Search Results (471)

A comprehensive analysis of the vertical thermodynamic structure during a compound dust–heatwave (dust–HW) event over the south-western Iberian Peninsula is presented in this study to investigate potential impacts on surface heat stress and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) conditions. Lidar observations were performed at two dust-influenced stations, Évora (Portugal) and El Arenosillo/Huelva (Spain), during the intense June 2022 Saharan dust intrusion associated with a persistent HW event. The dust intrusion was characterized by high aerosol optical depths (up to ~1) and long duration (8 days). The dust layer extended from the surface up to approximately 6–7 km height, with the highest concentrations detected below 3–4 km. Similar temporal and vertical thermodynamic patterns were observed at both stations, indicating regional-scale consistency during the compound dust–HW event. Near-surface temperatures increased significantly during the dusty period compared with surrounding non-dusty days, suggesting enhanced surface heat-stress conditions under concurrent dust–HW environments. A distinct vertical thermodynamic structure was also identified, with air temperature (AT) increasing within the main dust layer, while relative humidity (RH) decreased below and increased above the layer where the highest dust concentrations were detected (3–4 km). Additional ERA5 vertical velocity diagnostics revealed ascending-motion signatures coinciding with RH-enhanced layers above the main dust intrusion, supporting dynamically consistent conditions for upward moisture transport during the event. Under these RH-enriched and ascending-motion conditions, retrieved CCN concentration estimates suggested potentially enhanced CCN activation environments above the main dust layer under moderate supersaturation scenarios. Overall, the results provide observational evidence consistent with a coupling among dust transport, thermodynamic variability, and CCN-related processes during HW conditions. These findings highlight the importance of understanding concurrent dust–HW environments in dust-influenced regions under projected future HW intensification associated with climate change, and their connection with aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI). Full article

We evaluated moderate cluster-zone warming in field-grown Monastrell grafted onto 110R and 140Ru over two seasons (2020–2021) in a semi-arid vineyard in south-eastern Spain. From pea-size to harvest, an open warming system increased cluster-zone air temperature by 1.15 °C on average. Warming increased cluster-zone mean and maximum temperatures, but berry temperature responses depended on year and rootstock because berry–air temperature differences and also time above thresholds changed. Berry weight increased in harvest in both years, and technological ripening advanced, with higher total soluble solids and maturity index, especially during ripening. Acid composition responded differently between rootstocks: under warming, 140Ru maintained higher malic acid and lower tartaric acid than 110R, resulting in a lower tartaric/malic ratio. Phenolic and colour responses were clearest at mid-ripening. Warming reduced must total phenolic index (TPI), skin-related phenolics, anthocyanins, and must colour more strongly in 140Ru, while 110R retained a more stable phenolic and colour profile. Exposure–response analyses showed that time in the 25–35 °C range and berry thermal time were more closely related to technological and phenolic variation than time above 35 °C. These results suggest that, under the warming conditions imposed in this study, 110R offered a better compromise than 140Ru between ripening advancement and the preservation of phenolic and colour-related traits. Full article

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive species that has become widespread throughout the Americas. It is a vector for several arboviruses, making it an increasing threat to human health as its range expands. To characterize population genetic structure and gain insight into the origin and spread of this invasive mosquito, we genotyped 959 individuals using ~20k SNPs. We included 50 localities across the Americas, and previously genotyped mosquitoes from 28 localities in Asia and 14 in Europe. Our analyses revealed that populations in North America were distinct from populations in South America, and this relationship was consistently supported across analyses. Most North American mosquitoes shared a common origin with those from Japan and Southern Europe (e.g., Italy, Spain), with the exception of individuals from California, which clustered with more southern areas of East Asia (China and Vietnam), as well as Greece. Brazilian and Argentinian populations were distinct from all other sampled locations, including those in the native range, but were most closely related to mosquitoes from more tropical locations in South and Southeast Asia. By revealing the likely sources of invasions in the Americas, our findings have important implications for understanding invasion dynamics of this species. Full article

