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Novel methodology to assess salt movement between mortar and stones from heritage in Spain
No full text15 figures.The development of sustainable cementitious materials is crucial to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry. Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have emerged as promising environmentally friendly alternatives; however, their compatibility with natural stone in heritage structures remains poorly understood, especially regarding salt migration and related damage to stones. This study presents a novel methodology for assessing salt movement in solid materials between two types of stones—Boñar and Silos—and two types of binders: blended Portland cement (BPC) and an AAM. The samples underwent capillarity and immersion tests to evaluate water absorption, salt transport, and efflorescence behavior. The capillarity of the Silos stone was 0.148 kg·m−2·t−0.5, whereas this was 0.0166 kg·m−2·t−0.5 for the Boñar stone, a ninefold difference. Conductivity mapping and XRD analysis revealed that AAM-based mortars exhibit a significantly higher release of salts, primarily sodium sulfate, which may pose a risk to adjacent porous stones. In contrast, BPC showed lower salt mobility and different salt compositions. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating the compatibility between alternative binders and heritage stones. The use of AAMs may pose significant risks due to their tendency to release soluble salts. Although, in the current experiments, no pore damage or mechanical degradation was observed, additional studies are required to confirm this. A thorough understanding of salt transport mechanisms is therefore essential to ensure that sustainable restoration materials do not inadvertently accelerate the deterioration of structures, a process more problematic when the deterioration affects heritage monuments.Ministry of Universities, R.D 1059/2021, of November 30, regulating the direct award of various grants to universities participating in the European Commission’s “European Education and Culture Executive Agency, Project 101004049-EURECA-PRO-EAC-A02-2019 /EAC-A02-2019-1 and European Universities Project: 101124439—EURECA-PRO 2.0—ERASMUS-EDU-2023-EUR-UNIV”. This project also runs under the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership between JRC and UHasselt agreement number 35342. Financial support is acknowledged from Spanish MCINN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and “ERDF A way of making Europe” by the European Union under project grant PID2023-147116OB-I00, as well as from Gobierno de Aragón (DGA) for the grants to research groups (Grupo Reconocido DGA-T03_23R).Peer reviewe
Impact of Plant Developmental Stage on Photosynthetic Acclimation to Elevated [CO2] in Durum Wheat
No full textThis article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change.The response of plants to elevated atmospheric [CO2] is highly dynamic and influenced by developmental stage, yet its role in photosynthetic acclimation remains underexplored. This study examines the physiological and molecular responses of wheat (Triticum durum, var. Amilcar) to elevated [CO2] (700 ppm vs. 400 ppm) at two distinct developmental stages: the vegetative stage at the end of the elongation stage and the reproductive stage at the beginning of ear emergence (Z39 and Z51, respectively). Wheat plants at the developmental stage Z39, cultivated under elevated [CO2], maintained photosynthetic rates despite a carbohydrate build-up. However, at Z51, photosynthetic acclimation became more evident as the decline in Rubisco carboxylation capacity (Vcmax) persisted, but also stomatal conductance and diffusion were decreased. This was accompanied by the up-regulation of the CA1 and CA2 genes, likely as a compensatory mechanism to maintain CO2 supply. Additionally, hormonal adjustments under elevated [CO2], including increased auxin and bioactive cytokinins (zeatin and isopentenyl adenine), may have contributed to delayed senescence and nitrogen remobilization, sustaining carbon assimilation despite biochemical constraints. These findings highlight the developmental regulation of photosynthetic acclimation, emphasizing the need for the stage-specific assessments of crop responses to future atmospheric conditions.This work was funded by the Spanish Government MINECO/FEDER-UE (BES 2013-065418, AGL2016-79868-R, PID2019-110445RB), European Commission (Marie Curie Rise program, CROPYQUALT-CEC project) and by the Basque Government (IT-932-16), and UCOPROYECTA (UCO-Plan Propio 2024).Peer reviewe
Effects of Genetic Diversity on Health Status and Parasitological Traits in a Wild Fish Population Inhabiting a Coastal Lagoon
No full textThis article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics.[Simple Summary]
