Basel Area Research Articles

“But at home, with the midwife, you are a person”: experiences and impact of a new early postpartum home-based midwifery care model in the view of women in vulnerable family situations

BackgroundPostpartum home-based midwifery care is covered by basic health insurance in Switzerland for all families with newborns but must be self-organized. To ensure access for all, Familystart, a network of self-employed midwives, launched a new care model in 2012 by ensuring the transition from hospital to home through cooperation with maternity hospitals in the Basel area. It has particularly improved the access to follow-up care for families in vulnerable situations needing support beyond basic services. In 2018, the SORGSAM (Support at the Start of Life) project was initiated by Familystart to enhance parental resources for better postpartum health outcomes for mothers and children through offering improved assistance to psychosocially and economically disadvantaged families. First, midwives have access to first-line telephone support to discuss challenging situations and required actions. Second, the SORGSAM hardship fund provides financial compensation to midwives for services not covered by basic health insurance. Third, women receive financial emergency support from the hardship fund.AimThe aim was to explore how women living in vulnerable family situations experienced the new early postpartum home-based midwifery care model provided in the context of the SORGSAM project, and how they experienced its impact.MethodsFindings are reported from the qualitative part of the mixed-methods evaluation of the SORGSAM project. They are based on the results of seven semi-structured interviews with women who, due to a vulnerable family postpartum situation at home, received the SORGSAM support. Data were analyzed following thematic analysis.ResultsInterviewed women experienced the early postpartum care at home, as “relieving and strengthening” in that midwives coordinated patient care that opened up access to appropriate community-based support services. The mothers expressed that they felt a reduction in stress, an increase in resilience, enhanced mothering skills, and greater parental resources. These were attributed to familiar and trusting relationships with their midwives where participants acknowledged deep gratitude.ConclusionThe findings show the high acceptance of the new early postpartum midwifery care model. These indicate how such a care model can improve the well-being of women in vulnerable family situations and may prevent early chronic stress in children.

Reference values for accelerometer metrics and associations with cardiorespiratory fitness: a prospective cohort study of healthy adults and patients with heart failure

Reference values for accelerometer metrics and associations with cardiorespiratory fitness: a prospective cohort study of healthy adults and patients with heart failure

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a tri-national urban area is dominated by a B.1 lineage variant linked to a mass gathering event.

The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Basel, Switzerland was detected on February 26th 2020. We present a phylogenetic study to explore viral introduction and evolution during the exponential early phase of the local COVID-19 outbreak from February 26th until March 23rd. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 naso-oropharyngeal swabs from 746 positive tests that were performed at the University Hospital Basel during the study period. We successfully generated 468 high quality genomes from unique patients and called variants with our COVID-19 Pipeline (COVGAP), and analysed viral genetic diversity using PANGOLIN taxonomic lineages. To identify introduction and dissemination events we incorporated global SARS-CoV-2 genomes and inferred a time-calibrated phylogeny. Epidemiological data from patient questionnaires was used to facilitate the interpretation of phylogenetic observations. The early outbreak in Basel was dominated by lineage B.1 (83·6%), detected first on March 2nd, although the first sample identified belonged to B.1.1. Within B.1, 68·2% of our samples fall within a clade defined by the SNP C15324T (‘Basel cluster’), including 157 identical sequences at the root of the ‘Basel cluster’, some of which we can specifically trace to regional spreading events. We infer the origin of B.1-C15324T to mid-February in our tri-national region. The other genomes map broadly over the global phylogenetic tree, showing several introduction events from and/or dissemination to other regions of the world via travellers. Family transmissions can also be traced in our data. A single lineage variant dominated the outbreak in the Basel area while other lineages, such as the first (B.1.1), did not propagate. A mass gathering event was the predominant initial source of cases, with travel returners and family transmissions to a lesser extent. We highlight the importance of adding specific questions to epidemiological questionnaires, to obtain data on attendance of large gatherings and their locations, as well as travel history, to effectively identify routes of transmissions in up-coming outbreaks. This phylogenetic analysis in concert with epidemiological and contact tracing data, allows connection and interpretation of events, and can inform public health interventions.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04351503.

