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Xylem Pit Anatomy and Minimum Leaf Conductance Drive Drought Mortality in Pinus pinaster
No full textDrought‐triggered forest die‐off events are commonly attributed to hydraulic failure, carbon starvation, or a combination of the two. Nevertheless, the anatomical and physiological traits that make trees vulnerable to drought in the field are often unknown, hindering predictive efforts. To identify these traits, we compared coexisting declining (D, heavily defoliated) and non‐declining (ND, lightly defoliated) trees. We studied a recent die‐off event affecting maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) in north‐eastern Spain that started after the severe 2017 drought. We compared the depth of soil water uptake, estimated using δ18O and δ2H in soil and xylem water samples, as well as field measurements. We also measured anatomical and physiological wood and leaf variables, paying particular attention to pit anatomy and minimum leaf conductance (gmin). The D trees were smaller in terms of diameter and height, and exhibited lower growth rates. They also formed tracheids with smaller lumen diameters and thinner cell walls than the ND trees. The measured soil depth was greater for ND than for D trees. Isotope data also indicated that ND trees used water from deeper soil layers than D trees during the late summer period of peak drought severity. No differences in the sapwood concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates were found between the two tree types. The D trees had lower midday water potentials than ND trees, and the pressure inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductance (P50) and gmin were higher in D trees. The D trees also exhibited lower torus overlap, margo flexibility and valve effect than ND trees. However, these differences in pit anatomy were observed in the 2010s when ND trees exhibited higher δ13C‐derived intrinsic water‐use efficiency. A combination of traits, such as a large pit aperture and a high gmin makes trees vulnerable to drought stress
Francesco DENDENA, Le biblioteche della Nazione. Politiche e usi del patrimonio librario dalla Repubblica Cisalpina al Regno d’Italia (1796-1805), Roma, Viella, 2023 (recensione intitolata: Quando la rivoluzione passa dalle biblioteche: finalità politiche e implicazioni sociali nella gestione del patrimonio librario).
No full textIl recente volume di Francesco Dendena, Le biblioteche della Nazione. Politiche e usi del patrimonio librario dalla Repubblica Cisalpina al Regno d’Italia (1796-1805), Roma, Viella, 2023, riflette sulle politiche di gestione del patrimonio librario e sulle relative implicazioni sociali nel decennio che segue l’avanzata delle armate repubblicane francesi nel 1796, in quell’area, oggi coincidente con i territori della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna, che fu teatro della Repubblica Cisalpina. Il volume è oggetto di una discussione a due voci volta a far emergere gli elementi di interesse del libro: in primo luogo la dimensione politica di una realtà, quella della biblioteca, pienamente capace di partecipare al momento rivoluzionario nel quale agisce; in secondo luogo, e in conseguenza della dimensione politica, la rimodulazione delle collezioni, degli spazi e delle pratiche di lettura
Artificial-Intelligence-Based Investigation on Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Changes in Response to Population Growth in South Punjab, Pakistan
No full textLand use and land cover (LULC) changes are significantly impacting the natural environment. Human activities and population growth are negatively impacting the natural environment. This negative impact directly relates to climate change, sustainable agriculture, inflation, and food security at local and global levels. Remote sensing and GIS tools can provide valuable information about change detection. This study examines the correlation between population growth rate and LULC dynamics in three districts of South Punjab, Pakistan—Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan—over a 30-year period from 2003 to 2033. Landsat 7, Landsat 8, and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform was utilized to create 2003, 2013, and 2023 LULC maps via supervised classification with a random forest (RF) classifier, which is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI). This study achieved over 90% overall accuracy and a kappa value of 0.9 for the classified LULC maps. LULC was classified into built-up, vegetation, water, and barren classes in Multan and Bahawalpur, with an additional “rock” class included for Dera Ghazi Khan due to its unique topography. LULC maps (2003, 2013, and 2023) were prepared and validated using Google Earth Engine. Future predictions for 2033 were generated using the MOLUSCE model in QGIS. The results for Multan indicated substantial urban expansion as built-up