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The Middle and Late Bronze Ages can be characterized by an increase in connectivity, and the Balearic Islands are no exception. In order to more deeply explore this phenomenon, we analyze pottery forming processes by studying manufacturing traces, which allow us to observe technological practices and the transfer of technical know-how. Our case study is centered around a technological analysis of the most common type of pottery: a cask shaped vessel. An analysis of the evidence related to the production process allows us to define nine distinct forming processes used at differing intensities across the entirety of the Balearic archipelago. Thus, we are able to identify the technological practices employed and provide a deeper understanding of the contact dynamics related to the transmission of technological knowledge between communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the relationship between merchant networks and the rate of profit on merchant capital (RPMC), that is, the ratio of net profit to investment. A case study focusing on Majorca in the eighteenth century shows how merchants built up their personal networks in order to gather information and reduce the uncertainty of maritime business. The rate of profit is an additional indicator of the strength of ties and the need to diversify investments by incorporating estate and tax farming, as well as public supply contracts, all of which was only possible through the control that networks bestowed on big merchants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the historical, ethno-social, economic, and political reasons for the formation of separatist tendencies in regions where the Catalan language is spoken in Spain: Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. It is commonly believed that these regions share many similarities, yet in practice only Catalonia seeks independence. The study investigates why separatist tendencies are prominently displayed in only one of the Catalan-speaking regions. The research is based on historical facts, scholarly works dedicated to separatism in Catalan-speaking regions, statistical data on the economies of the regions and election results, and news reports. The conclusion drawn from the study is that the Catalan-speaking regions have many distinct characteristics: they have different histories tied to their past status as regions; different self-perceptions within Spain and globally, varying economic conditions, and consequently different political tendencies. It is proven that due to historical, ethno-social, economic, and political reasons, Valencia and the Balearic Islands have no intention of separating from Spain, leaving Catalonia alone in its quest for independence.

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, coastal protection from erosion, and sustained biodiversity and fisheries thereby improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of coastal communities. The erosion of millenary deposits of intertwined roots and rhizomes of Posidonia results in the formation of three-dimensional structures named escarpments that constitute a biogenic reef habitat. However, the natural history of seagrass escarpments including their formation processes and their role as habitat for reef fauna and flora remains poorly understood. This research located and characterized Posidonia oceanica escarpments in Menorca (Balearic Islands) and compared structural complexity and fish assemblages among seagrass escarpments, seagrass meadows, rocky substrates and bare sand with emphasis on its role as habitat and shelter for typical rocky fish. Fish abundance and biomass were similar between seagrass escarpments and rocky substrates (P > 0.05), but significantly lower in seagrass meadows (P < 0.001). The large number of caves found along seagrass escarpments provide shelter to fish, including species only associated to rocky substrates. Seagrass meadows form a rather homogenous habitat within their canopy, but the presence of seagrass escarpments enhances habitat heterogeneity and structural complexity along with fish abundance and biomass at the seascape level. This study enhances understanding on the ecological importance of seagrass escarpments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pasos: Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural is the property of Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Politicas y Sociales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The remarkable geographical situation of the Mediterranean region, located between Europe, Africa, and Asia, with numerous migratory routes, has made this area a crucible of cultures. Studying the Y-chromosome variability is a very performant tool to explore the genetic ancestry and evaluate scenarios that may explain the current Mediterranean gene pool. Here, six Mediterranean populations, including three Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Majorca, and Minorca) and three Southern Italian regions (Catanzaro, Cosenza, and Reggio di Calabria) were typed using 23 Y-STR loci and up to 39 Y-SNPs and compared to geographically targeted key reference populations to explore their genetic relationship and provide an overview of Y-chromosome variation across the Mediterranean basin. Pairwise RST genetic distances calculated with STRs markers and Y-haplogroups mirror the West to East geographic distribution of European and Asian Mediterranean populations, highlighting the North-South division of Italy, with a higher Eastern Mediterranean component in Southern Italian populations. In contrast, the African populations from the Southern coast of the Mediterranean clustered separately. Overall, these results support the notion that migrations from Magna Graecia or the Byzantine Empire, which followed similar Neolithic and post-Neolithic routes into Southern Italy, may have contributed to maintaining and/or reinforcing the Eastern Mediterranean genetic component in Southern Italian populations.

