Province Of Madrid Research Articles

Discrete-Event Simulation Models for Assessing Incidents in Railway Systems

This paper presents a discrete event simulation model developed with a commercial environment. A modular approach is adopted, which facilitates building models for different railway systems. A key feature of this simulator is that it simultaneously models train movements and passenger behavior. The simulator has been used to assess two different policies when short incidents occur. Incidents are characterized by different factors, which are analyzed for both policies. A case-study is presented based on a subsystem of the commuter train network of the province of Madrid in Spain.

The Relative Contribution of Health Status and Quality of Life Domains in Subjective Health in Old Age

To analyze the influence of different health status dimensions and quality of life (QoL) domains on older adults’ subjective health, and to assess the role that residential satisfaction plays in these relationships. A QoL survey was conducted on a representative sample of the community-dwelling older adult population in Madrid province (Spain). Logistic regression models were applied to studying: the health status dimensions associated with satisfaction with health; the relationship between satisfaction with health and other QoL domains; and, the influence of these domains on satisfaction with life. Sociodemographic and residential characteristics were included in all the models. The determinants of satisfaction with health in the first model were: mobility, usual activities, morbidity, and satisfaction with neighborhood. QoL domains associated with health were: leisure activities, neighborhood, and finances. Satisfaction with life was explained by these three domains, along with age, family and health. In sum, leisure, neighborhood, and finances showed a positive effect on satisfaction with health and with life.

Seasonal trends and spatial relations between environmental/meteorological factors and leishmaniosis sand fly vector abundances in Central Spain

This paper reports on an entomological survey performed over the period 2006–2008 in Central Spain (mainly in the Madrid province) where canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is endemic. The study area was selected on the grounds of its wide altitude range, which determines both broad climate and vegetation ranges that could affect sand fly distributions. This area was surveyed from NE to SW across its mountain range (Sistema Central) and plateau area using sticky traps mainly on embankments. In 2006 and 2007, 123 sites were sampled (9557 sand flies captured) to establish possible relations between environmental or meteorological factors and vector densities ( Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus ariasi). The factors correlated with higher vector densities were: a sample site between villages or at the edge of a village, the lack of a paved road, a rural habitat, an east or south-facing wall or wall sheltered from the wind, the presence of livestock or birds, a holm-oak wood vegetation, a lower summer mean temperature and lower annual mean precipitation. This study was followed by a seasonal survey conducted at 16 selected sites (14,353 sand flies) sampled them monthly from May to November 2008. P. perniciosus showed a diphasic seasonal trend with two abundance peaks in July and September whereas P. ariasi showed a monophasic trend with one peak in August. Comparing with data from studies performed in 1991 in the same area, vector densities are significantly higher. A possible explanation for this is that the vectors (mainly P. ariasi) are moving towards higher altitudes perhaps because of global change. This increasing trend could have an impact on CanL and its geographical distribution.

High spatial resolution images for the analysis of the spatial structure of Pinus pinaster Aiton stands in Madrid (Spain)

This paper analyses the spatial structure of the Pinus pinaster Aiton stands within Madrid province (Central Spain) by means of high spatial resolution images, as well as the relationship between texture indexes obtained from variograms, and dasometric features of forest stands. In order to carry out this research, some orthophotographs and an IKONOS satellite image were used. All these images corresponded to locations of the Spanish National Forest Inventory (NFI) sample plots for the species of interest. Image analysis was based on geostatistic tools and particularly on the variogram. Experimental variograms were calculated using the different data sets. The following step consisted on fitting mathematical functions to them in order to produce ideal variograms. These models were used to extract a set of variogram variables that might be useful for characterizing forest stands at different spatial resolutions. As a result, some significant relationships between variogram parameters and dasometric variables were found, but of limited predictive power. The latter reveals the diff iculties in applying such methodology when working on complex topographies and spatially heterogeneous forests as the Mediterranean.