Introduction: Longlines are traditional fishing gear and are widely used in marine systems for both quantitative and qualitative sampling of large predators like tuna, swordfish, sailfish, marlin or sharks. This highly selective method has been applied for the sampling of European catfish (Silurus glanis), the largest freshwater fish in Europe. This apex predator is a highly valuable fish species in its native localities of Central and Eastern Europe (commercial fishing, anglers’ trophy fishing, biomanipulation purposes) but a dangerous alien invasive species in South and Western Europe. Objective: The efficiency and selectivity of longlines for European catfish sampling were compared with more traditional fishing methods like gillnets and electrofishing. Methodology: European catfish were sampled in native areas (Římov, Žlutice, Vrchlice, Hubenov, Lipno, Želivka reservoirs; Czech Republic) and areas of invasion (Lakes Campagna, Avigliana Grande, Maggiore; Italy; Belver, Meimoa, Cedillo reservoirs; Portugal; Iznajar, Mequinenza reservoirs; Spain) following the protocols of best catfish (Silurus glanis) capture methodologies in small and large lakes and reservoirs established for the current needs of the European Commission within the LIFE PREDATOR project. Results: The longline efficiency expressed as the proportion of individual hooks catching catfish (live baits exposed overnight) was from low to medium (5–25%; Czech reservoirs, Italian lakes, Meimoa reservoir) to very high (up to over 50%; Portuguese and Spanish reservoirs). In many water bodies, specifically in areas of invasion, catfish represented 100% of the longline catch (Campagna, Maggiore, Cedillo, Iznajar, Mequinenza). In the rest of the water bodies, the by-catch ranged from 2 to 20% with the highest values occurring in its native localities (due to the presence of large individuals of Northern pike, Esox lucius, another predatory fish in these systems). In areas of invasion, the inconsiderable by-catch was composed of other non-native predatory fish species like pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), European perch (Perca fluviatilis) or channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Both the efficiency and selectivity of longlines were higher compared to gillnets and electrofishing, and longlines also caught larger catfish individuals. Conclusions: Longlines represent an efficient and extremely selective method for European catfish sampling, reduction and even eradication, especially in areas of invasion. Their usage, however, requires specific equipment, skills and also baits. Full article

Regulations of next-generation networks (NGNs) have played a central role in the transition from copper networks to broadband networks in Fiber to The Home (FTTH), also allowing for a reduction in asymmetries between incumbent operators and their competitors. Despite common European Union directives, telecom infrastructure development varies across countries due to differences in regulation, investment models, legacy networks, operators’ behavior, and public policies. This study analyzes the evolution of Very High-Capacity Networks (VHCNs), focusing on the implementation of FTTH in four European countries (Portugal, Spain, France, and Germany), and in South Korea. The latter was included as a benchmark in government-driven broadband development. The analysis considers key factors influencing FTTH development, including infrastructure regulation, fiber investment incentives, incumbent strategies, infrastructure sharing and co-investment, rural coverage plans, and demographic differences of each country. The results show that regulatory measures directly influence the pace of FTTH installation; but its effectiveness also depends on investment incentives, market competition, and demand factors. Portugal, Spain, and France have high FTTH coverage despite different regulatory and investment models. In contrast, Germany relied on xDSL over copper networks for a long time, causing significant delays, with an FTTH coverage rate of 42.5% and a penetration rate of only 12.3%, putting the European Union’s 2030 goal of universal 1 Gbps coverage at risk. South Korea shows that long-term public policies, demand-side incentives, and high digital adoption accelerate mass FTTH adoption and turn telecommunications infrastructure into a key driver of economic and technological development. Full article

The cultural heritage of the Valencian Community constitutes a strategic asset of the highest order for sustainable development and territorial cohesion. This article analyses the enhancement of Sites of Cultural Interest (BICs) in the province of Alicante, examining the interplay between regulatory frameworks for protection, heritage management strategies and their capacity to generate local employment. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted, comprising two complementary phases. In the first, quantitative phase, the geographical distribution of BICs and their relationship with employment indicators were established through statistical and cartographic analysis. In the second phase, which was qualitative in nature, the causal mechanisms identified in the first phase were explored in greater depth through structured surveys and semi-structured interviews with municipal officials. The results show that, beyond the causal factors related to the density of listed buildings and their location, the greatest benefit is derived from incorporating institutional, governance, and local management capacity variables into the analytical models as primary explanatory factors. These factors facilitate the transformation of heritage into an engine of economic and social prosperity, capable of preserving the identity of local communities and promoting a living and accessible heritage that generates well-being. Full article

