East Spain Research Articles

Trade‐offs and synergies between bird conservation and wildfire suppression in the face of global change

AbstractThe combined effects of climate change and other factors, such as land‐use change or fire disturbance, pose daunting challenges for biodiversity conservation world‐wide.We predicted the future effectiveness of the Natura 2000 (N2000), the current network of protected areas (PA) in Europe, at maintaining and representing suitable environmental conditions for a set of 79 bird species between 2000 and 2050 in a fire‐prone area, strongly affected by land abandonment processes in North East Spain. We then compared PA performance with a set of alternative priority areas for conservation, which consider fire‐vegetation dynamics, selected by using a conservation planning tool (Marxan). Fire‐vegetation dynamics were modelled using a process‐based model (Medfire Model) under alternative fire management and climate change scenarios. Bird communities were predicted using the spatially explicit species assemblage modelling framework (SESAM) and species distribution models that hierarchically integrate climate change and wildfire‐vegetation dynamics.The amount of suitable environmental conditions within the N2000 network was predicted to fall by around 15%, on average, over the next decades in relation to the initial conditions but could be partially modulated by fire management policies in future. The efficiency of the current PA system was predicted to decrease from 17.4% to 15% between 2000 and 2050. However, a more efficient PA system could be achieved with a conservation planning approach that explicitly considers fire‐vegetation dynamics and their management.Synthesis and applications. Our findings show: (a) how the current Natura 2000 could still hold an important bird conservation value by 2050; (b) how the relocation of some protected areas should be considered in order to substantially increase bird conservation effectiveness; and (c) how the integration of fire‐vegetation dynamics, fire management policies and their objectives within conservation planning provide “win–win” solutions for bird conservation and fire prevention in fire‐prone abandoned landscapes.

A basic model of integration of ICT by teachers: competence and use

The process to integrate information and communication technologies (ICT), where teachers play a decisive role, is complex. The objective of this study is to build a basic model that connects teachers’ ICT technological and pedagogical competences with the use of these technological resources by teachers (both personal-professional use and use with students). The model also considers how personal and contextual factors influence this relationship. A secondary analysis study was used, whose sample included 1095 male and female Primary, Secondary and Higher Education teachers from the Valencian Community (east Spain). Information was collected with a questionnaire from two survey design studies. Using an MIMIC model, teachers’ integration of ICT was optimally modeled. This model shows a complex relation between competence and use. Technological competences influence pedagogical competences and personal-professional use, while pedagogical competences influence personal-professional use and use in class. Use in class is influenced by both pedagogical competences and personal-professional use. Personal and contextual factors influenced the four dimensions of use and competence. This basic model of the relationship between teachers’ ICT competences and using these educational resources helps us to understand the complex process of integrating ICT into classrooms. Therefore, this model is a key element to guide teacher training in ICT.

Barremian synrift sedimentation in the Oliete sub-basin (Iberian Basin, Spain): palaeogeographical evolution and distribution of vertebrate remains

A review of the onset of the synrift sedimentation and synsedimentary extensional tectonics of the Oliete sub-basin (northwestern Maestrazgo basin, East Spain) is presented here based on new data acquired after extensive sedimentological, structural and palaeontological analysis of the Barremian Blesa Fm. The lower boundary of the Blesa Fm is a prominent basal synrift unconformity overlying Jurassic units. This formation has been divided into three genetic stratigraphic sequences bounded by sub-basin-wide unconformities. The lower Blesa sequence (LBS) is characterized by distal alluvial to palustrine marls/clays grading upward to palustrine–lacustrine limestones. The LBS is bounded on top by a planar to irregular transgressive, hardened ferruginous surface, locally encrusted by oysters. Above this discontinuity, the middle Blesa sequence consists of oyster-rich limestones and marls deposited in a shallow restricted bay, which grade to distal alluvial and palustrine–lacustrine marls/clays and limestones towards the marginal areas of the basin. The boundary between the middle and upper Blesa sequence (UBS) is a regressive surface outlined by the local presence of an erosive conglomeratic bed. The UBS generally starts with red clays deposited in distal alluvial fan environments, which grade upwards to palustrine and lacustrine carbonates and marls/clays. The local presence of heterolithic alternations of clay with fine-to-medium sandstone and of cross-bedded sandstones indicates the local occurrence of siliciclastic coastal environments in the UBS. The upper boundary of the Blesa Fm is marked by widespread transgression, giving rise to the bioclastic limestones of the Alacon Fm. In the present paper, the stratigraphic position and palaeoenvironmental context of the abundant vertebrate remains found across the defined sequences within the Blesa Formation is reviewed. The results obtained are relevant for a further understanding of the tectosedimentary evolution of the studied basin. Successive stages of evolution are distinguished, including the initial uplift, breakup and erosion of the earlier Jurassic carbonate platform that took place during the Tithonian–Hauterivian; the onset of synrift sedimentation during the early Barremian, which was highly controlled by extensional faulting and differential block subsidence; the homogenization of the basin subsidence accompanied by the incursion of marine waters (sourced from southeastern areas) during the middle part of the Barremian; and the significant fall in base level, of possible climatic origin and also involving significant siliciclastic input in the northern areas of the Oliete sub-basin around the middle part of the late Barremian.

