Reducing sea cliffs hazards in pocket beaches through beach nourishment on the Barlavento Coast (Algarve, Portugal)

Tourism based on “sun and beach” is the main economic activity in the Algarve region. A considerable part of the beaches of the Barlavento coast corresponds to embedded sand accumulated along the irregular lacework-like coastline of rocky cliffs cut into Miocene calcarenites. The pattern of touristic occupation in the Algarve and the geodynamics of the rocky sea cliffs, characterized by discontinuous and intermittent occurrence of slope mass movements, result in a high level of risk to beach users along pocket beaches. In order to mitigate the risk associated with the cliff geodynamics, artificial beach nourishment was performed in Castelo and Coelha pocket beaches on the Barlavento Coast, in 2014, increasing the beach area by 3.5 times. The effects of the beach nourishment on the occupation patterns of those beaches along the 2006-2016 decade, before and after the beach nourishment, are herein presented and discussed. Occupancy data were obtained covering different seasons along the year, by counting the number of beach users, regardless of age, using periodic and systematic photographs taken at strategic points that provide full coverage of the beach areas. Before the beach nourishments the area of dry sand outside high and moderate hazard zones, measured at half-tide under average summer wave conditions was 500 m2 at Coelha beach and 800 m2 at Castelo beach. After beach nourishment the same area increased to 6700 m2 at Coelha beach and 7100 m2 at Castelo beach. Results show that, following the beach fill, beach occupation by recreational users naturally shifted seaward, moving out from the cliff hazard areas. After the intervention, the occupation of high and moderate hazard areas reduced significantly, from 37 % to 11 % in Castelo beach and from 59 % to 27 % in Coelha beach. Keywords: beach nourishment; hazard; rocky cliffs; Algarve; Portugal.

Landslide Hazard Zonation and Evaluation around Debre Werk Town, North West Ethiopia

The present research was conducted in the town of Debre Werk, East Gojjam, North West Ethiopia, with the ultimate aim of conducting a Landslide Hazard Zonation and Evaluation. To reach this aim, the Slope Stability Susceptibility Evaluation Parameter (SSEP) rating system was adopted to zone and evaluate the landslide status of the area. This rating system was done by considering the parameters of intrinsic and external triggering factors that cause landslides. Systematic and detailed fieldwork had been undertaken as a justification. Secondary data, on the other hand, was required to define the general conditions of the area and to gain a thorough understanding of the field of study. Ratings for intrinsic parameters in the SSEP system include slope morphometry, relative relief, slope content, geological structures/discontinuities, land use land cover, groundwater, and external parameters include erosion, seismicity, and manmade activities. Individual facet-wise ratings for intrinsic causative factors and external triggering factors ratings are summarized to evaluate the landslide hazard zonation of an environment. The sum of all causative parameter ratings will give evaluated landslide hazards (ELH). Therefore, the research was carried out by dividing the study area into 70 facets. Then 85 landslide incidents in the study area were investigated. From 85 landslides, 39 districts showed past landslides, 23 showed active landslides and the remaining 23 districts showed signs of landslides. The delineated 70 facets were categorized into 3 landslide hazard zones. There are about 73.3km2 (27.2%) of the study area within the low hazard zone, 140.8km2 (52.1%) within the moderate hazard zone, and the remaining 55.9km2 (20.7%) within the high hazard zone. Based on the findings of SSEP, it can be deduced that the present research area is highly susceptible to landslide and requires special attention during rainy seasons. Finally, the validity of the prepared LHZ map was checked by overlaying the inventory map over the produced LHZ map. The overlap map shows that 17 districts showing active landslides, 2 districts showing signs of landslides, and 5 districts showing past landslide activities fall into high hazard zones. Likewise, 5 districts showing active landslides, 3 districts showing signs of landslides, and 28 districts showing past landslides fall into moderate hazard zones. The remaining 1 district showing active landslides, 18 districts showing signs of landslides, and 6 districts showing past landslide activities fall into moderate hazard zones.