Background: Locally adapted goat populations represent important reservoirs of genetic diversity and play a crucial role in the sustainability of livestock production systems, particularly in marginal environments. However, many of these populations are currently threatened by genetic erosion caused by crossbreeding with highly specialized commercial breeds. Although previous studies have described the genetic diversity of several goat populations from South America and the Iberian Peninsula, the influence of geographic factors on the genetic structure of these populations remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the influence of geographic distance and spatial factors on the genetic diversity, population structure, and relationships among locally adapted goat populations from Brazil, Spain, and Ecuador. Methods: A total of 561 goats representing 15 populations were genotyped using a panel of 23 microsatellite markers. The dataset included six locally adapted Brazilian breeds, three Spanish breeds, one Ecuadorian population (Chusca Lojana), four exotic breeds, and one undefined genotype group. Genetic diversity parameters, population structure, genetic relationships, and spatial genetic patterns were evaluated through a combination of population genetic and spatial analyses. Results: The locally adapted populations showed considerable levels of genetic diversity, with the Spanish (H_o = 0.629; H_e = 0.685) and Ecuadorian (H_o = 0.628; H_e = 0.704) populations displaying higher diversity than the Brazilian populations (H_o = 0.583; H_e = 0.628). Significant genetic differentiation was observed among geographic groups. A strong and significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances was detected when all local populations were considered (r = 0.77; R² = 0.59; p < 0.001), as well as when only Brazilian populations were analyzed (r = 0.65; R² = 0.43; p = 0.0075). Spatial analyses further identified potential genetic barriers that may restrict gene flow among certain populations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that geographic isolation plays an important role in shaping the genetic structure of locally adapted goat populations, while historical connections among Iberian and South American populations may also contribute to the observed genetic relationships. The integration of genetic and spatial information provides valuable insights for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of these populations and supports the development of more effective strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of goat genetic resources. Full article

Population aging weakens the research base for growth in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies. This paper develops a balanced-growth benchmark with semi-endogenous knowledge production, human-capital deepening, and artificial intelligence (AI) research capital to derive in closed form the minimum AI-investment share consistent with non-negative per capita growth. Calibrated to an illustrative 15-country OECD sample spanning contrasting demographic regimes and gross expenditure on research and development (GERD)-intensity profiles, using United Nations World Population Prospects 2024 and OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators data, the formula yields midpoint thresholds of 0.236–0.275% of gross domestic product (GDP) when 10% of GERD is assumed to be AI-designated. The midpoint normalization is anchored to the best currently available OECD/European Commission (EC) measurement evidence, which places the AI-designated share of aggregate research and development (R&D) at 8.8% for the EU27, 9.9% for the United States, and 7.9% for Japan—all within the 5–15% window used here. Although this range is narrow in GDP-point terms, it implies research requirements from about 5–7% of GERD in South Korea and the United States to about 18–20% in Italy, Poland, and Spain. The common normalization shifts levels but not the cross-country ranking. These results favor demographically adjusted, country-specific AI-investment benchmarks over an OECD-wide target and imply that migration and research-base expansion can partly substitute for higher AI spending in high-pressure economies. Full article

This work uses battery-coupled power electronic converter systems and distributed backstepping controllers to improve the reliability of electrical distribution networks. The motivation is to prevent blackouts such as the 28 April 2025 outage in Spain, Portugal, and the south of France. It is now accepted that a rapid rise in solar power injections caused AC overvoltage above grid code limits, triggering photovoltaic (PV) park disconnections as overvoltage self-protection. This case study considers near-Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEBs) connected to the Madeira Island isolated microgrid, where PV power installation is increasing excessively. The main university facility will be upgraded as an nZEB, using roughly 3000 m² of unshaded rooftops plus coverable parking areas to install PV panels. Optimizing the profits/energy cost ratio, a PV power system of around 560 kW can be planned, and the Battery Storage System (BSS) energy capacity can be estimated. The BSS is connected to the university nZEB via backstepping-controlled multilevel converters to manage PV and BSS, enabling the building to contribute to voltage and frequency regulation. Distributed multilevel converters inject renewable energy into the medium-voltage network, regulating active and reactive power to prevent overvoltages shutting down the PV inverters. This removes sustained overvoltage and maximizes PV penetration while augmenting AC grid reliability and resilience. When there is excess solar power and reactive power is insufficient to reduce voltage, controllers slightly curtail PV active power to eliminate overvoltage, maintaining operation with minimal revenue loss while preventing long interruptions, thereby improving grid reliability and power quality. Full article

