Article
Environmental Sciences
Guido Rodriguez, Maurizio Mulas, Silvia Loaiza, Michelle Del Pilar Villalta Echeverria, Angel Amable Yanez Vinueza, Erwin Larreta, Luis Jorda Bordehore
Summary: El Mirador de los Tuneles is a tube-shaped volcanic cave in the Galapagos Islands. Despite being a popular tourist site, its safety conditions have not been assessed by a geotechnical study. This research conducted stability analysis using empirical methodologies and numerical modeling, revealing evidence of instability and subsidence along the cave. The analysis results and geotechnical parameters from different methods complemented each other, providing a more realistic representation of the subsurface environment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Rechberger, Daniela Roberti, Avion Phillips, Franz Zehetner, Katharina M. Keiblinger, Ellen Kandeler, Martin H. Gerzabek
Summary: The behavior of trace metals, specifically cadmium, in volcanic soils can vary significantly, especially in areas where agriculture is causing anthropogenic contamination. Factors such as substrate age and climate elevation can influence the retention capacity of cadmium in soils, with older volcanic soils having a weaker sorption capacity. This can potentially lead to the transfer of cadmium into the food chain through soil microorganisms.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
S. De La Pena-Lastra, C. Gomez-Rodriguez, A. Perez-Alberti, F. Torre, X. L. Otero
Summary: Seabirds, particularly yellow-legged gulls in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, have significant and lasting effects on soil properties and vegetation. This study found that nutrient concentrations in soil differ between control sites and subcolonies, with the densest subcolonies showing a clear shift towards ruderal vegetation. Environmental effects of seabird colonies are long-lasting, leading to irreversible transformations in soil and vegetation, even after the birds have disappeared.
Article
Mathematics
Jorge Omar Razo-De-Anda, Luis Lorenzo Romero-Castro, Francisco Venegas-Martinez
Summary: This paper aims to determine the main determinants of contagion in stock markets during the period 2000-2021 by analyzing the behavior patterns of 18 stock market indices of 15 major economies. The B-spline method and Bezier curves are used to smooth observations and the FPCA methodology is applied. The K-means clustering algorithm is employed to identify the main groups, and classification trees and macroeconomic and financial analyses are used to explain the contagion between stock indices. The empirical results suggest that macroeconomic variables such as GDP, CPI, and FDI are significant, while domestic credit and the number of listed companies are important financial factors.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Maryam Ghebleh Goydaragh, Ruhollah Taghizadeh-Mehrjardi, Ahmad Golchin, Ali Asghar Jafarzadeh, Marcos Lado
Summary: This study evaluated and predicted weathering indices of soils in West Azerbaijan province in northern Iran, finding that CIA, CIW, MIA, and V were the most suitable indices for describing soil weathering characteristics, with MIA, CIA, and CIW models showing R-2 values of 0.79, 0.75, and 0.71, respectively. The combination of FTIR spectroscopy and RF models proved to be a rapid, efficient, and cost-effective technique for predicting weathering indices in large datasets.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Suwin Sandu, Muyi Yang, Han Phoumin, Reza Fathollahzadeh Aghdam, Xunpeng Shi
Summary: This paper assesses the performance of energy systems, finding differences in energy performance among different types of economies, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach in future development.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Q. S. Pavao, M. D. Freitas Souza, T. M. S. Teofilo, H. A. Lins, M. P. S. Borges, T. S. Silva, A. B. R. Jesus Passos, V. Mendonca, D. V. Silva
Summary: By analyzing the physical and chemical attributes of soils and parameters like SFTC, the risk level of soils can be determined, which helps in better management of herbicide use to reduce pollution of water resources.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kuangnan Fang, Rui Ren, Qingzhao Zhang, Shuangge Ma
Summary: Dimension reduction techniques like PCA, PLS, and CCA are extensively used in the analysis of high-dimensional omics data. Integrative analysis, which outperforms meta-analysis and individual-data analysis, has been developed for multiple datasets with compatible designs. We developed the R package iSFun to facilitate integrative dimension reduction analysis, offering comprehensive analysis options under different models and penalties.