Occurrence of pharmaceutically active compounds in surface waters of the henares-jarama-tajo river system (madrid, spain) and a potential risk characterization

The Henares-Jarama-Tajo river system is the largest drainage basin in the Province of Madrid, Spain. This area is characterized by the presence of intensive urban and industrial activities influenced by a continental Mediterranean climate with rainfalls presenting substantial fluctuations along the different seasons. This research aimed to monitor seasonal variations in concentrations of 22 pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in this river system and to establish the potential risk of sublethal effects on aquatic organisms. A total of 10 sampling sites were selected along the river system with samples collected in each of the four seasons during a year-round schedule. Most of the PhACs detected were present in sampling sites downstream in the vicinity of the most populated cities (i.e. Madrid, Guadalajara and Alcalá de Henares). Only two PhACs, fluoxetine and paraxantine, were detected in all sites regardless of the season, and showed median (± interquartile range) concentrations of 21.4 (± 31.2) ng L - 1 and 8.5 (± 5.3) ng L - 1 , respectively. Other PhACs were detected with a frequency > 80% and included, caffeine, diphenylhydantoin, hydrochlorotiazide, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, atenolol, naproxen, carbamazepine and propanolol. Seasonal variations were observed with the highest concentrations in December and the lowest in September. By combining measured environmental concentrations with toxicity data (either publicly available or obtained experimentally in our laboratory), and by calculating an Maximum Risk Index (MaxRI) that each combination of PhACs should have for non exceeding the risk threshold, a high potential for long-term risk (MaxRI < 10) was estimated for most of the sampling sites and sampling dates. This research allowed the characterization of the potential risk for each of the PhACs to exert sublethal effects on aquatic organisms using acute screening methods, justifying the need for chronic data in order to refine the risk of these compounds to aquatic organisms.

Determination of hexabromocyclododecane isomers in sewage sludge by LC‐MS/MS

A method has been developed to determine alpha, beta and gamma diastereoisomers of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a brominated flame retardant, in sewage sludge, based on the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) of samples with dichloromethane-ACN (1:1) and the subsequent clean-up of extracts by dispersive solid phase extraction with primary-secondary amine. Levels of HBCD diastereoisomers were determined by LC coupled with ESI MS/MS. Evaluation of the matrix effect showed a high ion suppression for all the diastereoisomers studied, which was counteracted by using a mixture of labelled HBCD diastereoisomers as internal standards. This method yielded recoveries in the range of 79.6-112.5% with SDs equal or lower than 9.1 The limits of detection were 0.3 ng/g for alpha- and beta-HBCD and 0.2 ng/g for gamma-HBCD. The developed method was successfully applied to 19 sludge samples collected from the province of Madrid (Spain). In most of the samples, beta-HBCD was below the method detection limit, whereas alpha- and gamma-HBCD were quantified in all of the sludge samples, and gamma-HBCD was the predominant diastereoisomer in 63% of the analyzed samples and alpha-HBCD predominated in the rest.

New data on the Moschidae (Mammalia, Ruminantia) from the upper Miocene of Spain (Mn 10–Mn 11)

ABSTRACT New data on the last representatives of the Spanish Miocene Moschidae (Mammalia, Ruminantia) are presented and discussed. A new species of Micromeryx, Micromeryx soriae, is described on the basis of fossil material from the locality of La Roma-2 (upper Vallesian; MN 10, Teruel province, Spain, previously assigned to Micromeryx sp.), Batallones-1, and Batallones-10 (upper Vallesian; local zone J, MN 10, Madrid province, Spain). The new species is characterized by possessing relatively hypsodont lower molars of advanced morphology and a unique type of Palaeomeryx-fold. M. soriae gives insight to the last representatives of the genus, which achieved an overall lower molar morphology that mimics to certain degree that of Hispanomeryx. several characters of the upper molars of the Miocene moschids Micromeryx and Hispanomeryx are described that are useful for characterizing both genera. These characters are used to solve the taxonomic problems of PM-659, an upper molar from Puente Minero (MN 11, Teruel province, Spain) that represents one of the last survivors of the Moschidae in the Iberian Peninsula. The systematic utility of the upper molars of Hispanomeryx and Micromeryx is demonstrated, and the use of size as the only way to distinguish between the two genera is refuted. Finally, the study of the morphological characters of PM-659 clearly supports its generic change from Micromeryx sp. to Hispanomeryx sp., thus recording the presence of Hispanomeryx in the Iberian Peninsula as late as the lower Turolian.

