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Keywords = northwestern Spain

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16 pages, 21475 KiB  
Article
Palynostratigraphy of the “Muschelkalk Sedimentary Cycle” in the NW Iberian Range, Central Spain
by Manuel García-Ávila, Soledad García-Gil and José B. Diez
Geosciences 2025, 15(8), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15080299 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
The Muschelkalk sedimentary cycle in the northwestern region of the Iberian Range (central Spain) lies within a transitional area between the Iberian and Hesperia type Triassic domains. To improve the understanding of its paleopalynological record, fifty samples were analyzed from ten stratigraphic sections [...] Read more.
The Muschelkalk sedimentary cycle in the northwestern region of the Iberian Range (central Spain) lies within a transitional area between the Iberian and Hesperia type Triassic domains. To improve the understanding of its paleopalynological record, fifty samples were analyzed from ten stratigraphic sections corresponding to the Tramacastilla Dolostones Formation (TD Fm.), Cuesta del Castillo Sandstones and Siltstones Formation (CCSS Fm.), and Royuela Dolostones, Marls and Limestones Formation (RDML Fm.). Despite previous studies in the area, palynological data remain scarce or insufficiently detailed, highlighting the need for a systematic reassessment. Based on the identified palynological assemblages, the succession is assigned to an age spanning from the Fassanian to the Longobardian, with a possible extension into the base of the Julian (early Carnian). The results confirm that the siliciclastic unit (CCSS) represents a lateral facies change with respect to the carbonate formations of the upper Muschelkalk (TD and RDML). From a paleoecological perspective, the assemblages indicate a warm and predominantly dry environment, dominated by xerophytic conifers, although evidence of more humid local environments, such as marshes or coastal plains, is also observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
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18 pages, 1459 KiB  
Article
Observance of the Atlantic Diet in a Healthy Population from Galicia (NW Spain): A Comparative Study Using a New Scale-Based Procedure to Assess Adherence
by Inés Rivas-Fernández, Paula Roade-Pérez, Marta López-Alonso, Víctor Pereira-Lestayo, Rafael Monte-Secades, Rosa Argüeso-Armesto and Carlos Herrero-Latorre
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2614; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152614 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
The Atlantic Diet (AD) is based on traditional dietary patterns in Galicia (northwestern Spain) and northern Portugal and is known for its health benefits. The AD focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal foods, especially fish, seafood, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, olive oil, [...] Read more.
The Atlantic Diet (AD) is based on traditional dietary patterns in Galicia (northwestern Spain) and northern Portugal and is known for its health benefits. The AD focuses on fresh, local, and seasonal foods, especially fish, seafood, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, olive oil, and a moderate consumption of wine. However, it has received less attention from researchers than other dietary patterns. The present study had two main objectives: (i) to evaluate the dietary habits of a Galician population in relation to the AD and (ii) to create a numerical index to measure adherence to the AD. In 2022, a validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to 500 healthy adults living in Galicia. The data on participants’ dietary habits showed notable deviations from the ideal AD, especially regarding consumption of fruits, grains, and seafood. However, an adequate intake of legumes and nuts was observed, along with a reduction in the consumption of processed foods (except among younger participants) relative to that revealed in previous surveys. To assess adherence to the diet, statistical and chemometric analyses were applied, leading to the development of a new index: the Atlantic Diet Scale (ADS). The ADS was compared with three existing tools and proved to be a simple, flexible, and effective method for assessing dietary adherence based on optimal intake levels across food groups. When applied to dietary data, the ADS yielded adherence levels similar to two of the three traditional methods, with some differences relative to the third. These findings highlight the need for standardized evaluation tools, including clear definitions of food groups and consistent scoring systems, to better assess and promote adherence to the Atlantic Diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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32 pages, 3472 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Dietary Patterns and Health Behaviours of Centenarians in Ourense (Spain): Adherence to the Southern European Atlantic Diet
by Pablo García-Vivanco, Roberto Fernandez, Rosa Meijide-Faílde, Esperanza Navarro-Pardo, Cristina Conde, Ricardo de la Fuente, Cristina Margusinos, Alberto Rodríguez, Ana Canelada, Pablo Taboada, Alberto Cepeda and Alberto Coelho
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2231; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132231 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1215
Abstract
Background: Understanding the multifactorial determinants of human longevity remains a major scientific challenge. Certain regions of the world—so-called “longevity hotspots”—exhibit a notably high prevalence of centenarians; one such region is the province of Ourense, in north-western Spain. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse, [...] Read more.