Method to Estimate above Ground Biomass and Carbon Stock of Artocarpus heterophyllus in Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background: A recent study was conducted to evaluate tree volume, biomass, and carbon stock in Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia in the mixed plantation of Artocarpus heterophyllus. Forest acts as a source or sinks for atmospheric CO2 to catches from the atmosphere in different carbon pools by trees in a forest. It was improperly managed and Illegal activities were done. Methods: Sample trees were selected by a simple random sampling method in the study site and the elevation was recorded by GPS. Each sample tree height, diameter at (DBH) point, and crown cover were measured as a source of primary source data. Data were analyzed statistically and results were composed in excel, Sigma Plot, and Past software. Results: The results of the conducted study are, average tree basel area was 0.00063 ± 0.00016 m2, while tree volume was 0.0039 ± 0.0017 m3, although the average total tree biomass was 0.0033 ± 0.0014 tons. Still, the mean carbon stock was 0.0016 ± 0.00071 tons, and the average absorb CO2 was 0.0060 ± 0.0026 tons. The results also concluded, tree basel areas have a strong positive correlation with tree volume, the value of R2 is 0.9088, while for stem biomass and R2 value is 0.9966. The correlation of total biomass with a carbon stock and R2 is 1.000 while the correlation with absorbing carbon dioxide and R2 is 1.000. Objectives: Aims of the study to estimate the volume, stem, and total biomass, carbon stock, and absorb carbon dioxide and to expose the impact of basal area on tree volume and stem biomass and total biomass on carbon stocks and absorb carbon dioxide. The study concluded that it is needed to have Proper scientific management and proper utilization it can be significant measures to enhance the potential to stored and sink more carbon and control illegal activities.

Air-conditioner cooling towers as complex reservoirs and continuous source of Legionella pneumophila infection evidenced by a genomic analysis study in 2017, Switzerland.

IntroductionWater supply and air-conditioner cooling towers (ACCT) are potential sources of Legionella pneumophila infection in people. During outbreaks, traditional typing methods cannot sufficiently segregate L. pneumophila strains to reliably trace back transmissions to these artificial water systems. Moreover, because multiple L. pneumophila strains may be present within these systems, methods to adequately distinguish strains are needed. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), with their higher resolution are helpful in this respect. In summer 2017, the health administration of the city of Basel detected an increase of L. pneumophila infections compared with previous months, signalling an outbreak.AimWe aimed to identify L. pneumophila strains populating suspected environmental sources of the outbreak, and to assess the relations between these strains and clinical outbreak strains.MethodsAn epidemiological and WGS-based microbiological investigation was performed, involving isolates from the local water supply and two ACCTs (n = 60), clinical outbreak and non-outbreak related isolates from 2017 (n = 8) and historic isolates from 2003–2016 (n = 26).ResultsIn both ACCTs, multiple strains were found. Phylogenetic analysis of the ACCT isolates showed a diversity of a few hundred allelic differences in cgMLST. Furthermore, two isolates from one ACCT showed no allelic differences to three clinical isolates from 2017. Five clinical isolates collected in the Basel area in the last decade were also identical in cgMLST to recent isolates from the two ACCTs.ConclusionCurrent outbreak-related and historic isolates were linked to ACCTs, which form a complex environmental habitat where strains are conserved over years.

