Assessing and mapping changes in soil ecosystem services and soil threats in agroecosystems through scenario-based approaches - A systematic review.

Scenario analysis plays a central role in estimating how global changes affect the relationships linking ecosystem conditions and functioning to human needs. This is particularly true for agroecosystems, which are pivotal to ensure sustainable land planning, ecological management and food security strategies. Soils are key providers of multiple ecosystem services (ES) in agroecosystems but they are very sensitive to global drivers such as changes in climate, land use and cover.

Determinants of early antibody responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in a cohort of exposed and naïve healthcare workers.

Background: Two doses of mRNA vaccination have shown >94% efficacy at preventing COVID-19 mostly in naïve adults, but it is not clear if the second dose is needed to maximize effectiveness in those previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 and what other factors affect responsiveness.

Methods: We measured IgA, IgG and IgM levels against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens from the wild-type and S from the Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants of concern, after BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) or mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccination in a cohort of health care workers (N=578). Neutralizing capacity and antibody avidity were evaluated.

Effect of contact lens use on Computer Vision Syndrome.

Purpose: To analyse the relationship between Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) in computer workers and contact lens use, according to lens materials.

Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study included 426 civil-service office workers, of whom 22% were contact lens wearers.

Stabilisation of sewage sludge and vinasse bio-wastes by vermicomposting with rabbit manure using Eisenia fetida.

Changes in the chemical characteristics and biological parameters of Eisenia fetida were assessed by VER using (CO+VE) rabbit manure (Vo) spiked with sewage sludge (SS) or vinasse (V). Seven mixtures were used: Vo, control; Vo+SS at 10%, 30%, and 50% (SS1, SS2, and SS3); Vo+V at 10%, 30%, and 50% (V1, V2, and V3). SS vermicomposts had higher humus, nutrient and total metal contents, but less soluble salts (EC) than V vermicomposts.

Influence of organic matter transformations on the bioavailability of heavy metals in a sludge based compost.

The agricultural use of anaerobically digested sewage sludge (ADSS) as stable, mature compost implies knowing its total content in heavy metals and their bioavailability. This depends not only on the initial characteristics of the composted substrates but also on the organic matter transformations during composting which may influence the chemical form of the metals and their bioavailability. The objective of this work was to examine the relationships between the changes in the organic matter content and humus fractions, and the bioavailability of heavy metals.

Advances in validating SALTIRSOIL at plot scale: first results.

SALTIRSOIL (SALTs in IRrigated SOILs) is a model for the medium to long term simulation of soil salinity in irrigated, well-drained lands. Once the algorithms were verified, the objective of our study was to validate SALTIRSOIL under one of several water quality and management scenarios in Mediterranean agriculture. Because drip and surface are the most common irrigation systems in irrigated agriculture in Valencia (Spain), the validation was performed with climate, soil, irrigation water (composition and management) and crop (species and management) information from an experimental plot surface irrigated with well water and planted with watermelon that has been monitored since the late spring of 2007.