Background: Understanding the multifactorial determinants of human longevity remains a major scientific challenge. Certain regions of the world—so-called “longevity hotspots”—exhibit a notably high prevalence of centenarians; one such region is the province of Ourense, in north-western Spain. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse, for the first time, the nutritional factors associated with healthy longevity among centenarians, as well as those linked to longevity irrespective of health status, in the province of Ourense. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective, observational, mixed-methods study was conducted. A population of 261 individuals aged 100 or over residing in Ourense was identified. A sample of 156 participants was included in the quantitative analysis; from this sample, 25 centenarians were selected for in-depth qualitative analysis through personal interviews. Results: Dietary patterns aligned with the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD), combined with strong social bonds and a culture of self-sufficiency, appear to be key contributors to exceptional longevity in this population. Conclusions: Remarkable longevity in Ourense is associated with a combination of factors: adherence to an SEAD-style dietary pattern, an active and uncomplicated lifestyle, and strong social support networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Epidemiology)
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16 pages, 1910 KiB  
Article
Targeting the Risk of Diptera-Borne Zoonoses by a Sentinel Equestrian Centers Program
by Cristiana Cazapal-Monteiro, David Boso, Inês Abreu, Mercedes Camiña, Jaime Sanchís, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Luis Cardoso, Rita Sánchez-Andrade, María Sol Arias and José Ángel Hernández
Pathogens 2025, 14(7), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070661 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Diptera-borne diseases pose a major threat to global health, and their distribution is constantly changing due to climate change, globalization, and environmental changes. To improve the knowledge of dipteran species and their distribution in equine facilities, CDC-UV and oviposition traps were placed, and [...] Read more.
Diptera-borne diseases pose a major threat to global health, and their distribution is constantly changing due to climate change, globalization, and environmental changes. To improve the knowledge of dipteran species and their distribution in equine facilities, CDC-UV and oviposition traps were placed, and the dipping technique was performed in 16 equestrian centers of Northwest (NW) Spain (Galicia and Castilla y León Autonomous Communities) between July and November 2023. A questionnaire was distributed among the horse owners to obtain additional information. Four genera of culicids, Culex (51.8%), Culiseta (38.6%), Anopheles (8.4%), and Aedes/Ochlerotatus (1.2%) were identified in the equestrian centers. Culex pipiens s.l. was the most prevalent and well-distributed species (93.8% of the centers), whereas Anopheles maculipennis s.l. and An. claviger/petragnani, the anopheline species, were the most frequent (37.5% and 31.2%, respectively). The Culiseta genus was found in approximately 81.2% of the equine facilities. All genera were collected at medium and high altitudes and in Csb (warm-summer Mediterranean climate) areas. Equestrian centers from NW Spain albeit a variety of culicids with high vectorial capacity, together with an ideal environment for their breeding, the presence of vectors and hosts (humans and animals). This potential problem for global health enhances the need for entomological surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pets, Wildlife and Parasites—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 419 KiB  
Article
Motor Coordination in Schoolchildren Aged 6 to 11 in Northwestern Spain. A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Age and BMI
by Ricardo Fernández-Vázquez, Rubén Navarro-Patón, Martín Barcala-Furelos, Javier Cachón-Zagalaz and Marcos Mecías-Calvo
Children 2025, 12(7), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070814 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 325
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A large percentage of schoolchildren are children with overweight or obese, and weight gain over time increases the risk of poor health later in life. Motor coordination may be a protective factor, enabling young people to participate in healthy physical activities. However, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A large percentage of schoolchildren are children with overweight or obese, and weight gain over time increases the risk of poor health later in life. Motor coordination may be a protective factor, enabling young people to participate in healthy physical activities. However, it is unknown when the relationship between motor coordination and weight first emerges, nor whether it is evident across the body mass index (BMI) spectrum. The aim of this study was to explore what happens with coordination skills [i.e., locomotor coordination (LC), visuomotor coordination (VC), foot object control coordination (FOCC), hand object control coordination (HOCC), global motor coordination (GMC)] applying the 3JS battery, according to age (6 to 11 years) and BMI (normal weight, overweight or obesity) in a sample of 688 Primary Education participants (8.71 ± 1.66 years; 48.8% boys) from Galicia (Spain). Methods: To analyze the