Parasites impose selective pressures on wild fish, depending on host genetic variability. Coastal lagoons are transitional ecosystems where no study exists on fish genetic diversity and their parasites. Black-striped pipefish were collected in summer from the Mar Menor (a Mediterranean lagoon, SE Spain). The frequency of individuals with a medium level of genetic diversity was lower in the sampled population. For this same category, both internal and external health indices indicated a worse status, as well as a higher number of parasitised fish. A particular type of natural selection appears to be acting: disruptive selection, where parasites exert a greater disease pressure against the genetically intermediate individuals. This study demonstrated two clear genetic strategies displayed by hosts to better control parasitism: (1) low diversity, and (2) high diversity. Both categories may reflect a stronger immune response. Thus, parasites can change genetic diversity within animal populations, which will affect the evolution of host species.[Abstract]
Host genetic variability is relevant to understanding how parasites modulate natural selection in wild fish populations. Coastal lagoons are transitional ecosystems where knowledge lacks on relationships between genotypic diversity with parasitism. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genetic diversity on host health and parasitological traits in fish inhabiting a Mediterranean lagoon. Black-striped pipefish Syngnathus abaster were collected in August 2023 and 2024 from the Mar Menor (Iberian lagoon, SE Spain). Genetic diversity was measured as Internal Relatedness (IR: a homozygosity index from microsatellite markers). Population frequency was lower for the medium IR level. For this same category, both health indices (external body condition and internal organs) indicated a worse status. Parasite prevalence, abundance and an index of life-cycle complexity (heteroxenous species) were greater for the medium level of genetic diversity. Such results are explained under a scenario of parasite-mediated disruptive selection: a higher disease pressure against the phenotypically intermediate individuals. Two contrasting strategies were detected to better control parasitism at the host genotypic level: (1) high homozygosity, and (2) high heterozygosity, which probably reflects better immuno-competence as a phenotypic trait. From an evolutionary perspective, parasites play a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity within host populations.This research was partly funded by the Environmental Service and the Mar Menor Service of the Government of the Autonomous Community of Murcia (the funder institution), Spain (Project: “Estudio del estado de la ictiofauna indicadora de zonas someras, mejora de la información y aplicación en la redacción de proyectos en zona sumergida del Mar Menor”—TRAGSATEC [in Spanish]). Number: 5511/2023.Peer reviewe
Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables from Cape Verde: A Multi-Year Monitoring and Dietary Risk Assessment Study
No full textThis article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Hazardous Pollutants in Foods.Food safety concerns related to pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables have increased globally, particularly in regions where monitoring programs are scarce or inconsistent. This study provides the first multi-year evaluation of pesticide contamination and associated dietary risks in Cape Verde, an African island nation increasingly reliant on imported produce. A total of 570 samples of fruits and vegetables—both locally produced and imported—were collected from major markets across the country between 2017 and 2020 and analyzed using validated multiresidue methods based on gas chromatography coupled to Ion Trap mass spectrometry (GC-IT-MS/MS), and both gas and liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS and LC-QqQ-MS/MS). Residues were detected in 63.9% of fruits and 13.2% of vegetables, with imported fruits showing the highest contamination levels and diversity of compounds. Although only one sample exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Union, 80 different active substances were quantified—many of them not authorized under the current EU pesticide residue legislation. Dietary exposure was estimated using median residue levels and real consumption data from the national nutrition survey (ENCAVE 2019), enabling a refined risk assessment based on actual consumption patterns. The cumulative hazard index for the adult population was 0.416, below the toxicological threshold of concern. However, when adjusted for children aged 6–11 years—taking into account body weight and relative consumption—the cumulative index approached 1.0, suggesting a potential health risk for this vulnerable group. A limited number of compounds, including omethoate, oxamyl, imazalil, and dithiocarbamates, accounted for most of the risk. Many are banned or heavily restricted in the EU, highlighting regulatory asymmetries in global food trade. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened residue monitoring in Cape Verde, particularly for imported products, and support the adoption of risk-based food safety policies that consider population-specific vulnerabilities and mixture effects. The methodological framework used here can serve as a model for other low-resource countries seeking to integrate analytical data with dietary exposure in a One Health context.This work has been funded by the Cooperative Research and Development Projects PERVEMAC II and ALSEMAC granted by the European Regional Development Funds in the frame work of the MAC Programs 2014–2020: MAC/1.1a/049, and 2021–2027: MAC/2/2.6/0116, as well as by the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2021–2023—Knowledge Generation Projects Ref. PID2021-126272OA-I00, and also supported by the Catalina Ruiz research staff training aid program of the Regional Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, and Employment of the Canary Islands Government and the European Social Fund granted to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria via a post-doctoral grant to Acosta-Dacal, A. (APCR2022010003).Peer reviewe
