Search Results (25)

Background—The number of studies on padel has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing importance of the sport. However, more research is still needed on a comprehensive analysis of performance indicators. This study had a double objective: on the one hand, to analyze the probability of winning a point as a function of several variables and, on the other hand, to develop a match analysis. Methods—A total of 980 points from the Menorca 2020 World Padel Tour Master Final Men’s category were examined using observational methodology. The participants were the eight pairs who competed in the final rounds of the tournament. To obtain the results, various analytical techniques were used, such as descriptive analysis and the chi-square test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results—The results indicated that most points were initiated on the first serve (88.5%) and were most often won by the serving pair (59.3%). Short rallies predominated (42.2%), with the serving pair most likely to win the point (71%). As the rally became longer, the probability of winning the point decreased, reaching 57% for medium rallies and 47% for long rallies. Almost half of the points were completed in less than 10 s, with an average point duration of 15 s. Most points were finished from the middle area and near the net (41.4% and 36%, respectively), mainly by smashes (25.9%) or volleys (28.9%), with the cross-court trajectory being the most effective. Conclusions—Short rallies (0–6 shots) were the most common, with an average point duration of approximately 15 s. Most points ended with a shot from the middle of the court, using a volley or a smash with a cross-court trajectory. There is a clear relationship between proximity to the net on the final shot and an increased probability of winning the point. Full article

In Spain, the public National Health Service provides care to Spaniards and other residents and is tailored for a decentralized state of autonomies. Each Autonomous Community has legislative capacity in its organization and management. We study the case of the collaboration between private hospitals and the public health service in La Rioja, an Autonomous Community of Spain located in the North of the Iberian Peninsula, due to the importance that this relationship has in health systems, in general. We applied the case study method as a methodological tool in a long-term local study. The interpretation was carried out within a national context, which allows us to understand its meaning and the historical keys to hospital development in this region. Primary sources have been reviewed (mainly reports, catalogs, and censuses of hospitals from the Ministry of Health and the Government of La Rioja) and other secondary sources, located in archives, libraries, Institute of Rioja Studies, and Department of Health. The hospital system in La Rioja was characterized by a predominance of public beds compared with private ones, although there has been a growing trend in the number of private beds from 2013 onwards due to the incorporation of health and social care convalescent hospitals (two). La Rioja has been promoting public–private collaboration (seen as a strategic alliance) and focusing on agreements in the socio-health space, particularly using the management service agreement and the concession of work formulas. The development of the public health service in La Rioja, from 1986 to 2019, has been determined by a progressive lower dependence on specialized hospitals from other health services of neighboring Autonomous Communities and by a mixed public–private hospital system. Full article

Limb-conformation defects significantly influence equine performance and welfare, necessitating thorough investigation for effective management. This study examines the prevalence and genetic parameters of 14 limb-conformation defects in Menorca Purebred horses using data from 1120 records (509 animals with an average age of 101.87 ± 1.74 months) collected between 2015 and 2023. Defects were evaluated using a three-class scale by three appraisers, and a Bayesian approach via Gibbs sampling was employed to estimate genetic parameters including gender, birth period, stud selection criteria, evaluation age and appraiser as fixed effects. Splay-footed forelimb and closed hocks were the most prevalent defects (67.20% and 62.53%, respectively). Horses with any of the defects analyzed have been observed to obtain significantly lower scores for both walk and trot. Heritability estimates range from 0.12 (s.d.: 0.025) for closed hock to 0.30 (s.d.: 0.054) for base narrow, confirming the genetic influences on the expression of limb conformation defects. The divergent defect in hind limbs showed the highest genetic correlations with forelimb defects (camped under, −0.69; s.d: 0.32 and camped out, 0.70; s.d: 0.27). The significant genetic correlations between defects highlight the complexity of the relationships, which requires careful consideration. Full article

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. Full article

Interdisciplinary STEM and STEAM education gives us the opportunity for training students to achieve all educational objectives in a sustainable development framework. Land in a rural area is a scenario with a range of educational resources for the development of STEM and STEAM projects to train students to interact with the rural environment. The possibilities of the land in order to prepare students for the needs of today’s world are linked and sensitized to the environment. In this article, we will offer contemporary examples of STEM and STEAM projects that have been carried out in Latin America. These projects are being developed in which young people establish links with their environment, territory, and the local environment surrounding them. We must look carefully at projects and works in which students’ ties to their land and environment are valued through the STEM and STEAM education necessary today. In this scenario, a comparison has been made between the projects in Latin American countries and Spain. Full article

Blowouts are integral features of coastal dune fields. Their presence enhances both geomorphological and ecological diversity and enables the movement of sand by wind. Their role as a ‘transport corridor’ may be, however, considered negative from a coastal management perspective in heavily touristic areas, where the existence of blowouts close to the foredune can enhance the loss of sediment from the beach. This paper investigated the relationship between airflow dynamics and patterns of sediment transport from the beach to established dunes through a trough blowout located on the foredune. Seven three-cup anemometers were used to measure wind speed and direction over a 24 h sampling period at a frequency of 1 min under onshore (parallel to the blowout axis) medium and high wind speeds (max of 17.9 ms⁻¹). To measure sediment transport, a total of 12 vertical sand traps were located at three positions along the length of the deflation basin. The results indicated that small amounts of sediments went into the blowout from the beach and that the highest rates of sediment remobilization took place within the deflation basin. These results highlight two processes: (a) flow channelization induced by the blowout topography caused an increase in wind speed and sediment transport toward the depositional lobe, and (b) the presence of embryo dunes and herbaceous vegetation at the beach–blowout boundary effectively reduced the amount of sediment transport from the beach to the landform. The results confirmed the significant role that vegetation plays in controlling sediment movement and conserving the beach–dune system. Full article

