Area Growth Research Articles

Estimation of yield and nitrogen use efficiencies in hybrid maize varieties through site specific nitrogen management based on leaf color chart (LCC)

Exorbitant praxis of nitrogen pioneered and opened up the usage of time-specific and need-based nitrogen management. The leaf color chart (LCC), being one of the handy tool, is put to use for the estimation of the indirect leaf N, and also heightens the competence of crop N administration. Integrating leaf color chart assessments into maize cultivation practices can provide a practical and cost-effective approach for tailoring nitrogen applications, leading to improved resource-use efficiency and sustainable maize production. To perceive the specific leaf color chart (LCC) value for precision maneuvering of nitrogen in different maize hybrids, a field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Division of Agronomy, FoA, Wadura, Sopore, SKUAST-Kashmir, in the years 2019 and 2020 (Kharif seasons). Split Plot Design (SPD) employing three maize varieties (Shalimar Maize Hybrid-2 (SMH-2), Kanchan-517 and Vivek-45) in main plots and precision management of nitrogen (T1: Control, T2: Recommended Nitrogen (120 kg N ha–1), T3: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 3) kg N ha−1, T4: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 3) kg N ha−1, T5: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 4) kg N ha−1, T6: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 4) kg N ha−1, T7: 25% N as basal LCC @20 (≤ 5) kg N ha−1 and T8: 25% N as basal LCC @30 (≤ 5) kg N ha−1) in sub-plots was systemized. The pooled means indicated that SMH-2 chalked up utmost values in growth (plant height 189.4 cm) and periodic leaf area index and yield parameters with a grain yield of 6.1 t ha–1, straw yield of 10.6 t ha–1, respectively. The LCC value of @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 set down statistically highest and significant grain (6.0 t ha–1) and straw yield (10.8 t ha–1) pooled over the years amidst other nitrogen management treatments, respectively. LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1 turned up to have highest apparent N recovery (REN) followed by LCC @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha-1 whereas LCC @ 20 (≤ 4) kg N ha–1 which was at par with LCC @ 20 (≤ 5) kg N ha-1 recorded maximum agronomic efficiency (AE). LCC @ 20 (≤ 3) kg N ha–1 showed the highest physiological efficiency (PE) and partial factor productivity (Pfp). Furthermore, different rice genotypes manifested significant effects vis-à-vis Pfp and REN, which were maximum in SMH-2 contrasted with Kanchan-517 and Vivek-45. In the interim, the economics of pooled data divulged that the maximum B: C ratio was observed in SMH-2 and LCC @ 30 (≤ 5) kg N ha–1. Therefore, site-specific nutrient management through LCC proved to be an effective strategy to maximize yield and nitrogen use efficiency in hybrid maize.

Deep Learning Approaches to Predict Geographic Atrophy Progression Using Three-Dimensional OCT Imaging.

To evaluate the performance of various approaches of processing three-dimensional (3D) optical coherence tomography (OCT) images for deep learning models in predicting area and future growth rate of geographic atrophy (GA) lesions caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study used OCT volumes of GA patients/eyes from the lampalizumab clinical trials (NCT02247479, NCT02247531, NCT02479386); 1219 and 442 study eyes for model development and holdout performance evaluation, respectively. Four approaches were evaluated: (1) en-face intensity maps; (2) SLIVER-net; (3) a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN); and (4) en-face layer thickness and between-layer intensity maps from a segmentation model. The processed OCT images and maps served as input for CNN models to predict baseline GA lesion area size and annualized growth rate. For the holdout dataset, the Pearson correlation coefficient squared (r2) in the GA growth rate prediction was comparable for all the evaluated approaches (0.33∼0.35). In baseline lesion size prediction, prediction performance was comparable (0.9∼0.91) except for the SLIVER-net (0.83). Prediction performance with only the thickness map of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer individually was inferior to using both. Addition of other layer thickness or intensity maps did not improve the prediction performance. All explored approaches had comparable performance, which might have reached a plateau to predict GA growth rate. EZ and RPE layers appear to contain the majority of information related to the prediction. Our study provides important insights on the utility of 3D OCT images for GA disease progression predictions.