This study enhances and improves the current knowledge of blackfly diversity in the mountainous regions of Eastern Andalusia, with a focus on how simuliid species are distributed through altitude. It provides an updated checklist of species recorded in the provinces of Almería, Granada, and Jaén, by integrating published data with new records from the field. This study identified 16 blackfly species based on morphological criteria, increasing the number of known simuliid species in the region from 25 to 28. Three species—Simulium brevidens (Rubtsov, 1956), Simulium quasidecolletum Crosskey, 1988, and Simulium trifasciatum Curtis, 1839—are reported in Granada for the first time. Most of the species were recorded within their previously known altitudinal range; however, Simulium equinum (Linnaeus, 1758) and Simulium lineatum (Meigen, 1804) were found at higher elevations, and Simulium urbanum (Davies, 1966), at lower elevations, resulting in extensions of their known altitudinal ranges. The newly recorded species S. quasidecolletum had a narrow altitudinal range (419 m); S. brevidens and S. trifasciatum were recorded only at one site. The study offers a comprehensive and updated picture of species richness and altitudinal ecology of blackflies in South-eastern Spain. Full article

Background: We sought to analyze the geographic distribution of HFE p.C282Y (homeostatic iron regulator c.845G>A; rs1800562) allele frequencies in Iberia. Methods: We analyzed published population/control cohorts of 50 or more subjects in mainland Spain and mainland Portugal and determined whether or not the p.C282Y genotypes in each cohort deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) proportions. We defined combined p.C282Y allele frequencies from Spain and Portugal as representative of Iberia. We computed linear regressions (Pearson’s correlations) of allele frequencies vs. latitudes and longitudes of cohort recruitment sites, defined significant regressions as allele frequency gradients, and mapped regional allele frequencies. Results: There were 34 Iberian cohorts: 25 Spanish (12,297 subjects; 11 autonomous communities) and 9 Portuguese (1024 subjects; five administrative regions). p.C282Y genotypes in one of 34 cohorts (2.9%) deviated significantly from HWE proportions. Aggregate allele frequency in Iberia was 0.0292 (778/26,642) [95% confidence interval: 0.0272, 0.0313]. The correlation of allele frequencies with latitude in Iberia was significant (r₃₄ = 0.4184; p = 0.0138). The correlation of allele frequencies with longitude was not significant (r₃₄ = 0.0014; p = 0.9936). The range of 16 regional allele frequencies in Iberia was 0.0068 (Murcia) to 0.5000 (Galicia). Frequencies were highest in regions adjacent to the north and northwest coasts (Cantabria, Galicia, Norte) and lowest in the south (Algarve, Murcia). Conclusions: There is a significant decreasing linear north-to-south gradient of HFE p.C282Y allele frequencies in Iberia. p.C282Y allele frequencies are highest in regions adjacent to the north and northwest coasts. Full article

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus serotype 8 (EHDV-8) emerged in southern Europe in 2022–2023, but clinical and pathological characterization in free-ranging wildlife remains limited. This study investigated EHDV-8-associated morbidity and mortality in wild ruminants in a 2023 outbreak in Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park (Jaén, Andalusia, Spain). Moribund animals demonstrated a consistent acute neuro-respiratory syndrome characterized by weakness, ataxia, nystagmus and severe dyspnoea with frothy oral discharge. On the carcasses of 39 red deer, two fallow deer, and one mouflon, necropsy was performed and subsequently histopathology and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on the collected samples. Gross lesions included marked pulmonary oedema, tracheal foam and widespread congestion, while histopathology revealed lymphoid depletion, pulmonary haemorrhage, vascular injury and renal tubular necrosis. All animals tested positive for EHDV-8 with low RT-qPCR cycle threshold values, indicating high viral loads. This series provides the first confirmed clinical, pathological, and molecular evidence of EHDV-8 infection in fallow deer and mouflon in Europe. The observations demonstrate that EHDV-8 causes a peracute systemic haemorrhagic disease in susceptible wild ruminants and underline the importance of integrated wildlife surveillance and timely diagnostic sampling during peak vector activity. Full article