Discovery and Characterization of Mycobacterium basiliense sp. nov., a Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Isolated From Human Lungs.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Mycobacterium are predominantly responsible for pulmonary diseases; most notably Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes granulomatous pulmonary infections. Here we describe a novel slow growing mycobacterial species isolated from respiratory samples from five patients, four with underlying pulmonary disease. The isolates were characterized by biochemical and molecular techniques, including whole genome sequencing. Biochemical characteristics generally match those of M. marinum and M. ulcerans; however, the most striking difference of the new species is its ability to grow at 37°C. The new species was found to grow in human macrophages, but not amoebae, suggesting a pathogenic rather than an environmental lifestyle. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a deep-rooting relationship to M. marinum and M. ulcerans. A complete genome sequence was obtained through combining short and long-read sequencing, providing a genome of 5.6 Mb. The genome appears to be highly intact, syntenic with that of M. marinum, with very few insertion sequences. A vast array of virulence factors includes 283 PE/PPE surface-associated proteins, making up 10% of the coding capacity, and 22 non-ribosomal peptide synthase clusters. A comparison of six clinical isolates from the five patients shows that they differ by up to two single nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting a common source of infection. Our findings are in accordance with the recognition of a new taxonomic entity. We propose the name M. basiliense, as all isolates were found in patients from the Basel area of Switzerland.

Effect of E-Bike Versus Bike Commuting on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Overweight Adults: A 4-Week Randomized Pilot Study.

To assess if active commuting with an electrically assisted bicycle (e-bike) during a 4-week period can induce increases in cardiorespiratory fitness measured as peak oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) in untrained, overweight individuals, and if these changes are comparable with those induced by a conventional bicycle. Four-week randomized pilot study. Controlled laboratory. Thirty-two volunteers (28 men) participated. Seventeen {median age 37 years [interquartile range (IQR) 34, 45], median body mass index [BMI] 29 kg/m [IQR 27, 31]} were randomized to the E-Bike group and 15 [median age 43 years (IQR 38, 45), median BMI 28 kg/m (IQR 26, 29)] to the Bike group. Participants in both groups were instructed to use the bicycle allocated to them (e-bike or conventional bicycle) for an active commute to work in the Basel (Switzerland) area at a self-chosen speed on at least 3 days per week during the 4-week intervention period. V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak was assessed before and after the intervention in an all-out exercise test on a bicycle ergometer. V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak increased by an average of 3.6 mL/(kg·min) [SD 3.6 mL/(kg·min)] in the E-Bike group and by 2.2 mL/(kg·min) [SD 3.5 mL/(kg·min)] in the Bike group, with an adjusted difference between the 2 groups of 1.4 mL/(kg·min) [95% confidence interval, -1.4-4.1; P = 0.327]. E-bikes may have the potential to improve cardiorespiratory fitness similar to conventional bicycles despite the available power assist, as they enable higher biking speeds and greater elevation gain.

Lithosphere strain rate and stress field orientations near the Alpine arc in Switzerland

In this study we test whether principal components of the strain rate and stress tensors align within Switzerland. We find that 1) Helvetic Nappes line (HNL) is the relevant tectonic boundary to define different domains of crustal stress/surface strain rates orientations and 2) orientations of T- axes (of moment tensor solutions) and long-term asthenosphere cumulative finite strain (from SKS shear wave splitting) are consistent at the scale of the Alpine arc in Switzerland. At a more local scale, we find that seismic activity and surface deformation are in agreement but in three regions (Basel, Swiss Jura and Ticino); possibly because of the low levels of deformation and/or seismicity. In the Basel area, deep seismicity exists while surface deformation is absent. In the Ticino and the Swiss Jura, where seismic activity is close to absent, surface deformation is detected at a level of ~2 10−8/yr (~6.3 10−16/s).

Reorganisation of the Triassic stratigraphic nomenclature of northern Switzerland: overview and the new Dinkelberg, Kaiseraugst and Zeglingen formations