Spatiotemporal Changes of Vegetation Growth and Its Influencing Factors in the Huojitu Mining Area from 1999 to 2023 Based on kNDVI

Vegetation indices are important representatives of plant growth. Climate change and human activities seriously affect vegetation. This study focuses on the Huojitu mining area in the Shendong region, utilizing the kNDVI index calculated via the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. The Mann–Kendall mutation test and linear regression analysis were employed to examine the spatiotemporal changes in vegetation growth over a 25-year period from 1999 to 2023. Through correlation analysis, geographic detector models, and land use map fusion, combined with climate, topography, soil, mining, and land use data, this study investigates the influencing factors of vegetation growth evolution. The key findings are as follows: (1) kNDVI is more suitable for analyzing vegetation growth in this study compared to NDVI. (2) Over the past 25 years, vegetation growth has exhibited an overall fluctuating upward trend, with an annual growth rate of 0.0041/a. The annual average kNDVI value in the mining area is 0.121. Specifically, kNDVI initially increased gradually, then rapidly increased, and subsequently declined rapidly. (3) Vegetation growth in the study area has significantly improved, with areas of improved vegetation accounting for 89.08% of the total mining area, while degraded areas account for 11.02%. (4) Precipitation and air temperature are the primary natural factors influencing vegetation growth fluctuations in the mining area, with precipitation being the dominant factor (r = 0.81, p < 0.01). The spatial heterogeneity of vegetation growth is influenced by land use, topography, soil nutrients, and mining activities, with land use having the greatest impact (q = 0.43). Major land use changes contribute 46.45% to vegetation improvement and 13.43% to vegetation degradation. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for ecological planning and the development of the Huojitu mining area.

Preliminary analysis of water quality in the urban stretch of Paragominas stream, Pará, Brazil

The growth of the urban area of Paragominas is causing problems for water resources. This was observed due to the lack of data on the water quality of the Paragominas stream, in the urban stretch. This gap needs to be filled, which is why this research was conducted on this stream and this stretch. The aim was to verify the state of water quality using six parameters (five physical: temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity and hydrogen potential; one chemical, dissolved oxygen) in five areas (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5), in the three sections (SI - right bank; SII - central channel; SIII - left bank). The methodology used was investigative with a qualitative approach. Primary data was obtained using electrometric instruments (multi-parameter probe, turbidimeter and thermometer with a probe). The data obtained and analyzed indicated that the water temperature in the five areas had an average value above the annual forecast (± 26 ºC/year) for the municipality (29.0±3.3); electrical conductivity had the highest average value in A3 (390±41.0); TDS, in A1, had the highest average (256±13.9); turbidity, was more pronounced in A2 (24.1±15.1); DO, the lowest value occurred in A5 (0.3±0.6). After applying for the PCA, it was identified that, of the six parameters used, the ones that may be contributing most to the change in water quality are EC and TDS. Based on these observations and the values obtained, the urban stretch of the Paragominas stream is at risk of significant changes leading to pollution and perhaps contamination.

Impact of internal defects on laser-induced damage in Nd3+, Gd3+ co-doped SrF2 crystals

The comprehensive investigation into the distribution characteristics of internal defects across various growth areas of Nd, Gd: SrF2 (NGSF) crystals is presented in this paper by photothermal weak absorption, stress-induced birefringence, and laser confocal microscopy. The stress-gathering and absorption bands resulting from the accumulation of internal defects predominantly consist of fractures, empty tubes, and inclusions with impurities, as observed through SEM. Furthermore, laser-induced damage characteristics were examined to explore the mechanisms of internal defect-induced damage by a 1064 nm pulsed laser, revealing the exponential-Chapman relationship between weak absorption and laser damage threshold fluence. Based on the distribution profile of weak absorption, stress birefringence, and damage points, the damage mechanism is analyzed and attributed to the absorption of laser energy by the internal defects, further emphasizing that these internal defects are precursors to laser-induced damage.

An analysis of the burden of migraine and tension-type headache across the global, China, the United States, India and Japan

BackgroundRecurrent headaches in headache disorders adversely impact quality of life and job. Migraines and tension-type headache TTH) are the most common primary headaches and a prominent cause of disability globally. However, few research compare headache illness burden in China, India, the United States (US), and Japan.MethodsGlobal and Chinese, the US, Indian, and Japanese migraine and TTH incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years were taken from the GBD database for 1990–2021. The data is studied utilizing decomposition analysis, health inequality research, joinpoint regression model, and Bayesian Average Annual Percentage Change (BAPC) model.ResultsThe study found that migraine mostly affects women aged 15–49, while TTH are evenly distributed across gender and age. The worldwide average annual percentage change (AAPC) in disease-adjusted life years (DALYs) for migraine and TTH from 1990 to 2021 was 0.0357, a statistically significant trend (p < 0.001), as determined using joinpoint analysis. China exhibited the quickest rise in migraine and TTH incidence and prevalence, as well as the age-standardized rate (ASR) of DALYs, of the four nations analyzed. The US had the highest value of these indicators. Forecasting models reveal that without policy action, migraine prevalence will grow but TTH prevalence would stay unchanged. Decomposition research showed that population expansion is the major cause of migraines and TTH, which will be slightly alleviated by population aging. Health disparities across economic growth areas lessened between 1990 and 2021, according to the report.ConclusionGlobally and in China, migraine and TTH incidence and burden have increased since 1990. Migraines are becoming more common in young and middle-aged women, so headache treatment professionals should invest more in patient education to raise awareness and improve self-management to reduce disease burden and medical costs.