The definition of a tourism data space (TDS) in the Balearic Islands is a complex process that involves identifying the types of questions to be addressed, including analytical tools, and determining the type of information to be incorporated. This study delves into the functional requirements of a Balearic Islands' TDS based on the study of scientific research carried out in the field of tourism in the Balearic Islands and drawing comparisons with international scientific research in the field of tourism information. Utilizing a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature, this study identifies the scientific requirements that should be met for the development of a robust, rigorous, and efficient TDS. The goal is to support excellent scientific research in tourism and facilitate the transfer of research results to the productive sector to maintain and improve the competitiveness of the Balearic Islands as a tourist destination. The results of the analysis provide a structured framework for the construction of the Balearic Islands' TDS, outlining objectives, methods to be implemented, and information to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDuring the Middle and Late Bronze Age, communities across the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean) established a high degree of connectivity both between islands as well as between the islands and the mainland. Evidence of this phenomenon can be traced not only through the existence of foreign materials, but also through shared practices, habitus, and objects across the islands. To better understand the maritime mobility practices that underpinned this connectivity, we used GIS analyses to investigate the role of a group of sites located along the islands’ coastlines to examine whether they could be related to coastal navigation dynamics. By focusing on the visibility and prominence of these sites during navigation, we sought to understand if their locations were conducive to be used as landmarks that aided coastal navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been an increase in the reporting of plastic pollution in the marine environment and its effects on marine animals, especially bony fish. However, the prevalence and effect, particularly concerning biomarkers of oxidative stress, in elasmobranchs remain underreported and unknown. In this study, microplastics were observed in two elasmobranch species from the Balearic Islands: the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) with an average of 4.38 ± 1.77 items per individual, and the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) with an average of 8.31 ± 2.46 items per individual. Moreover, for the first time, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses were determined in the digestive tract of individuals of both species. Specifically, the activation of antioxidant defences, mainly superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels, was observed, while the pro-inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase activity was also greater in individuals with a high abundance of microplastic items. Additionally, a significant increase in glutathione S-transferase activity in catsharks with high microplastic ingestion was evidenced, suggesting that the detoxification process was activated. Overall, the results of this study highlight that both catshark species are ingesting microplastics, which, in turn, are causing physiological effects at a cellular level. Considering this, continued monitoring of these species should include the presence of microplastics, and the results from this study can serve as baseline data for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the temporal dynamics of autochthonous dog breed recognition in the Balearic Islands, revealing a complex interplay of relationships across various stages. The analysis, depicted through a heatmap and correlation matrix, highlights the significance of early breed recognition by showing strong negative correlations with subsequent stages, shaping the trajectory for standardized breed preservation. Associations evolve as central players, exhibiting positive correlations in their temporal dynamics and contributing significantly to the sustainability of the island ecosystem. Notably, the study identifies nuanced connections between the temporal sequence of association development and the subsequent achievements of autonomic and national official recognitions. The findings provide valuable insights into the intricate patterns governing breed preservation, offering a comprehensive roadmap for informed conservation strategies and contributing to broader efforts in biodiversity conservation and cultural heritage stewardship unique to the Balearic Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zephyrus is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mediterranean islands suffer from a lack of freshwater due to persistent and recursive droughts, limited groundwater availability and mass tourism. In Ibiza (Spain), private estates disconnected from the water distribution network consume about 21% of the total freshwater demand on the island. We conducted a study to evaluate the potential of ground-runoff harvesting (GRH) as a sustainable and inexpensive solution to increase freshwater availability in isolated households in Ibiza. The study involved an innovative modular tank of 40 m3 buried in the garden of a private property. The tank intercepted runoff forming in a 12,300 m2 hilly micro-catchment. We found that an extreme rainfall event with an intensity of 65 mm/h was able to create sufficient runoff to fill up the tank in one hour. A curve-number-based rainfall-runoff model was used to simulate the experimental results and to obtain a first-cut estimation of the potential of GRH at the scale of the island. The analysis indicates that, if installed in all forest areas in Ibiza with a similar slope to the study area, a volume of 1.31 × 10 6 m3 of freshwater could be harvested per year on the island just from extreme precipitation events. Such a volume of water is equivalent to about 5% of the island's total freshwater budget. The study concludes that GRH is a highly valuable, yet still unexploited opportunity to save large freshwater volumes in dry-climate areas like Ibiza. GRH should be promoted across Mediterranean islands, and it can be easily incorporated within local water regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global change produces substantial modification to the distribution and rhythm of infection of diseases in fish, favouring the introduction of new pathogens. Recently, the presence of black spot disease, associated with a digenean fluke of the genus Scaphanocephalus, has been observed in specimens of Xyrichthys novacula on the island of Ibiza (Balearic Islands). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and immune response in both the skin mucus and spleen of X. novacula depending on the degree of infection by Scaphanocephalus sp. The specimens were captured in a control area, without the presence of the parasite, and in an affected area, classifying the fish as low infection (1–15 spots) and high infection (>15 spots). As the degree of infection increased, a decrease in the body condition index was observed. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes in the mucus—catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase—increased progressively with the degree of infection. This activation of antioxidant defences was not enough to prevent an increase in malondialdehyde levels, an indicator of oxidative damage, in the group with the highest infection. Similarly, an increase in immunological parameters—lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase and immunoglobulins—was observed in mucus as infection increased. Regarding the spleen, only an increase in lysozyme activity and alkaline phosphatase in fish with a greater severity of infection was observed. In conclusion, as the severity of Scaphanocephalus sp. infection increased, it induced an immune and oxidative stress response in skin mucus, leading to a decrease in overall body condition. The potential health effects that the ectoparasite may have on X. novacula populations will require follow-up studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens that affect wildlife and livestock. Understanding the composition and distribution of vector species is crucial for implementing control strategies and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This study provides a morphological and molecular characterisation of Culicoides caucoliberensis, which represents the first record for Spain, increasing the number of Culicoides species in the country to 85. A total of 213 specimens were collected using Onderstepoort‐ultraviolet down‐draught light traps on a rocky coastline in the Balearic Islands during two sampling periods in 2022. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. caucoliberensis forms a monophyletic cluster within the Maritimus group. Host preferences were determined for the first time and showed propensity to feed on the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). The vector role of C. caucoliberensis for haemosporidian transmission remains unclear since molecular detection of Haemosporidians (Haemoproteus and Plasmodium) was negative for all the pools of parous and engorged females analysed. This study emphasises the importance of conducting entomofauna studies in lesser‐known Mediterranean islet landscapes and highlights the need for research on vectors within the One Health framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Scripta is the property of Scripta and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A total of 165 taxa belonging to the protected threatened flora of coastal habitats of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, were studied, covering a total coastline length of about 6,350 km. The regulations found in regional and national catalogues have been used, which consider the endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU) threatened species distributed in three environments: (1) beaches and dunes; (2) cliffs and rocks; (3) marshes and estuaries, also including seagrass meadows. The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the protected and endemic coastal flora in different coastal areas of Peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands. Various aspects are examined, including habitats preferences, coastal surface area in each region, the number and types of endemic species, and their presence in different catalogs documented in regional legislation, both current and repealed. The objective is to determine whether the distribution of these species is influenced by territorial factors or if it is an administrative matter. The results reveal a high number of region-specific endemisms (32.7% of the total coastal flora) and significant differences in the number of protected taxa among autonomous communities. Additionally, it was found that there is no significant correlation between the distribution of these taxa and the considered territorial variables, suggesting that the distribution of these species is more closely related to administrative factors, such as the continuous updating of catalogs. We also suggest the protection of taxa that occupy a small area and have been described in recent years or are included in regional or national red lists and are not included in the regional catalogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the genetic differentiation of autochthonous Balearic dog breeds through the finetuning of microsatellite marker panels. Microsatellite markers are utilized to unravel the genetic intricacies within populations, with each marker offering a unique molecular signature. The study investigates the efficacy of these markers in delineating distinct breeds within the Balearic canine population, providing insights into genetic diversity, informativeness, and deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The microsatellite markers examined form a molecular narrative, depicting the genetic tales of Balearic dog breeds. Results reveal specific markers with consistent values, indicating homogeneity within breeds, while others show variability, particularly in breeds with lower genetic diversity. The discussion emphasizes the selection of markers for a comprehensive panel, considering the nuances of genetic diversity in different breeds. The findings contribute valuable insights for breed management, conservation, and selection programs. Acknowledgments extend gratitude to breed associations for their support, enriching the study with essential data. Overall, this research refines our understanding of genetic dynamics in Balearic dog breeds, informing decisions for their sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to evaluate the relationships within the studbook registries of endangered autochthonous canine breeds in the Balearic Islands. Employing Pearson's Product Moment Correlations and operating within the legal framework of Royal Decree 558/2001 aligned with EU standards for recognizing purebred dog breeders in Spain, patterns within the studbook were unveiled. Notably, the female Fundational Registry census displayed robust positive correlations, highlighting the significance of a solid foundational basis, particularly in females, for effective breed consolidation. Conversely, negative correlations with auxiliary registries suggest a diminished role when the foundational basis is strong. The analysis further reveals robust intra-gender relationships and strong correlations with total censuses, indicating systematic registration approaches. Surprisingly, females in the Birth Auxiliary Registry lack correlations, suggesting potential independence and underscoring the pivotal role of female censuses in breed consolidation. In conclusion, this correlation analysis offers valuable insights into studbook dynamics, emphasizing the importance of a robust foundational basis, especially concerning female censuses, in the successful evolution of endangered dog populations into standardized breeds. These findings provide guidance for studbook management and warrant additional exploration into specific registry categories, with a cautionary note that while correlation identifies associations, discerning causation necessitates nuanced interpretation and domain-specific knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first mobility 87Sr/86Sr analysis in human remains made on the Balearic Islands. Eight human individuals buried at the same Late Iron Age funerary chamber of Son Ferrer site (Calvià, Mallorca) have been sampled for strontium and oxygen isotopic analysis (87Sr/86Sr and δ 18O). The study includes strontium and oxygen isotopic analysis of domestic mammals buried in the same Funerary Area (FA1) together with present-day vegetation and archaeological bone to assess the strontium isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr) around the site. All the results are compatible with the 87Sr/86Sr documented in Mallorca and, more specifically, with the surrounding bedrocks from the site. Humans, caprines, and dogs provided similar results and no significant differences are found between the species. The only exception is a caprine which shows seasonal movement through the period of enamel mineralisation. The isotopic information agrees with the previous studies, which proposed that Son Ferrer site was a symbolic place for the surrounding territory where people from the nearby villages were buried.

