implemented by Danish farmers have succeeded in optimizing the N (nitrogen) management at farm level. As a result, the upward agricultural N surplus trend has been reversed, and the N surplus has reduced by 30–55 % from 1980 to 2007 depending on region. The reduction in the N surplus served to reduce the losses of N from agriculture, with documented positive effects on nature and the environment in Denmark. In groundwater, the upward trend in nitrate concentration was reversed around 1980, and a larger number of downward nitrate trends were seen in the youngest groundwater compared with the oldest groundwater. However, on average, approximately 48 % of the oxic monitored groundwater has nitrate concentrations above the groundwater and drinking water standards of 50 mg l−1. Furthermore, trend analyses show that 33 % of all the monitored groundwater has upward nitrate trends, while only 18 % of the youngest groundwater has upward nitrate trends according to data sampled from 1988–2009. A regional analysis shows a correlation between a high level of N surplus in agriculture, high concentrations of nitrate in groundwater and the largest number of downward nitrate trends in groundwater in the livestock-dense northern and western parts of Denmark compared with the south-eastern regions with lower livestock densities. These results indicate that the livestock farms dominating in northern and western parts of Denmark have achieved the largest reductions in N surpluses. Groundwater recharge age determinations allow comparison of long-term changes in N surplus in agriculture with changes in oxic groundwater quality. The presented data analysis is based on groundwater recharged from 1952–2003, but sampled from 1988–2009. Repetition of the nitrate trend analyses at five-year intervals using dating of the groundwater recharged in the coming years and a longer time series of the nitrate analyses can reveal the evolution in nitrate leaching from Danish agriculture during the past 10 yr. Similar analyses can be carried out to compare with other regions internationally.

scholarly journals Regional analysis of groundwater nitrate concentrations and trends in Denmark in regard to agricultural influence

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 3277-3286 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Hansen ◽  
T. Dalgaard ◽  
L. Thorling ◽  
B. Sørensen ◽  
M. Erlandsen
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Regional Analysis ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Trend Analyses ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Past ◽  
Nitrate Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
High Level

Abstract. The act of balancing between an intensive agriculture with a high potential for nitrate pollution and a drinking water supply almost entirely based on groundwater is a challenge faced by Denmark and similar regions around the globe. Since the 1980s, regulations implemented by Danish farmers have succeeded in optimizing the N (nitrogen) management at farm level. As a result, the upward agricultural N surplus trend has been reversed, and the N surplus has reduced by 30–55% from 1980 to 2007 depending on region. The reduction in the N surplus served to reduce the losses of N from agriculture, with documented positive effects on nature and the environment in Denmark. In groundwater, the upward trend in nitrate concentrations was reversed around 1980, and a larger number of downward nitrate trends were seen in the youngest groundwater compared with the oldest groundwater. However, on average, approximately 48% of the oxic monitored groundwater has nitrate concentrations above the groundwater and drinking water standards of 50 mg l−1. Furthermore, trend analyses show that 33% of all the monitored groundwater has upward nitrate trends, while only 18% of the youngest groundwater has upward nitrate trends according to data sampled from 1988–2009. A regional analysis shows a correlation between a high level of N surplus in agriculture, high concentrations of nitrate in groundwater and the largest number of downward nitrate trends in groundwater in the livestock-dense northern and western parts of Denmark compared with the southeastern regions with lower livestock densities. These results indicate that the livestock farms dominating in northern and western parts of Denmark have achieved the largest reductions in N surpluses. Groundwater recharge age determinations allow comparison of long-term changes in N surplus in agriculture with changes in oxic groundwater quality. The presented data analysis is based on groundwater recharged from 1952–2003, but sampled from 1988–2009. Repetition of the nitrate trend analyses at five-year intervals using dating of the groundwater recharged in the coming years and a longer time series of the nitrate analyses can reveal the evolution in nitrate leaching from Danish agriculture during the past 10 yr. Similar analyses can be carried out to compare with other regions internationally.

Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollutants and Cognitive Function in Taiwanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Four-Year Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jen-Hau Chen ◽  
Tsung-Yu Kuo ◽  
Hwa-Lung Yu ◽  
Charlene Wu ◽  
Su-Ling Yeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
High Level ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Previous studies have assessed limited cognitive domains with relatively short exposure to air pollutants, and studies in Asia are limited. Objective: This study aims to explore the association between long-term exposure to air pollutants and cognition in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This four-year prospective cohort study recruited 605 older adults at baseline (2011–2013) and 360 participants remained at four-year follow-up. Global and domain-specific cognition were assessed biennially. Data on PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm diameter, 2005–2015), PM10 (1993–2015), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2, 1993–2015) were obtained from Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (TEPA). Bayesian Maximum Entropy was utilized to estimate the spatiotemporal distribution of levels of these pollutants. Results: Exposure to high-level PM2.5 (>29.98 μg/m3) was associated with an increased risk of global cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio = 4.56; β = −0.60). High-level PMcoarse exposure (>26.50 μg/m3) was associated with poor verbal fluency (β = −0.19). High-level PM10 exposure (>51.20 μg/m3) was associated with poor executive function (β = −0.24). Medium-level NO2 exposure (>28.62 ppb) was associated with better verbal fluency (β = 0.12). Co-exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5, PMcoarse or PM10 and high concentration of NO2 were associated with poor verbal fluency (PM2.5 and NO2: β = −0.17; PMcoarse and NO2: β = −0.23; PM10 and NO2: β = −0.21) and poor executive function (PM10 and NO2: β = −0.16). These associations became more evident in women, apolipoprotein ε4 non-carriers, and those with education > 12 years. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to PM2.5 (higher than TEPA guidelines), PM10 (lower than TEPA guidelines) or co-exposure to PMx and NO2 were associated with poor global, verbal fluency, and executive function over 4 years.

