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We present the dataset “SArdinian GRAsslands” (SAGRA), a collection of georeferenced vegetation surveys sourced from different areas of Sardinia (Italy). SAGRA addresses a geographic gap in current databases, as plots from Sardinian grasslands are underrepresented. We collected vegetation data from different projects and organized it within a framework that allows for scalability to larger scales or integration into existing databases. The surveys include three categories of information: general, vegetation and management, and environmental. Overall, SAGRA comprises 1277 vegetation surveys, some of which were performed in different years in the same plots. This dataset encompasses 685 plots and 434 species, primarily therophytes.

Abstract Global mapping of forest height is an extremely important task for estimating habitat quality and modeling biodiversity. Recently, three global canopy height maps have been released, the global forest canopy height map (GFCH), the high‐resolution canopy height model of the Earth (HRCH), and the global map of tree canopy height (GMTCH). Here, we assessed their accuracy and usability for biodiversity modeling. We examined their accuracy by comparing them with the reference canopy height models derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS). Our results show considerable differences between the evaluated maps. The root mean square error ranged between 10 and 18 m for GFCH, 9–11 m for HRCH, and 10–17 m for GMTCH, respectively. GFCH and GMTCH consistently underestimated the height of all canopies regardless of their height, while HRCH tended to overestimate the height of low canopies and underestimate tall canopies. Biodiversity models using predicted global canopy height maps as input data are sufficient for estimating simple relationships between species occurrence and canopy height, but their use leads to a considerable decrease in the discrimination ability of the models and to mischaracterization of species niches where derived indices (e.g., canopy height heterogeneity) are concerned. We showed that canopy height heterogeneity is considerably underestimated in the evaluated global canopy height maps. We urge that for temperate areas rich in ALS data, activities should concentrate on harmonizing ALS canopy height maps rather than relying on modeled global products.

ABSTRACT Hardening is the process of exposing seedlings gradually to field conditions. It improves seedling quality through several strategies, including stem bending and the use of plant regulators. Thus, the objective of the experiment was to quantify the physiological changes resulting from mechanical and chemical hardening in Hymenaea courbaril L. seedlings as a function of seedling growth stages. The experiment was conducted at Marechal Cândido Rondon, PR, in a shade house. The design used was a completely randomized, consisting of three treatments (control, methyl jasmonate and stem bending), with seven replications of 16 seedlings. At the end of the hardening treatments we quantified stem bending stiffness, lignin, phenolic compounds, loss of electrolytes and chlorophyll. The phenolic compounds quantified in the leaves increased with the application of both treatments in seedlings of stages I and II. Furthermore, mechanical hardening favored an increase in chlorophyll at all stages. H. courbaril seedlings from stages II and III would be the most recommended for hardening treatments. Mechanical hardening was the most suitable for Hymenaea courbaril L. seedlings.

RESUMO A política nacional do meio ambiente coloca o municipio com papel atuante na co-gestão das questões ambientais. Na presente pesquisa foram levantados detalhes de ordem organizacional, física, pessoal e financeira das prefeituras municipais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro ligadas às questões do meio ambiente.

Resumo O estudo compararou o crescimento de mudas de Cordia ecalyculata, Colubrina glandulosa, Croton urucurana, e Hovenia dulcis submetidas a saturação hídrica por 60 dias. As semeaduras foram executadas de modo a obter mudas das quatro espécies com idades de 120, 150 e 180 dias que pudessem ser submetidas concomitantemente à saturação hídrica. Mudas de sobrasil expresaram o maior incremento em diâmetro. Os maiores incrementos em altura foram quantificados com mudas de uva-do-japão (19,74 cm) e sanga-d’água (20,02 cm) sob condição de saturação hídrica. Nesta mesma condição, mudas de sobrasil e café-de-bugre resultaram em uma redução na massa seca da raiz enquanto que mudas de sanga-d’água e uva-japonesa apresentaram acréscimos. Mudas de tubetes com 300 cm3 apresentaram maior acúmulo de massa seca de folhas do que as de tubetes com 180 cm3 .

RESUMO Existem diversas referências na literatura sobre as expectativas e sobre os dados observados da influência do tamanho da semente no estabelecimento, sobrevivência e crescimento de mudas de espécies pioneiras e clímaxes. No entretanto, as observações nem sempre aderem com as expectativas teóricas, visto a interdependência e a multiplicidade de fatores do ambiente que influenciam antes, durante e depois do processo de germinação da semente. O avanço da teoria relacionada com a alocação reprodutiva dos vegetais necessita incorporar as alterações decorrentes da influência da semente no crescimento e no estabelecimento de mudas.