The relationship between the modified National Institute of Health activity and chronicity scoring system, and the long-term prognosis for lupus nephritis: A retrospective single-center study

Background The revision of International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification guidelines for lupus nephritis (LN) was suggested by a working group, who recommended a modified National Institute of Health (NIH) activity and chronicity scoring system to evaluate active and chronic LN lesions. However, whether this approach was useful for estimating long-term prognosis for LN patients is unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Japanese subjects with biopsy-proven LN, between 1977 and 2018. Pathologic lesions were evaluated based on ISN/RPS 2003 classifications and the modified NIH scoring system. Patients were grouped by activity index (low, 0–5; moderate, 6–11; high, 12–24), and chronicity index (low, 0–2; moderate, 3–5; high, 6–12). The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was ESKD alone. Results Sixty-six subjects with a median age of 31 years were included. During median follow-up (11.5 years), 15 patients reached the primary outcome: 10 had ESKD, four had died, and one had ESKD and died. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the cumulative primary outcome incidence increased with a higher chronicity index (log-rank trend p < 0.001). From multivariable survival analysis, moderate (hazard ratio [HR] 6.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14 to 33.20; p = 0.034) and high chronicity indices (HR 20.20, 95% CI 1.13 to 359.82; p = 0.041) were risk factors for the primary outcome. Conclusion Moderate and high chronicity indices were associated with an increased ESKD risk for LN.

Landslide Hazard Zonation and Evaluation Around Debre Markos Town, NW Ethiopia—A GIS-Based Statistical Approach

The main goal of this research was to perform a landslide hazard zonation and evaluation around Debre Markos town, North West Ethiopia, found about 300 km from the capital city Addis Ababa. To achieve the aim, a GIS-based probabilistic statistical technique was used to rate the governing factors, followed by geoprocessing in the GIS setting to produce the landslide hazard zonation map. In this research, eight internal causative and external triggering factors were selected: slope material (lithology and soil mass), elevation, aspect, slope, land use land cover, curvature, distance to fault, and distance to drainage. Data were collected from field mapping, secondary maps, and digital elevation models. Systematic and detailed fieldwork had been done for image interpretation and inventory mapping. Accordingly, the past landslides map of the research area was prepared. All influencing factors were statistically analyzed to determine their relationship to previous landslides. The results revealed that 17.15% (40.60 km2), 25.53% (60.45 km2), 28.04% (66.39 km2), 18.93% (44.83 km2), and 10.36% (24.54 km2) of the research area falls under no hazard, low hazard, moderate hazard, high hazard, and very high hazard respectively. The validation of the landslide hazard zonation map reveals that 1%, 2%, 3%, and 94% of past landslides fall in no hazard zone, low hazard, moderate hazard zone, and high hazard or very high hazard zones respectively. The validation of the landslide hazard zonation map thus, it has been adequately demonstrated that the adopted approach has produced acceptable results. The defined hazard zones can practically be utilized for land management and infrastructure construction in the study area.

Toxicity of sodium nitrite-based vertebrate pesticides for European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

In the 21st century, invasive animals rank second only to habitat destruction as the greatest threat to global biodiversity. Socially-acceptable and cost-effective strategies are needed to reduce the negative economic and environmental impacts of invasive animals. We investigated the potential for sodium nitrite (SN; CAS 7632-00-0) to serve as an avian toxicant for European starlings (Sturnus vulgarisL.). We also assessed the non-target hazard of an experimental formulation of SN that is being developed as a toxicant for invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofaL.). In gavage experiments with European starlings, we identified a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for mortality of 2.40% technical SN (w/v; 120 mg SN/kg body mass) and a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for mortality of 1.30% technical SN (65 mg/kg). The exposure of ten starlings to the experimental formulation of SN (10% SN pig toxicant) resulted in one starling mortality during four days of exposure to the toxic bait. Sodium nitrite toxicity presented a moderate hazard to European starlings; thus, the future development of SN as an avian toxicant is dependent upon its cost-effectiveness. We discuss the management of toxic effects and non-target hazards of SN for wild birds, including best practices for toxic baiting of vertebrate pests and management of invasive wild pigs.

