Mediterranean Region Research Articles

Healthy Effects of Milk and Dairy Product Consumption in the Mediterranean Area and Japan.

Milk is a food enriched in essential components for human health. Especially, in the Mediterranean area, besides cow's milk, milk from goats, sheep, and donkeys, is largely used. The consumption of animal milk is an important component of the Mediterranean (MED) diet, even if in moderate amounts. Milk is a complete food since it contains proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as micronutrients (minerals and vitamins). Milk-fermented products are largely consumed in the MED diet, such as cheese and yogurt, which are rich in essential metabolites, bioactive compounds, vitamins, minerals, and exopolysaccharides. A large body of evidence suggests that consumption of milk and dairy products does not increase the risk of all-cause mortality, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, even if some earlier studies have reported harmful effects associated with their higher consumption. Also, in Japan, despite the lower consumption of milk than in Western countries, intake of bovine milk is associated with healthy effects. The present review describes the effects of the various constituents of animal milk on human health, with special reference to the Mediterranean area and Japan. Experimental data and clinical trials support the ability of milk and dairy products to lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Organisms with high dispersal ability as a proxy for biogeographical characterisation of the Mediterranean biome

The Mediterranean biome offers a diverse range of habitats, particularly rocky environments, known for their long-term stability and persistence. Adapted to these rocky surfaces, chasmophytes thrive in this region, benefiting from reduced competition and human interference. The distribution of stress-tolerant cryptogams with generally broad niches represents a significant gap in the biogeography of the region. This study investigates whether complex symbiotic organisms with a potential for long-distance dispersal could serve as biogeographic indicators for delimitation of the Mediterranean biome's boundaries. Through comprehensive chorology data research, saxicolous lichen congeners of the genus Solenopsora were mapped across the Mediterranean Basin as a model area. Environmental predictors (climate and geology) were employed to predict suitable habitats, shedding light on the lichens' ecological niches. Habitat suitability models consistently aligned with the Mediterranean's geographical area, indicating a tight link between lichen distribution and Mediterranean climate classification. While climate change may pose vulnerabilities, no significant range shifts beyond the latitudinal limit of the Mediterranean were predicted. Despite overlapping climatic niches, differences in microhabitat preferences in terms of insolation were observed among studied taxa. Vulnerable regions with potential habitat decreases were identified under future scenarios, emphasizing the importance of environmental heterogeneity in securing local species persistence. This study supports the hypothesis that these lichen symbiotic systems are restricted to the Mediterranean Basin, highlighting their potential to reflect Mediterranean climate, environmental stability, and indicate the boundaries of the Mediterranean biome. Our investigation demonstrates that collection-based research can yield significant contributions to current biogeography.

Impact of prescribed fire on fungal communities in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forests in Mediterranean transitional zones

The Mediterranean region is renowned for its natural susceptibility to wildfires. In recent years, this risk has intensified due to various factors, including climate change and rural abandonment. Castilla y Leon stands out as one of the most severely impacted areas grappling with rural exodus. This evolving scenario accentuates the urgency of implementing forest management strategies to mitigate the escalating threat of wildfires, with a primary focus on fuel reduction. Although prescribed fires represent an efficient and cost-effective tool for wildfire prevention, they remain a contentious subject in Europe. Fungi not only contribute significantly to rural economies but also play a pivotal role in maintaining the equilibrium of forest ecosystems. The main objective of this study was to examine the effects of prescribed burning on Pinus sylvestris soils, with a specific focus on the recovery of fungal populations after such fires. To assess the short-term effects of prescribed fires on soil fungal communities, we collected soil samples from both burned and unburned plots 12 months post-burning to perform genomic DNA analyses. Our findings indicate that prescribed burning does not significantly alter fungal diversity or composition, with only litter saprotrophs showing significantly higher levels of abundance in burned areas than in unburned areas. Valuable edible fungi persisted post-burning, suggesting that prescribed burning could be used to reduce wildfire fuel loads while preserving fungal biodiversity and valuable edible fungi. These results advocate for the use of prescribed burning as a viable, myco-friendly forest management practice, offering a balance between fire prevention and ecological conservation.