In the context of the harmonisation of the Swiss stratigraphic scheme (HARMOS project), the stratigraphic nomenclature of the Triassic sedimentary succession of northern Switzerland has been reorganised to six formations (from base to top): Dinkelberg, Kaiseraugst, Zeglingen, Schinznach, Bankerjoch, and Klettgau Formation. The first three are formally introduced in this paper. The Dinkelberg Formation (formerly «Buntsandstein») encompasses the siliciclastic, mainly fluvial to coastal marine sediments of Olenekian to early Anisian age. The formation is some 100 m thick in the Basel area and wedges out towards southeast. The Kaiseraugst Formation (formerly «Wellengebirge») comprises fossiliferous siliciclastic and carbonate sediments documenting a marine transgressive—regressive episode in early Anisian time. It starts with sandstone, dolomite, continues with subtidal limestone and marl and ends with bituminous shale and supratidal dolomite. Thickness decreases from approximately 50 m in the High Rhine area to 10 m in the south and east. In the Lake Constance area, a transition to the siliciclastic marginal facies of the Vindelician High (Eschenbach Formation in Germany) is documented by borehole evidence. The Zeglingen Formation (formerly «Anhydritgruppe») documents a regressive marine evaporitic megacycle during the Illyrian (late Anisian). At most places, except in far eastern Switzerland, it starts with massive halite deposits. It continues with sulfate and marl sequences and ends with littoral stromatolitic dolomite. In the WSW–ENE trending depot centre total formation thickness is 150 m and more, and thickness of salt layers reaches up to 100 m. In the High Rhine area, the thickness is reduced due to subrecent subrosion. At some places evidence points to syn- to early-post-diagenetic erosion. For practical reasons, the six formations are organised in three lithostratigraphic groups: Buntsandstein Group (with the Dinkelberg Formation), Muschelkalk Group (combining the Kaiseraugst, Zeglingen and Schinznach Formations) and Keuper Group (combining the Bankerjoch and Klettgau Formations).

Understanding relational aspects of shared decision-making in gynaecology: A qualitative analysis of patients’ and physicians’ perspectives as well as clinical consultations

Rationale, aims and objectives: Following increased interest in the complexity of relational aspects of shared decision-making (SDM), this study traces the meanings and practices of the ways decisions are shared in clinical encounters within gynaecology. Methods: Guided by grounded theory, we analysed semi-structured interviews with 18 patients and 11 physicians as well as 33 observed consultations from 6 gynaecological outpatient care settings, selected by maximum variety sampling in the Basel area of Switzerland. Results: The results show how clinicians and patients co-produce different meanings and practices regarding decision-making across various care settings. Although female and male clinicians equally engaged in reciprocal bonds with patients in the decision-making process, the nature of these bonds differed and patients attributed gendered and different emotional meanings to decision-making. Shared decision-making was only advocated in female physician/female patient constellations, grounded in ‘being in reciprocal exchange’ due to sameness in gender and displayed as a means for creating closeness, empathy and support. In male physician/female patient constellations, the reciprocal bond was constructed upon unequal distribution of medical knowledge with patients favouring direct medical advice. However, whether patients felt supported in decision-making processes rather seemed to depend upon the continuity of clinical relationships than on the decision-making practices or care setting. Conclusion: By integrating different perspectives, insights into the complexity of relational aspects of SDM in gynaecology were obtained. Emotional meanings and practices of SDM differ according to gender constellations, care settings and continuity of clinical relationships.

High-precision relocation and focal mechanism of the injection-induced seismicity at the Basel EGS

In early December 2006, a massive fluid injection was carried out at 5km depth below the city of Basel, Switzerland, for geothermal reservoir enhancement. During the six-day stimulation, approximately 13,000 induced microearthquakes were detected by a borehole network. The largest of the induced earthquakes, which had a magnitude of ML 3.4, was strongly felt in the Basel area and led to the termination of the project after only six days of stimulation. We analyzed the approximately 3500 locatable events of this induced earthquake sequence, which is one of the most densely monitored deep fluid-injections in the world. The seismic monitoring system consisted of six borehole seismometers at depths between 300m and 2700m near the injection well and of numerous surface stations in the Basel area. In this article, we report on the analysis of the sequence using exclusively data from the down-hole instruments. We show how a refinement of arrival time picks by cross-correlation techniques and subsequent high-precision relocations lead to significant improvements of the hypocenter locations compared to routinely applied manual procedures. We also analyze focal mechanisms determined from both first-motion polarities and amplitudes of signals recorded by the borehole sensors alone and compare the results to the focal mechanisms of the larger events recorded also by the surface networks. Our findings indicate that the induced sequence consists to a large part of repeating earthquakes that repeatedly rupture the same fault patches, and that the activated seismogenic structure is not a single fault plane but a heterogeneous fault zone.