Analysis of the evolution of gross alpha and gross beta activities in airborne samples in Valencia (Spain)

Gross alpha (Aα) and gross beta activities (Aβ) were measured weekly in the airborne of the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia campus (in the east of Spain) during the period 2009–2015 (7 years). The geometric mean values of weekly Aα and Aβ were 0.53·10−4 Bq m−3 and 5.77·10−4 Bq m−3, respectively; with an average ratio Aα/Aβ of 0.097. This study highlights the heterogeneity of gross alpha and gross beta activities depending on the different periods of the year. Data show seasonal variations with the highest activity in summer months and the lowest one in winter months. Several atmospheric factors were considered in order to explain this intra-annual variation (wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, precipitations, dust content and prevailing wind directions). Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were performed in order to obtain information on significant atmospheric factors that affect gross α and gross β variability, which could be useful in identifying meteorological or atmospheric changes that could cause deviations in gross α and gross β activity depending on the seasons considered. Models obtained explain more than 60% of variability for global data, and also for winter and spring-autumn months. However, more research is needed to explain gross α and gross β variability in summer months, because the atmospheric factors considered in the MLR explain less than 35% of variability.

Phenology of Emergence by Mediterranean Sympatric Cave-Dwelling Bats During Their Breeding Period

The emergence of cave-dwelling bats can be influenced by multiple variables, such as diurnal predator evasion, energetic requirements, and prey abundance. This work aimed to determine emergence patterns of cave-dwelling bat species from roosts over the April–July 2013 period in the Valencian Community (East Spain) by infrared camera and acoustic recordings. We observed that Miniopterus schreibersii left earliest followed by the Myotis myotis/blythii group and Myotis capaccinii and finally Myotis escalerai. This pattern of emergence was observed in four roosts with no significant differences. Miniopterus schreibersii tended to display quicker flight in open areas, compared to the Myotis genus. Moreover, the M. myotis/blythii group and M. capaccinii were larger in size and had a greater wing loading than M. escalerai. Therefore, variations in emergence times may be due to differences in predation pressure by diurnal and crepuscular predators, which would enable large and fast bats like M. schreibersii to le...

Congenital heart defects in the East of Spain

Congenital heart defects in the East of Spain

Temporal evolution of a seismic sequence induced by a gas injection in the Eastern coast of Spain

Induced seismicity associated with energy production is becoming an increasingly important issue worldwide for the hazard it poses to the exposed population and structures. We analyze one of the rare cases of induced seismicity associated with the underwater gas storage operations observed in the Castor platform, located in the Valencia gulf, east Spain, near a complex and important geological structure. In September 2013, some gas injection operations started at Castor, producing a series of seismic events around the reservoir area. The larger magnitude events (up to 4.2) took place some days after the end of the injection, with EMS intensities in coastal towns up to degree III. In this work, the seismic sequence is analyzed with the aim of detecting changes in statistical parameters describing the earthquake occurrence before and after the injection and identifying possible proxies to be used for monitoring the sequence evolution. Moreover, we explore the potential predictability of these statistical parameters which can be used to control the field operations in injection/storage fluid reservoirs. We firstly perform a retrospective approach and next a perspective analysis. We use different techniques for estimating the value of the expected maximum magnitude that can occur due to antropogenic activities in Castor.

Exploring the presence of pollutants at sea: Monitoring heavy metals and pesticides in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the western Mediterranean