areas increased from 8.36% in 2003 to 25.56% in 2033, with vegetation and barren areas displaying decreasing trends from 82.96% to 70% and 7.95% to 3.5%, respectively. Moreover, areas containing water fluctuated and ultimately changed from 0.73% in 2003 to 0.9% in 2033. In Bahawalpur, built-up areas grew from 1.33% in 2003 to 5.80% in 2033, while barren areas decreased from 79.13% to 74.31%. Dera Ghazi Khan expressed significant increases in built-up and vegetation areas from 2003 to 2033 as 2.29% to 12.21% and 22.53% to 44.72%, respectively, alongside reductions in barren and rock areas from 32.82% to 10.83% and 41.23% to 31.2%, respectively. Population projections using a compound growth model for each district emphasize the demographic impact on LULC changes. These results and findings focus on the need for policies to manage unplanned urban sprawl and focus on environmentally sustainable practices. This study provides critical awareness to policy makers and urban planners aiming to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability
Sequential evolution of ionospheric TEC anomalies and acoustic-gravity wave precursors associated with the February 8, 2025, Mw 7.6 Cayman Islands earthquake
No full textThis study investigates seismo-ionospheric anomalies associated with the Mw 7.6 Cayman Islands earthquake of February 8, 2025, utilizing GNSS-derived ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) parameters, including the Ionospheric Disturbance Index (IDI), Rate of TEC Index (ROTI), Acoustic-Gravity Wave (AGW) oscillations, spatial TEC anomaly maps, and Regional Similarity Index (SI). A structured precursor hierarchy was identified, starting with early AGW disturbances several hours before significant ionospheric perturbations, followed sequentially by deviations in SI, IDI increases, and eventual ROTI turbulence. Spatial TEC anomaly maps demonstrated pronounced negative and positive anomalies closely centered around the epicenter region prior to the earthquake, while co-seismic TEC enhancements clearly correlated with seismic wave propagation. Correlation analysis between indices confirmed a progressive and systematic evolution of ionospheric anomalies, highlighting AGWs as crucial early precursors. Geomagnetic filtering (Dst/Kp) ensured the isolation of seismic-driven ionospheric disturbances from solar and geomagnetic influences. These findings robustly validate GNSS-TEC indices as reliable indicators of seismo-ionospheric processes and emphasize their potential role in earthquake precursor monitoring and hazard mitigation strategies
LENTIGO: SUSTAINABLE AND INTEGRATED GLOBAL –OMIC APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING THE BREEDING OF LENTIL (LENS CULINARIS SSP. CULINARIS) IN MEDITERRANEAN AREA
No full textGeografie dell’assenza: sperimentare il paesaggio lucano tra immagine e narrazione
No full textLa ricerca esplora l’integrazione tra rilievo strumentale e osservazione contemplativa nell’ambito del
disegno e del rilievo architettonico, applicata a contesti urbani abbandonati o segnati da eventi cata-
strofici. L’impiego di tecnologie avanzate, quali droni e tecnologie laser, consentono una documenta-
zione accurata delle trasformazioni e delle tracce materiali del costruito. Tuttavia, l’osservazione lenta
e riflessiva diventa essenziale per cogliere gli aspetti immateriali dei luoghi, come la memoria storica
e il valore simbolico delle rovine, tentando di restituire racconto e significato a ciò che ha perso una
forma definita. La proposta metodologica mira a combinare l’oggettività dei dati acquisiti con una
dimensione soggettiva e interpretativa. Il rilievo contemplativo, ispirato a Bachelard e Merleau-Ponty,
valorizza il tempo di osservazione, superando la mera acquisizione strumentale. La Basilicata è stu-
diata come esempio di città-paesaggio, legando fotografia e memoria storica. Tecniche analogiche e
digitali, integrate con AI, generano una nuova narrazione visiva, trasformando la documentazione sta-
tica in rappresentazione interattiva. L’indagine affronta il ruolo dell’immagine nell’architettura contem-
poranea, riflettendo sull’equilibrio tra estetica e contenuto. I risultati, ancora in itinere, propongono un
modello interdisciplinare per la conservazione del patrimonio fragile, tramite un archivio visivo critico,
utile per strategie di recupero e valorizzazione.Drawing and architectural surveying, when applied to abandoned urban contexts or those mar-
ked by catastrophic events, take on a new relevance. The use of advanced technologies –such
as drones and laser scanning– enables precise documentation of transformations and ma-
terial traces of the built environment. However, a slow and reflective observation becomes es-
sential to grasp the immaterial aspects of places, such as historical memory and the symbo-
lic value of ruins, aiming to restore meaning and narrative to what has lost a defined form.