Toponymy and, more specifically, toponymic generics constitute an important source of geographical terminology, which is a valuable object of study in both linguistics and cultural geography. Based on this, the authors compiled, analysed and classified the oronymic generics of the Balearic Islands (Spain) from the largest toponymic collection of the archipelago, made up of some 50,000 place names gathered for the Balearic Topographical Map at a scale of 1:5,000. A considerable part of toponyms was obtained from field work, which consisted of hundreds of interviews with informants previously selected for their special knowledge of the territory they live in. Field work allowed to obtain popular (“folk,” “unofficial”) toponyms that contain specific generics used in the function of geographical terms, often based on metaphor or another type of semantic shift. This work made it possible to bring together the terms that, in the Catalan language of the Balearic Islands, identify the diverse inland orographic morphologies of each of the islands that form the archipelago (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera). The corpus of terminology relating to the names of the relief of the Balearic Islands is formed by 120 oronymic generics. All the terms are classified into three groups distinguishing between terms related to positive relief features (macro, meso- and micro-relief), negative relief features (elongated, rounded, and elevated depressions), and neutral relief that brings together and differentiates forms of vertical, horizontal, inclined and stepped relief. Quantitative observations made by the author show the relatively wider diversity of terminology used in the names of positive relief features, in which macro-relief features are predominant. In the negative relief group, the most varied subgroup of term relates to longitudinal depressions, while in the neutral relief the biggest part of terms specifically designates sloped landforms.

Aim: The relative roles of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and those of local and regional variables, in island colonisation, remain major biogeographical questions. Thus, we analysed avian colonisation records of a large land‐bridge island, defining successful colonisation as the occurrence of breeding during at least 3 consecutive years, at species level with the aim of identifying the main determinants of island colonisation by birds. Location: Mallorca (Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean). Major Taxa: All avian species recorded in Mallorca Island. Methods: We performed logistic regression by fitting generalised linear mixed models to data. We explored seven explanatory variables and performed model selection based on Akaike's information criterion. Results: A total of 26 bird species colonised the island during the study period, a rate of ca. 0.7 colonising species/year. Only seven species were found to attempt colonisation unsuccessfully. Bird species with the highest colonisation probabilities were those with growing population trends on the mainland and a previous status as wintering species on the island (0.58), followed by wintering species with a stable population trend on the mainland (0.37). Main Conclusions: The high rate of colonisation indicates that the process of incorporation of new species has been very dynamic. Colonisation was dependent on a local factor (having prior information about the island) and a regional factor (density dependence on the nearby continent). However, it was not influenced by body size, diet, habitat or IUCN level of threat. Based on the results of our modelling, we present a predictive list of likely future colonisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands are two archipelagos that form part of Spain and the European Union. Both are autonomous communities, with institutions that foist administrative peculiarities on their respective archipelagos. Each of the islands has an island council as a governing and administrative body with specific competences to be developed in its territory. The creation of the island councils of the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands represents a specificity within the insular framework of the European Union. Their evolution has been uneven since cabildos were created in the Canary Islands in 1912 and consells in the Balearic Islands in 1978; but currently they have a similar position in the overall archipelagos and in the Spanish legal framework. This article tracks the common evolution of the island councils, as well as their current development and future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the dynamic nature of communities, most research typically treated interaction networks as static entities, and only a few analysed the spatial and the temporal scales simultaneously. Here, we used spatial and temporal multilayer networks to explore the persistence of species and interactions in space and time, as well as the variation of species role (centrality) according to biotic factors. We further investigated, for the first time, the spatio‐temporal variation in multilayer network structure. Species exhibited substantial turnover across time mainly due to differences in species phenology. In contrast, interaction turnover was more pronounced across habitats, which seems to be a common strategy of pollinators to adjust interactions spatially to different ecological scenarios. Plant species were comparatively more important to the cohesiveness of spatial than temporal networks, whereas the centrality of pollinators correlated between scales. The importance of plant species fluctuated temporally due mainly to changes in flower density, whereas that of pollinators fluctuated in space and time according to their relative abundance. Module composition was highly unstable in time. Species were highly capable of changing partners and module affiliation across both scales. We conclude that plant–pollinator interactions are highly dynamic in space and time, and that there are differences between plants and pollinators in their use of resources across habitats and subseasons with implications for the understanding of functional connectivity and multilayer structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change generates impacts on coastal areas due to sea-level rise and potential modifications in wave and storm surge patterns. Since harbours are located in littoral areas, they will experience different impacts associated to such processes. In this paper, the effects of climate change on port berthing areas in terms of operability are quantified. The study is focused on the ports of the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean Sea) and analyses the loss of operability due to the reduction of freeboard in berthing structures and the potential variation in agitation within these harbours during the 21st century, considering two different climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and two-time horizons (2045 and 2100). In addition, adaptation measures to address such impacts are proposed and their cost estimated. The results indicate that climate change will not generate significant changes in wave agitation due to negligible variations in wave patterns under future scenarios. On the contrary, sea-level rise will cause huge increases of inoperability for berthing structures due to insufficient freeboard: 10.5% under RCP4.5 or 20.5% under RCP8.5 in 2045, increasing to 57.1% (RCP4.5) and even 83.2% (RCP8.5) in 2100.

