The well-known uncertainties in subsurface velocity field definition call for the integration of all the available data, including vintage seismic profiles, which, despite typically being in raster or paper format, often contain velocities derived from stacking and associated interval velocities. This study aims to build a velocity model for the time-to-depth conversion of an interpreted seismic reflection profile by using the interval velocity reported on a vintage, paper-format seismic profile and contribute to improving the subsurface geological model of the Sicily Channel, Central Mediterranean. Spline interpolation is used for velocity model building of the shallower part (3.5 sec TWT) of the seismic profile CS89-01, derived from the stacking velocities of 31 Common Depth Point (CDP) gathers. This was followed by the Gaussian convolution operator and a data exclusion filter to improve the accuracy of the velocity model. The time-to-depth-converted seismic reflection profile is a regional cross-section that covers almost the entire Sicily Channel, crossing part of the northern margin of the African Plate, from Tunisia to eastern Sicily. This study provides a new subsurface velocity field that can be applied, or taken into account, to most parts of the Sicily Channel when structural and stratigraphic interpretations are carried out at specific sites and where uncertainties in subsurface geological model exist (e.g., in the present study, the volcanic bodies in the Pantelleria Graben and Lampedusa High).

A study was carried out to explore and address the challenges posed by rice blast disease ( Magnaporthe oryzae B. C. Couch.). Keeping in view the unique qualities and cultural importance of this variety, the research introduces an innovative approach by integrating plant extracts into disease management practices through in-depth analyses and field experiments. Three concentrations of ethanol-based extracts each of the twenty-one were evaluated in vitro against the control. The percentage of mycelial inhibition was recorded and based on their effectiveness; six efficient botanicals were further evaluated in the field. The field experiments were carried out on the susceptible Mushk Budji cultivar of rice for two successive years. The results demonstrated that certain botanicals, especially extracts of Syzygium aromaticum and Podophyllum hexandrum , significantly reduced disease incidence and severity, and improved grain and straw yields, performing on par with the chemical control, Tricyclazole. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to identify active compounds responsible for antifungal effects. The ligands for docking studiesquercetin, podophyllotoxin, and eugenolwere chosen based on literature mining for their reported antifungal activity. These phytochemicals displayed strong binding affinities ( -5.5 to − -3.8 kcal/mol) to the ToxB-like effector protein of M. oryzae , suggesting interference with fungal pathogenicity mechanisms. Among these, quercetin and podophyllotoxin were the most promising ligands. The integration of wet-lab assays and in silico analysis strengthens the case for deploying bioactive botanicals in integrated disease management. Our findings advocate the use of eco-friendly, plant-based fungicides as a viable strategy for blast disease control, promoting organic farming and preservation of indigenous rice varieties. The findings highlight the importance of developing eco-friendly, plant-based alternatives to chemical fungicides, aligning with the goals of sustainable agriculture and organic farming. Future research should focus on developing stable formulations of these botanicals, evaluating their synergistic potential with biocontrol agents, and validating their effectiveness through multi-location field trials. Additionally, further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of action and the long-term ecological and economic impacts of botanical fungicides is warranted.

The energy transition is an issue of fundamental importance in the current global context, as an increasing number of countries are committed to searching for minerals and elements essential for the storage, distribution, and supply of energy derived from new renewable and sustainable sources. In some countries, these elements (such as boron, lithium, and strontium) are considered to be critical raw materials (CRMs) because of their limited occurrence within their own borders and are commonly found in minerals and geothermal–formation waters, especially in brackish to brine waters. In the Italian territory, CRM-rich waters have already been identified by previously published studies (i.e., with mean concentrations in the Salsomaggiore Terme of 390 mg/L of boron, 76 mg/L of lithium, and 414 mg/L of strontium); however, their extraction is hampered by several knowledge gaps. In particular, a comprehensive understanding of the origin, accumulation processes, and migration pathways of these CRM-rich waters is still lacking. These factors are closely linked to the geological framework and evolutionary history of each specific area. To address these gaps, we investigated the Salsomaggiore Structure that is located at the northwestern front of the Apennine in Italy by integrating geological data with hydrogeochemical results. We constructed new preliminary distribution maps of the most significant CRMs around the Salsomaggiore Structure, which can be used in the future for the National Mineral Exploration Program drawn up in accordance with the European Critical Raw Materials Act. These maps, combined with the interpretation of seismic reflection profiles calibrated with surface geology and wells, allowed us to establish a close relationship between water geochemistry/CRM contents and the geological evolution of the Salsomaggiore Structure. This structure can be considered representative of the frontal ranges of the Northwestern Apennine and other mountain chains associated with the foreland basin systems.