Sustainable bioconversion of cashew apple bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysate into xylose reductase and xylitol by Candida tropicalis ATCC 750: Impact of aeration and fluid dynamics
No full textThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.This study aimed to evaluate the production of xylose reductase (XR), an enzyme responsible for converting xylose into xylitol, by Candida tropicalis ATCC 750 using hemicellulosic hydrolysate from cashew apple bagasse (CABHM) as a low-cost carbon source. The effects of temperature, aeration, and fluid dynamics on XR biosynthesis were also investigated. The highest XR production (1.53 U mL−1) was achieved at 30 °C, with 8.3 g·L−1 of xylitol produced by the yeast under microaerobic conditions, demonstrating that aeration and fluid dynamics are important factors in this process. Cellular metabolism and enzyme production decreased at temperatures above 35 °C. The maximum enzymatic activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 50 °C. XR is a heterodimeric protein with a molecular mass of approximately 30 kDa. These results indicate that CABHM is a promising substrate for XR production by C. tropicalis, contributing to the development of enzymatic bioprocesses for xylitol production from lignocellulosic biomass. This study also demonstrates the potential of agro-industrial residues as sustainable feedstocks in biorefineries, aligning with the principles of a circular bioeconomy.This research was funded by the Brazilian research agency: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico—CNPq (under grant number 316373/2021-4), Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico—FUNCAP (grant number PROEX PR2-0101-00012.01.00/15), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior—CAPES, and Banco Santander and Universidade Federal do Ceará, by Ibero-American Scholarship Program Young Teachers and Researchers Santander Universities 2015.Peer reviewe
Mixed mating system and intraspecific variation in lizard pollination of Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy
No full textPlant reproductive strategies are particularly relevant on islands, where environmental constraints usually shape ecological dynamics. In this sense, the role of lizards (Lacertilia) as flower visitors and potential pollinators has been increasingly recognized. However, lizards may also consume plant reproductive tissues, potentially influenced by lizard intraspecific traits such as age and sex. This study aims to investigate, for the first time, the reproductive biology of the rare Mediterranean shrub Withania frutescens (L.) Pauquy (Solanaceae), and to assess the role of the Balearic lizard Podarcis lilfordi Günther (Lacertidae) as a potential pollinator on Na Redona islet (Cabrera archipelago, Balearic Islands). We analysed flower traits (corolla length, corolla diameter, stamen length, and pistil length) and performed flower bagging experiments with three pollination treatments (open pollination, autogamy, and cross hand-pollination) from 2018 to 2021 to unravel the plant reproductive system. Fruit set, the number of seeds per fruit, seed weight, size and viability were then assessed. Observational censuses were conducted to identify the main flower visitors and estimate their visitation frequency. Finally, we measured morphometric traits of lizards and explored potential intraspecific variation in floral use. The flowers of W. frutescens were morphologically hermaphroditic but functionally dioecious, spatially separated in unisexual individual plants. Open pollination and autogamy treatments resulted in similar fruit set, while cross hand-pollination produced the highest value. However, open pollination significantly increased seed weight and viability. Lizards were the most frequent floral visitors, accounting for 68% of visits, while insects made up the remaining 32%. Lizards played a dual role as both pollinators and florivores, with 45% of their visits potentially contributing to pollination and 55% involving florivory. Juveniles and females primarily conducted legitimate visits, whereas males -with a larger size- were more likely to consume the flowers. Our research describes, for the first time, a mixed reproductive system in W. frutescens, combining hermaphroditism with cryptic dioecy. We also provide a new example of a lizard-pollinated plant, highlighting the importance of vertebrates on island pollination as well as the influence of pollinator intraspecific variation on plant reproductive success. Further research on the reproductive