Abstract Lignin is related to mechanical support, fluidity of water transport by xylem and resistance to pest and pathogen infections. This research measured the concentration of lignin and its correlation with field performance of Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. ex Steud seedlings submitted to hardening. Seedlings were treated with 20 stem bending for 4 or 8 weeks, application of 50 μmol L-1 of methyl jasmonate for 4 or 8 weeks and a control treatment. In the nursery after treatments, six seedlings were randomly selected for determination of root electrolytes and lignin content from stem and root tissues. Application of jasmonates or stem bending in the nursery promoted an increase in stem lignin concentration but did not induce a greater lignification of root systems. After 450 days of planting, saplings height and diameter increments and percentage survival were calculated along shoot lignin content. Saplings showed no differences in shoot lignin from nursery hardening.

Photocatalytically active heterojunctions based on metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are drawing significant interest for their chameleon ability to foster several redox reactions. The lack of mechanistic insights into their performance, however, limits the ability of engineering novel and optimized materials. Herein, a report is made on a composite system including a double perovskite, Cs2AgBiCl6/g‐C3N4, used in parallel for solar‐driven hydrogen generation and nitrogen reduction, quantified by a rigorous analytical approach. The composite efficiently promotes the two reactions, but its activity strongly depends on the perovskite/carbon nitride relative amounts. Through advanced spectroscopic investigation and density function theory (DFT) modeling the H2 and NH3 production reaction mechanisms are studied, finding perovskite halide vacancies as the primary reactive sites for hydrogen generation together with a positive contribution of low loaded g‐C3N4 in reducing carrier recombination. For nitrogen reduction, instead, the active sites are g‐C3N4 nitrogen vacancies, and the heterojunction best performs at low perovskites loadings where the composites maximize light absorption and reduce carrier losses. It is believed that these insights are important add‐ons toward universal exploitation of MHPs in contemporary photocatalysis.

Integrating knowledge regarding habitat characteristics and animal behaviour into conservation programs has the potential to impact the results of management and conservation efforts. This study aimed to explore the relationship between spatial and environmental data on the nesting activity of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. Additionally, it sought to analyse the abundance, activity pattern, and behaviour of potential nest predators of E. orbicularis. Natural predated nests of the European pond turtle were utilized to characterise nesting habitat features, while artificial nests and camera traps were deployed to identify potential predators and their behaviour. Artificial nests and camera traps were established in areas with evidence of track detection or historical observations indicating past instances of nest predation. The nest site distribution of the European pond turtle showed a positive relationship with north-south oriented canals, the presence of vegetative components on embankments (shrubs, grass, emergent vegetation), finer-grained soil components (silt and clay), and soil moisture. Camera trapping of artificial nests revealed mammals (Meles meles and Vulpes vulpes) and a bird (Pica pica) as predators engaging in digging and destroying behaviour. P. pica detection was notably higher in mowed vegetation areas. Results indicate that natural nest distribution and predation on artificial nests may be influenced by their distribution concerning human-controlled vegetation and foraging activities of common nest predators. Protecting nesting sites in predator-frequented habitats, combined with landscape management targeting vegetation control along embankments, could mitigate nest predation and enhance hatchling recruitment.

As reflexões que compõem este artigo partiram da premissa de que a formação do governante reverbera sobre sua conduta e ações e, portanto, na organização social. Por isso, este estudo objetivou compreender os princípios educacionais e formativos defendidos por Álvaro Pais como necessários ao governante cristão em meados do XIV. A análise recaiu sobre a sua obra Espelho dos Reis (1341-1344), que nos permitiu caracterizar a monarquia como melhor método de governo para o seu tempo. Além de Pais, foram selecionados para fundamentar este estudo: Barbosa (1982), Costa (1994; 2004) Mattoso (1997), Souza (1999; 2008); Souza (2010), dentre outros. A natureza dessa pesquisa é bibliográfica, com base nos pressupostos da totalidade histórica e de longa duração, conforme Braudel (1992) e Bloch (2001). Ao buscar um entendimento acerca do pensamento teocrático de Álvaro Pais, observou-se sua preocupação com o embate entre os poderes espiritual e temporal, pois, para ele, o papa deveria ater-se às causas espirituais e ao rei recaia, por decisão divina, o direito de liderar as causas terrenas, bem como conduzir o povo à felicidade e à eterna salvação sob orientação do papa, constituído como um conselheiro. Preocupado com as questões do seu tempo, Pais pensou sobre a formação do governante e defendeu a monarquia como modelo ideal de governo. Espelho dos Reis configurou-se, então, como um manual da reta conduta aos príncipes, reis e àqueles que, desejosos da felicidade e da salvação da alma, quisessem trilhar o caminho do bem de acordo com os princípios cristãos da época.