"Assessment of potential eutrophication in coastal waters of Gran Canaria: Impact on plankton community under CO2 depletion".

Population growth in coastal tourist areas is leading to enhanced waste production, raising concerns about potential nutrient release increases and the resulting impact on marine ecosystems through eutrophication. Knowledge of the specific impacts of eutrophication on plankton communities in many of these regions is limited, highlighting the need for further research and appropriate environmental management strategies. To help address these gaps, we conducted a 30-day mesocosm study in the coastal waters of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, a major European tourist destination, and the third most densely populated autonomous community in Spain. With the aim of assessing the effects of nutrient input on biomass, primary production (PP) and recycling processes by phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacterioplankton, we simulated three nutrient discharge intensities (Low, Medium, and High), with daily additions of 0.1, 1, and 10μmolL-1 of nitrate, respectively, along with phosphate and silicate. We observed that PP, chlorophyll a (Chl-a), and biomass increased linearly with nutrient input, except in the High treatment, where CO2 depletion (<1.0μmolL-1) and an alkalinity increase (>2500μmolL-1) resulted in reduced PP. Despite limitations in nitrogen (Control, Low, and Medium) or carbon (High) availability across treatments, which led to stabilized or decreased PP rates and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, bacterial degradation remained active in all treatments. This microbial activity resulted in an accumulation of recalcitrant chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), indicating the resilience of carbon recycling processes under varying nutrient conditions. Furthermore, a clear succession was evident in all enriched treatments, transitioning from an oligotrophic condition dominated by pico- and nanophytoplankton to a eutrophic state primarily composed of diatoms. However, under CO2 depletion, diatoms experienced a decline in the High treatment, leading to the proliferation of potentially mixotrophic dinoflagellates. Microzooplankton was less sensitive than mesozooplankton to the decrease in prey availability and high pH caused by CO2 depletion. Interestingly, the Medium treatment showed high efficiency in terms of PP, despite reaching CO2 levels near of 1.0μmolL-1 by the end of the experiment. PP rates increased from 10 to 100μgC·L-1·d-1 during the first week and remained stable as diatoms predominated throughout the study period. These findings provide valuable insights into the responses of plankton communities to varying nutrient inputs and emphasize the importance of considering the effects of DIC depletion, along with changes in total alkalinity, in eutrophication scenarios as well as in ocean alkalinity enhancement experiments aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Pertumbuhan dan Hasil 17 Genotipe Melon (Cucumis melo L.) di dataran rendah Bengkulu Utara

National melon production has decreased from 2021 to 2023. One means to overcome this decline is through the expansion of planting areas. The potential of lowland areas can be optimized to enhance melon production. The development of melon varieties in lowlands relies heavily on the availability of germplasm. Genetic diversity within germplasm is a key prerequisite for producing adaptive and high yielding varieties. This research aims to identify melon genotypes with optimal growth and yield performance in lowland areas. The study was conducted at the Arga Makmur experimental farm, North Bengkulu Regency, from January to March 2024, at an altitude of 203.9 meters above sea level. The experiment used a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 17 melon genotypes as treatments and three replications. Data were statistically analyzed using the F-test, and significant genotypic treatments were further evaluated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 5% significance level. The results identified five selected melon genotypes based on high fruit weight, fruit diameter, and sweetness level: genotypes G3, G4, G7, G12, and G17

Microbial molecules, metabolites, and malignancy.

