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Nanogeochemistry of Ni, Co and Cu in zoned marcasite-pyrite crystals
No full textThis paper describes the incorporation mechanism of Ni, Co and Cu in zoned marcasite-pyrite (FeS2) crystals from vein-type hydrothermal mineralization in the Sierra de Orihuela (Betic Cordillera, SE Spain). Single-spot analyses and X-Ray mapping by Electron Probe Micro-Analyzer (EPMA) of zoned marcasite-pyrite grains reveal positive correlations among Ni (up to 12.8 wt%), Co (up to 4.42 wt%) and Cu (up to 7.33 wt%), and negative correlation of these elements with Fe. In contrast, nanoscale analysis using High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) shows that these compositional variations result from a combination of solid solution and mineral nanoparticles of Ni, Co and Cu. The cores of the zoned grains are marcasite, which is depleted in Ni, Co, Cu and other trace metals. Cores are surrounded by zoned rims that contain inner portions with nanoscale zoning defined by alternating layers (∼500 nm thickness) of pyrite (FeS2) with cattierite (CoS2) and/or carrollite (CuCo2S4). This transitions to outer portions exhibiting Pa3 pyrite with frequent discrete mineral nanoparticles, including 80-120 nm-sized cubic Fd-3m carrollite (CuCo2S4), tetragonal I-42d chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and cubic Fd-3m violarite (FeNi2S4). The shift in the mode of Ni, Co and Cu occurrence, from incorporation via solid solution to nanoparticles, reflects variations in the physicochemical conditions of the crystallizing system rather than the specific nature of the crystalline mineral matrix forming the zoned structure. The formation of the zoned structure begins with the initial crystallization of trace element-poor cores of marcasite. This is followed by pyrite rims displaying an outward progressive enlargement of the crystal lattice due to the incorporation of Ni, Co and Cu in solid solution, reaching characteristic d-spacings of carrollite and cattierite. Finally, direct precipitation of pyrite and Ni-Co-Cu-rich nanoparticles when pH increased, and salinity decreased. Nanoscale insights from Sierra de Orihuela mineralization provide an unprecedented view on the partitioning of Ni, Co and Cu into Fe-sulfides. These findings reveal mechanisms of metal enrichment in hydrothermal systems invisible to conventional tools applied to the study of mineral deposits.This study was supported by the project PROYEXCEL_00705 “Metallogeny of Cobalt in the Betic Cordillera (Ref. P21-00705)” funded by the Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades and 586 “FEDER una manera de hacer Europa”
Social learning to promote forest restoration in a semi-arid landscape in North Africa
No full textForest restoration is a suitable tool to mitigate land degradation and enhance the supply of vital goods and services. Social participation in forest restoration has gained increasing interest. Yet, the impact of participation on people's perception of ecological restoration and the restoration process has barely been addressed despite its relevance for the long-term success of restoration actions. We assessed mutual learning of different stakeholder groups in a ten-year demonstration project, and its potential to foster continued participatory forest restoration in Beni Boufrah valley, a semiarid area located in North Morocco. We performed face-to-face interviews to assess post-restoration individual learning for a subset of 15 highly engaged stakeholders using five components of social learning: reciprocal determinism, self-reflective capability, expectations, self-regulation and locus of control. Furthermore, we organized a workshop to assess collective learning in the study area. The lessons learnt by the project team was described using monitoring vegetation measurements, field visits and meetings, and stakeholder recommendations. Two thirds of the stakeholders showed an increasing awareness of the reciprocal relationship between people and the environment, while recognizing the inappropriateness of current behaviors and practices. Farmers showed continuous mistrust towards the Forestry Agency which justifies the need for more innovative approaches to resolve persistent conflicts, integrate forest and agricultural interventions and establish new mechanisms for economic motivation. Stakeholders acquired theoretical and practical concepts on forest restoration, but self-initiated activities were scarce and reinforcement of environmental awareness is still needed. There was a high impact of drought on seedling survival and growth along with a decrease in stakeholder engagement over the years. We could identify and implement a series of practical corrective measures, namely participatory re-planting, plot fencing, establishment of a local monitoring committee, and raising awareness activities. Such participatory implementation of corrective measures may enhance the credibility of the restoration process and it can be further tested in similar semiarid areas of North Africa even at a larger scale.This study was carried out within the framework of the project SREPA funded by the University of Alicante (Proyectos de Cooperación Universitaria para el Desarrollo), “La Caixa” Foundation, the Society for Biological and Ibero-African Studies (SEBI) in Murcia-Spain, and Conselleria d’Innovació, Universitats, Ciència i Societat Digital, Generalitat Valenciana (Project R2D, CIPROM/2021/001)