Mediterranean Lifestyle: More Than a Diet, A Way of Living (and Thriving).

Although the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) may appear simple and locally inspired based on the provided definitions, mounting evidence reveals that adopting a dietary pattern aligned with MedDiet principles can yield numerous health benefits. Also, the MedDiet stands as the gold standard in preventive medicine, so it is not a simplistic diet centered around specific ingredients or cooking methods; instead, it emerges from a distinctive way of life (lifestyle) inherent to the Mediterranean region. This lifestyle encapsulates essential components of a balanced diet and life, including frugality and moderation in food consumption, the utilization of seasonal and traditional products, a focus on locally sourced, eco-friendly, and biodiverse items, personal engagement in culinary preparation, the emphasis on conviviality and social activities during meal consumption, regular engagement in physical activity, adequate hydration, and sufficient rest. In this review, we will establish the interconnections and links between the various aspects of the Mediterranean diet, how these pillars reflect the Mediterranean region's distinctive lifestyle, and how each element is a necessary part of the others. Finally, the seamless integration of social involvement, sufficient rest, regular physical exercise, and diet will be explored to provide a holistic view of the Mediterranean lifestyle and its inherent harmony.

The Recommendation of the Mediterranean-styled Japanese Diet for Healthy Longevity.

The Mediterranean diet, listed as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, is known as healthy and consumed worldwide. The Japanese diet is also listed and considered healthy. This narrative review compares the Mediterranean diet with its Japanese counterpart. Research has reported that people in Mediterranean regions, such as Italy and Greece, have one-third of the mortality ratio from cardiovascular diseases compared to people in the United States and Northern Europe because of the difference in eating habits. Therefore, Mediterranean diets are considered as healthy. A typical Western diet containing high amounts of fat, sugar, and calories is responsible for several diseases like metabolic syndrome and obesity, which are induced by chronic inflammation. In contrast, Mediterranean and Japanese diets contain them only less. The similarity between Mediterranean and Japanese diets is the substantial intake of vegetables, beans, and fish. On the other hand, the Mediterranean diet consumes large amounts of olive oil, especially polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oil and dairy products, but meat consumption is relatively small. In contrast, the Japanese diet does not use oil and fat, contains abundant fermented foods, and consumes seaweed. Japan is known for its longevity, and people think that a well-balanced diet daily is good for preventing and curing illness. In this regard, finding non-disease conditions, so-called "ME-BYO," and curing them before the manifestation of diseases is becoming more common. In this review, we discuss the healthy eating habit, "The Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet," which prevents ME-BYO condition and reduces the risk of various diseases. The Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet, a hybrid of Mediterranean and Japanese diets, reduces the risk of various diseases by suppressing chronic inflammation. This nutritional intervention prevents ME-BYO and is beneficial for healthy longevity. Hence, a Mediterranean-styled Japanese diet might be helpful for healthy longevity in Japan and around the world.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of the non-indigenous bryozoan, Amathia verticillata, and its associated invertebrate community

The widespread non-indigenous bryozoan, Amathia verticillata primarily colonizes in coastal bays and harbors on anthropogenic structures. Although this habitat-forming bryozoan is widely recognized to house a variety of marine invertebrates within its structure, little is known about their spatiotemporal dynamics and their associated invertebrate community in Southern California, USA. Thus, we undertook a comprehensive yearlong study (July 2021-2022) in an urbanized estuary (Mission Bay, San Diego) to quantify A. verticillata percent cover and abiotic conditions at 6 stations with varying environmental conditions. The seasonal and spatial gradients in temperature and salinity within Mission Bay were as expected with seasonal hypersalinity typical of Mediterranean climate regions. The percent cover of A. verticillata was positively correlated with temperature with the highest percent cover found during the warmest periods, and higher average percent cover found in the warmer, eastern parts of Mission Bay. We also collected three replicate A. verticillata colonies to characterize the marine invertebrate community associated with this non-indigenous bryozoan. We identified 25 families, 24 genera, and 19 organisms to species belonging to the taxonomic groups: amphipods, isopods, tanaids, and polychaetes. Furthermore, we identified juvenile stages and ovigerous females living within A. verticillata. None of the identified invertebrate families contributed more than 21 % to the community. The seasonal growth and annual temporal patterns of A. verticillata may prevent competitively dominant species from becoming established within the invertebrate community and allow A. verticillata to harbor a diverse invertebrate community. Sphaeromatidae isopods were the most common family found in the bryozoan colonies, likely reflecting their broad environmental tolerances. Additionally, while some of the invertebrates found within A. verticillata were also non-indigenous species, more work needs to be done to determine if A. verticillata disproportionately supports these species over native species. Collectively, our results imply that A. verticillata functions as a nursery habitat on anthropogenic structures for peracarid crustaceans and polychaetes. Furthermore, A. verticillata assemble analogous communities across their distribution, which may indicate that invasions are homogenizing biota globally.