Marine turtles are considered good sentinel species for environmental assessment because of their long lifespan, feeding ecology, habitat use and migratory nature. In the present study, we assessed presence of cadmium, lead and mercury, together with organic pollutants, both in fat and muscle tissue of 25 stranded loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the Valencian Community coast (East Spain) (43.7±13.5cm). Mean concentrations of Cd, Pb and Hg were 0.04μg/g w.w., 0.09μg/g w.w. and 0.03μg/g w.w. in fat and 0.05μg/g, 0.08μg/g and 0.04μg/g in muscle, respectively. These measures indicate a relatively low mean heavy metal concentration, which may be explained by juvenile size and developmental stage of the turtles analysed. A preliminary non-targeted analysis (using time-of-flight (TOF) technology), made for the first time in marine turtles, allowed to detect 39 different pesticides, most of them previously undetected in this species. Most of the organic substances detected are used in agricultural activities, and the use of 15 of them (38.5%) is not approved in the European Union. Our sample did not show any trend on pollutant contents in relation to turtle size or stranding location, probably because of the high diversity of pollutants found. However, the potential for a positive latitudinal gradient should be explored in future studies due to riverine inputs and high agricultural and industrial activities in the area. Despite the high diversity of pollutants found here, comparative studies of pollutants in other matrices at sea are needed to ascertain whether the loggerhead turtle is a good sentinel of chemical pollution in the western Mediterranean.

New insigths relating to the beginning of the Neolithic in the eastern Spain: Evaluating empirical data and modelled predictions

In this paper we present recent research concerning the neolithization process in the East of Spain, evaluating the time span between the last hunther-gatherer groups and the first farmers (c. 5950–5150 cal. BC). To do that we have compiled and filtered current information about radiocarbon dates and sites in order to discuss the state of the art relating to the models used to explain the Neolithic spread in the region. In this sense we compare archaeological data with recent results of virtual model (ABM) in accordance with the scenarios and mechanisms proposed. On this basis we evaluate the empirical data relating to the current model for explaining the Neolithic spread at the region, a mixed model that consider the coexistence between demic and cultural diffusion processes. Finally, the evaluation proposed considers the benefit of introducing the theoretical approaches relating to the Evolutionary Theory and Complex Adaptative Sistems in order to better understand this crucial process in human evolution.

Middle Jurassic volcanism in a magmatic-rich passive margin linked to the Caudiel Fault Zone (Iberian Range, East of Spain): biostratigraphical dating

During the Early and Middle Jurassic, the Iberian Basin (East of Spain) recorded the transition from a generally magma-poor passive margin, which operated during the latest Triassic and most of Early Jurassic, to a magma-rich passive margin, developed from Pliensbachian to early Middle Jurassic. The mainly submarine pyroclastic volcanism, with minor lava flows, followed active NW and NE trending extensional fault zones. One of these zones of weakness, from which the volcanic deposits were expelled to the sea bottom, was the Caudiel Fault Zone. Two volcanic phases in relation to this weakness line over the Middle Jurassic times have been identified. The main phase occurred during the deposition of the El Pedregal Formation, and the other, less significant, is included between the Casinos and the El Pedregal formations. So far, the accurate age of these volcanisms, critical in the knowledge of the palaeogeographical and geodynamical evolution of the Iberian Basin, has remained uncertain. The ammonite content of the carbonate successions, with which these rocks are interbedded, allows precise biostratigraphical dating at the chronozone scale. For this purpose, 9 sections have been measured and 360 specimens of ammonites were collected and determined. The obtained data indicate that the Middle Jurassic volcanic deposits that are linked to the Caudiel Fault Zone and included into the El Pedregal Formation show a slight diachrony. They were deposited around the boundary between the Late Aalenian Concavum and the Early Bajocian Discites chronozones. However, in very restricted areas of the Caudiel Fault Zone, an older intra-Murchisonae volcanism was recorded.

Integrating knowledge exchange and the assessment of dryland management alternatives – A learning-centered participatory approach

The adoption of sustainable land management strategies and practices that respond to current climate and human pressures requires both assessment tools that can lead to better informed decision-making and effective knowledge-exchange mechanisms that facilitate new learning and behavior change. We propose a learning-centered participatory approach that links land management assessment and knowledge exchange and integrates science-based data and stakeholder perspectives on both biophysical and socio-economic attributes. We outline a structured procedure for a transparent assessment of land management alternatives, tailored to dryland management, that is based on (1) principles of constructivism and social learning, (2) the participation of stakeholders throughout the whole assessment process, from design to implementation, and (3) the combination of site-specific indicators, identified by local stakeholders as relevant to their particular objectives and context conditions, and science-based indicators that represent ecosystem services of drylands worldwide. The proposed procedure follows a pattern of eliciting, challenging, and self-reviewing stakeholder perspectives that aims to facilitate learning. The difference between the initial baseline perspectives and the final self-reviewed stakeholder perspectives is used as a proxy of learning. We illustrate the potential of this methodology by its application to the assessment of land uses in a Mediterranean fire-prone area in East Spain. The approach may be applied to a variety of socio-ecological systems and decision-making and governance scales.