Interview with Artur Aparici: “Rural activism denounces that the narrative of ‘depopulation’ has turned rural spaces into sacrifice zones”
No full textRiesgo político, Institutos Confucio e inversiones de empresas chinas en América Latina
No full textPurpose – Political risk has been widely researched as a factor deterring outbound foreign direct investments (OFDIs). Drawing on institutional theory and the international political economy perspective, we analyze the role played by cultural institutions as a political risk-reducing device that facilitates cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) of Chinese firms. Design/methodology/approach – We focus on Confucius Institutes, which are cultural institutions employed by China to promote the Chinese language and culture worldwide. We also address the influence of state ownership and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), another essential diplomatic tool for China. The sample covers 200 country-year observations of Chinese OFDIs in Latin America during 2014–2023. Findings – Confucius Institutes mitigate the negative impact of political risk on Chinese cross-border M&As in Latin America. Moreover, this moderating effect is stronger for Chinese state-owned enterprises and after the host country joins the BRI. Originality/value – This study contributes to international business literature by demonstrating the key role played by diplomacy in a current geopolitical context characterized by increasing friction between individual countries and blocs. This is relevant in the case of China, as it is stepping up diplomatic efforts to increase soft power, particularly in other emerging markets.Propósito – El riesgo político ha sido ampliamente investigado como un factor disuasorio de las inversiones directas en el exterior (IDEs). Basándonos en la teoría institucional y la perspectiva de la economía política internacional, analizamos el papel que desempeñan las instituciones culturales como un dispositivo de reducción del riesgo político que facilita las fusiones y adquisiciones transfronterizas de empresas chinas. Diseño/metodología/enfoque – Nos centramos en los Institutos Confucio, que son instituciones culturales empleadas por China para promover el idioma y la cultura chinas en todo el mundo. También abordamos la influencia de la propiedad estatal y la Iniciativa de la Franja y la Ruta (IFR), otra herramienta diplomática esencial para China. La muestra abarca 200 observaciones por año-país de las IDEs chinas en América Latina durante 2014–2023. Resultados – Los Institutos Confucio mitigan el impacto negativo del riesgo político en las fusiones y adquisiciones chinas en América Latina. Además, este efecto moderador es más fuerte para las empresas estatales chinas y después de que el país anfitrión se una a la IFR. Originalidad/valor – Este estudio contribuye a la literatura sobre negocios internacionales al demostrar el papel clave que desempeña la diplomacia en un contexto geopolítico actual caracterizado por una creciente fricción entre países y bloques. Esto es relevante en el caso de China, ya que está intensificando los esfuerzos diplomáticos para aumentar su poder blando, en particular, en otros mercados emergentes
Mary Tudor and Isabella of Portugal in Luis Zapata’s Carlo famoso
No full textEn el presente trabajo se estudian las figuras de María Tudor e Isabel de Portugal tal como aparecen en los versos del Carlo famoso (1566) de Luis Zapata. El propósito es ver en qué medida el poeta épico respeta la verdad histórica y de qué forma la reelabora y la estiliza literariamente. En el caso de la hija de Enrique VIII, el poeta, más atento al modelo de la Eneida que a la verdad de los hechos, traiciona la personalidad de María Tudor. No obstante, el texto deja bien clara la importancia que tuvo el personaje como instrumento puramente pasivo en las negociaciones políticas entre Carlos V y Enrique VIII de Inglaterra. Más fiel a la realidad es el retrato de Isabel de Portugal, aunque Zapata deja en la sombra la importante actividad que la Emperatriz desarrolló como gobernadora durante las largas ausencias de Carlos V. El poeta se centra especialmente en dos aspectos de la figura de Isabel: por una parte, la sitúa en el centro del brillante mundo caballeresco de justas y torneos, característico de la corte del Emperador; por otra, se detiene en el amor del personaje hacia Carlos V. Tanto en el caso de la Emperatriz como en el de María Tudor, las dos figuras femeninas encarnan lo que se ha dado en llamar «la voz privada», es decir, ilustran el sacrificio de la felicidad individual que exige la grandeza del Imperio.By examining the figures of Mary Tudor and Isabella of Portugal as they appear in the verses of Luis Zapata’s 1566 Carlo famoso, this article aims to determine the extent to which the epic poet represents historical truth and the extent to which he reworks and refines history in a literary manner. In the case of Mary Tudor, the poet, more attentive to the Aeneid as a model than to the truth of events, distorts the personality of the queen. Nevertheless, the text clearly conveys the importance of the queen as a purely passive instrument in the political negotiations between Charles V and Henry VIII of England. The portrayal of Isabella of Portugal is more faithful to reality, although Zapata obscures the significant role the empress played as governor during Charles V’s long absences. The poet focuses particularly on two aspects of the empress: on one hand, he places her at the heart of the splendid chivalric world of jousts and tournaments characteristic of the emperor’s court; on the other, he dwells on her love for Charles V. Both of these female characters, the empress and Mary Tudor, embody what has been termed “the private voice,” that is, they illustrate the sacrifice of personal happiness required by the greatness of the empire