and pollination systems of small, isolated plant populations is crucial, given their heightened vulnerability to disturbance and genetic inbreeding.The study is framed within projects PolinIslas (REF. 2713/2021) funded by the Organismos de Parques Nacionales (Ministerio de Transición Ecológica, Spain), project DEPICT (REF. PID2020-114324GB-C21) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, and project IslandLife (REF. 101054177) funded by the ERC AdG of the Program Horizon Europe. R.M.G. was funded by an FPU fellowship (REF. FPU17/05463) from the Spanish Ministry of Universities. A grant from the Balearic Government PD/004/2019 supported the work of S.H-P. The present research was carried out within the framework of the activities of the Spanish Government through the ‘Maria de Maeztu Centre of Excellence’ accreditation to IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) (CEX2021-001198). The authors declare no conflict of interest.With funding from the Spanish government through the "Maria de Maeztu Centre of Excellence" accreditation (CEX2021-001198).Peer reviewe
Sistemas territoriales retroalimentarios: el cierre virtuoso de los ciclos orgánicos
No full textCiclo de seminarios SADT 2024-2025 "Sistemas territoriales retroalimentarios: el cierre virtuoso de los ciclos orgánicos"
Mié, 26-03-2025Peer reviewe
Alert levels and volcanic risk management in the canary islands
No full textBlog post on the scientific outreach website about volcanology: https://descubrelosvolcanes.esAs we have learned in the volcanic risk management blog (I), there is a wide range of
actions, tasks, and activities that must be carried out before, during, and after a volcanic
crisis. In particular, monitoring, assessment, and decision-making during a volcanic
crisis are especially important, as they often require immediacy, accuracy, and
consensus among various authorities and expert groups. For this reason, in countries
with active volcanic areas, there are numerous regulations, laws, protocols, and
emergency plans that help to ensure that decision-making is as organized, coherent, and
proportionate as possible.Peer reviewe
Phonon and electron transport engineering for enhanced thermoelectric performance and the challenges of device integration [Dataset]
No full textThermoelectricity has long been recognized as a transformative technology for power generation and cooling, owing to its capability to convert heat directly into electricity and vice versa, thereby facilitating cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy conversion. Following a period of modest activity, the field has experienced a remarkable resurgence since 2000, driven by significant advancements in the development of a diverse array of new materials and compounds, alongside enhanced capabilities for controlled nanostructuring. This rapid growth and the innovative breakthroughs observed over the past two decades can be largely attributed to a deeper understanding of the physical properties at the nanoscale. Among the various thermoelectric materials, nanostructured variants exhibit the highest potential for commercial application due to their unprecedented thermoelectric performance, which arises from substantial reductions in thermal conductivity. However, further advancements will not rely solely on nanostructuring; they will also necessitate novel electronic structure design concepts that require a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of electronic and phonon transport. These developments present significant opportunities for thermoelectric energy harvesting, power generation, and cooling applications. This Dataset refers to the article which summarize and elucidate the breakthroughs reported in recent years, discuss future avenues that integrate nanostructuring concepts with the rich electronic structures of novel materials, and provide a critical overview of the future directions in thermoelectric materials research. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials and devices and a summary of the challenges associated with transitioning these materials into practical devices.This work was supported by a Grant named ERC Advanced (POWERbyU Grant Agreements No. 101052603) and ERC Starting Grant (NANOthermMA grant agreement No. 678763).Peer reviewe
Vigilancia volcánica: siempre con un ojo encima del volcán
No full textEntrada de blog en la web de divulgación científica sobre volcanología: https://descubrelosvolcanes.esLos volcanes activos requieren una vigilancia constante para identificar las señales
precursoras que podrían estar avisando de una posible erupción. Existen muchos tipos
de señales precursoras, que pueden durar desde pocos días hasta varios años e incluso
variar en un mismo volcán, ¡dependiendo del tipo de erupción que esté por venir! Por ello,
la vigilancia volcánica es una labor compleja y, a menudo, llena de incertidumbre. En la
mayoría de los casos, resulta crucial combinar tecnología avanzada y campañas de
campo, utilizando un amplio abanico de equipos de medida y técnicas para averiguar
todo lo relacionado con la actividad volcánica. ¡Descubramos cómo funciona esta
apasionante labor y las fascinantes técnicas que la hacen posible!Peer reviewe