Summer Weed Management Strategies for Saffron Crocus in the Northeastern United States

Saffron is an extremely high-value spice made from the dried stigmas of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). The saffron crocus flowers in the fall, grows vegetatively during the winter and spring, and is dormant during the summer. It is native to the Mediterranean region and most of the global saffron crop is produced in the Mediterranean and western Asia. Summer rainfall is rare in these regions. However, saffron crocus is becoming increasingly popular as a niche crop in the northeastern United States and other areas where summer rainfall is common. This study evaluated four methods of weed control during summer dormancy to determine the relative costs and the effects on saffron yield. Hand cultivation (HC) was the most expensive method and resulted in significantly decreased saffron yields. Covering the saffron crocus field with a light-proof plastic tarp (occultation) was the least expensive and had no effect on saffron yield. Annual planting of saffron crocus also had no effect on saffron yield but required more labor than occultation. Intercropping basil (Ocimum basilicum) resulted in the highest revenue per unit area and did not negatively affect yields of either saffron or basil. Based on this study intercropping is recommended for summer weed management for producers seeking to maximize revenue per unit area, while occultation is recommended for producers seeking to minimize production costs.

Site selection for solar power plants using GIS and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process: Case study of the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkiye

As global warming becomes increasingly evident, the need to use renewable energy sources cannot be overstated. The consumption of fossil fuels in energy production not only exacerbates the effects of global warming but also negatively affects air quality and puts human health at serious risk. The objective of this research is to determine the most suitable locations for solar power plants (SPPs) in the Turkish provinces of Antalya, Burdur, and Isparta, which are situated in the Western Mediterranean Region (WMR). The study employs the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the extraction of spatial information. In evaluating SPP site selection, 11 criteria were considered, including climate, economy, topography, and environmental factors. To produce more objective results during the decision-making phase, a thorough analysis of the relationship between solar irradiance and climatic factors such as air temperature, cloud frequency, and water vapor density which are crucial for the power plant's efficiency in SPP projects was conducted using machine learning techniques. The criteria weights were calculated by the FAHP method, considering expert opinions, literature observations, and machine learning results. The results show that approximately 20% of the region is suitable for SPP.

Modeling the potential distribution and shift of an Algerian endangered endemic species (Cedrus atlantica) under climate change scenarios: Implications for conservation

Algeria is distinguished by its geographical and climatic diversity, which contains a varied flora and endemic species, being recognized as one of the biodiversity hot-spots of the Mediterranean region. Among its endemic species, the renowned Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica) is particularly notable as it exclusively grows in the Atlas Mountains. Classified as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, because of its endemism and also because dramatic declining populations over the past four decades. Forecasting the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of this species might help in devising effective conservation strategies. Under this backdrop, this study aimed to simulate the current distribution of suitable habitat for C. atlantica in Algeria and investigate the influence of climate change on its distribution range by the years 2050, 2070 and 2090. The distribution was modeled using Maximum Entropy (Maxent) based on locality information of 103 occurrence sites of the species and nine different environmental variables. The model showed that annual mean temperature and elevation were the most important environmental factors affecting the distribution of C. atlantica in Algeria. Currently, the total suitable habitats for this species, including both medium and high suitability habitats, cover a total area of 1,837 km2, yet its distribution is relatively narrow and fragmented. This area would obviously decrease under all future climate change scenarios, shifting northwestward and to higher elevations, where conditions conducive to the species’ expansion will exist. Our results showed that at lower elevations and latitudes the species is highly prone to the effects of climate change, and they are confronted with an augmented risk of extinction across diverse climatic scenarios. This research provides valuable information for the more effective conservation and sustainable management of C. atlantica in the face of climate change challenges.

