Análisis multidisciplinar del fenómeno sismo-volcánico de El Hierro (julio 2011)

La erupción volcánica submarina de La Restinga (10 de octubre) ha permitido, por primera vez, poner en marcha el Plan Especial de Protección Civil y Atención de Emergencias por Riesgo Volcánico en la Comunidad Autónoma de Canarias. En este proyecto se ha realizado un análisis multidisciplinar de los principales elementos que han estado involucrados en la gestión de la crisis y sus repercusiones sociales, económicas y ambientales. Los resultados indican que, hoy en día, se cuenta con los medios necesarios para realizar la detección temprana y el seguimiento de procesos similares que tengan lugar en el Archipiélago pero, no obstante, sería necesario actualizar el presente Plan PEVOLCA, debido a las deficiencias detectadas. Estas deficiencias, además de afectar a la gestión del fenómeno sismo-volcánico, han provocado que se tomasen medidas de protección civil que han generado grandes repercusiones sociales y económicas en la Isla. Respecto a las consecuencias ambientales en la Reserva Marina de Punta La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas se prevé una recuperación a corto plazo, siempre que se apliquen las medidas necesarias.

The implementation of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the official control of lipophilic toxins in seafood: Single-laboratory validation under four chromatographic conditions

We performed a comprehensive study to assess the fit for purpose of four chromatographic conditions for the determination of six groups of marine lipophilic toxins (okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins, pectenotoxins, azaspiracids, yessotoxins, gymnodimine and spirolides) by LC-MS/MS to select the most suitable conditions as stated by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins (EURLMB). For every case, the elution gradient has been optimized to achieve a total run-time cycle of 12 min. We performed a single-laboratory validation for the analysis of three relevant matrices for the seafood aquaculture industry (mussels, pacific oysters and clams), and for sea urchins for which no data about lipophilic toxins have been reported before. Moreover, we have compared the method performance under alkaline conditions using two quantification strategies: the external standard calibration (EXS) and the matrix-matched standard calibration (MMS). Alkaline conditions were the only scenario that allowed detection windows with polarity switching in a 3200 QTrap mass spectrometer, thus the analysis of all toxins can be accomplished in a single run, increasing sample throughput. The limits of quantification under alkaline conditions met the validation requirements established by the EURLMB for all toxins and matrices, while the remaining conditions failed in some cases. The accuracy of the method and the matrix effects where generally dependent on the mobile phases and the seafood species. The MMS had a moderate positive impact on method accuracy for crude extracts, but it showed poor trueness for seafood species other than mussels when analyzing hydrolyzed extracts. Alkaline conditions with EXS and recovery correction for OA were selected as the most proper conditions in the context of our laboratory. This comparative study can help other laboratories to choose the best conditions for the implementation of LC-MS/MS according to their own necessities.

Activity and migration of Cory's shearwater

I describe some of the features that characterize the activity and migration of Cory’s shearwater during approximately one year. I also explore the influence of Moon, photoperiod, geographic position and life-history stage on the resulting patterns and the periodicity of the latter. I have principally used time series and regression analysis. Its use here is one of the first applications to the analysis of logger data in seabirds. An intriguing finding of this work is the lunar periodicity that pervades the annual cycle of this species.

Protein phosphatase inhibition assays for okadaic acid detection in shellfish: matrix effects, applicability and comparison with LC-MS/MS analysis

The applicability of the protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA) to the determination of okadaic acid (OA) and its acyl derivatives in shellfish samples has been investigated, using a recombinant PP2A and a commercial one. Mediterranean mussel, wedge clam, Pacific oyster and flat oyster have been chosen as model species. Shellfish matrix loading limits for the PPIA have been established, according to the shellfish species and the enzyme source. A synergistic inhibitory effect has been observed in the presence of OA and shellfish matrix, which has been overcome by the application of a correction factor (0.48). Finally, Mediterranean mussel samples obtained from Rı´a de Arousa during a DSP closure associated to Dinophysis acuminata, determined as positive by the mouse bioassay, have been analysed with the PPIAs. The OA equivalent contents provided by the PPIAs correlate satisfactorily with those obtained by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Distribució actual de la tortuga Mediterrànea a Menorca