Comparación del coste de la incapacidad temporal por contingencia común en 2006 entre las provincias de Barcelona y Madrid

Sickness absence due to non work-related conditions is a major public health issue with important socio-economic implications, and is not homogenously distributed in Spain. The objective of this study is to compare cost differences of temporary sickness absence between Barcelona and Madrid. A study was carried out based on incident cases of temporary sickness absence of more than fifteen days of duration, followed to case closure, in a retrospective cohort of workers in 2006. The study population consisted of workers of companies covered by the general regime of the Social Security System, and managed by an insurance company based in the provinces of Barcelona and Madrid in the year 2006. We compared the incidence, median duration and daily income base between Barcelona and Madrid, adjusting by sex, age and economic sector, using statistical models that take into account recurrent events in the period. 24.527 cases of temporary sickness absence were identified, 62% of which originated in Barcelona. The mean cost was 33% higher in Barcelona with respect to Madrid (2.589 euros vs 1941 euros). The incidence was 22% higher in Barcelona than Madrid (1,22, IC95%: 1,10-1,36) and mean daily income base per episode was 7,80 euros higher (IC95% :7,20-8,40). In the duration the time ratio was: 1,03 ( IC95%: 1,01-1,05). The higher incidence and daily income base of temporary sickness absence in Barcelona with respect to Madrid may explain the higher costs observed in the former.

A combination of ultrasonic assisted extraction with LC–MS/MS for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in sludge

A method has been developed for the analysis of a wide polarity range of the currently used organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) and their metabolites in sewage sludge samples. Extraction was carried out using ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) with different solvents. The levels of OPs in sludge were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) using electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive or negative ion mode. Extraction with acetonitrile containing 1% acetic acid gave the best results with recoveries between 83.2% and 106.4% and RSD ≤ 8.7%. Evaluation of matrix effect showed high ion suppression for OPs of intermediate polarity, which decreased to approximately 50% by matrix dilution to an equivalent of 0.5 g of sludge per millilitre; however, for polar OPs, the matrix effect was negligible at the same concentration. Therefore, matrix-matched standards were used for OPs quantification. The limits of quantification were in the range of 1–14 ng g −1. This method was successfully applied to real sludge samples collected from Madrid Province and chlorpyrifos along with its metabolite TCPY were the OPs found in sludge at the highest levels, 113–344 ng g −1 and 33–307 ng g −1, respectively.

Incidence of different health factors and their influence on traffic accidents in the province of Madrid, Spain

Most traffic accidents occur as a result of human dependent risk factors. The approach in this study focuses especially on health factors, which could have direct influence on these accidents. Method A sample of 5430 and 2857 clinical histories were selected systematically from the total cases attended by the Emergency Service of the Community of Madrid (SUMMA 112) in 2006 and 2007. The cases of traffic accidents were studied. Statistical analyses of the correlation of the casualty accidents rate, mainly drivers’ involved ones and the incidence of major risk factors was made. Results Traffic accidents occur more frequently among male drivers aged between 15 and 44. When males and females are considered, the rate of traffic accidents was higher for the age group 25–34 in 2006 and for the age group 15–24 in 2007. Coming off the road is the most frequent type of accident: 24.6% and 27.8%, respectively. During weekends, the rate of accidents represents approximately half that produced during weekdays. Fatigue or insufficient sleep was admitted in 3.2% in 2006 of the total of casualty accident victims. Among drivers’ involved accidents, asthma and high blood pressure were each noted in 6.6% in 2006, epilepsy and depression were each detected in 2.8% in 2007. Abuse of alcohol and cocaine were noted in 10.6% and 4% of drivers’ involved accidents in 2006. In 2007, drivers’ abuse of alcohol and drugs was detected in 5.6% and 3.7%, respectively. Conclusion Traffic accidents, especially coming off the road type, are more frequent among young adults and during weekends. Also, there is risky behaviour involved, such as driving under the influence of alcohol, abuse of drugs or having insufficient sleep or certain diseases.

Analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sewage sludge by matrix solid‐phase dispersion and isotope dilution GC–MS

A method for the determination of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sludge from wastewater treatment plants is presented. PBDEs were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion assisted by sonication and determined by isotope dilution gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode, using labelled( 13)C-PBDEs as internal standards. The limits of detection and quantification for the tri- to hepta-BDEs were in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 ng/g dry weight and 0.15 to 1.8 ng/g dry weight, respectively, and 1.6 ng/g dry weight and 5.6 ng/g dry weight for deca-BDE-209. The proposed analytical method was applied to determine PBDE levels in sewage sludge samples collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In all of the examined samples, BDE-100 and BDE-154 were the main compounds found with a mean concentration of 3.9 and 2.0 ng/g, respectively. PBDEs were detected in all of the samples, and their total concentrations not considering BDE-209 were between 3.9 and 23.0 ng/g dry weight. The dominant PBDE congener in sewage sludge was BDE-209, which constituted 38.7 to 97.3% of the total, and showed concentration levels ranging from 8.1 to 717.2 ng/g dry weight.

A multicriteria assessment model for evaluating droving route networks

A model was developed for the classification and assessment of droving routes of high ecological value, based on the use of scalar methods and the definition of value functions. The model provides a new planning tool for use in decision-making and the sustainable management of these corridor zones. This is the first such model to involve an assessment process requiring (a) the definition of the possible uses of droving routes, (b) their division into sections, (c) the definition and use of assessment indicators, (d) the evaluation of sections with respect to their uses and (e) assessments with regard to each individual use, plus an overall use assessment. The model was validated in a rural area of Spain, a country whose droving routes make up a dense network some 125,000 km in length and which occupy some 442,000 ha. The study area was in the southwest of the Province of Madrid, which has 14 droving routes all catalogued as being of historic-cultural interest. The results showed the advantages of using scalar methods for the assessment of this type of corridor, bearing in mind that, while they act as linear communication networks, these corridors also occupy large areas of land that could be used for different activities. The main novelty of the multicriteria method used in the model lies in the use of indicators and value functions.

A NEW AMPHICYONINE (CARNIVORA: AMPHICYONIDAE) FROM THE UPPER MIOCENE OF BATALLONES‐1, MADRID, SPAIN

Abstract: The vertebrate community of the late Miocene locality of Batallones‐1, Madrid Province, Spain, is mainly composed of mammals of the order Carnivora, which represents 98 per cent of the total number of macro‐mammal fossils. Here, we describe craniodental remains of approximately 12 individuals of a new, highly specialized member of the Amphicyonidae, previously assigned to Amphicyon sp. cf. A. castellanus. A phylogenetic analysis of Amphicyoninae shows that this new form, named Magericyon anceps gen. et sp. nov., is markedly distinct from all other known Amphicyoninae, specifically in its hypercarnivorous features (strongly compressed upper canines, absence of dP1/dp1 and P2/p2, single‐rooted p3, absence of a metaconid on the lower molars, and reduction of M2 relative to M1).