Reservoir Characteristics of Ha'py-2 well in Ha'py Gas Field, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Egypt

Reservoir Characteristics of Ha'py-2 well in Ha'py Gas Field, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Egypt

A Spectral–Spatial Approach for the Classification of Tree Cover Density in Mediterranean Biomes Using Sentinel-2 Imagery

Tree canopy cover is an important forest inventory parameter and a critical component for the in-depth mapping of forest fuels. This research examines the potential of employing single-date Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery, combined with contextual spatial information, to classify areas based on their tree cover density using Random Forest classifiers. Three spatial information extraction methods are investigated for their capacity to acutely detect canopy cover: two based on Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) features and one based on segment statistics. The research was carried out in three different biomes in Greece, in a total study area of 23,644 km2. Three tree cover classes were considered, namely, non-forest (cover < 15%), open forest (cover = 15%–70%), and closed forest (cover ≥ 70%), based on the requirements set for fuel mapping in Europe. Results indicate that the best approach identified delivers F1-scores ranging 70%–75% for all study areas, significantly improving results over the other alternatives. Overall, the synergistic use of spectral and spatial features derived from Sentinel-2 images highlights a promising approach for the generation of tree cover density information layers in Mediterranean regions, enabling the creation of additional information in support of the detailed mapping of forest fuels.

Swimming in the Sahara: a new locality record and range extension of Natrix maura (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata, Colubridae) from central Algeria

Natrix maura, commonly known as the viperine snake, is a widespread and common semi-aquatic species in the western Mediterranean region. This study reports a new locality record of N. maura from central Algeria, significantly extending the species’ known range. Additionally, we provide an updated distribution map of N. maura in Algeria, compiled from a comprehensive dataset of occurrence records. Our findings emphasize the need for extensive herpetofaunal surveys in the country’s underexplored regions. Dataset published through GBIF (DOI: 10.15470/fe3689)

The Role of Dietary Fatty Acids in Modulating Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Physiology, Reproduction, and Quality Traits in Captivity

The invasive blue crab is challenging the Mediterranean basin, progressively declining local populations. This reflects a lower prey availability and suitability of dietary nutrients (mainly n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA). The present study aimed to challenge blue crab males and females with a feed source low in n-3 PUFA with respect to one showing a proper fatty acid profile and to investigate the responses in terms of growth, welfare, lipid characterization of target tissues, and reproductive status. Blue crabs were divided into three groups as follows: (i) Marine: crabs fed sardinella (Sardinella aurita) fillet for 60 days; (ii) Mix: crabs fed bovine heart for the first 40 days and sardinella fillet for the following 20 days; and (iii) Terrestrial: crabs fed bovine heart for 60 days. The diet did not alter the health status but reflected the fatty acid profile of muscle and ovary of the blue crabs. In each group, males and females showed a proper hepatopancreas structure, with comparable levels of lipid reserves. This properly supported gonad maturation in both sexes. However, males and females from the group fed the terrestrial diet were characterized by reduced body weight, revealing that blue crabs prioritize reproductive investment rather than growth by directing crucial nutrients to reproductive organs when a suboptimal diet is available.

The role of the Mediterranean Diet in preventing the development and complications of lifestyle diseases – a Review

IntroductionThe Mediterranean diet, inspired by traditional dietary habits of the Mediterranean region, exhibits anti-inflammatory and protective effects, reducing the risk of civilization diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. This diet is characterized by a high intake of plant-based foods, olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and dairy products. These components provide unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which positively impact metabolic health and lower the risk of chronic diseases. In the face of the global obesity epidemic and an increasing number of individuals affected by lifestyle-related diseases, the Mediterranean diet offers a promising tool to support a healthy lifestyle. Aim of study This article aims to review current scientific studies evaluating the potential of the Mediterranean diet in preventing and managing civilization diseases. Particular attention is given to its effects on weight loss, improvements in glycemic markers, reductions in low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels, and blood pressure control. The article also explores its benefits for athletes' health, as well as its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory states. Material and methods A literature review of the PubMed database was conducted, assessing relevant studies on the Mediterranean diet and its impact on lifestyle diseases.