The COVID-19 pandemic, with confinement of the population and zero-tourism period, allowed us to assess, for the first time, the volume of water used (both directly and indirectly) by the tourism sector. This research fills a gap in water management, assessing the decrease in water consumption during the lockdown period, which coincided with the tourist season, comparing 2019 and 2020 in the Balearic Islands (Spain). Results demonstrate important differences among nine municipalities, depending on their ratio between overnight stays of tourists and total population. Water consumption decreased 58%, 40% and 14% for high, medium and low tourist areas, respectively, during the lockdown period. Extrapolation to the whole Balearic Islands gives an overall decrease of 24.2%, which can be considered the percentage of water directly used by tourism. The estimated water volume directly consumed by tourism is similar to the amount of groundwater used by irrigation agriculture. These results can be useful for water managers and policymakers in revising the hydrological plan during the third management cycle, which has not yet quantified water consumption by the tourism sector. Policymakers should focus on the touristic municipalities with higher water demand and support policies to reduce the water consumption during the tourist season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemistry of plants represents a taxonomic and phylogenetic value. Researchers have recently used volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for taxonomic studies. The present work analysed and determined, for the first time, the usefulness of floral volatile compounds in the taxonomy of two species of Rhamnus sect. Alaternus, as well as the hybrid between these taxa. The two species show significant quantitative and qualitative differences. The terpenes linalool, ocimene, caryophyllene, and green volatiles are exclusive to Rh. alaternus, while farnesene (terpene), methyl salicylate and methyl benzoate (benzoids) are obtained from Rh. ludovici-salvatoris. Both volatilomes were attractive to Hymenoptera pollinators; therefore, these pollinators could serve as the main hybridisation vector. In addition, Rh. alaternus shows greater chemical and genetic heterogeneity than Rh. ludovici-salvatoris. Hybrids between the two species, Rh.xbermejoi, are closer in chemical similarity to Rh. alaternus than Rh. ludovici-salvatoris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the geomagnetically induced current (GIC) hazard in the power networks of the Canary and Balearic archipelagos. This is done in order to strictly complete the detailed assessment at national level of the power transmission system of mainland Spain, including the 400 and 220 kV levels. We have constructed models for the grids in each of the individual systems and used resistivity models of the lithosphere for each group of islands, from which we have calculated the surface impedances. The respective models of electrical admittances of the grids have been combined with the geoelectric field derived from the convolution of the recorded (or expected in an extreme scenario) geomagnetic storms and the impedances calculated from the geoelectrical models to derive the expected GICs in the power lines, substations, and transformers. The low geomagnetic latitude of the Canary Islands combined with the small size of their power networks, makes them one of the least likely electrified locations to record significant GICs, with less than 3 A for the 100‐year return period. Even the 13 A that could be reached for the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval at the 500‐year return period does not seem likely to have a significant impact. The Balearic Islands, being at higher latitude and with a system length of approximately 300 km, including alternating current power lines connecting the Islands, shows GIC signals of moderate amplitude with up to 40 A for the 100‐year return period. Plain Language Summary: In the same way that phenomena derived from meteorological processes can have devastating effects, the Sun emits massive amounts of particles and energy into space that affect Earth technological systems. The related science is analogically called space weather. When the Sun is active, it sends out more charged particles that can affect the regions around the Earth where those particles interact with the planet's magnetic field. This leads to a significant increase of electric currents in these media giving rise to geomagnetic storms. This generated electrical fields act like a voltage source and cause electrical currents to flow through the power networks, that can damage the transformers where the circuit is grounded. Many countries, such as Spain, have undertaken studies to assess the vulnerability of their power grids to the danger posed by this phenomenon, but one question that remained open was whether the grids that transmit power across their islands deserve attention. Our results show that the vulnerability of the Canary Islands is very low, while that of the Balearic Islands is not negligible. Key Points: We quantify the historical geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) and the