differences in the variables of the 3JS battery between age (6–11 years) and BMI (normal weight vs. overweight vs. obesity), they were evaluated using a multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), introducing the sex category (boy-girl) as a covariate to avoid possible confounding factors. Results: After the application of the 3JS Battery, statistically significant differences were observed depending on age [LC (p < 0.001); VC (p < 0.001); FOCC (p < 0.001); HOCC (p < 0.001); GMC (p < 0.001)] and BMI [LC (p < 0.001); VC (p = 0.008); HOCC (p < 0.001); GMC (p < 0.001)]. No statistically significant differences were found in the interactions between age and BMI (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Locomotor coordination increases progressively with age, both globally and in each of the manifestations, and this is greater the older the schoolchildren are. Schoolchildren with normal weight compared to schoolchildren with overweight or obesity have better global motor coordination, locomotor coordination, global control of objects, and control with the hand. Full article
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11 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological, Clinical and Analytical Features in Lyme Borreliosis Patients Seropositive for Babesia divergens/venatorum
by María Folgueras, Luis Miguel González, Aitor Gil, Julio Collazos, Mercedes Rodríguez-Pérez, Laura Pérez-Is, Javier Díaz-Arias, María Meana, Belén Revuelta, Jeremy Gray, Estrella Montero and Víctor Asensi
Microorganisms 2025, 13(6), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13061383 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and babesiosis, caused by Babesia divergens and Babesia venatorum, are both transmitted by the ixodid tick Ixodes ricinus. Although these diseases coexist in Spain and other European regions, no studies have [...] Read more.
Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and babesiosis, caused by Babesia divergens and Babesia venatorum, are both transmitted by the ixodid tick Ixodes ricinus. Although these diseases coexist in Spain and other European regions, no studies have been carried out to assess the impact on the health of patients exposed to both causative pathogens. This retrospective study, conducted in Asturias in northwestern Spain between 2015 and 2017, analyzed the possible complications arising from exposure to these pathogens. To this end, the epidemiological, clinical and analytical features of two groups of a cohort of 120 LB patients exposed to one or two of the pathogens were compared. The cohort comprised 73 patients who had only been infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. (Bb group) and 47 patients who were seropositive for Ba. divergens/venatorum in addition to being infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. (BbBdv group). The results showed that LB patients who had also been exposed to infection with Babesia spp. (BbBdv group) had significantly more cardiorespiratory symptoms, in particular dyspnea and first- and second-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks, compared to those who had been infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. alone (Bb group). No relevant differences in other symptoms, epidemiological factors or analytical tests were observed between the two groups. Full article
12 pages, 828 KiB  
Article
Molecular Prevalence of Leishmania infantum Infection from Oral Swabs Collected from Dogs in Region of Northwestern Spain
by Javier Merino-Goyenechea, Elora Valderas-García, Verónica Castilla Gómez de Agüero, Rafael Balaña-Fouce and María Martínez-Valladares
Pathogens 2025, 14(6), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14060569 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protist Leishmania infantum and transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies in the countries of the Mediterranean basin. Dogs are the species most susceptible to the disease and serve as a reservoir for transmission to humans, [...] Read more.
Leishmaniasis is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protist Leishmania infantum and transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies in the countries of the Mediterranean basin. Dogs are the species most susceptible to the disease and serve as a reservoir for transmission to humans, making the Iberian Peninsula an endemic region for this infection. Although the regions close to the Mediterranean coast are the most prevalent regions of leishmaniasis in Spain, climatic factors are favouring the expansion of the vectors to more northern latitudes, where the disease was hardly known decades ago. This paper presents a prevalence study of L. infantum infection in the province of Zamora (northwestern Spain) using a non-invasive sample from canine buccal swabs and an innovative qPCR method to determine the etiologic agent. The parasite load of 151 randomly selected dogs from different points of the province was analysed during the period 2021–2022, with an estimated prevalence of 30%. In addition, the most common clinical signs of leishmaniasis in the dogs are described, and intrinsic factors associated with the nature of the dogs—such as sex, size, age as well as other factors related to the habitat in which they live and their geographical location—which could favour the disease, are evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Parasitic Pathogens)