A Menorca la tortuga mediterrànea Testudo hermanni és una espècie comuna que es distribueix per quasi tota l'illa. Els estudis anteriors sobre la seva distribució van ser realitzats entre els anys 1970 i 1994. Entre 2003 i 2006 es va prospectar la major part de Menorca amb la finalitat de determinar-ne la distribució actual. A partir de 3647 observacions d'exemplars, se'n va seleccionar aleatòriament una per quadrícula UTM de 0,5 x 0,5 km prospectada. Mitjançant una anàlisi kernel es va calcular que la seva distribució ocupava una superfície de 469 km2 (incloent-hi hàbitats no emprats per les tortugues, com ara zones urbanes o algunes zones boscoses). Aquesta distribució no és continua al llarg de l'illa, sinó que es formada per una sèrie de poblacions més o menys fragmentades i aïllades. D'altra banda, la distribució obtinguda coincideix amb la senyalada en treballs anteriors, la qual cosa s'interpreta com que no hi ha hagut canvis importants en la seva ocupació en els últims deu anys.

Levels of PSP toxins in bivalves exposed to natural blooms of Alexandrium minutum in Catalan harbours

The development, validation, comparison and evaluation of analytical methods for marine toxins rely on the availability of toxic material. Within the project JACUMAR PSP, our interest is mainly focused on autochthonous bivalve species with the toxic profile of Alexandrium minutum, since this is the principal species involved regionally in PSP outbreaks. Mussels and oysters were exposed during few days in the harbor of Vilanova i la Geltrú, to blooms reaching a maximum A. minutum concentration of 200,000 cells L-1 in 2008, and 40,000 and 800,000 cells L-1, in 2009. Mussels, oysters and clams were exposed to one bloom of 22,000 cells L-1 in the harbor of Cambrils in 2009. In all situations higher toxic levels analyzed by HPLC-FD with postcolumn oxidation were observed in mussels (i.e. 1,200-2,500 μg eq. STX kg-1) than in oysters (i.e. 60-800 μg eq. STX kg-1) exposed to the same bloom. Blooms with higher concentrations of A. minutum did not correspond to higher levels of PSP toxins in bivalves. These differences may be explained by differences in A. minutum population dynamics, toxin production or in the physiological state or behaviour of shellfish. These results confirm that mussels concentrate more PSP toxins from A. minutum than oysters and clams.

An integrated approach for the assessment of HAB dynamics in two NW Mediterranean bays from a GEOHAB perspective

Alfacs and Fangar Bay in the Ebro Delta, NW Mediterranean are the major sites in Catalonia for shellfish cultivation. These bays are subject to occasional closures in shellfish harvesting due to the presence of phycotoxins. Fish kills have also been associated with harmful algal blooms. The comparison of phytoplankton dynamics in both bays offers the opportunity to reveal differences in bloom patterns of species known to be harmful for the ecosystem and aquaculture activities. Field research is underway under the GEOHAB framework within the Core Research Project on HABs in Fjords and Coastal Embayments. The overall objective of this study is to improve our understanding of HAB biogeographical patterns, and key elements driving bloom dynamics in time and space within these semi-constrained embayments. Via the comparative approach we aim to improve the prediction for monitoring purposes, with a focus on Karlodinium spp. associated with massive kills of aquaculture species. This objective is addressed by incorporating long-term time series of phytoplankton identification and enumeration with the first results of recent field work in both bays. The latter includes the application of optical sensors, to yield a complementary view with enhanced spatial and temporal resolution of bloom phenomena.

Conjugation of genetically-engineered protein phosphatases to magnetic particles for okadaic acid detection

This work presents the functional characterisation of a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit obtained by genetic engineering and its conjugation to magnetic particles (MPs) via metal coordination chemistry for the subsequent development of assays for diarrheic lipophilic marine toxins. Colorimetric assays with free enzyme have allowed the determination of the best enzyme activity stabiliser, which is glycerol at 10%. They have also demonstrated that the recombinant enzyme can be as sensitive towards okadaic acid (OA) (LOD=2.3μg/L) and dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) (LOD=15.2μg/L) as a commercial PP2A and, moreover, it has a higher operational stability, which makes possible to perform the protein phosphatase inhibition assay (PPIA) with a lower enzyme amount. Once conjugated to MPs, the PP2A catalytic subunit still retains its enzyme activity and it can also be inhibited by OA (LOD=30.1μg/L).