Biodiversity monitoring is an almost inconceivable challenge at the scale of the entire Earth. The current (and soon to be flown) generation of spaceborne and airborne optical sensors (i.e., imaging spectrometers) can collect detailed information at unprecedented spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions. These new data streams are preceded by a revolution in modeling and analytics that can utilize the richness of these datasets to measure a wide range of plant traits, community composition, and ecosystem functions. At the heart of this framework for monitoring plant biodiversity is the idea of remotely identifying species by making use of the 'spectral species' concept. In theory, the spectral species concept can be defined as a species characterized by a unique spectral signature and thus remotely detectable within pixel units of a spectral image. In reality, depending on spatial resolution, pixels may contain several species which renders species-specific assignment of spectral information more challenging. The aim of this paper is to review the spectral species concept and relate it to underlying ecological principles, while also discussing the complexities, challenges and opportunities to apply this concept given current and future scientific advances in remote sensing.

RESUMO O inventário qualitativo e quantitativo do bairro Centro do Município de Itaguaí, RJ, foi executado através de 30 pontos amostrais, cada um representando perto de 800 metros de calçadas. Ficou constatado a existência de uma porcentagem (0,03%) muito pequena de vegetação arbórea urbana quando comparada com as recomendações da literatura; as espécies mais encontradas foram Delonix regia, Mangifera indica e Eugenia jambolana.

RESUMO O program florestal urbano da província de Ontario, Canadá, é apresentado e discutido; existe ainda muito espaço para a melhoria das fases de estabelecimento, manutenção e re-vitalização da vegetação urbana em Ontario.

Mediterranean grasslands stand out as biodiversity hotspots due to their inclusion of diverse habitats that foster a remarkable range of biological diversity, characterized by inter-annual variability of floristic composition. This study aims to assess the inter-annual dynamics of the floristic composition in a grassland within a typical silvopastoral system in the Mediterranean basin, within the framework of rainfall variability. The study was performed on a farm representative of Mediterranean silvopastoral systems in Central-Western Sardinia (Italy). Vegetation surveys started in the spring of 2018 and concluded in the spring of 2022. They were conducted annually in the spring (S) and winter (W) seasons, using the point quadrat method along eight permanent transects. The dynamics of floristic composition were compared within and between years in terms of variability of specific percentage contribution (CSP) of each plant species. The results highlighted substantial differences in the composition of plant assemblages between the two seasons (W vs S) and between surveys within each season for all a posteriori comparisons. Anthemis arvensis, Lolium rigidum, Festuca ligustica and Medicago polymorpha were the main discriminating plant species between seasons. Considering the discriminant species between the four winter surveys, we found a positive effect of August rain on Cynodon dactylon CSP and a negative one on Trifolium subterraneum CSP. Considering the spring surveys, we found a positive effect of January rain on L. rigidum and a negative effect on Plantago lanceolata. The rain affected the inter-annual dynamics of floristic composition in the Mediterranean grasslands. Other factors, such as temperature, remain to be investigated. Moreover, a more extended data series may allow us to strengthen our results.