scholarly journals Phillips Curve: The Greek Case

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Liargovas ◽  
Marios Psychalis
Keyword(s):  
Phillips Curve ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Economic Adjustment ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Past ◽  
Greek Economy ◽  
Classical Economic ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

One of the most important problems facing Greece is the long-term and high-level unemployment rate. The Economic Adjustment Programmes (EAPs) focused on the supply side of the economy, aiming at the adjustment of prices and wages, draw on the classical economic model, as it is widely accepted that internal devaluation policies keep inflation low. This article attempts to examine whether the Keynesian theory and the Phillips Curve, which shows the relationship between unemployment and inflation, apply in the case of the Greek economy. We use descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS) and VAR Analysis to examine the relationship between the variables. According to the results, there is a negative correlation between unemployment and inflation in Greece, thus confirming the Phillips Curve hypothesis. Finally, results show that unemployment is less dependent on inflation compared with the past, and there are numerous other decisive factors affecting unemployment.

How to fight terrorism? Political and strategic aspects

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-165
Author(s):  
Erich Vad
Keyword(s):  
Security Policy ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
The Past ◽  
Present Essay ◽  
Key Players ◽  
Global Perception ◽  
Global Terrorism ◽  
High Level

“Fighting terrorism is like eating soup with a fork” (Shimon Peres). Peres’s quote symbolically captures the key problem of countering terrorism. 9/11 proved to be a hallmark in the global perception of modern terrorism. The following questions form the framework of the present essay: What is the essence of modern terrorism? How did it develop during the past two decades? Who are the key players within the terror framework? What are the root causes for global terrorism? How are we to deal appropriately with the global phenomenon of terrorism? Are there any solutions (short-, medium-, long-term) to terrorism? If yes, where do we have to look for them? The underlying essay provides a strategic overview of antiterrorism policy that is based on the author’s years-long experience as a high-level expert and advisor within the security policy framework. For this reason, citations are expressly not included. The key target audience comprises laypersons interested in the phenomenon of global terrorism and its social interplay.

scholarly journals National and sub-national estimation of benzene emission trend into atmosphere in Iran from 1990 to 2013

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansour Shamsipour ◽  
Mina Aghaei ◽  
Safa Kalteh ◽  
Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand ◽  
Kimiya Gohari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
The Past ◽  
Concentration Estimation ◽  
Benzene Concentration ◽  
Benzene Content ◽  
Insight Into

Introduction: Exposure to benzene has been associated with a range of acute and long-term adverse health effects. We aimed to estimate national and provincial level of benzene emissions from 1990 to 2013 in Iran. Materials and methods: Benzene emission was estimated through two main sources: unburned benzene content of fuel and evaporated benzene. Unburned benzene content of fuel estimated by gasoline consumption rate, kilometers traveled by non-diesel-based cars, and benzene emission factor. Evaporated benzene estimated by evaporated gasoline and volumetric percentile of benzene.               Results: The estimated provincial annual mean benzene estimation range was between 5.9 (ton) and 1590 (ton) from 1990 to 2013. Our results showed that maximum benzene emission over the past 24 years occurred in Tehran, (Mean± SD) (1147.2±308.5) (ton)), Isfahan (423.4±132) (ton)), Khorasan Razavi (410.4±122.2) (ton)) provinces, respectively. There was an upward trend in the benzene emission into atmosphere at national and subnational level from 1990 to 2007. Also a significant decrease trend is observed from 2008 to 2013. Conclusion: The findings of this study will provide an insight into the extent of emitted benzene in the atmosphere at different regions of Iran for policy makers and scientists and may be a groundwork for field studies on benzene concentration estimation.

scholarly journals Selected aspects and specifics of the economic development in sub-Saharan Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 517-528
Author(s):  
Karel Tomšík ◽  
Luboš Smutka
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Trade ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Gdp Per Capita ◽  
Eastern Asia ◽  
The Past ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Other World ◽  
High Level

The paper examines the development of economies in the sub-Saharan region. It aims to identify particular development trends specific to the region. That means identifying changes which have occurred in the past five decades in following areas: development of the GDP value ​​and structure, growth in the value of foreign trade, demographic growth, and changes in the value of GDP per capita. The results of the analysis show very constrained economic power of sub-Saharan region. Not only weak economy of the region but also a significant population growth is a problem. Increasing production and trade does not contribute effectively to elimination of high level of poverty and malnutrition which remains a long-term problem of the sub-Saharan region. In real terms, the GDP per capita was growing by less than 1 % in the period 1961–2010. Sub-Saharan region is highly dependent on cooperation with other world regions in its effort to increase economic growth and to improve the economic situation of own population. The GDP growth is thus very sensitive to GDP development in Europe and North America. Concerning the foreign trade, development of sub-Saharan trade is dependent on regions of the Southern and Eastern Asia, and Europe.