This study investigates a karst bauxite deposit from NE Spain with a dual objective incorporating the novel aspect of directly linking genetic processes to industrial ceramic performance. First, the bauxite is mineralogically and texturally characterized using X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Second, the mineralogical and textural transformations of the bauxite during firing at 1000, 1200 and 1300 °C are analyzed, together with their effects on the physical properties of the fired products. The Lower Cretaceous bauxite is autochthonous, shows a pisolithic structure, and formed in situ under tropical monsoon conditions through intense chemical weathering involving dissolution–crystallization processes. For ceramic testing, the bauxite was mixed with illitic–kaolinitic clays in a 90/10 proportion. During firing, kaolinite and illite destabilize and transform into mullite, initially by solid-state reactions at 1000 °C and subsequently by crystallization from a vitreous phase at higher temperatures, producing larger crystals and composition closer to the empirical mullite formula. The formation of vitreous phase and mullite leads to reduced porosity and increased density and linear shrinkage, particularly between 1000 and 1200 °C. Specimens fired at 1300 °C show higher mechanical strength, related to higher mullite content and a larger size of its crystals. The results demonstrate the potential interest of these bauxites for ceramic manufacturing. Full article

This article examines the persistence of structural racism and the process of ethno-stratification affecting immigrants from the Global South in Spain. Drawing on national survey data and recent research, it analyses the socio-economic incorporation of immigrants in the aftermath of the Great Recession and subsequent economic recovery, emphasising both their rootedness in Spanish society and their continued segregation. The findings indicate that immigrants remain disproportionately concentrated in low-wage and temporary employment, positioned beneath the native-born precariat and distant from average living standards. This persistent segmentation cannot be explained solely by immigrants’ qualifications or cultural adaptation, but rather by an interplay of structural, institutional, social, and ethnic factors. At the core lies the Spanish “Mediterranean” development model, characterised by a low-productivity economy dependent on cheap labour, a limited welfare state, and strong family-based social protection, which together generate continuous demand for flexible immigrant workers. Additional drivers include migration and labour policies, gendered labour segmentation, and ethnic discrimination, all reinforcing immigrants’ vulnerability. The article concludes that immigrant labour has become essential to Spain’s economic and demographic model, yet its enduring segregation underscores the need for renewed public policies that promote social cohesion and intercultural integration. Full article

Environmental health concerns remain a major global challenge. In many nations, the adoption of measures to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of construction-related activities has been slow. Prior research has clarified that further study/advancement are required to improve environmental health/sustainability (EHS). To determine the focus of previous studies, this study attempts to identify, analyse, and visualise the trends in research concerning EHS in construction-related domains. The data were obtained from the Scopus database, and the study employed a bibliometric approach. The following keywords were used to search the database: ‘environmental health’ OR ‘ecological health’ OR ‘environmental sustainability’ OR ‘ecological sustainability’ OR ‘Environmental safety’ OR ‘ecological safety’ AND ‘construction industry’ OR ‘building industry’ to retrieve relevant documents. The analysis included co-citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence and trend mapping. The findings revealed four themes: Environmental Sustainability and Energy-Oriented Decision-Making, Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials and Mechanical Performance of Concrete, Waste Management and Circular Economy Practices, and Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Emission Analysis. The keyword findings revealed very scant research in environmental health unlike environmental sustainability. Spain, China, and Saudi Arabia are the top three in terms of citation-to-publication ratio, indicating strong influence in literature sources. However, India has the highest number of publications. The findings also suggest that more relevant studies are required in African nations and South Asian countries. It further highlighted a knowledge gap that emerging economies must address to enhance the sustainability and environmental performance of construction projects. This bibliometric analysis is unique in its integrated examination of environmental sustainability and environmental health in the construction industry, employing strategic thematic mapping to reveal system-level linkages, contextual gaps, and targeted directions for future research. The conclusions provide scholars and stakeholders in the built environment with a solid theoretical basis, enhancing the industry’s preparedness to mitigate the adverse environmental and climatic impacts of traditional construction methods. Full article