Novel RNA viruses producing simultaneous covert infections in Ceratitis capitata. Correlations between viral titers and host fitness, and implications for SIT programs

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata is a highly polyphagous pest, which infests multiple species of fruits and vegetables worldwide. In addition to the traditional control with chemical insecticides, sterile insect technique (SIT) has been implemented in integrated programs worldwide, and has become an essential measure for the control of this pest. A key issue for SIT is to release sterile males that are sufficiently competitive with males from the wild population. Using sequence information available in public databases, three novel picornaviruses infecting medflies were discovered and named as C. capitata iflavirus 1 and 2 (CcaIV1 and CcaIV2), and C. capitata noravirus (CcaNV). Additional analyses have revealed the presence of CcaIV2 and CcaNV covertly infecting most of the medfly strains used in the different SIT programs around the world, as well as in field captures in the east of Spain. High viral titers of CcaNV were associated with a reduction in the lifespan of males released to the field for the control of this pest, suggesting the possibility that CcaNV may impair the fitness of sterile flies produced by SIT programs.

Analysis of the influence of solar activity and atmospheric factors on 7Be air concentration by seasonal-trend decomposition

7Be air concentrations were measured at the Universitat Politècnica de Valencia campus (in the east of Spain) during the period 2007–2014. The mean values of monthly 7Be concentrations ranged from 2.65 to 8.11 mBq/m3, showing significant intra and interannual variability. A seasonal-trend decomposition methodology was applied to identify the trend-cycle, seasonal and irregular components of the 7Be time series. The decomposition model makes it possible to estimate the influence of solar activity and atmospheric factors on the independent components, in order to find the different sources of 7Be variability. The results show that solar activity is a factor with a high inverse influence on the trend-cycle pattern of 7Be variability. Solar radiation, temperature and relative humidity are positive influential factors on the seasonal 7Be variation with a regular pattern over the years. Finally, the irregular component presents a significant negative correlation with precipitation and wind speed parameters, which have an irregular behavior over the years and seasons.

Proceso de ejecución de chimeneas industriales de ladrillo valencianas y murcianas

The system used in Spain for the construction of industrial brick chimneys in east and south east of Spain and those that have been its influence is described in this paper, from interviews with different master builders belonging to the Valencia and Murcia schools, with styles and systems of very different execution. The addressed systems implement the knowledge of the Spanish Construction History, of an item that had a short life though it was essential in industrial development and becomes the key for a possible restoration of the element.

MON-P128: The Inclusion of the Diagnosis of Malnutrition in Hospital Discharge Reports and its Influence on the Case Mix Index of Atertiary Level Hospital in the South East of Spain

MON-P128: The Inclusion of the Diagnosis of Malnutrition in Hospital Discharge Reports and its Influence on the Case Mix Index of Atertiary Level Hospital in the South East of Spain

Viability of Introducing Payments for the Collection of Wild Forest Mushrooms in Catalonia (North-East Spain)

Wild mushrooms are among the most valuable non-wood forest products in the world, and mushroom picking activities are well developed in many countries. Recent studies have demonstrated important links between forest management options and the productivity of mushrooms. Furthermore, there is evidence that the optimal forest management oriented at maximizing joint revenues from timber and mushrooms can lead to higher profits than the traditional timber-oriented management. The precondition for such management, however, is that forest owners derive benefits from mushrooms produced in their forests. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of implementing payments for mushroom harvesting in Catalonia, North East Spain. As in many other European regions, mushroom picking in Catalonia is a long-standing tradition, which has been practiced with negligible limitations for centuries. The rising popularity of this activity in the last decades, however, has caused forest owners to voice concerns about the sustainability of this activity and about the impact it has on the private forest property. We document the results of a public opinion survey and contrast them with the issues emergent from forest owners’ interviews about the regulation of mushroom picking activities. Our results show that mushroom pickers support the idea of introducing payments for mushroom harvesting. Based on the survey and interview results, we also discuss the design aspects of payments for mushroom picking and articulate the key issues in their implementation.

Chemical Composition, Herbicidal and Antifungal Activity of Satureja cuneifolia Essential Oils from Spain

The chemical composition of essential oils from Satureja cuneifolia growing in east Spain was analyzed by GC, GC/MS. Forty-five compounds accounting for 99.1% of the total oil were identified. Camphor (47.6%), followed by camphene (13.6%) were the main compounds. Their herbicidal and antifungal activity was tested in vitro against three weeds (Amaranthus hybridus, Portulaca oleracea and Conyza canadensis) and eleven common pathogenic or saprophytic fungi (Phytophthora citrophthora, P. palmivora, Pythium litorale, Verticillium dahlia, Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium hirsutum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum, Phaemoniella chlamydospora, Cylindrocarpon liriodendri and C. macrodidymum). The essential oil was very active against A. hybridus and C. canadensis significantly inhibiting their germination and seedling growth. Minor activity was shown against P. oleracea, depending on the concentration applied. P. palmivora, P. citrophthora and Pa. chlamydospora were the most sensitive fungi to the treatment with the essential oil, whereas R. solani showed no inhibition. Results showed that S. cuneifolia essential oil could be used for biocontrol of weeds and fungal plant diseases.