Identifikasi Bahaya Longsor Lahan di Sebagian Wilayah Poncokusumo dan Wajak Kabupaten Malang

Poncokusumo and Wajak regions are one of the Districts in Malang Regency. Poncokusumo and Wajak have varied land uses, geology and morphogenesis. This physiographic condition has an effect on the increasing threat of landslides. This study aims to determine the level of landslide hazard and its distribution. The method used in the identification of landslide hazards is the scoring method which refers to the 2012 BNPB Head Regulation, Indonesian National Standard number 13-7124-2005, the Indirect Method, and the Indonesian Disaster Risk (RBI) BNPB 2016. The results showed that the geological conditions of the study area were composed of volcanic materials such as lava and lava deposits. This material is loose and unstable. Based on the slope classification, this area consists of flat areas with a slope of 0-8% to steep areas with a slope of> 40%. Based on the morphological conditions, it can be seen that this area is an area prone to landslides. Landslide hazard levels in parts of Poncokusumo and Wajak are low and medium. Low landslide hazard levels are dominated by forest land use. The level of danger of a lonsor is being dominated by the use of residential land. The area with a low hazard level is 860.8 Ha and the area with a moderate hazard level is 365.1 Ha. Keywords: landslide, hazard, GIS

Assessment of the Vulnerability to Agricultural Nitrate in Two Highly Diversified Environmental Settings

A significant rise of groundwater pollution has been registered worldwide, where nitrate has been recognized as the most widespread pollutant. In this context, the groundwater vulnerability assessment and more specifically the delineation of “Nitrate Vulnerable Zones” represents a reliable cost-effective tool for groundwater management. In this study, the Agricultural Nitrate Hazard Index (ANHI) method was applied to two case histories in southern Italy: the Lete River catchment and the eastern sector of the Campania Plain. The first area is characterized by agricultural activities and a low anthropic influence while the eastern part of the Campania Plain, around Caserta city, is strongly urbanized and developed on an extensive alluvial plain filled with volcaniclastic deposits. The parametric method applied suggests moderate hazard for the more natural setting highlighting how the intensive crop farming and livestock activities that characterized the area negatively influenced the results. For the eastern part of the Campania Plain, where a strong urbanization and widespread industrial crops are dominant, a low to very low hazard has been identified. The groundwater quality value, in contrast with the methodology results underlines the importance of further risk evaluations based on accurate aquifer characterization. A multiple year assessment based on land use change and climate variation could further highlights the difference between the study areas.

Biosafety measures for preventing infection from COVID-19 in clinical laboratories: IFCC Taskforce Recommendations

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the third coronavirus outbreak that has emerged in the past 20 years, after severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). One important aspect, highlighted by many global health organizations, is that this novel coronavirus outbreak may be especially hazardous to healthcare personnel, including laboratory professionals. Therefore, the aim of this document, prepared by the COVID-19 taskforce of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC), is to provide a set of recommendations, adapted from official documents of international and national health agencies, on biosafety measures for routine clinical chemistry laboratories that operate at biosafety levels 1 (BSL-1; work with agents posing minimal threat to laboratory workers) and 2 (BSL-2; work with agents associated with human disease which pose moderate hazard). We believe that the interim measures proposed in this document for best practice will help minimazing the risk of developing COVID-19 while working in clinical laboratories.