Simulation of NO2 commute exposure – Investigation of its contribution to total exposure and comparison of air pollution models

Background: Little is known about the commute exposure to traffic-related air pollution of a general population and its contribution to total daily exposure. Aims: Our aim is to estimate population based NO2 exposure during commute in Basel, Switzerland, using detailed information on commute behavior and commute route and three air pollution models of varying spatial resolutions. Methods: Firstly, trips between home and work places are simulated by means of a Geographic Information System model using extensive time-activity information from the Swiss 2010 Microcensus database, which provides temporally and spatially resolved data on travel behavior. Secondly, exposure to air pollution is estimated by combining the commute patterns and home and work locations with estimates from air pollution models. Thirdly, the contribution of time-weighted commute exposure to annual NO2 estimates is assessed. Simulating variations of commute patterns (e.g. avoiding main roads) allows us to test scenarios of change in commute behavior on exposure distribution. Finally, three air pollution models (land use regression model, a high and low resolution dispersion model) are evaluated for estimating commute and total NO2 exposures as a marker of traffic-related air pollution in epidemiological exposure assessment studies. Results: The main mode of travel to work in Basel was public transport (52%), followed by car (18%) and bike (17%).Within the Basel area, the average daily time spent in transit between home and work locations was 52 ±37min. Our first results reveal significantly higher average NO2 concentrations during commute (28.2µg/m³, range: 11.6-54.5µg/m³) than at home outdoor locations (25.5µg/m³, range: 11.8-43.4µg/m³). Conclusions: The results will be further examined and contribution of commute to total daily exposure will be quantified. The study will contribute to a better understanding of population commute exposure to NO2 and its relevance in long-term epidemiological exposure assessments.

Spatial distribution of PAH concentrations and stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N) in mosses from three European areas – Characterization by multivariate analysis

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and N, C stable isotope signatures were determined in mosses Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. from 61 sites of 3 European regions: Île-de-France (France); Navarra (Spain); the Swiss Plateau and Basel area (Switzerland). Total PAH concentrations of 100–700 ng g−1, as well as δ13C values of −32 to −29‰ and δ15N values of −11 to −3‰ were measured. Pearson correlation tests revealed opposite trends between high molecular weight PAH (4–6 aromatic rings) content and δ13C values. Partial Least Square regressions explained the very significant correlations (r > 0.91, p < 0.001) between high molecular weight PAH concentrations by local urban land use (<10 km) and environmental factors such as elevation and pluviometry. Finally, specific correlations between heavy metal and PAH concentrations were attributed to industrial emissions in Switzerland and road traffic emissions in Spain.

Low Usutu virusseroprevalence in four zoological gardens in central Europe

BackgroundUsutu virus (USUV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic group, caused bird die-offs in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland between 2001 and 2009. While the zoological gardens of Vienna and Zurich recorded USUV-associated mortality in different species of birds during this period, incidences in Budapest were limited to areas outside the zoo, and in the greater Basel area avian mortality due to USUV infection was not observed at all. The objectives of this investigation were to gain insight into USUV infection dynamics in captive birds in zoos with varying degrees of virus exposure and to study differences in susceptibility to USUV of different species of birds.Results372 bird sera were collected between October 2006 and August 2007. The samples were tested in parallel by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and 90% plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT-90). 8.75%, 5.3% and 6.59% of birds in the zoos of Vienna, Zurich and Basel, respectively, showed USUV-specific antibodies by PRNT-90. No antibodies to USUV were detected in birds of the Budapest zoo. The order Strigiformes (owls) exhibited the highest USUV-seroprevalence, compared to other orders of birds.ConclusionsUSUV seems not to pose an imminent threat to zoo bird populations in central Europe at the moment. Depending on a variety of especially environmental factors, however, this may change at any time in the (near) future, as experienced with West Nile virus (WNV). It is therefore strongly suggested to continue with combined WNV and USUV surveillance activities in affected areas.