Estudi de la connectivitat de l’illa de Menorca

Com a objectius generals: Analitzar la connectivitat ecològica a nivell paisatgístic de Menorca a partir d’una diagnosi que permeti determinar els espais d’interès connector i els punts crítics. Desenvolupar un pla d’acció amb propostes per millorar la connectivitat actual. Objectius específics: Aplicar una metodologia capaç de parametritzar els diferents conceptes relacionats amb la connectivitat ecològica i que sigui aplicable en la planificació territorial. Identificar els espais i elements d’interès per a la correcta circulació dels fluxos ecològics (flora i fauna) i socials, clau pel manteniment del paisatge i de la connectivitat funcional, definint connectors fluvials, espais naturals protegits, matrius (forestal, agrícola i urbana), unitats paisatgístiques, patrimoni arquitectònic i arqueològic, senders i camins ramaders, etc. que permetin determinar Espais o Elements d’Interès Estratègic per a la Connectivitat (EIEC). Definir els punts clau per a la connectivitat i identificar els punts crítics, on les barreres i els elements de fragmentació (carreteres, torrents, sòl urbà, etc.) intercepten els EIEC

Producción y Productividad Agrícolas en la Isla de Mallorca, 1590-1860

This paper proposes a detailed measurement of the agricultural development of the island of Majorca from the late sixteenth century to the midnineteenth century, with an emphasis on the products which made up the bulk of the island’s agricultural production. The authors have organized most of the existing databases in the island’s archives and have also incorporated quantitative and qualitative material from their own research and that of other colleagues. Due to their quality and regularity, the data are among the richest known for pre-industrial Europe. These sources lead to some conclusions which link with recent debates in European economic history concerning the calculation of economic growth in economies for periods before statistics were kept. The text presents a methodological analysis covering almost 80 per cent of agricultural production of the island of Majorca and leaves conclusions to be supplemented by further studies of the manufacturing and service sectors

Formulario ICE

Desarrollo de una aplicación solicitada por el cliente Ibestat (Instituto de Estadística de las Islas Baleares) para llevar a cabo la gestión de la encuesta de Indicadores de Confianza Empresarial (ICE). Dispone de una parte frontal, que es accesible desde el exterior de la intranet de la Caib, y una parte interna para la configuración y explotación de la información. Esta aplicación estará ubicada en la DGTic.

La variació a l'estàndard de la lateral palatal al català de Mallorca, Menorca i Eivissa

Anàlisi descriptiva de com la formalitat de l’estàndard influeix en la realització de la lateral palatal. Estudi dels casos de pèrdua de la iodització històrica a partir d’un corpus de mitjans de comunicació mitjançant l’aplicació del programa d’anàlisi multivariable Goldvarb per determinar la influència tant de factors interns (lingüístics) com d’externs (socials i estilístics).

Anàlisi discursiva de trenta-tres dites que expressen "gran quantitat" en menorquí

Anàlisi de trenta-tres dites en menorquí extretes d'un recull de frases fetes dels anys 80 ,en què es defineixen, les trenta-tres, com a «gran quantitat», per tal de veure les diferències semàntiques i d'ús a causa de la impossibilitat de sinonímia entre totes elles; així com la vigència que tenen a dia d'avui aquestes frases, sobretot entre el sector jove.

¿Es viable la recogida selectiva en Andratx?

Dados los tiempos que corren, la lluvia incesante de noticias que nos llegan día a día de las acciones destructivas del hombre contra la naturaleza y las imágenes de las consecuencias de ello, parece que para muchos no son suficientes para intentar poner remedio, la cantidad de excusas y argumentos son interminables. Está claro que en la realidad son muchas las teorías y los puntos de vista sobre el alcance real de los daños medioambientales.¿Cómo es posible que en un municipio como Andratx mientras paseas por las calles te tropieces con un torrente lleno de escombros? Nos sorprendió mucho que aún no tuviesen un sistema de reciclaje. Nosotras encontramos interesente saber cuales eran los motivos: ¿no es viable la adaptación de un sistema de recogida selectiva? ¿los ciudadanos no están predispuestos? ¿no es uno de los temas que preocupan a las administraciones?Intentamos buscar respuestas a nuestras preguntas e ideamos el sistema que hemos considerado más oportuno para la población de Andratx y a partir de aquí estudiar su viabilidad.