worst‐case scenarios in the power grids of the Spanish IslandsCanary Islands is one of the least likely electrified locations in the world to record significant GICsThe Balearic Islands, with their higher latitude and long power lines connecting the islands between them, are more vulnerable to GIC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of a tourism data space (TDS) in the Balearic Islands is a complex process that involves identifying the types of questions to be addressed, including analytical tools, and determining the type of information to be incorporated. This study delves into the functional requirements of a Balearic Islands’ TDS based on the study of scientific research carried out in the field of tourism in the Balearic Islands and drawing comparisons with international scientific research in the field of tourism information. Utilizing a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature, this study identifies the scientific requirements that should be met for the development of a robust, rigorous, and efficient TDS. The goal is to support excellent scientific research in tourism and facilitate the transfer of research results to the productive sector to maintain and improve the competitiveness of the Balearic Islands as a tourist destination. The results of the analysis provide a structured framework for the construction of the Balearic Islands’ TDS, outlining objectives, methods to be implemented, and information to be considered.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the reporting of plastic pollution in the marine environment and its effects on marine animals, especially bony fish. However, the prevalence and effect, particularly concerning biomarkers of oxidative stress, in elasmobranchs remain underreported and unknown. In this study, microplastics were observed in two elasmobranch species from the Balearic Islands: the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) with an average of 4.38 ± 1.77 items per individual, and the blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) with an average of 8.31 ± 2.46 items per individual. Moreover, for the first time, antioxidant and pro-inflammatory responses were determined in the digestive tract of individuals of both species. Specifically, the activation of antioxidant defences, mainly superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels, was observed, while the pro-inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase activity was also greater in individuals with a high abundance of microplastic items. Additionally, a significant increase in glutathione S-transferase activity in catsharks with high microplastic ingestion was evidenced, suggesting that the detoxification process was activated. Overall, the results of this study highlight that both catshark species are ingesting microplastics, which, in turn, are causing physiological effects at a cellular level. Considering this, continued monitoring of these species should include the presence of microplastics, and the results from this study can serve as baseline data for future research.

Within the context of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, an ecosystem model was developed for the Balearic Islands in the early 2000s, covering from 0 to 800 m of depth. The aim of the study was to describe the structure and functioning of the ecosystem together with the fishing impacts. The results show that the biomass of the primary producers (PP), mainly dominated by Posidonia oceanica meadows and red algae beds, represented a high percentage of the biomass (39.20%) in the ecosystem. Most of the trophic flows occurred between PP (mostly benthic) and trophic level II. The mixed trophic impact analysis also highlighted a positive impact of the functional groups (FGs) at the base of the food web. Besides, there were important trophic flows between several demersal FGs, and many groups of the pelagic compartment, confirming the importance of the benthopelagic coupling previously reported. The mean trophic level of the catch (mTLc=2.76) was lower than those reported in adjacent areas due to the discard of benthic producers. By excluding benthic PP, the Balearic Islands showed the highest mTLc (3.44) among all the Mediterranean areas modelled, probably due to differences in the trophic structure, lower fisheries exploitation levels and lower development of the purse seine fleet targeting small pelagic fishes. The mean transfer efficiency (21.80%) was double than the global average (10%), which highlights the oligotrophy of the system, the importance of demersal production which has lower rates of transfer through the food web, and a more efficient use of nutrients in the ecosystem. Sponges, one of the most important groups of benthic invertebrates in the Balearic Archipelago, are known to recycle dissolved organic matter, which is reintroduced into the food web similar to the microbial loop, but the magnitude of this and other processes remains still unknown in this area. The present study is a first step to develop spatio-temporal simulations under different exploitation scenarios and to calculate ecological indicators to assess the state of the marine environment in this region.