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17 pages, 2479 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Residual Life of the Repaired Arousa Bridge
by José Antonio Becerra-Mosquera, Diego Carro-López, Manuel F. Herrador and Javier Eiras-López
Infrastructures 2025, 10(6), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10060141 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
This study focuses on the evolution of the Arousa Island Bridge, a critical infrastructure connecting, in northwestern Spain, the Arousa island to the Galician coast. Since its commissioning in 1985, the bridge has experienced damage due to corrosion, culminating in a major repair [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the evolution of the Arousa Island Bridge, a critical infrastructure connecting, in northwestern Spain, the Arousa island to the Galician coast. Since its commissioning in 1985, the bridge has experienced damage due to corrosion, culminating in a major repair intervention in 2011 using hybrid galvanic cathodic protection. This repair was essential in addressing identified pathologies and ensuring the safety of the structure. In 2021, additional repairs needed to be completed, and a thorough study and testing campaign was conducted in 2023 which included the extraction of zinc anode samples from the bridge. The present work evaluates the effectiveness of the repair measures implemented since the intervention, with particular attention to corrosion risk and the durability of the cathodic protection system installed to mitigate corrosion risks in the reinforced concrete exposed to a harsh marine environment. A key aspect of this study is the correlation established between the indirect measurements utilized to evaluate zinc consumption within the cathodic protection system and the direct assessment obtained from the extraction of the anodes, which provides a tangible measure of this consumption. The calculated service life was updated with the measurement, and the integrity of the system was assessed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Health Monitoring in Bridge Engineering)
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12 pages, 1862 KiB  
Article
A Novel Recurrent 200 kb CRYL1 Deletion Underlies DFNB1A Hearing Loss in Patients from Northwestern Spain
by Guadalupe A. Cifuentes, Marta Diñeiro, Alicia R. Huete, Raquel Capín, Adrián Santiago, Alberto A. R. Vargas, Dido Carrero, Esther López Martínez, Beatriz Aguiar, Anja Fischer, Roland Rad, María Costales, Rubén Cabanillas and Juan Cadiñanos
Genes 2025, 16(6), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16060670 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 1051
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Pathogenic recessive GJB2 variants are the main genetic cause of non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. However, following GJB2 testing, a significant proportion of deaf patients are only found to be heterozygous carriers of pathogenic GJB2 alleles. Five large deletions not affecting GJB2 but [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Pathogenic recessive GJB2 variants are the main genetic cause of non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. However, following GJB2 testing, a significant proportion of deaf patients are only found to be heterozygous carriers of pathogenic GJB2 alleles. Five large deletions not affecting GJB2 but encompassing a minimal common 62 kb region within the neighbouring CRYL1 gene have been described to cause loss of cis GJB2 expression and, as a result, produce hearing loss when in trans with pathogenic GJB2 variants. We describe the identification and characterization of a novel deletion of this type in deaf patients from northwestern Spain. Methods: We used panel NGS sequencing to detect the deletion, MLPA to validate it, whole-genome sequencing to map its breakpoints, PCR + Sanger sequencing to finely characterize it and triple-primer PCR to screen for it. Results: We identified a novel 200 kb deletion spanning the whole CRYL1 gene in two unrelated deaf patients from Asturias (in northwestern Spain) who were heterozygous for the pathogenic GJB2 c.35delG variant. Although the large deletion was absent from gnomAD v4.1.0 and 2052 local control alleles, screening for it in 20 additional deaf carriers of monoallelic pathogenic GJB2 variants detected it in another patient from Galicia (also in northwestern Spain). The novel deletion, termed del(200 kb)insATTATA, explained hearing loss in 3/43 (7%) deaf patients from our cohort that were otherwise heterozygous for pathogenic GJB2 variants. Conclusions: This work highlights the importance of comprehensively testing all genomic regions known to be clinically relevant for a given genetic condition, including thorough CRYL1 CNV screening for DFNB1A diagnostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)
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13 pages, 2390 KiB  
Article
Use of Invasive Acacia Biomass to Produce Biochar and Solid Biofuels
by Óscar González-Prieto and Luis Ortiz Torres
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5755; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105755 - 21 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 479
Abstract
This study focuses on the production of high-density solid biofuels and high-fixed-carbon biochar from two invasive acacia species harvested in a protected area in Northwestern Spain, thereby contributing to its silviculture management challenge. It is possible to transform the initial biomass into briquettes [...] Read more.