Geography and the SDGs in the Andalusian PEvAU: A Content Analysis
No full textEl objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar el grado de integración de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible en las “Directrices” y “Orientaciones” de las pruebas de acceso a la universidad (PEvAU) en Andalucía para la materia de Geografía de 2º de Bachillerato. A través de un enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo, basado en el análisis de contenido, se examinaron los documentos referentes a los cursos 2023-2024 y 2024-2025, considerando la reciente actualización de la prueba. El estudio se estructuró y codificó mediante el software de análisis cualitativo MAXQDA, lo que permitió organizar la información, categorizar los datos y generar representaciones mediante mapas visuales y gráficos de frecuencias. Los resultados arrojaron un total de 290 códigos y evidencian una relación “directa” entre Geografía y ODS en el bloque de contenidos de la asignatura. Las 5P (people, planet, prosperity, peace, partnership) de los ODS con mayor presencia son “Planeta” (46%), “Prosperidad” (25%) y “Personas” (24%). Sin embargo, se identifican déficits en “Alianzas” (3%) y “Paz e instituciones sólidas” (2%) dentro de los bloques conceptuales, teóricos y prácticos de la prueba de acceso. Esto evidencia la perpetuidad de bloques clásicos centrados en la geografía física, humana y económica, desaprovechando el potencial de la ciencia geográfica para abordar los desafíos de la Agenda 2030. En conclusión, la integración de los ODS en la PEvAU continúa siendo limitada y carece de una orientación clara hacia los retos de la sostenibilidad. Por tanto, se hace necesaria una revisión del modelo de examen que incorpore preguntas y conceptos clave vinculados a la sostenibilidad, así como un mayor aprovechamiento de las cartografías críticas. La actualización curricular de la materia y la formación permanente del profesorado resultan elementos esenciales para responder a los desafíos contemporáneos y contribuir a la formación de una ciudadanía global sostenible.The aim of this research was to analyse the degree of integration of the Sustainable Development Goals in the “Guidelines” and “Orientations” of the university entrance exams (PEvAU) in Andalusia for the subject of geography in the 2nd year of baccalaureate. Through a quantitative and qualitative approach, based on content analysis, the documents referring to the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years were examined, considering the recent update of the test. The study was structured and coded using the MAXQDA qualitative analysis software, which allowed the information to be organised, the data to be categorised and representations to be generated using visual maps and frequency graphs. The results yielded a total of 290 codes and show a ‘direct’ relationship between geography and SDGs in the subject content block. The 5Ps (people, planet, prosperity, peace, partnership) of the SDGs with the highest presence are ‘Planet’ (46%), “Prosperity” (25%) and ‘People’ (24%). However, deficits are identified in ‘Partnerships’ (3%) and ‘Peace and strong institutions’ (2%) within the conceptual, theoretical and practical blocks of the entry test. This is evidence of the perpetuation of classical blocks focusing on physical, human and economic geography, missing the potential of geographical science to address the challenges of the 2030 Agenda. In conclusion, the integration of the SDGs in the PEvAU remains limited and lacks a clear orientation towards sustainability challenges. Therefore, a revision of the examination model is needed to incorporate key questions and concepts linked to sustainability, as well as a better use of critical mapping. Curricular updating of the subject and ongoing teacher training are essential to respond to contemporary challenges and contribute to the formation of a sustainable global citizenship
A Proposal for Creative Writing in Heterogeneous Foreign Language Classrooms