Throughout history the Balearic Islands have had different degrees of social connectivity between the islands themselves and between them and the mainland. While the influence of historical dynamics is well documented, less so is the impact of winds, currents, and meteo-marine conditions. This paper analyses the meteo-marine conditions for coastal navigation to better understand how these configured the main maritime routes across the islands. We focus on the seafaring communities of the Balearic Islands in the Bronze Age when a series of sites along the coastline suggest the creation of a network of coastal infrastructure to support maritime mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the travel journal of Joan Seguí, a Menorcan merchant and slave redeemer apprehended by the Inquisition of Mallorca in 1582. Drawing from this overlooked journal, composed by its owner during his travels to Constantinople and preserved within Inquisition records, the article simultaneously explores what kind of knowledge was necessary for Seguí to travel and trade across the Mediterranean and the evolution of his expertise in travel across the years. Exploring the question of language acquisition and mercantile information, it analyses how Seguí built his expertise exploiting the practical knowledge circulating within merchant circles in Marseille and the Menorcan diaspora residing in the Ottoman capital. Finally, this article addresses the question of how Seguí's writings and familiarity with Ottoman territories were reflected on by various actors: his family; the people of Menorca; the Inquisitors; and Seguí himself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nomenclatural type of the Linnaean name Sibthorpia africana (Plantaginaceae, Sibthorpieae) is discussed and revised. An illustration published by Shaw in 1738 is selected as the lectotype of the name. Sibthorpia balearica is another name in this group, published by Knoche in 1922, and treated in this paper as a heterotypic synonym of the Linnaean name. This name had previously been lectotypified by Hedberg in 1955 from a specimen kept at K. This typification is narrowed to a single specimen by a "second‐step" lectotypification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Gut microbial communities provide essential functions to their hosts and are known to influence both their ecology and evolution. However, our knowledge of these complex associations is still very limited in reptiles. Here we report the 16S rRNA gene faecal microbiota profiles of two lizard species endemic to the Balearic archipelago (Podarcis lilfordi and P. pityusensis), encompassing their allopatric range of distribution through a noninvasive sampling, as an alternative to previous studies that implied killing specimens of these IUCN endangered and near-threatened species, respectively. Both lizard species showed a faecal microbiome composition consistent with their omnivorous trophic ecology, with a high representation of cellulolytic bacteria taxa. We also identified species-specific core microbiota signatures and retrieved lizard species, islet ascription, and seasonality as the main factors in explaining bacterial community composition. The different Balearic Podarcis populations are characterised by harbouring a high proportion of unique bacterial taxa, thus reinforcing their view as unique and divergent evolutionary entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographic literacy is a field of research with a great tradition. This area was first developed in the British and North American academic circles in the 1980s and 1990s, and research has continued until the present day. The analysis of perception and knowledge of geography has focused on the enclaves (toponyms) mentioned in the mental maps (place location knowledge) prepared by university undergraduate students of the primary education teaching major. However, this focus is also on an approach where few studies have been made, yet it has been facilitated by the incorporation of modern geographic information technologies. The authors test a methodology for surface area and perimeter size analysis on the mental maps of the Balearic Islands made by future teachers, comparing their distortions in relation to the real model. After analyzing the results, the most notable common pattern describing the insular students' perception of the isles is ethnocentrism, which undoubtedly has important implications in the field of geographic education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution in the oceans is a growing problem, with negative effects on exposed species and ecosystems. Xyrichtys novacula L. is a very important fish species both culturally and economically in the Balearic Islands. The aim of the present study was to detect and categorise the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tract of X. novacula, as well as the existence of oxidative stress in the liver. For this purpose, the fish were categorised into two groups based on the number of MPs observed in the digestive tracts: a group with no or low presence of MPs (0–3 items) and a group with a higher presence of MPs (4–28 items). MPs were found in 89% of the specimens analysed, with a dominance of fibre type and blue colour. Regarding the type of polymer, polycarbonate was the most abundant, followed by polypropylene and polyethylene. For the group with a greater presence of MPs, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, as well as the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione s-transferase, were higher than the activities observed in fish with little to no presence of MPs. The activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde did not show significant differences between both groups. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the presence of MPs in the digestive tract of X. novacula and the existence of an antioxidant and detoxification response, mainly based on the glutathione-based enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work pursues the study of mental maps as a tool to assess the geographic knowledge of the Balearic Islands among school students from 17 primary education schools. The study reveals an interrelationship between the formal aspects of the cartographic sketches and the level of geographic knowledge expressed (content) through the mentioned places. This finding adds value to the power of cartographic sketching as a tool for the study of geographic knowledge, disproving those who question it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The role of lizards as potential pollinators is increasingly recognized, especially on islands. However, there are very few studies at the community level that have also addressed intraspecific variations related to the consumption of floral resources. We pursued this objective on the island of Cabrera Gran (Balearic Islands) where there are the Balearic wall lizards (Podarcis lilfordi) and two geckos (Tarentola mauritanica and Hemidactylus turcicus). Balearic lizards have proven to be potential community-level pollinators by interacting with many different plant species to varying degrees. Although in some plant species lizards damaged reproductive structures by feeding directly on them, legitimate visits were significantly more frequent. Intraspecific differences were found in these wall lizards and even indications of gecko–flower interactions. These findings expand our knowledge not only on the magnitude of lizard–plant community interactions but also in their complexity. The role of lizards as potential pollinators on islands has been documented for either one or a few plants in different parts of the world, but it has never been assessed for an entire plant community. Here, we