This study focuses on the production of high-density solid biofuels and high-fixed-carbon biochar from two invasive acacia species harvested in a protected area in Northwestern Spain, thereby contributing to its silviculture management challenge. It is possible to transform the initial biomass into briquettes and pellets reaching high densified values above 1300 kg/m3 and 500 kg/m3, respectively. Using thermochemical conversion processes in a simple double chamber oven, a biochar was obtained with a fixed carbon of 66%. Several parameters were analyzed and compared between the original biomass and the resulting products. The results show that an added value could be achieved without applying a complex system to transform, starting from residual biomass from invasive species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy and Bioproducts from Biomass and Waste)
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25 pages, 10057 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Analysis of Hydrological and Hydrochemical Data from the Abelar Pilot Basin in Abegondo (Coruña, Spain)
by Javier Samper-Pilar, Javier Samper-Calvete, Alba Mon, Bruno Pisani and Antonio Paz-González
Hydrology 2025, 12(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12030049 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1387
Abstract
The Abelar pilot basin in Coruña (northwestern Spain) has been monitored for hydrological and hydrochemical data to assess the effects of eucalyptus plantation and manure applications on water resources, water quality, and nitrate contamination. Here, we report the machine learning analysis of hydrological [...] Read more.
The Abelar pilot basin in Coruña (northwestern Spain) has been monitored for hydrological and hydrochemical data to assess the effects of eucalyptus plantation and manure applications on water resources, water quality, and nitrate contamination. Here, we report the machine learning analysis of hydrological and hydrochemical data from the Abelar basin. K-means cluster analysis (CA) is used to relate nitrate concentrations at the outlet of the basin with daily interflows and groundwater flows calculated with a hydrological balance. CA identifies three linearly separable clusters. Times series Gaussian process regression (TS-GPR) is employed to predict surface water nitrate concentration by incorporating hydrological variables as additional input parameters using a time series shifting. TS-GPR allows modelling nitrate concentrations based on shifted interflows and groundwater flows and chemical concentrations with R2 = 0.82 and 0.80 for training and testing, respectively. Groundwater flow from five days prior to the current date, Qg5, is the most important input parameter of the TS-GPR model. Interaction effects between the variables are found. TS-GPR validation with recent data provides results consistent with those of testing (R2 = 0.85). Model inspection by permutation feature importance and partial dependence plots shows interactions between Qg5 and Cl, and between Ca and Mg. Full article
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16 pages, 1902 KiB  
Article
Airborne Plasmopara viticola Sporangia: A Study of Vineyards in Two Bioclimatic Regions of Northwestern Spain
by Lucía Carrera, María Fernández-González, María Jesús Aira, Kenia C. Sánchez Espinosa, Rosa Pérez Otero and Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Rajo
Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030228 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 837
Abstract
Downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines, particularly in areas with bioclimatic conditions that favor its development, such as northwestern Spain. This study examined the presence of P. viticola sporangia in three vineyards located [...] Read more.
Downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is one of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevines, particularly in areas with bioclimatic conditions that favor its development, such as northwestern Spain. This study examined the presence of P. viticola sporangia in three vineyards located in two distinct bioclimatic regions (ultra-oceanic and subcontinental) over two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) using Hirst-type volumetric samplers. The relationship between P. viticola and grapevine phenology, along with meteorological variables, was analyzed to help develop effective strategies for managing this disease. Spearman correlation analysis showed that temperature was the most influential variable in all vineyards. However, water-related variables (relative humidity and precipitation) showed stronger correlations in the ultra-oceanic vineyard, which also had the highest sporangium concentrations. Principal Component Analysis revealed that sporangium concentrations in the ultra-oceanic region were most strongly associated with relative humidity and wind speed. In contrast, sporangium concentrations in the subcontinental vineyards were more closely related to temperature, dew point, and wind speed (in Alongos), as well as wind speed (in Alongos and Cenlle). PCA results clearly differentiated the two bioclimatic zones. These findings provide valuable insights that can improve downy mildew management in vineyards in northwestern Spain. Full article
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12 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
Response to Selection for Drought Tolerance in Algerian Maize Populations for Spanish Conditions
by Maysoun Benchikh-Lehocine, Lorena Álvarez-Iglesias, Pedro Revilla, Rosa Ana Malvar, Abderrahmane Djemel and Meriem Laouar
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020499 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
Drought is the main stress on maize, and, in order to improve drought tolerance, a breeding program for reduced anthesis-silking interval (ASI) was carried out in Algiers. The objective of this study was to investigate if the selection for reduced ASI made in [...] Read more.