The Italian government cyclically debates the critical issues related to property taxation, which for many years needs to be reformed due to the high fiscal inequality level that currently generates. This paper aims to analyze Italian fiscal inequality by exploring its spread within different urban zones of a city. A three-step methodological approach is proposed and applied to the city of Turin in the northern part of Italy. An extensive data sampling from 2021 real estate advertisements provides the basis for calculating cadastral values and four innovative fiscal inequality indicators. Descriptive statistics and spatial analyses are performed to study the relations between property prices and cadastral values, as well as to highlight the fiscal inequality level in relation to the real estate market. Findings show that current cadastral values are not related to property prices and that the fiscal inequality level is significant in most of the analyzed urban zones. These criticalities are due to a series of issues that confirm the urgency of the Italian Cadastre reform for its important consequences on property taxation. Particular attention is paid to the attribution, often incorrect, of the cadastral categories, and the possibility of redefining the property tax rates for calculating the IMU tax. Results, in fact, highlight that a random relationship between property tax rates and property prices exists and confirm that redistributive policies are necessary in the Italian context. The results of this research can be shared and discussed with the Agenzia delle Entrate and local authorities to be used to debate the territorial polarization between weak, degraded urban zones with limited services, and prestigious ones. The proposed methodological approach can be further developed and tested in other urban or rural contexts to really support local authorities to reduce the currently high fiscal inequality levels, the territorial and socio-economic injustices and to invest in new urban redevelopment strategies and thus foster territorial welfare. Il governo italiano affronta ciclicamente criticità legate alla tassazione immobiliare, che da tempo necessita di essere riformata a causa dell’elevato livello di iniquità fiscale che genera. Questo articolo ha l’obiettivo di analizzare l’iniquità fiscale italiana esplorando la sua diffusione all’interno delle diverse zone urbane della città di Torino, nel Nord Italia, assunta quale caso studio. Un approccio metodologico strutturato in tre fasi viene illustrato e applicato su un campione di dati di annunci immobiliari del 2021, costituito per l’analisi dei valori catastali e per il calcolo di quattro indicatori di iniquità fiscale innovativi. Sono proposte statistiche descrittive e analisi spaziali al fine di studiare le relazioni tra i prezzi immobiliari e i valori catastali, nonché per evidenziare il livello di iniquità fiscale in relazione al mercato immobiliare. I risultati mostrano che i valori catastali attuali non sono correlati ai prezzi degli immobili e che il livello di iniquità fiscale è significativo nella maggior parte delle zone urbane analizzate. Queste criticità sono dovute a una serie di questioni che confermano l’urgenza della riforma del Catasto italiano per le sue importanti conseguenze sulla tassazione immobiliare. In particolare, si evidenzia l’attribuzione, spesso scorretta, delle categorie catastali e la necessità di ridefinire le aliquote fiscali per il calcolo dell’IMU. I risultati, infatti, evidenziano l’esistenza di una relazione casuale tra le aliquote fiscali e i prezzi degli immobili e confermano la necessità di attuare politiche redistributive nel contesto italiano. I risultati di questa ricerca possono essere condivisi e discussi con l’Agenzia delle Entrate e le autorità locali per essere utilizzati nel dibattito sulla polarizzazione territoriale tra zone urbane deboli, degradate, con servizi limitati, e zone prestigiose, accessibili e attrattive. L’approccio metodologico proposto potrà essere ulteriormente sviluppato e testato in altri contesti urbani o rurali per sostenere davvero le autorità locali nella riduzione degli attuali elevati livelli di iniquità fiscale, delle ingiustizie territoriali e socio-economiche e per investire in nuove strategie di riqualificazione urbana e promuovere un maggiore welfare territoriale.

Abstract Background CD38 has been established as an important therapeutic target for multiple myeloma (MM), for which two CD38 antibodies are currently approved—daratumumab and isatuximab. CD38 is an ectoenzyme that degrades NAD and its precursors and is involved in the production of adenosine and other metabolites. Aim Among the various mechanisms by which CD38 antibodies can induce MM cell death is immunomodulation, including multiple pathways for CD38‐mediated T‐cell activation. Patients who respond to anti‐CD38 targeting treatment experience more marked changes in T‐cell expansion, activity, and clonality than nonresponders. Implications Resistance mechanisms that undermine the immunomodulatory effects of CD38‐targeting therapies can be tumor intrinsic, such as the downregulation of CD38 surface expression and expression of complement inhibitor proteins, and immune microenvironment‐related, such as changes to the natural killer (NK) cell numbers and function in the bone marrow niche. There are numerous strategies to overcome this resistance, which include identifying and targeting other therapeutic targets involved in, for example, adenosine production, the activation of NK cells or monocytes through immunomodulatory drugs and their combination with elotuzumab, or with bispecific T‐cell engagers.