Contrasting the Footloose Company: Social Capital, Organizational Fields and Culture

In this article, we build on the discussion in economic sociology literature about the embeddedness of economic actions. We argue that the idea of a “footloose” company (a business whose performance is relatively independent of location decisions) is based on a simplified understanding of the social embeddedness of companies. An organizational field approach offers an appropriate theoretical framework in which recent developments of economic sociology and regional studies can be integrated. We depict the concepts of regional (organizational) fields, social capital and culture as an analytical triangle for empirical investigations of the embeddedness of companies. Then, we apply and test the theoretical framework in an analysis of four regions investigated in the “Corporate Culture and Regional Embededness” project (Basel area, East Westphalia-Lippe, the Southeast Netherlands and the Györ region). From the empirical cases, we find strong support for the hypothesis that cultural embeddedness and long-term engagement within regions provide an added value for companies. This holds for companies with traditional roots in a region as well as for companies that are based within a region but are originally from outside. In the empirical cases, several manifestations of regional embeddedness can be distinguished.

A model for radiofrequency electromagnetic field predictions at outdoor and indoor locations in the context of epidemiological research

We present a geospatial model to predict the radiofrequency electromagnetic field from fixed site transmitters for use in epidemiological exposure assessment. The proposed model extends an existing model toward the prediction of indoor exposure, that is, at the homes of potential study participants. The model is based on accurate operation parameters of all stationary transmitters of mobile communication base stations, and radio broadcast and television transmitters for an extended urban and suburban region in the Basel area (Switzerland). The model was evaluated by calculating Spearman rank correlations and weighted Cohen's kappa (kappa) statistics between the model predictions and measurements obtained at street level, in the homes of volunteers, and in front of the windows of these homes. The correlation coefficients of the numerical predictions with street level measurements were 0.64, with indoor measurements 0.66, and with window measurements 0.67. The kappa coefficients were 0.48 (95%-confidence interval: 0.35-0.61) for street level measurements, 0.44 (95%-CI: 0.32-0.57) for indoor measurements, and 0.53 (95%-CI: 0.42-0.65) for window measurements. Although the modeling of shielding effects by walls and roofs requires considerable simplifications of a complex environment, we found a comparable accuracy of the model for indoor and outdoor points.

Seismic source characterization of the Alpine foreland in the context of a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis by PEGASOS Expert Group 1 (EG1a)

Seismic source characterization is performed as part of the PEGASOS project for the assessment of the seismic hazard at the 4 sites of the Swiss Nuclear Power Plants. The analysis is performed according to the Level 4 procedures for expert elicitation defined in the guidelines of the US Nuclear Regulatory Committee whereby the quantification of uncertainties plays a crucial role. According to our analysis, which is one amongst four that were performed in the frame of PEGASOS, the most important epistemic uncertainty is related to the question as to weather basement-rooted faults at the margins of pre-existing Permo-Carboniferous troughs are prone for compressive or transpressive reactivation under the present-day stress field or not. The question after the present-day style of deformation in the Alpine foreland (thick-skinned versus thin-skinned) is closely related to this key question. Together with the consideration of uncertainties regarding the mapping of seismogenic zones and/or line sources alternative zonations are presented in form of a logic tree with 21 branches. Area sources play a predominant role in the working area located at the margin of a diffuse plate boundary. Earthquake recurrence relationships are discussed by taking into account a series of uncertainties. These concern the evaluation of b-values and the evaluation of a-values once the b-values were fixed. Both parameters in the Gutenberg-Richter law are based on non-perfect and incomplete catalogue data that were carefully analysed beforehand. Since PEGASOS demanded an analysis of annual probabilities down to one event in 107 years, the question after the value of the maximum possible earthquake magnitude M max and related error in M max estimates plays a crucial role. We estimate M max by using geological as well as statistical methods. M max = 6.9 cannot be excluded in most areas, in the Basel area M max = 7.3 is possible. Uncertainties in a, b and M max are again discussed in form of a logic tree, this time with 18 branches. Hence the final logic tree has 378 branches and represents the seismic source characterization input into PSHA that takes account of all uncertainties we are aware of.