Drought is the main stress on maize, and, in order to improve drought tolerance, a breeding program for reduced anthesis-silking interval (ASI) was carried out in Algiers. The objective of this study was to investigate if the selection for reduced ASI made in Algiers had a positive effect on drought tolerance in northern Spain. Two populations selected for reduced ASI in Algiers were evaluated in Algiers and Pontevedra (northwestern Spain) under well-watered and drought conditions. The dry trial was not irrigated, while the well-watered trial was irrigated three times. Data were taken on agronomic and photosynthetic traits in the selection of reduced ASI and anthesis and increased yield for BTM and LOM. In the combined analyses of variance in locations, differences were significant among environments and among genotypes for most agronomic traits. Rank correlations between Algiers and Pontevedra were high and significant for flowering and correlations were higher when measured under the same water regime. In the Spanish environments, differences between the drought and well-watered selection and differences among genotypes within water regimens were significant for most agronomic traits. The agronomic performance of the selection cycles under drought and well-watered conditions indicated that selection for reducing ASI in Algiers was partially effective in Pontevedra. Photosynthetic traits did not respond to selection for ASI; nevertheless, stomatal conductance had positive effects and water use efficiency had a negative effect on plant height and yield. Therefore, base breeding populations after prebreeding in arid environments could be used for breeding programs in humid environments, and some physiological traits had limited effects on plant growth and yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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19 pages, 3908 KiB  
Article
Scaling Properties of Rainfall as a Basis for Intensity–Duration–Frequency Relationships and Their Spatial Distribution in Catalunya, NE Spain
by María del Carmen Casas-Castillo, Alba Llabrés-Brustenga, Raül Rodríguez-Solà, Anna Rius and Àngel Redaño
Climate 2025, 13(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13020037 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1542
Abstract
The spatial distribution of rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) values, essential for hydrological applications, were estimated for Catalunya, Spain. From a larger database managed by the Meteorological Service of Catalunya and after rigorous quality control, 163 high-quality daily series spanning from 1942 to 2016, with [...] Read more.
The spatial distribution of rainfall intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) values, essential for hydrological applications, were estimated for Catalunya, Spain. From a larger database managed by the Meteorological Service of Catalunya and after rigorous quality control, 163 high-quality daily series spanning from 1942 to 2016, with an average length of 39.8 years and approximately one station per 200 km2, were selected. A monofractal downscaling methodology was applied to derive rainfall intensities for sub-daily durations using the intensities from a reference 24 h duration as the basis, followed by spatial interpolations on a 1 km × 1 km grid. The scaling parameter values have been found to be higher in the northwestern mountainous areas, influenced by Atlantic climate, and lower in the central–western driest zones. A general negative gradient was observed toward the coastline, reflecting the increasing influence of the Mediterranean Sea. The IDF results are presented as spatial distribution maps, providing intensity–frequency estimates for durations between one hour and one day, and return periods between 2 and 200 years, with an estimated uncertainty below 12% for the 200-year return period, and lower for shorter return periods. These findings highlight the need to capture rainfall spatial variations for urban planning, flood control, and climate resilience efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Flood Risk Assessment and Management)
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16 pages, 741 KiB  
Article
Digital Literacy and Administrative Autonomy in Adolescents in the Welfare System: Impact of a Socio-Educational Intervention
by Cristina Sánchez-Martínez, Sara Martínez-Carrera, Isabel Martínez-Carrera and Alba Veiga Fernández
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(2), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14020078 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 952
Abstract
In general, young people, and adolescents under protective measures, do not have the digital competence and autonomy necessary to successfully interact with public administrations. Children have the right to quality education that promotes listening, participation, equal access and opportunities, especially in the digital [...] Read more.
In general, young people, and adolescents under protective measures, do not have the digital competence and autonomy necessary to successfully interact with public administrations. Children have the right to quality education that promotes listening, participation, equal access and opportunities, especially in the digital age. However, this remains a global challenge that cannot be waived. For this reason, the main objective of this study is to know the impact of the implementation of a Participatory Action Research (PAR) project carried out with young people living in four sheltered housing facilities in four cities in northwestern Spain. The aim of this project is to improve the digital literacy and autonomy of young people in carrying out procedures and formalities with public administrations and bodies, making them participants in their own learning process. The research was carried out using a qualitative methodology. In total, 44 subjects from different groups (30 adolescents and 14 social educators) participated. As results and conclusions, it is worth highlighting that the experience has improved the digital literacy and autonomy of the young people, observing their progress throughout the sessions. Likewise, the teenagers have actively participated in all the sessions, getting involved and learning through content of interest to them. The level of satisfaction has been very high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childhood and Rights in a Global World)
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