Multiple Phytophthora species associated with declining wild olive trees in Sardinia, Italy

AbstractWild olive represents one of the most iconic woody plants in the Mediterranean Basin. This slow‐growing evergreen tree is characteristic of sclerophyll vegetation, extremely tolerant to drought, salinity and diseases, thus is commonly used as rootstock for grafting cultivated olive varieties. Since 2022, extensive dieback and mortality of wild olive trees have been observed in Sardinia, Italy. Affected plants showed leaf chlorosis, wilting, defoliation, shoot blight and epicormic shoots, often associated with root rot and necroses on the feeder roots, initially associated with Phytophthora bilorbang and P. pseudocryptogea. A 2‐year study was thereafter conducted to clarify the aetiology of this unusual disease. Using a baiting technique, 10 Phytophthora taxa from three phylogenetic clades (2, 6, 8) were isolated from 53 of 87 rhizosphere soil samples collected, including P. asparagi, P. bilorbang, P. crassamura, P. inundata, P. kelmanii, P. oleae, P. pseudocryptogea, P. sansomeana and P. syringae. Additionally, some isolates that showed several polymorphisms in rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences compared with closely related known species are reported here as P. taxon paulensis. Pathogenicity tests on 1‐year‐old wild olive seedlings showed that nine out of 10 Phytophthora taxa significantly reduced root length of inoculated seedlings compared to controls. P. inundata and P. oleae caused the greatest reduction, while root length of seedlings inoculated with P. kelmanii did not differ from the controls. This study provides insights into the role of Phytophthora taxa in the wild olive decline in Sardinia, indicating the urgent need to expand monitoring and implement effective management strategies to mitigate the disease.

A model for integrating palliative care into Eastern Mediterranean health systems with a primary care approach.

Palliative care in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) faces challenges despite the high number of patients in need. To provide accessible, affordable, and timely services, it is crucial to adopt a suitable care model. World health organization (WHO) recommends integrating palliative care with primary health care (PHC). Given the unique conditions of EMR countries, there is a need to design a model tailored to these contexts. This study is a multi-method research project conducted through several sub-studies, including a literature review, policy analysis, expert opinion (Delphi Method), dimension-specific analysis, model development, and its validation and refinement (Delphi Method). Drawing from the WHO model, six dimensions: policy, drug availability, education, community integration, service delivery, and research were considered to developing the model and implementation requirements. Within each dimension, evidence-based solutions tailored to the region's context were explored. A successful palliative care model requires, in the policy dimension, oversight by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Having a focal-person or working group within the MOH is crucial for policy-making, formulation, and approval of clinical guidelines, as well as addressing care challenges. It is essential to provide access to morphine and other essential medications, along with facilitating the administration and consumption of morphine at home. Conducting empowerment courses for care providers, can address various challenges. Community involvement through volunteers, charities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is also important. To ensure service provision, monitoring and evaluating systems are crucial, along with striving for service continuity through an appropriate payment system. Lastly, research is necessary for needs assessment, evidence-based practice, and designing evaluation indicators. The proposed model relies on community health workers, especially nurses, as multitasking professionals available for community palliative care. In the presented model, special attention has been given to networking, collaboration, and the use of digital health technologies to support nurses. The model proposed for integrating palliative care into PHC should serve as a framework that enhances access to available and affordable services for countries in the region. While this model was developed based on the overall conditions of the region, each country can tailor it to its unique strengths and opportunities.