The false Basel earthquake of May 12, 1021

The Basel (CH) area is a place with an increased seismic hazard. Consequently, it is essential to scrutinize a famous statement by Stumpf (Gemeiner loblicher Eydgnoschafft Stetten, Landen und Völckeren Chronikwirdiger thaaten beschreybung. Durch Johann Stumpffen beschriben, 1548) that allegedly a large earthquake took place in Basel in 1021. This can be disproved unambiguously by applying historical and philosophical methods.

Deterministic earthquake scenario for the Basel area: Simulating strong motions and site effects for Basel, Switzerland

The Basel earthquake of 18 October 1356 is considered one of the most serious earthquakes in Europe in recent centuries (I0 = IX, M ≈ 6.5–6.9). In this paper we present ground motion simulations for earthquake scenarios for the city of Basel and its vicinity. The numerical modeling combines the finite extent pseudodynamic and kinematic source models with complex local structure in a two‐step hybrid three‐dimensional (3‐D) finite difference (FD) method. The synthetic seismograms are accurate in the frequency band 0–2.2 Hz. The 3‐D FD is a linear explicit displacement formulation using an irregular rectangular grid including topography. The finite extent rupture model is adjacent to the free surface because the fault has been recognized through trenching on the Reinach fault. We test two source models reminiscent of past earthquakes (the 1999 Athens and the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake) to represent Mw ≈ 5.9 and Mw ≈ 6.5 events that occur approximately to the south of Basel. To compare the effect of the same wave field arriving at the site from other directions, we considered the same sources placed east and west of the city. The local structural model is determined from the area's recently established P and S wave velocity structure and includes topography. The selected earthquake scenarios show strong ground motion amplification with respect to a bedrock site, which is in contrast to previous 2‐D simulations for the same area. In particular, we found that the edge effects from the 3‐D structural model depend strongly on the position of the earthquake source within the modeling domain.

Stand Dynamics and Plant Associates of Loblolly Pine Plantations to Midrotation after Early Intensive Vegetation Management—A Southeastern United States Regional Study

Abstract Increasingly, pine plantations worldwide are grown using early control of woody and/or herbaceous vegetation. Assured sustainable practices require long-term data on pine plantation development detailing patterns and processes to understand both crop-competition dynamics and the role of stand participants in providing multiple attributes such as biodiversity conservation and wildlife habitat. This study examined loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations across 13 southeastern sites grown for 15 yr with near-complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous components during the first 3–5 yr compared to no plant control. This multiple objective experiment (the COMProject) documents stand dynamics at the extreme corners of a response surface that encompasses most conditions of woody and herbaceous competition common to pine plantations in the region. This is the first of two companion reports. After 15 yr, patterns of stand development remained significantly altered by early control treatments and were influenced most by the amounts of hardwoods and shrubs present or controlled. Herbaceous components were more similar across the region. Associated plants in these plantations included 68 species of trees, 33 species/genera of shrubs, and 140 genera of herbaceous and semiwoody plants, woody vines, clubmoss, and ground lichen—241 total taxa or an estimated 490 total species—more richness than previously reported or assumed. Hardwood rootstock numbers were on average maintained at fairly constant levels from yr 1–15 when not controlled, with no initial lag phase evident for reestablishment, indicating prior stand origin. Dynamics of associated vegetation were significantly altered with woody control initially increasing herbaceous cover, while herbaceous control increased hardwood cover and decreased shrub cover. After early herbaceous control, hardwood basel area (BA) was increased by an average of 28%. After rapid early colonization, herbaceous plants began to decline on all treatments about yr 8 as pine and/or hardwood canopy cover reached a total of 50–60%, while woody vines continued to increase. By age 15, plant component richness remained significantly changed by early treatments at all locations, most notably fewer tree species after early woody control. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):221–236.