No full textAnte el predominio de la comunicación escrita digital y la capacidad de las herramientas de Inteligencia Artificial (IA), este artículo propone la Escritura Creativa (EC) como un pilar didáctico fundamental para el aprendizaje de Lenguas Extranjeras (LE), enfatizando la creatividad sobre la mera funcionalidad comunicativa. La propuesta metodológica se desarrolla a partir de una experiencia de enseñanza con grupos altamente heterogéneos en niveles lingüísticos y procedencia. Se diseñaron tareas específicas —como la imitación de estilos, las historias encadenadas y la creación de personajes asistida por IA— cuya adaptabilidad a diversos conocimientos permite la colaboración efectiva en parejas o grupos mixtos. La experiencia sugiere que la EC facilita una actitud reflexiva, ayuda a superar el bloqueo lingüístico y favorece la cohesión grupal. Su naturaleza colaborativa y el uso de formas breves obligan al estudiante a la planificación intensiva y al minimalismo léxico. En conclusión, la escritura creativa, apoyada en las nuevas tecnologías, demuestra su transversalidad al integrar disciplinas y potenciar la creatividad del alumnado en LE.Given the dominance of digital written communication and the capacity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, this article proposes Creative Writing (CW) as a fundamental didactic pillar for learning Foreign Languages (FL), emphasizing creativity over mere communicative functionality. The methodological proposal develops from a teaching experience with highly heterogeneous groups in linguistic levels and backgrounds. Specific tasks were designed—such as style imitation, chained stories, and AI-assisted character creation—whose adaptability to diverse knowledge enables effective collaboration in mixed pairs or groups. The experience suggests that CW facilitates a reflective attitude, helps overcome linguistic block, and favors group cohesion. Its collaborative nature and the use of brief forms compel students to intensive planning and lexical minimalism. In conclusion, creative writing, supported by new technologies, demonstrates its transversality by integrating disciplines and enhancing student creativity in FL
Reseña de: Andrés Pedreño y Carlos de Castro (2025). Sociología rural y de la agricultura: nuevos avances en investigación social de los campos de la globalización agroalimentaria. CIS
No full textEchoes of the Past: Long-Term Climate Stability Shapes Functional and Phylogenetic Diversity in Euro-Mediterranean Forests
No full textAim: Understanding the relative influence of past and present environmental and anthropogenic drivers on biodiversity is crucial for predicting future biodiversity trends. We assessed how past climate stability, present climate, habitat characteristics, disturbances (fire and herbivory), and past and present land use shape current functional and phylogenetic diversity across multiple taxa. Location: Euro-Mediterranean forests. Time Period: From Last Glacial Maximum to Present Day. Major Taxa Studied: Trees, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and mammals. Methods: We quantified standardised functional and phylogenetic diversity across three dimensions: richness, dispersion, and originality for five taxonomic groups. Focusing on 54 individual drivers, we applied random forests to evaluate the importance of broad categories of drivers and understand how individual drivers impact each diversity dimension. Results: Past temperature stability since the Last Glacial Maximum emerged as a dominant driver of functional and phylogenetic diversity across taxa. Stability was associated with higher functional and phylogenetic richness and dispersion, whereas unstable past climates were linked to ower diversity. Herbivory also played a significant role, though it was less influential than the past climate, particularly for trees and reptiles, whereas the present climate influenced birds' functional diversity. Fire intensity and surface, and land use in the present and past had limited importance, likely because of the study grain resolution.This work was supported by Biodiversa+, Biodiversa 2021-421. H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, 101108032. Danmarks Grundforskningsfond, DNRF173. Agencia Estatal de Investigación, PCI2022-135020-2
Socio-economic inequalities in the density of outdoor unhealthy food and drink advertising and its concentration near primary schools in Madrid
No full textAdvertising of unhealthy foods and beverages is a driver of inequalities in dietary behaviours and a contributor to childhood obesity. Outdoor advertising is an influential channel; however, no previous research in Spain has examined whether its frequency and persuasive strategies vary across socioeconomic contexts. This study aims to address this gap. Cross-sectional observational study on food and drink advertisements in public thoroughfares of eight Madrid neighbourhoods. Products were classified according to the World Health Organisation nutrient profile model. We calculated the density of unhealthy advertisements by socio-economic level, the percentage around schools and the proportion of advertisements employing marketing techniques. Differences were analysed using Chi-squared tests. 98.6% of advertisements were unhealthy. The density of unhealthy advertisements in low-income neighbourhoods was 80% higher than that in high-income neighbourhoods (2.2 vs. 1.2). The concentration around schools (89.4% of advertisements were located within a 250-metre radius) was also greater in low-income neighbourhoods. Persuasive marketing techniques were infrequent and less common near schools and in low-income neighbourhoods. The higher density of unhealthy food advertisements around schools in low-income Madrid neighbourhoods poses a higher risk of exposure. Limiting outdoor advertising in Spain will reduce this exposure and its socioeconomic inequalities.This study was funded by a grant from the Spanish Health Research Fund, Carlos III Institute of Health [Project ENPY 337/22]