Research elucidating the role of the microbiome in carcinogenesis has grown exponentially over the past decade. Initially isolated to associative studies on colon cancer development, the field has expanded to encompass nearly every solid and liquid malignancy that may afflict the human body. Investigations are rapidly progressing from association to causation and one particular area of causal effect relates to microbial metabolites and how they influence cancer development, progression, and treatment response. These metabolites can be produced de novo from individual members of the microbiome, whether that be bacteria, fungi, archaea, or other microbial organisms, or they can be through metabolic processing of dietary compounds or even host-derived molecules. In this review, contemporary research elucidating mechanisms whereby microbial-derived molecules and metabolites impact carcinogenesis and cancer treatment efficacy will be presented. While many of the examples focus on bacterial metabolites in colon carcinogenesis, this simply illustrates the accelerated nature of these investigations that occurred early in microbiome research but provides an opportunity for growth in other cancer areas. Indeed, research into the interaction of microbiome-derived metabolites in other malignancies is growing as well as investigations that involve non-bacterial metabolites. This review will provide the reader a framework to expand their knowledge regarding this complex and exciting field of cancer research.

A Comprehensive SWOT and TOWS analysis of transfusion medicine: Indian Perspective.

SWOT and TOWS analysis is a strategic planning tool for identifying internal and external factors influencing a field. It helps to identify areas for improvement and growth by maximizing strengths and opportunities while minimizing weaknesses and threats. Transfusion medicine specialists can better understand the field's current status and plan potential growth using SWOT and TWOS strategic tools. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study using Google Forms, was conducted among Transfusion Medicine specialists in India. The authors formulated five open-ended questions for each of the S, W, O, and T categories to address and analyze the main aspects of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Descriptive statistics analyzed demographic details and keywords, extracting factors for SWOT and TOWS analysis to develop strategies. 71 specialists, across India: Central (8), East (7), North (18), South (31), and West (7) responded, achieving a 48 % response rate. Strengths focused on Immunohematology and blood safety. Conversely, weaknesses highlighted were limited clinical exposure and insufficient recognition within the medical fraternity. Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating emerging advancements were key opportunities identified. The prevailing concerns encompassed two primary threats: the potential overlap with related branches like pathology, and the emergence of artificial blood products. The SO, ST, WO, and WT strategies focused on apheresis, recruitment policy, clinical exposure, and newer developments, respectively. This study highlights the application of SWOT and TWOS analysis as a valuable strategic tool for Transfusion Medicine specialists to address these factors proactively and to enhance the field's trajectory.

Impregnation of granular activated carbon with nickel or copper improves performance of microbial electrosynthesis

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) utilizes renewable electricity to power microbial conversion of carbon dioxide into multi-carbon products. As the cathode electrodes serve both as source of reducing equivalents and provide surface area for biofilm growth, the electrode material plays a crucial role in MES. In this study, granular activated carbon (GAC) was impregnated with copper or nickel (5 wt%) and used as MES cathode. In abiotic runs, metal impregnated GAC resulted in higher current densities, on average up to 5.6 mA cm−3, compared to GAC without metal impregnation, up to 1.1 mA cm−3. In MES, metal impregnated GAC enhanced acetate production rates compared to control GAC, up to 241 mg/L d-1. The differences were mostly affected by the mass percentage of the metal catalyst on GAC, while the oxidation state of the metal had no considerable effect. Overall, impregnating GAC with metals shows high potential for improving the MES performance.

Consequences of the modulation of gestational resistance training intensity for placental cell composition and nutrient transporter expression.

Resistance training during pregnancy provides benefits for the mother and fetus, but little is known about the effects of resistance training on placental structure and function or the repercussions of modifying resistance training intensity on the mother-fetus-placenta triad. Female Wistar rats were submitted to resistance training involving a ladder climb (80% of maximum load carried (MLC), 5-day/week for 3-weeks) before pregnancy. After confirmation of mating, the rats were randomly divided into three groups, according to resistance training intensity during pregnancy: constant-intensity training (CIT, trained at 80% of MLC through gestation), decreasing-intensity training (DIT, 80% of MLC during first and second weeks of gestation and 50% of MLC in the third week), and undulating-intensity training (UIT, 50% of MLC in the first and third weeks, and 80% of MLC in the second week). A control group did not undergo any training. Samples were collected on gestational day 20. Resistance training had no impact on maternal body weight, muscle glycogen content, adipocyte morphology, number of fetuses, number of absorptions, placental area, or fetal growth parameters. The CIT group presented lower maternal serum glucose. The UIT group presented increased presence of fetal capillaries in the labyrinth zone and increased Glut1, Glut3, and Snat1 expression in the placenta. Snat2 expression was upregulated in all resistance training groups and higher levels of Mtor expression were found in the DIT group. Il1b expression increased in the CIT group, and higher levels of Il10 expression were found in the DIT and UIT groups. Resistance training was safe for pregnant rats. Its influence on glucose and amino acid transport was not dependent on changes in Mtor expression and did not impact fetal growth.

Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy with Erythrosin B, Eosin Y, and Rose Bengal for the inhibition of fungal keratitis isolates: An in vitro study.

Fungal keratitis is a leading cause of corneal blindness, with current antifungal treatments having limited efficacy. One promising treatment modality is Rose Bengal (RB) photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT) that has shown mixed success against fungal keratitis. Therefore, there is a need to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of other green-light activated photosensitizers that have deep penetration in the cornea to combat the deep fungal infections, such as Erythrosin B (EB) and Eosin Y (EY). This study will explore PDAT inhibitory effects with different photosensitizers, RB, EB, and EY against two common fungal ocular isolates, Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. Twelve fungal isolates (Fusarium spp., n=6, Aspergillus spp., n=6) were prepared in suspension for evaluation of growth inhibition to PDAT with three photosensitizers, EB, EY, and RB. Custom green light source (λ=518nm, energy density=5.4J/cm2) was applied to the experimental groups for 15min. Fungal growth inhibition was assessed after experimentation by analyzing the area of growth within the irradiated zone on agar plates. All twelve fungal isolates showed no inhibition to EB, EY, and RB without irradiation. Fusarium spp. were more susceptible to PDAT than Aspergillus spp. In all Fusarium solani strains, all photosensitizers with light showed full inhibition within the 47mm diameter irradiation zone. EB, EY, and RB PDAT demonstrated comparable antifungal inhibition against six Fusarium ocular isolates; these findings in conjunction with the deeper tissue penetration of EB and EY, are of interest to treat more advanced and deeper cases of fungal keratitis.

Collaborating to Reduce Parental Conflict: A Qualitative Study About the Experiences of Parenting Coordinators

ABSTRACT This qualitative study aimed to explore the factors in parenting coordination that helped or hindered the successful resolution of family conflict post-separation and divorce. The role of the parenting coordinator (PC) is a hybrid role that combines psychology, conflict resolution, and arbitration to help parents who remain in high conflict despite the passage of time. Using the enhanced critical incident technique (ECIT), eight British Columbia Parenting Coordinator Roster Society (BCPCRS) PCs were interviewed. Participants were asked about helping and hindering factors in resolving conflict and the supports or programs they would have found helpful in their role as PCs. . The results covered a wide range of aspects of parenting coordination including PCs process for resolving conflict and the context and dynamics in which PCs conduct their work. . Areas of complexity in parenting coordination and areas of further growth for this role were identified and discussed.

Respon Pertumbuhan Dan Produksi Tanaman Siomak (Lactuca Sativa L.) Pada Variasi Media Tanam Dan Pupuk Urin Kelinci

Siomak is a type of lettuce plant that has a slightly different leaf shape from lettuce plants in general. This research aims to determine the interaction between planting media treatment and rabbit urine fertilizer concentration on the growth and yield of siomak plants. This research was carried out from April to May 2022 in Rejomulyo Village, Kras District, Kediri Regency, East Java Province. This research used a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors. The first factor is the planting medium (M), while the second factor is the concentration of rabbit urine fertilizer (K). The results of this research show that the M2K4 treatment combination (planting media ratio 2:1:3 + 40 ml/L urine fertilizer) is the treatment combination with the best results in the observation variables of number of leaves and wet weight per plant. The combination of M2K2 treatment (planting media ratio 2:1:3 +20 ml/L urine fertilizer) is the combination with the best results in increasing the root length of siomak plants. The single treatment of M2 planting media (planting media ratio 2:1:3) showed better results than the results of treatment M1 (planting media ratio 2:1:2) significantly in the observation variables of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and root volume. . K4 treatment (urine fertilizer 40 ml/L) is the most effective and efficient concentration in increasing plant height and leaf area growth. The results of observing the root volume of the K5 treatment (50 ml/L urine fertilizer) showed the best results.