quantified interaction rate by lizards and evaluated intraspecific differences in the use of flowers on Cabrera Gran (Cabrera archipelago, Balearic Islands) by means of visual observations, automated cameras and the analysis of pollen grain samples. Overall, we recorded interactions of the Balearic wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) with flowers of 44 plant species, 72.7% of which were unknown to date. Although florivory occurs in some of these species (35%), the majority of visits were legitimate (65%); in addition, we found intraspecific differences in the interactions related to the sex and age of lizards. Our findings support the role of Balearic wall lizards as potential pollinators across the entire plant community, and their contribution to particular plant species, for instance the endangered Cistus heterophyllus carthaginensis. This study also documents the first record of another sympatric lizard (Tarentola mauritanica) visiting flowers and contributes to the few existing records of flower interactions involving geckos in the Paleartic ecozone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of several diseases of importance for public health, including leishmaniosis, bartonellosis, and sand fly fevers. An entomological survey on blood-feeding Diptera was conducted in June–November 2020–2021 to know the diversity of insect vectors in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Among the vectors collected, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi Parrot, 1930 was found being the first record of this species in Spain. Phlebotomus perfiliewi s.l. is one of the main vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean Basin and Central Asia. The identification of this species was confirmed by both morphological features and DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the specimens captured were Ph. perfiliewi s.s. (99.85–100% homologues from Italy and Algeria specimens), with a sequence divergence of 0.17%. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene clearly separates the three species that make up the Ph. perfiliewi species complex. In addition, we also provide a brief discussion about their identification remarks, phylogenetic relationships, and vector status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fisheries management requires the best scientific knowledge on the exploitation and conservation status of stocks. This is challenging for by-catch species, for which necessary data for their assessment is more limited than for target ones. That is the case for the thornback ray, Raja clavata, in the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean), whose exploitation and conservation status are addressed here for the first time, in an integrative approach, by using innovative assessment methods and genetic diversity analysis. The time series of fishing landings from 1964 and MEDITS trawl survey data from 2004 were used to apply CMSY++ and Bayesian state-space Schaefer production models. We also estimated the genetic diversity of the Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene from 31 individuals collected during MEDITS surveys. The species showed overexploitation with a current fishing mortality (F) below that producing maximum sustainable yield (FMSY), but with a current stock biomass (B) lower than BMSY. Despite the fact that the exploitation status is stable or even has improved in the last decades, the overexploitation period since the late 1970s seems to have reduced levels of genetic diversity, below those of related species and other populations of R. clavata. This low genetic diversity may entail the loss of adaptive potential, making the species more vulnerable to fishing and the current climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This bionomic study of the detritic bottoms dominated by macroalgae from the south of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean) includes a quantitative description of the algal communities found in the area, as well as their bathymetric and geographical distribution. The results presented here are based on data collected in two oceanographic campaigns conducted in July 2012 and September 2014, using a Jennings beam trawl. A hierarchical group average agglomerative clustering, accompanied by the SIMPROF test, allowed the identification of seven different macroalgal communities, of which two are described here for the first time: the Cryptonemia longiarticulata fields and the Maërl beds of indeterminate rhodoliths. Depth and rhodolith abundance were the two main features driving the distribution of these communities. We found that seven species contributed 70% of the similarity between samples (SIMPER test), with the indeterminate species of rhodoliths (23.6%) and the encrusting fleshy red alga, Agissea inamoena (15.6%) being the most important. The methodology used for the sample selection and quantification processes turned out to be very efficient and faster than other methods used for the characterization of macroalgal communities from detritic bottoms, suggesting that this study could serve as a baseline for similar studies and for future management and conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Traditionally, the diets of lizards and other small vertebrates have been studied using invasive techniques, such as the analysis of gastric contents obtained by dissection or stomach-flushing. Nowadays, the morphological analysis of the remains contained in feces is commonly used. However, these techniques require a great deal of experience to identify prey remains, and some prey items may be left undetected in the analyses. Recently, the use of molecular techniques has made it possible to identify prey from feces, thus significantly expanding the diversity of identified prey. Despite this, the molecular analysis of diets also has limitations, since it does not allow an adequate quantification of the contribution of each prey type, and, on occasion, some prey may not leave traces of DNA detectable in the feces. For this reason, here we propose a study of the diet in which the two methods of fecal analysis are complementarily used: morphological identification and identification by means of DNA analysis. The diets of insular lizards are extremely varied, depending on the different environmental characteristics of each island population. This is particularly evident in the case of the populations of small coastal islets of the Balearic Islands, where the Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, is found. The study of trophic ecology carried out by means of traditional tools, such as morphological analysis of feces, has made it possible to detect numerous prey and nutritional elements. However, these methods are clearly insufficient, as some rare groups are not detected. It is also difficult to identify remains of marine subsidies or of foods contributed to these small islands by other predators, such as seabirds. The current study demonstrates the advantages of combining morphological diet analysis with the molecular study of individual feces samples obtained from the same populations. We obtained a greater diversity of prey groups using the combined methodologies, with each method identifying prey items that were not detected using the other method. Particularly, the study of diets at the molecular level identified plant species consumed by lizards that were, occasionally, not identified in morphological analyses. Conversely, the traditional morphological study of an equivalent number of fecal samples allowed for the identification of several prey groups that had not been detected in the molecular study. From this viewpoint, the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]