scholarly journals Features of cognitive development in children of early and preschool age using gadgets

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 163-167
Author(s):  
R. G. Gamirova ◽  
E. A. Gorobets ◽  
A. V. Skhirtladze ◽  
V. F. Prusakov ◽  
S. Ya. Volgina
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Object Oriented ◽  
Speech Development ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Quick Response ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
High Level ◽  
External Stimuli ◽  
The Impact

The article describes the impact of technological devices – gadgets – on the early cognitive and speech development in children. In early childhood, object-activity communication is the leading form of activity; its influence on the speech development is determined by the interaction of the child with the adult (object-oriented actions, the understanding of the purpose of objects, the use of verbal communication). The play activity of preschoolers helps to enhance communication and interaction with peers. Long and uncontrolled interaction with gadgets is connected with insufficient attention of parents and caregivers, which disrupts the process of communication and cognition, in particular, slows down the process of speech development. Foreign pediatric associations recommend eliminating the use of mobile devices in children aged 0–2 years and limiting their use to one hour per day for children aged 3–5 years. Most researchers identify a connection between the long-term use of gadgets by preschoolers, delayed development of endogenus attention, social interaction, distortion of cognitive development, delayed speech development and such positive effects as a high level of exogenus attention development, quick response to external stimuli.

scholarly journals Recent sea-ice advances in Baffin Bay/Davis Strait and retreats in the Bellingshausen Sea

1995 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 348-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire L. Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Ice Cover ◽  
Temporal Context ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Baffin Bay ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ice Coverage ◽  
Bellingshausen Sea ◽  
Davis Strait

Recently reported decreases in the summertime ice coverage of the Bellingshausen Sea over the period 1988–91 have been mentioned in the popular press with some loss of the larger spatial and temporal context in which they occurred. Experience over the past two decades with the continually lengthening satellite record has frequently revealed prominent increases or decreases in regional or even hemispheric sea-ice coverage which last for a several-year period and are then reversed. Also, in almost any several-year period in the short satellite record available, at least one region could be highlighted as having prominent ice-cover increases and at least one as having prominent ice-cover decreases. In the 1988–91 period of low ice coverage in the Bellingshausen Sea, mid-winter sea-ice extents noticeably increased in the Baffin Bay/Davis Strait region. Placed in the longer temporal context of ice extents since the late 1970s, the ice-extent increases from 1988 to 1991 in Baffin Bay/Davis Strait conform much better with an interpretation of cyclically varying wintertime ice extents than with one of a long-term upward trend. The time series for the Bellingshausen Sea also shows marked multi-year fluctuations and, although in the 1989–91 period the summertime coverage was unusually low, the wintertime ice coverage noticeably increased.

scholarly journals Trends in nitrogen deposition and leaching in acid-sensitive streams in Europe

2001 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Wright ◽  
C. Alewell ◽  
J. M. Cullen ◽  
C. D. Evans ◽  
A. Marchetto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Waters ◽  
Nitrogen Saturation ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
N Deposition ◽  
N Saturation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Nitrate Concentrations ◽  
Long Term Trends

Abstract. Long-term records of nitrogen in deposition and streamwater were analysed at 30 sites covering major acid sensitive regions in Europe. Large regions of Europe have received high inputs of inorganic nitrogen for the past 20 - 30 years, with an approximate 20% decline in central and northern Europe during the late 1990s. Nitrate concentrations in streamwaters are related to the amount of N deposition. All sites with less than 10 kgN ha-1 yr-1 deposition have low concentrations of nitrate in streamwater, whereas all sites receiving > 25 kgN ha-1 yr-1 have elevated concentrations. Very few of the sites exhibit significant trends in nitrate concentrations; similar analyses on other datasets also show few significant trends. Nitrogen saturation is thus a process requiring many decades, at least at levels of N deposition typical for Europe. Declines in nitrate concentrations at a few sites may reflect recent declines in N deposition. The overall lack of significant trends in nitrate concentrations in streams in Europe may be the result of two opposing factors. Continued high deposition of nitrogen (above the 10 kgN ha-1 yr-1 threshold) should tend to increase N saturation and give increased nitrate concentrations in run-off, whereas the decline in N deposition over the past 5 – 10 years in large parts of Europe should give decreased nitrate concentrations in run-off. Short and long-term variations in climate affect nitrate concentrations in streamwater and, thus, contribute "noise" which masks long-term trends. Empirical data for geographic pattern and long-term trends in response of surface waters to changes in N deposition set the premises for predicting future contributions of nitrate to acidification of soils and surface waters. Quantification of processes governing nitrogen retention and loss in semi-natural terrestrial ecosystems is a scientific challenge of increasing importance. Keywords: Europe, acid deposition, nitrogen, saturation, recovery, water

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