BackgroundIn a short time, the COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a huge impact on many aspects of people’s lives with a number of consequences, an increase in the risks of psychological diseases being one of them. The aim of this experimental study, based on an eighteen-month follow-up survey, is to assess the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, changes in stress, anxiety and depression levels, and the risks of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).MethodsA follow-up survey was performed on a sample of 184 Italian individuals to collect relevant information about the psychological impact of COVID-19. Predictors of the components of the psychological impact were calculated based on the ANCOVA model.ResultsThe analysis of the online questionnaires led to the conclusion that a high percentage of the participants suffer from levels of stress, anxiety and depression higher than normal as well as an increased risk of PTSD. The severity of such disorders significantly depends on gender, the loss of family members or acquaintances due to the pandemic, the amount of time spent searching for COVID-19 related information, the type of information sources and, in part, on the level of education and income. The time factor had a more severe effect on the low-income population.ConclusionCOVID-19 has entailed a very strong psychological impact on the Italian population also depending on the coping strategies adopted, the level of mindful awareness, socio-demographic variables, people’s habits and the way individuals use the available means of communication and information.

RESUMO São constantes os conflitos entre a falta de urbanização de bairros em desenvolvimento, aspectos sócio-econômico-culturais e a conservação e plantio de árvores em vias públicas. O inventário de todas as árvores com mais de 1,30 m de altura e até 2,0 m de afastamento do meio-fio no Bairro Ecologia, em Seropédica- RJ, revelou as pressões sofridas por árvores situadas em locais que ainda não possuem calçamento, pavimentação, entre outros elementos de infra-estrutura urbana. Observou-se também durante este trabalho a interação dos moradores com a arborização viária local, demonstrando a importância da participação da comunidade nas ações de planejamento, implementação e manejo.

Abstract Objective To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residency of gynecology and obstetrics in São Paulo. Methods Cross-sectional study developed by representatives of residents of the Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the State of São Paulo (SOGESP, in the Portuguese acronym). Data were collected from questionnaires applied to gynecology and obstetrics residents registered on the SOGESP website in February 2022. The interviewees answered about the repercussions of the pandemic on medical residency and whether they had technical and psychological support during the period. Results A total of 247 questionnaires were collected from residents of gynecology and obstetrics. The residents had an age of 28.3 ± 3 years old, and most of them were female (88.4%). The displacement to COVID care was reported by 62.34% of the students, but only 35.6% reported completely adequate personal protective equipment and only 7.7% reported complete theoretical and technical instruction to support these patients. Almost all of the interviewees stated that the gynecology sector was the most affected. The majority of the interviewees considered that the second-year residents had the greatest loss, and more than half of the residents in the 1st and 2nd year said they wished to give up their residency during the pandemic. More than 80% of the residents reported online theoretical classes and/or presentation of articles, reinforcing the fact that virtual activities gained a greater space within the medical residency. Conclusion The pandemic impacted the residency in greater proportion in outpatient clinics and gynecological surgeries, also interfering with the physician's desire to continue with the program.

Abstract NiTi is a class of metallic biomaterials, benefit from superelastic behavior, high biocompatibility, and favorable mechanical properties close to that of bone. However, the Ni ion leaching, poor bioactivity, and antibacterial activity limit its clinical applications. In this study, HAp-Nb2O5 composite layers were PC electrodeposited from aqueous electrolytes containing different concentrations of the Nb2O5 particles, i.e., 0–1 g/L, to evaluate the influence of the applied surface engineering strategy on in vitro immersion behavior, Ni2+ ion leaching level, and antibacterial activity of the bare NiTi. Surface characteristics of the electrodeposited layers were analyzed using SEM, TEM, XPS, and AFM. The immersion behavior of the samples was comprehensively investigated through SBF and long-term PBS soaking. Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infective reference bacteria were employed to address the antibacterial activity of the samples. The results illustrated that the included particles led to more compact and smoother layers. Unlike bare NiTi, composite layers stimulated apatite formation upon immersion in both SBF and PBS media. The concentration of the released Ni2+ ion from the composite layer, containing 0.50 g/L Nb2O5 was ≈ 60% less than that of bare NiTi within 30 days of immersion in the corrosive PBS solution. The Nb2O5-reinforced layers exhibited high anti-adhesive activity against both types of pathogenic bacteria. The hybrid metallic-ceramic system comprising HAp-Nb2O5-coated NiTi offers the prospect of a potential solution for clinical challenges facing the orthopedic application of NiTi.