Hazard Quotient and Bioaccumulation Assessment of 26 Organochlorine Pesticides in Water, Sediment and Fish (Tilapia zilli) Warri River, Niger Delta Region - Southern Nigeria

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances used to destroy, suppress or alter the life cycle of any pest. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been known to resist biodegradation, persist in the environment and thus can concentrate through food chains and produce a significant magnification that can pose severe toxic risk to human health. Bioaccumulation and concentration levels of 26 Organochlorine Pesticides were assessed in water, sediment and fish samples from the Warri River, Nigeria. Samples were collected across the two predominant seasons - rainy and the dry season. The results obtained reveal the presence of 22 of the investigated 26 OCPs in the dry season whereas 19 were detected in the rainy season. Results obtained revealed p,p’-DDT, γ-HCH, and aldrin as the most predominant pesticides detected in the water samples with concentrations of 0.588; 0.160 and 0.092 μg/L, respectively. γ-HCH, p’-DDD and aldrin (29.00; 23.00 and 22.00 ng/g, respectively) for the sediment samples. The most predominant contaminants in the fish samples were HCB, o,p’-DDT, γ-HCH (60.00; 29.00 and 27.00 ng/g, respectively). The Hazard Quotient (HQ) analysis was carried out on the fish samples collected revealed factors of 1.34 to 3.17 indicating a moderate hazard while the Bioaccumulation Index (BI) was found to be below 1 indicating their suitability for consumption. However, the risk of toxicity and bioaccumulation arising from long-term consumption of the OCP-contaminated fish may still exist.

Kajian Bahaya Kebakaran Hutan di Kabupaten Nganjuk

ABSTRACTThe Nganjuk District is mostly planted by forests, both protection forests and production forests with a total area of 20 333.00 ha. Forest and land fires often occur in Nganjuk District, which causes economic and environmental losses. Forest and land fires often cause haze disasters that can disrupt the activities and health of surrounding communities. The forest and land fire hazard map is needed. Making a forest and land fire hazard map of Nganjuk District is carried out with consideration of various parameters, namely: rainfall, land use, altitude, and type of forest. The analysis was carried out using spatial analysis with a scoring system of influential parameters, and from the results of the analysis 3 (three) classifications of fire hazard-prone areas were determined, namely: high hazard, moderate hazard, and low hazard. The five (5) biggest sub-districts included in the forest and high land fire hazard zones in Nganjuk District are the sub-districts: Rejoso, Lengkong, Ngluyu, Gondang, and Jatikalen. Zoning maps of forest and land fire hazards in Nganjuk District are urgently needed in the framework of mitigation, adaptation and disaster management of forest and land fires, as well as sustainable development planning in Nganjuk District. Keywords: Nganjuk, forest and land fires, hazard zone map, mitigation. ABSTRAKKawasan Kabupaten Nganjuk hutan banyak ditumbuhi oleh hutan, baik hutan lindung maupun hutan produksi dengan luas total 20 333.00 ha. Kebakaran hutan dan lahan sering terjadi di Kabupaten Nganjuk, yang menyebabkan kerugian ekonomi dan lingkungan. Kebakaran hutan dan lahan seringkali menyebabkan bencana asap yang dapat mengganggu aktivitas dan kesehatan masyarakat sekitar. Peta zonasi bahaya kebakaran hutan dan lahan sangat diperlukan. Pembuatan peta bahaya kebakaran hutan dan lahan Kabupaten Nganjuk dilakukan dengan pertimbangan berbagai parameter, yaitu: curah hujan, tataguna lahan, ketinggian tempat, dan jenis hutan. Analisis dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisis spasial dengan sistem skoring dari parameter yang berpengaruh, dan dari hasil analisis akan ditetapkan 3 (tiga) klasifikasi daerah rawan bahaya kebakaran yaitu: bahaya tinggi, bahaya sedang, dan bahaya rendah. Lima (5) kecamatan terbesar yang termasuk zona bahaya kebakaran hutan dan lahan tinggi di Kabupaten Nganjuk adalah kecamatan-kecamatan: Rejoso, Lengkong, Ngluyu, Gondang, dan Jatikalen. Peta zonasi bahaya kebakaran hutan dan lahan di Kabupaten Nganjuk sangat diperlukan dalam rangka mitigasi, adaptasi dan penanggulangan bencana kebakaran hutan dan lahan, serta perencanaan pembangunan berkelanjutan di Kabupaten Nganjuk. Kata kunci: Nganjuk, kebakaran hutan dan lahan, peta zonasi bahaya, mitigasi.