An Evaluation of Self-Assessed Caregiver Readiness to Foster and Adopt After Participating in the National Training and Development Curriculum

ABSTRACT Purpose The self-assessment is a component of the National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) used by resource (i.e. foster, adoptive, and kinship) parents to understand strengths and areas of potential growth associated with successful parenting. This outcome evaluation assesses changes in caregiver self-assessment results after receiving the NTDC classroom-based training. Materials and methods Resource parents from six U.S. states completed the self-assessment at baseline before the NTDC classroom-based training and 90 days after completing the training. Regression analyses were conducted for 20 training competencies and 14 parenting characteristics, controlling for demographic and caregiver characteristics and using propensity-score weights to account for potential bias from attrition between completion of the self-assessment at baseline and follow-up. The number of participant responses in the analytic sample varied across the training competencies and parenting characteristics, with an average of n = 321 responses per construct. Results All training competencies and parenting characteristics observed statistically significant improvements in participant scores from baseline to follow-up, with average training competency scores improving by 11% and parenting characteristic scores by 5%. Discussion These results suggest that the NTDC classroom-based curriculum may help caregivers to develop knowledge and skills in content areas related to effective parenting. Conclusion The NTDC self-assessment seems to function as intended for participants to understand areas of strength and potential growth in a variety of training competencies and parenting characteristics associated with effective parenting.

Open-Source Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice

This review focuses on the use of open-source data in criminology and criminal justice research, highlighting the field's advancements through these data, optimal practices for constructing open-source databases, and key methodological hurdles to confront. As the amount and types of available public information have grown, scholars have capitalized on this access by constructing open-source databases. Our review found extraordinary growth in this research area and that these flexible methods have been used to study a range of important topics, including issues that have been historically challenging to research. These methods have been most impactful in the study of rare events, such as school shootings, terrorism, and mass shootings. Some studies have become core works that significantly impacted criminology and other scientific disciplines, and the limits of the use of sources have yet to be determined. Our review of this literature found variations in the methodological approach to constructing such databases. Many studies did not evaluate the credibility of the open-source information they relied upon and often were not transparent in describing their research process. We identify the different processual elements of systematically developing and using such data. We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, set forth best practices, and discuss how to improve methodological rigor and oversight in future research.

Land Degradation-Based Approach for Assessing the Performance of the Natura 2000 Network in Mainland Spain

Human impact on natural ecosystems is unsustainable and has led to a significant loss of biodiversity, highlighting the importance of protected area networks such as the European Union’s Natura 2000 (N2000). This study assesses the effectiveness of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) in mainland Spain, using a Normalised Relative Severity Index (SER) computed from land condition states of ecological maturity (2010–2020). A total of 596 SACs were analysed, comparing their SER index with that of unprotected areas. Biophysical characteristics such as elevation, tree cover density, and human impact were used for explanatory purposes. At the national level, SACs exhibit a significantly higher median SER index than unprotected areas, indicating a better overall land condition status within N2000. However, regional variations were observed, with some Autonomous Communities in the Atlantic showing better land conditions outside N2000, which is attributed to vigorous vegetation growth in marginal areas. Differences in the SER index between inside and outside N2000 are proportional to the isolation degree of SACs. The study demonstrates that N2000 positively contributes to land conservation in mainland Spain. Nevertheless, it emphasizes the need to consider regional specificities and manage non-protected areas for more effective long-term conservation, especially in the Mediterranean region.

Integrated Geotechnical Analysis of Allophanic Volcanic Ash Soils: SDMT and Laboratory Perspectives

The geological study area is volcano-tectonic in nature. Microscopic observations and mineralogical analyses revealed the presence of allophane and diatom clusters whose mineral compositions coincided with weathered andesites and dacites. Edometric consolidation tests showed a high porosity and a reduction in the void ratio by up to five times. These are highly compressible soils with a Cc/Cs ratio of 12 to 15 and a specific gravity (Gs) of 2.4. Low initial bulk density (1.10 Mg/m³), high plasticity, and SUCS (OH) classification are typical of soft soils, with an effective friction angle (ɸ’CD) of 25.5° to 30° and effective cohesion (c’CD) of 11.90 to 47.27 KPa. The shear wave velocity for the first 10 m (Vs10) on average ranged from 78 m/s to 120 m/s, whereas that for the first 30 m (Vs30) was 169 m/s. The permeability, which was calculated indirectly, was between 2 × 10−7 and 3 × 10−8 m/s. With an organic matter content between 5% and 25%, the Caupicho soil is an organic mineral sediment that is not considered peat (non-peat). The results of this study serve as a basis for future analyses of soil dynamics, bearing capacity, and consolidation settlements in the medium and long term in an area of high urban growth in southern Quito, Ecuador.

Experimentally Calibrated Modeling of Periodic Supply Epitaxy for Selective Area Growth by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Experimentally Calibrated Modeling of Periodic Supply Epitaxy for Selective Area Growth by Molecular Beam Epitaxy