This methodological proposal seeks to combine the objectivity of acquired data with a
subjective and interpretative dimension. The contemplative survey, inspired by Bachelard
and Merleau-Ponty, emphasizes the importance of observation time, going beyond mere in-
strumental acquisition. Basilicata is studied as an example of a city-landscape, linking photo-
graphy with historical memory. Analog and digital techniques, integrated with AI, generate a
new visual narrative, transforming static documentation into an interactive representation.
The research explores the role of the image in contemporary architecture, reflecting on the balance
between aesthetics and content. Although still ongoing, the results suggest an interdisciplinary model
for the preservation of fragile heritage, through a critical visual archive useful for strategies of reco-
very and valorization
One-year outcomes of polymer-free Sirolimus-eluting stents in complex femoropopliteal stenosis: a single center real-world registry
No full textBackground: Lower extremity arterial disease is a prevalent vascular condition leading to ischemic symptoms and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Drug-eluting stents have improved outcomes by reducing restenosis, with sirolimus emerging as a promising alternative to paclitaxel due to its safer profile. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of novel polymer-free AmphilimusTM formulation (Sirolimus + fatty acid) eluting self-expanding stent in the treatment of femoropopliteal disease in a real-world population. Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2024, including 78 patients with femoropopliteal artery disease. Patients underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent implantation and follow-up at discharge, 30 days, 6 and 12 months. The primary endpoints were overall and device related major adverse events and primary patency at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization and the presence of the HALO effect on ultrasound. Results: The mean age of patients was 68.5±9.4 years and mean target lesion length was 151±75 mm. The occlusions were 39% while 48.1% of patients had chronic limb threatening ischemia. Device and clinical success were obtained in all cases. At 12 months, primary patency was 87%, freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization was 92.2% and overall freedom from major adverse events was 89%. No HALO effect was observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that using a novel polymer-free sirolimus self-expanding stent is a safe and effective treatment option for femoropopliteal lesions, supporting its use in routine clinical practice
Implementation and verification of a shock-fitting technique on SU2 code
No full textA shock-fitting methodology for unstructured grids is implemented and verified within the open−source CFD solver SU2. The approach accurately tracks shock surfaces as zero-thickness discontinuities embedded in the computational mesh, eliminating numerical diffusion typically present in shock-capturing methods. The technique is validated through a series of test cases, including inviscid and viscous hypersonic flows, as well as fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations involving deformable membranes.
Comparisons with analytical solutions and reference data demonstrate improved accuracy, convergence, and robustness compared to traditional shock-capturing approaches
Innovazione tecnologica ed educazione linguistica: un’introduzione
No full textThis editorial introduction to the special issue of RILA lays the groundwork for a collection of 26 papers on technological innovation for language education. These range, among others, from the use of digital environments and podcasts for foreign or second language acquisition, to the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in teaching Italian as a second language; from the use of corpora and digital dictionaries and the integration of GenAI in machine translation, to the design of interactive courses tailored to learners with special educational needs; from the role of AI-driven silent books to the use of digital media for professional training. This article highlights how approaches such as Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) have evolved into the broader framework of Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL), embracing more holistic and adaptive teaching models, with a growing emphasis on personalized and inclusive practices. However, challenges persist in integrating advanced technologies into educational settings and must therefore be adequately addressed. To this end, we advocate for a pedagogically grounded and ethically conscious use of educational technologies to foster learners’ critical digital citizenship and to enhance the transformative potential of language education