New records and within-species variability of Iberian tardigrades (Tardigrada), with comments on the species from the Echiniscus blumi-canadensis series

The present report describes the results obtained from a survey on the tardigrade communities of five microhabitats (leaf litter, and mosses and lichens on rocks and tree trunks) in the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid, Spain). Sampling design was conducted according to a spatially mixed stratified-random procedure. A list with new records for Europe, the Iberian Peninsula and Madrid is provided. I have added two species to the European check list, increased number of known species in the Iberian Peninsula from 118 to 131, and duplicated the number of species known in the Madrid Province. Besides, some variations in morphological characters have been observed within-species, the majority related to structures of the buccal-pharyngeal apparatus and claws. More within-species variability studies are needed to determine their validity as diagnostic characters. A specific discussion is made about morphological variability within the Echiniscus blumi-canadensis series, as a result of observations among and within species from the series.

Influence of anisotropy on the durability of Madrid-region Cretaceous dolostone exposed to salt crystallization processes

The resistance of dolomitic limestone to salt crystallization processes was studied on materials from Reduena and Torrelaguna in the province of Madrid, Spain. Much of the region’s architectural and monumental heritage was built with the materials from these two sites. Stone specimens were selected for testing on the basis of ultrasonic wave propagation velocity (Vp) measurements taken in around one hundred cubic samples of each variety. The anisotropy indices were calculated and the samples were clustered on the basis of the results. Two representative samples of each class were taken and characterized for their petrographic and petrophysical properties before and after exposure to salt crystallization cycles. Ageing was evaluated in terms of weight loss and the visual deterioration observed. The degeneration pattern found varied substantially in the two materials: the Requena material exhibited more intense deterioration, with scaling and spalling, while the Torrelaguna dolostone tended to generate fragmentation and rounding at corners and edges. The anisotropy of these stones does not appear to clearly govern salt crystallization-mediated deterioration. Although no clear relationship could be established between the intensity of deterioration and the initial anisotropy indices, total anisotropy was observed to increase as a general rule, and normally more than the relative anisotropy index. No specific anisotropic group was found to undergo greater variation than any other.

Determination of organochlorine pesticides in sewage sludge by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A method based on matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) has been developed for the determination of 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCs) in sludge from municipal sewage plants. Samples of lyophilized sludge were blended with alumina, placed in small columns and OCs extracted with dichloromethane assisted by sonication. Purification of the extracts was accomplished by solid-phase extraction on C 18 columns and OCs were eluted with acetonitrile. Analyses were performed by gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC–MS-SIM) using deuterated OCs as internal standards. The limits of detection were between 0.03 ng/g for 4,4′-DDE and 0.7 ng/g for endrin aldehyde. Levels of OCs were determined in sewage sludge collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In all of the analyzed samples, aldrin was the compound most often found with a mean concentration of 76 ng/g. Endosulfan-I, α-BHC, 4,4′-DDE and 4,4′-DDT were also present at high concentrations, with average values ranging from 32.3 to 74.3 ng/g. OCs were detected in all of the samples, with a total concentration ranging from 52 to 528 ng/g dry weight.

Habitat associations of a raptor community in a mosaic landscape of Central Spain under urban development

The effects of urban sprawl and the associated road network on patterns of land use by diurnal raptors were assessed in a extent mosaic landscape of Sierra de Guadarrama subjected to exurban development (Madrid province; Central Spain), within the buffer area of a planned national park. During three consecutive years, the sightings of raptors per 0.25 km 2 were analyzed to identify their habitat preferences according to several vegetation types, urban cover and length of paved roads. Species richness increased with the amount of deciduous forests of Pyrenean oak Quercus pyrenaica and parklands of Narrow-leaved Ash Fraxinus angustifolia in lowland areas, while it decreased with cover of urban/suburban areas. Analyzing the three most abundant species separately, urban development had a negative influence on the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo and the Black Kite Milvus migrans, although positively affected the Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, probably through an increase in the availability of its potential prey within urban areas. This study did not find a negative influence of the road network, either considering total species richness or the three most abundant species separately. The current levels of urban development diminished the suitability of the study area for the raptor community overall (though particular species can be favoured), notably when residential sprawls are established over ash parklands traditionally devoted to cattle grazing.