Pomegranate plant tissue culture technique - a review

‌Background: The pomegranate, or Punica granatum L., is a member of the "Punicaceae" family, which also includes Punica protopunica and Punica granatum. Originating in Afghanistan and Iran, it has spread over Asia, Africa, and Europe's Mediterranean region. The traditional method of pomegranate propagation is laborious and time-consuming. It does not guarantee healthy, disease-free plants. Its shortcomings include poor success rates, extremely sluggish replication, and a one-year establishing period for new plants. Tissue culture is a technique that can be used to grow plants in all seasons without restrictions. Several pomegranate-growing nations have tried in vitro propagation to generate virus-free, similar-type plants, and it has been widely used for propagating many fruit trees. Research Purpose: The goal of this essay was to examine how to do plant tissue culture method and get familiar with the techniques. with an emphasis on the pomegranate micropropagation. The only aspect of plant tissue culture that may be able to get around these issues is in vitro technology. Therefore, there is plenty of room for employing micropropagation to multiply desired genotypes on a wide scale. Research Method: This review article was conducted based on scientific websites in Persian and English languages, including SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Library Studies, Results: Pomegranate plants multiply quickly through micropropagation, producing plants (clones) that are genetically similar. In a short amount of time, a single explant can yield thousands of plants. These plants match exactly. The study provides a standardized protocol for in vitro regeneration of nodal explants, which could be useful in large-scale production of uniform and disease-free plantlets. The process of plant tissue culture reduces the need for importing expensive plant seeds.

A high‐resolution climatological study of explosive cyclones in the Mediterranean region: Frequency, intensity and synoptic drivers

AbstractIn the complex context of climate change and in a heavily populated area like the Mediterranean region, understanding and studying explosive cyclones (ECs) is crucial because of their potential to cause extreme weather events, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and significant disruptions to human activities and infrastructure, as happened in 2018 with the Vaia storm. The genesis and persistence of ECs, characterized by a rapid drop in central mean sea level pressure exceeding 12 hPa in 12 hours, are influenced by various physical processes and while water vapour convergence in the mid‐low troposphere is crucial, mid‐upper tropospheric cyclonic vorticity advection and upper tropospheric divergence also play significant roles. In this study, we used ERA5 hourly data of mean sea level pressure from 1979 to 2020 to analyse EC occurrences in the Mediterranean. The identification of EC events followed the 12‐hr deepening‐rate criterion introduced by Zhang et al. (2017), as shorter deepening rates definitions proved unreliable. A total of 80 ECs were identified and classified based on their spatial occurrence and magnitude, 34 of which were concentrated in the northwest of the basin, likely due to orographic deformation caused by the Alps on baroclinic waves originating from the Atlantic. The study also identified recurring synoptic patterns associated with the persistence of ECs over the sea, including the presence of potential vorticity (PV) streamers and mid‐tropospheric dry‐air intrusions. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis highlighted the Scandinavian pattern as the primary driver, with blocking conditions over western Russia and Scandinavia, and composite analyses revealed the intrusion of PV to various atmospheric levels, extending up to 500 hPa. In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms governing EC formation in the Mediterranean Basin, shedding light on the synoptic patterns, atmospheric dynamics, and potential impacts on regional weather systems.

A model estimating the level of floral transition in olive trees exposed to warm periods during winter.

Rising winter temperatures jeopardize the fruit yield of trees that require a prolonged and sufficiently cold winter to flower. Predicting the exact risk to different crop varieties is the first step in mitigating the harmful effects of climate change. This work focused on olive (Olea europaea) - a traditional crop in the Mediterranean basin whose flowering depends on the sufficiency of cold periods and the lack of warm ones during the preceding winter. Yet, a satisfactory quantitative model forecasting its expected flowering under natural temperature conditions is still lacking. The effect of different temperature regimes on olive flowering level and flowering-gene expression was empirically tested. A modified 'dynamic model' describing the response of a putative flowering factor to the temperature signal was constructed. The crucial component of the model was an unstable intermediate, produced and degraded at temperature-dependent rates. The model accounts for both the number of cold and warm hours but also for their sequence. Empirical flowering and temperature data were applied to fit the model parameters, applying numerical constrained optimization techniques; the model outcomes were successfully validated. The model accurately predicted low-to-moderate flowering under winters with warm periods and properly accounted for the effects of warm periods during winter.

Nutritional characteristics of almond hulls treated with sodium hydroxide and urea or supplemented with polyethylene glycol as an alternative feed resource for ruminant nutrition in Mediterranean area: in vitro study

Nutritional characteristics of almond hulls treated with sodium hydroxide and urea or supplemented with polyethylene glycol as an alternative feed resource for ruminant nutrition in Mediterranean area: in vitro study