A proposal of nitrogen balance in a very high density olive orchard

The nitrogen (N) balance was estimated in a very high density olive orchard in north- east of Spain, in order to calculate the inputs and outputs of N related to tree response and soil nitrogen availability. The calculate N inputs and outputs showed that N exported by yield and pruning material were higher for fertilized plots than unfertilized ones, and no significant differences were recorded for nitrogen mineralization between both treatments. N balance, defined as the difference between inorganic N content in soil at the end and the beginning of each year, was positive for both treatments but when vegetative growth and olive yield were compared, fertilized plots showed higher values, So it is wrong noting that a positive N balance in both case means that olive tree will provide a peak yield and vegetative growth but it is an adaptation of the olive trees to different soil N availability conditions by equilibrating their vegetative growth and fruit yield. Keywords: mineralization; N exported by pruning material; N exported by crop; fertilization; fruit yield; vegetative growth

Teachers’ information and communication technology competences: A structural approach

Teachers’ information and communication technology (ICT) competences are a key variable to integrate such resources into the teaching-learning process. One problem with teachers’ ICT competences is the proliferation of various frameworks which entail a lack of definition of these competences. The objective of this article is twofold: to establish a basic framework that shapes the subsets of ICT competences (technological and pedagogical) in all teachers at all levels (Primary, Secondary and Higher Education); to determine how various personal and contextual factors influence these subsets. For this purpose, a study of secondary analysis has been made with data from two survey design studies on teachers’ ICT competences that collect information from a sample of 1095 male and female Primary, Secondary and Higher Education teachers in the Valencian Community (east Spain). A Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes Model (MIMIC) was used to validate the teachers’ ICT competences model. The study results indicated that teachers’ ICT competences form a unique set composed of two subsets, technological competences and pedagogical competences. Moreover, the technological competences influenced the pedagogical ones. We also found that personal and contextual factors have a relevant impact on the competences subsets. This article helped clarify and delimit the framework of teachers’ ICT competences. Besides, this basic model of ICT competences should be a key element for teacher training in ICT. This article also shows how the influence of personal and contextual factors must be considered when designing training plans.

Native-Invasive Plants vs. Halophytes in Mediterranean Salt Marshes: Stress Tolerance Mechanisms in Two Related Species.

Dittrichia viscosa is a Mediterranean ruderal species that over the last decades has expanded into new habitats, including coastal salt marshes, ecosystems that are per se fragile and threatened by human activities. To assess the potential risk that this native-invasive species represents for the genuine salt marsh vegetation, we compared its distribution with that of Inula crithmoides, a taxonomically related halophyte, in three salt marshes located in “La Albufera” Natural Park, near the city of Valencia (East Spain). The presence of D. viscosa was restricted to areas of low and moderate salinity, while I. crithmoides was also present in the most saline zones of the salt marshes. Analyses of the responses of the two species to salt and water stress treatments in controlled experiments revealed that both activate the same physiological stress tolerance mechanisms, based essentially on the transport of toxic ions to the leaves—where they are presumably compartmentalized in vacuoles—and the accumulation of specific osmolytes for osmotic adjustment. The two species differ in the efficiency of those mechanisms: salt-induced increases in Na+ and Cl− contents were higher in I. crithmoides than in D. viscosa, and the osmolytes (especially glycine betaine, but also arabinose, fructose and glucose) accumulated at higher levels in the former species. This explains the (slightly) higher stress tolerance of I. crithmoides, as compared to D. viscosa, established from growth inhibition measurements and their distribution in nature. The possible activation of K+ transport to the leaves under high salinity conditions may also contribute to salt tolerance in I. crithmoides. Oxidative stress level—estimated from malondialdehyde accumulation—was higher in the less tolerant D. viscosa, which consequently activated antioxidant responses as a defense mechanism against stress; these responses were weaker or absent in the more tolerant I. crithmoides. Based on these results, we concluded that although D. viscosa cannot directly compete with true halophytes in highly saline environments, it is nevertheless quite stress tolerant and therefore represents a threat for the vegetation located on the salt marshes borders, where several endemic and threatened species are found in the area of study.