Article
Biology
Michael Heads, John R. Grehan
Summary: The study of biogeographic patterns in the Galapagos Islands reveals shared patterns among different groups that coincide spatially with specific tectonic structures. Research suggests that species in the Galapagos Islands may have survived by dispersing populations from older islands to new ones for colonization.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Pei Li, Wenlin Zhang, Chengjun Lu, Rui Zhang, Xuelong Li
Summary: A novel robust kernel principal component analysis method with optimal mean (RKPCA-OM) is proposed to enhance the robustness of KPCA by automatically eliminating the optimal mean. The theoretical proof guarantees the convergence of the algorithm and the obtained optimal subspaces and means. Exhaustive experimental results validate the superiority of the proposed method.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maria Lopez-Perez, Candelaria Martin-Luis, Francisco Hernandez, Esperanza Liger, Jose Carlos Fernandez-Aldecoa, Jose Miguel Lorenzo-Salazar, Jose Hernandez-Armas, Pedro A. Salazar-Carballo
Summary: This study provides detailed data on terrestrial gamma absorbed dose rates and the spatial distribution of gamma-emitting radionuclides in soils, including 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, and 137Cs, for the first time in the Western Canary Islands. The average terrestrial absorbed dose rate was slightly higher than that of the Eastern islands and close to the world's average, with some soil samples showing relatively high 137Cs activity concentrations. Complementary radiometric data suggested additional contributions of 137Cs from Saharan dust storms.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Juan Pedro Martin-Sanz, Ana de Santiago-Martin, Inmaculada Valverde-Asenjo, Jose Ramon Quintana-Nieto, Concepcion Gonzalez-Huecas, Antonio L. Lopez-Lafuente
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of different methods in calculating the soil quality index (SQI) and found that the SQI generated by network analysis (NTA) was more useful than that generated by principal component analysis (PCA), as it was able to better differentiate the soil uses.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Zou
Summary: This paper proposes a more comprehensive mathematical model to correctly judge the category of ancient glass products whose chemical composition changes due to weathering. The author systematically analyzes the surface weathering of glass relics and its correlation with three properties, establishing a multivariable time-series model to predict the chemical-composition content before weathering. Through one-way analysis of variance for subclassification and principal component analysis, the reasonable prediction of the chemical-composition content and classification is provided, which can be used in the protection of cultural relics, historical research, and other fields.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Vinod Kumar, Shevita Pandita, Raj Setia
Summary: The contamination of heavy metals in soils and sediments and its impact on human health have been studied in different countries. The study found that China and Ireland had the highest number of sampling sites, Cd and Hg were the most concentrated heavy metals in soils and sediments, and India and Poland had the highest PERI values. This research is important for controlling heavy metal pollution in soils and sediments.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chao Liu, Minghui Yang, Yuting Hou, Yuning Zhao, Xiongzhi Xue
Summary: Island ecosystems are facing threats from climate change and increasing human activity. This study compared Xiamen Island and Kinmen Island and found that despite urban expansion, Xiamen Island's ecological quality remained stable due to scientific urban planning, while Kinmen Island suffered reduced ecological quality. The findings highlight the importance of scientific urban planning for maintaining and improving island ecological quality.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Archaeology
Scott Timpany, Tim Mighall, Ian Foster, Antonio Martinez Cortizas, Olwyn Owen, Anthony Krus, Ilse Kamerling
Summary: A palaeoenvironmental investigation was conducted from the Loch of Tuquoy in Orkney to understand the impact of Norse communities on the landscape. The study found evidence of a cultural landscape that existed before the Norse occupation, characterized by mixed agrarian activities. The Norse occupation brought changes to sediment sources in the lake, but little evidence of ironworking was found. The study also revealed regional-scale pollution during the Iron Age in Orkney.
ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Eleonor E. Ryberg, Minna Valiranta, Antonio Martinez-Cortizas, Johan Ehrlen, Jenny K. Sjostrom, Malin E. Kylander
Summary: Boreal peatlands are facing significant changes in response to a warming climate. This study analyzes a peat core from a bog in Sweden to understand the factors driving species changes. The results show that external nutrient input and increased fire activity have different effects on Sphagnum moss.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zaira Garcia-Lopez, Antonio Martinez Cortizas, Noemi Alvarez-Fernandez, Olalla Lopez-Costas
Summary: In archaeology, bone preservation has received more attention than the burial soil (Necrosol), but this study reveals the crucial role of burial soil in governing the geochemical environment. By analyzing post-Roman wooden coffin burials and the coeval paleosol, this study identifies the main pedogenetical processes in Necrosols and emphasizes the significance of studying the finer soil fractions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Carlos D. Garcia-Moreno, Antonio Martinez Cortizas, Olalla Lopez-Costas
Summary: This article reviews the isotopic composition of necropolis from Hispania, revealing the dietary habits of ancient Romans. The study finds that although the diet was not homogeneous, intra-site variability was greater than inter-site variability. Additionally, sites in northwest Hispania showed distinct consumption of millets and marine resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Malin E. Kylander, Antonio Martinez-Cortizas, Jenny K. Sjostrom, Jenny Galing, Richard Gyllencreutz, Richard Bindler, Helena Alexanderson, Frederik Schenk, Benedict T. I. Reinardy, Benjamin M. P. Chandler, Kerry Gallagher
Summary: Severe extratropical winter storms in Europe have caused widespread socioeconomic losses, but the response of storminess to external forcing over the past millennia remains unclear. Reconstructing past storm variability using innovative methods such as mid-infrared spectral data can provide insights into storm intensity and drivers. Constructing regional storm stacks allows for comparison of storminess over wider areas and understanding of centennial to millennial-scale storm patterns.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Mohamed Traore, Joeri Kaal, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: This study investigates the transition zone in oak wood through color parameters and molecular structure analysis. The results show significant differences between the transition zone, sapwood, and heartwood in terms of color and chemical composition, which may be related to lignification and storage of polysaccharide compounds.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Losada, Antonio M. Martinez, Kirsten M. Silvius, Sara Varela, Ted K. Raab, Jose M. V. Fragoso, Mar Sobral
Summary: The diversity of mammal and tree communities has opposite effects on the composition of soil organic matter (SOM) in the Amazon. Mammal diversity is related to SOM rich in nitrogen, sulfur, and iron, while tree diversity is related to SOM rich in aliphatic and carbonyl compounds. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of biodiversity in the carbon cycle and its implications for climate change mitigation.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tim M. Mighall, Antonio Martinez Cortizas, Noemi Silva-Sanchez, Olalla Lopez-Costas, Lourdes Lopez-Merino
Summary: This study presents an 8500-year record of high-resolution pollen, non-pollen palynomorph, microscopic charcoal, and selected geochemical data to analyze vegetation changes in the Xistral Mountains, Galicia, North-West Iberia. The results indicate that human disturbance, fire, and climate change are the main factors influencing vegetation development over the past eight millennia. Human impact on vegetation became more significant during the late Holocene, resulting in the permanent decline of deciduous forests and the creation of a cultural landscape.
Article
Forestry
Mohamed Traore, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: Wood characteristics and properties are influenced by biochemical processes and environmental conditions during wood formation. This study analyzed the color and chemical composition variation of timber wood from different locations in Mali. Results showed that wood color and chemical properties are related to local environmental conditions. Pterocarpus erinaceus exhibited significant differences in multiple variables, while Daniellia oliveri and Khaya senegalensis showed fewer differences. Isoberlinia doka, on the other hand, was less sensitive to environmental factors. Furthermore, there were important differences between wood samples from Kati and Kenieba.
Article
Archaeology
Lourdes Lopez-Merino, Rebeca Tallon-Armada, Manuela Costa-Casais, Noemi Silva-Sanchez, Jose Antonio Lopez-Saez, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: The city of Vigo in northwest Iberia contains buried structures of a Roman saltworks that follow the ancient coastline. A study was conducted to investigate the environmental impact of these structures and understand human activities during and after their use, as well as their relationship with climate variability over the past two millennia. The study found that salt production at the O Areal saltworks may have ended during the Late Roman Empire, coinciding with the development of a marsh and the decline of the salting industry. The overall trend suggests a shift from a marine to a terrestrial environment, influenced by both human activities and climate change.
ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
M. A. Serge, F. Mazier, R. Fyfe, M. -J. Gaillard, T. Klein, A. Lagnoux, D. Galop, E. Githumbi, M. Mindrescu, A. B. Nielsen, A. -K. Trondman, A. Poska, S. Sugita, J. Woodbridge, D. Abel-Schaad, C. Akesson, T. Alenius, B. Ammann, S. T. Andersen, R. Scott Anderson, M. Andric, L. Balakauskas, L. Barnekow, V. Batalova, J. Bergman, H. John B. Birks, L. Bjoerkman, A. E. Bjune, O. Borisova, N. Broothaerts, J. Carrion, C. Caseldine, J. Christiansen, Q. Cui, A. Curras, S. Czerwinski, R. David, A. L. Davies, R. De Jong, F. Di Rita, B. Dietre, W. Doerfler, E. Doyen, K. J. Edwards, A. Ejarque, E. Endtmann, D. Etienne, E. Faure, I. Feeser, A. Feurdean, E. Fischer, W. Fletcher, F. Franco-Mugica, E. D. Fredh, C. Froyd, S. Garces-Pastor, I. Garcia-Moreiras, E. Gauthier, G. Gil-Romera, P. Gonzalez-Samperiz, M. J. Grant, R. Grindean, J. N. Haas, G. Hannon, A. -J. Heather, M. Heikkilae, K. Hjelle, S. Jahns, N. Jasiunas, G. Jimenez-Moreno, I. Jouffroy-Bapicot, M. Kabailiene, I. M. Kamerling, M. Kangur, M. Karpinska-Kolaczek, A. Kasianova, P. Kolaczek, P. Lageras, M. Latalowa, J. Lechterbeck, C. Leroyer, M. Leydet, M. Lindbladh, O. Lisitsyna, J. -A. Lopez-Saez, John Lowe, R. Luelmo-Lautenschlaeger, E. Lukanina, L. Macijauskaite, D. Magri, D. Marguerie, L. Marquer, A. Martinez-Cortizas, I. Mehl, J. M. Mesa-Fernandez, T. Mighall, A. Miola, Y. Miras, C. Morales-Molino, A. Mrotzek, C. Munoz Sobrino, B. Odgaard, I. Ozola, S. Perez-Diaz, R. P. Perez-Obiol, C. Poggi, P. Ramil Rego, M. J. Ramos-Roman, P. Rasmussen, M. Reille, M. Roesch, P. Ruffaldi, M. Sanchez Goni, N. Savukyniene, T. Schroeder, M. Schult, U. Segerstroem, H. Seppae, G. Servera Vives, L. Shumilovskikh, H. W. Smettan, M. Stancikaite, A. C. Stevenson, N. Stivrins, I. Tantau, M. Theuerkauf, S. Tonkov, W. O. van der Knaap, J. F. N. van Leeuwen, E. Vecmane, G. Verstraeten, S. Veski, R. Voigt, H. Von Stedingk, M. P. Waller, J. Wiethold, K. J. Willis, S. Wolters, V. P. Zernitskaya
Summary: In this study, the most accurate and reliable pollen-based reconstructions of plant cover in Europe during the Holocene are presented using the REVEALS model. Methodological issues and the validation of the reconstructions are also discussed.
Article
Forestry
Mohamed Traore, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: This study characterizes the chemical properties of four timber wood species from southern Mali. The results show that the studied wood species differ in their chemical composition. These findings are valuable for assessing wood quality and determining appropriate end-uses.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Mar Sobral, Matthias Schleuning, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: Trait evolution is influenced by carbon economics not only at the organismal level but also at the ecosystem level. The trait diversity of ecological communities affects the carbon cycle, and systematic shifts in trait diversity are likely to cause changes in the carbon cycle.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Maria Losada, Mar Sobral, Kirsten M. Silvius, Sara Varela, Antonio Martinez M. Cortizas, Jose M. V. Fragoso
Summary: Mammal diversity affects carbon concentration in Amazonian soils through its impact on soil organic matter accumulation. The functional diversity of mammal assemblages determines the composition of organic remains in the soil, which in turn influences soil carbon content. Understanding the role of mammal traits in carbon sequestration and accumulation can inform biodiversity management plans in the Amazon biome.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Sofia Ninnes, Carsten Meyer-Jacob, Julie Tolu, Richard Bindler, Antonio Martinez Cortizas
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using DRIFTS for analyzing the organic matter composition of lake sediments, establishing quantitative models for TOC and characterizing organic matter qualitatively with principal component analysis. The DRIFTS approach enables rapid and detailed analysis of sediment organic matter, with the possibility of further specific analyses when coupled with pyrolysis-GC/MS.