Analysis of 27 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by matrix solid-phase dispersion and isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in sewage sludge from the Spanish area of Madrid

A method for the determination of 27 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in urban, industrial or rural zones is presented. PAHs were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) assisted by sonication. Purification of extracts was carried out by solid-phase extraction with C 18 and PAHs were eluted with acetonitrile. PAHs were determined by isotope dilution gas chromatography with electron impact mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion-monitoring mode (GC–MS–SIM), using deuterated PAHs as internal standards. The limits of detection ranged from 0.03 ng/g for acenaphthylene to 0.45 ng/g for benzo[ b]naphtho[2,1- d]thyophene. After optimization, the method was validated with a certified reference sludge. The proposed analytical method was applied to determine PAH levels in sewage sludge samples collected from 19 water treatment plants located in the province of Madrid (Spain). In most of the examined samples, phenanthrene was the main compound with a mean concentration of 1062 ng/g. PAHs were detected in all of the samples, with total concentrations between 390 and 6390 ng/g dry weight for the 27 PAHs analyzed and from 310 to 5120 ng/g dry weight for the sum of the 10 PAHs considered in the draft European Union directive.

Gravel washing wastes from Jarama river deposits (Spain): an undervalued natural raw material

This work presents the main characteristics of 97 quarry wastes, collected in 23 gravel pits, from the Jarama river area, Madrid province, Spain. In this area, more than 2.5 × 106 ton of silty-clay waste are generated every year, and no applications have as yet been defined for them. This work is the first systematic study of the fine fractions generated from the Jarama river quaternary deposits, playing part in the comprehension of this complex terrace systems. Quartz, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, calcite, and complex mixtures of phyllosilicates, such as smectite, illite, kaolinite, chlorite and illite/smectite mixed layer, have been detected. Two sets of waste which are recognized according to the calcite content, have been directly related with the terrace level beneficed in the Jarama river, and the position along the valley. Calcite concentrates in the wastes produced in the lower course, where Henares and Tajuna tributaries promote an extensive change in the geochemistry of underground water, and locally, in the petrology of quarried conglomerates. This clear distinction by location between calcite-bearing and calcite-free wastes is essential for potential applications, such as soil conditioning, raw materials for brick or tiles, etc. The wastes studied can be considered as a potential source of industrial raw materials because of their uniformity and large volume. This suggestion is now being carried out, with an attempt at assessing the possibilities of using these mining wastes as ceramic raw materials.

Species‐specific features affect the ability of census‐derived models to map winter avian distribution

AbstractWe identify autoecological traits of bird species that influence the accuracy of predictive models of species distribution based on census data obtained from stratified sampling. These models would serve as a complementary approach to the development of regional bird atlases. We model the winter bird abundance of 64 terrestrial bird species in 77 census plots in Central Spain (Madrid province), using regression tree analyses. The predicted distribution of species density derived from statistical models (birds/10 ha) was compared with the published relative abundances depicted by a very accurate regional atlas of wintering birds (birds observed per 10 h). Statistical models explained an average of 41.7% of the original deviance observed in the local bird distribution (range 19.6–79.3%). Significant associations between observed relative abundances (atlas data) and predicted average densities in 1×1 km squares within 10×10 km UTMs were attained for 44 out of 64 species. Interspecific discrepancies between predicted and observed distribution maps decreased with between‐year constancy in regional bird distribution and the degree of ecological specialization of species. Therefore, statistical modeling using census localities allowed us to depict geographical variations in bird abundance that were similar to those in the quantitative atlas maps. Nevertheless, bird distributions derived from statistical models are less reproducible in some species than in others, depending on their autoecological traits.