Vitis vinifera L. has been present in Ibiza and Formentera, two islands of the Balearic Islands (Spain), since the 7th century BC. In the past few years, there have been several studies and investigations on the Balearic Islands. These have focused mainly on Mallorca and Menorca with a small representation of Ibiza and none that take into account Formentera. This research aims to contribute to the knowledge of Vitis cultivars cultivated on those islands and to investigate whether there are local cultivars still being grown. To do this, using an ethnobotanical approach, 15 persons were interviewed to gather information about local grapevines, and 36 accessions from 12 plots were characterized using ampelographic descriptors and identified using SSR markers. Relationships of the accessions studied with other cultivars were also assessed. The results show 21 different genotypes profiles, where six were new genotypes: ‘Colló de gall’, ‘Grec’, ‘Maçanet’, ‘VIEIV015-Maçanet’, ‘Morzacà’, and ‘Vermelleta’. Ten new synonyms and three homonyms have been proposed. Additionally, we suggest three new relationships for the ‘Hebén’ cultivar, one new relationship for the ‘Llora’ cultivar and one new relationship for the ‘Beba’ cultivar. These results show the first reported information for Ibiza and Formentera on Vitis. Full article

Introduction: New anthropometric indices have been developed as an alternative to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) to assess body mass and visceral fat. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Currently, little is known about the relationship between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and several new anthropometric indices. This study aimed to assess the association between the presence of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and anthropometric indices, both novel and traditional. Methods: This study analyzed 1094 Spanish subjects who consecutively visited the cardiovascular risk consultation of the University Hospital San Pedro de Alcántara of Cáceres, Spain, between June 2021 and September 2022. Anthropometric measures, including traditional and novel indices, were determined. The asymptomatic hyperuricemia group was defined according to serum uric acid levels. Results: All the anthropometric indices studied, including new and traditional, were significantly greater among patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, except for WWI. In multiple linear regression analysis, serum uric acid levels were significantly correlated with BMI, WHR, WHtR, AVI, BAI, BRI, CUN-BAE, and WWI but not ABSI or CI. In the univariate analysis, all indices were associated with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (p < 0.05); however, only WHtR (adjusted OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.03–8.37; p = 0.044), AVI (adjusted OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.04–2.04; p = 0.026), and BRI (adjusted OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.19–2.32; p = 0.003) were significantly associated in multivariate analysis. Finally, WHtR, AVI, and BRI provided the largest AUCs. Conclusions: Our findings showed that WHtR, AVI, and BRI were independently positively associated with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and could be good predictors. Full article

Background: Gestational vitamin D levels may influence offspring growth and modulate adipogenesis. Findings from prospective studies are inconsistent, and few have evaluated the persistence of these associations into late childhood. Objective: To examine the association between prenatal vitamin D levels and growth and adiposity in late childhood. Methods: We included 2027 mother–child pairs from the INMA birth cohort. 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (vitamin D₃) levels were measured in serum at 13 weeks of pregnancy. Sex- and age-specific body mass index z-scores were calculated at 7 and 11 years, overweight was defined as z-score ≥ 85th percentile, and body fat mass was measured at 11 years. Z-score body mass index (zBMI) trajectories from birth to 11 years were identified using latent class growth analysis. Results: The prevalence of vitamin D₃ deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 17.5%, and around 40% of the children had overweight at both ages. Associations between vitamin D levels and outcomes differed by sex. In boys, maternal vitamin D₃ deficient status was associated with higher zBMI, higher fat mass percentage, higher odds of being overweight, and with an increased risk of belonging to lower birth size followed by accelerated BMI gain trajectory. In girls no associations were observed. Conclusion: Our results support a sex-specific programming effect of early pregnancy vitamin D₃ levels on offspring body composition into late childhood observed in boys. Full article

In many countries, horses remain involved in traditional equestrian events such as those celebrated in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) every year since at least the 14th century. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in salivary cortisol concentrations to estimate the physiological stress response in horses at the Menorca patronal festivals. Two different editions (years 2016 and 2018) of the festivals in honor of the Virgin of Grace in Maó (Menorca, Spain) were studied. Nineteen and seventeen Pure Breed Menorca stallions were included in the study, respectively. The stallions were aged between seven and twelve years. During celebrations, samples were collected before the start of the festivals between 8–9 a.m. and during the festivals at 8–9 p.m. On the second day of celebrations, the samples were collected at 8–9 a.m. and 3–4 p.m. Finally, on the day after the festivals, one sample was collected at 8–9 p.m. Additionally, a control group was sampled at 8–9 a.m., 3–4 p.m., and 8–9 p.m. Salivary cortisol concentrations were assessed by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit specially validated to quantify salivary cortisol in horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not show significant differences between sampling hours in the control group (p > 0.05). All the samples collected during festivals were significantly higher than samples of the control group (p < 0.05). Within the twenty-four hours after the end of the celebrations, cortisol concentrations returned to baseline levels and did not differ significantly from the control group (p > 0.05). Hence, the present study describes that the participation of the horses in these particular acts generate an acute and transitory stress response. Overall, the current work provides a reasonable basis for future research on the stress physiology and well-being of horses participating in traditional celebrations or similar events. Full article

The studbook of Pura Raza Menorquina horses only permits the use of black-coated animals with a small quantity of white marks as breeding stock. Its breeding program uses linear morpho-functional traits as selection criteria. Our aim was to estimate the genetic parameters of linear morpho-functional traits, and reveal relationship of quality of black coat color (QB) and percentage of white marks (WM) with the other morphological and functional linear traits in this breed. A total of 46 linear traits were scored by four appraisers using seven classes, with a total of 772 records from 333 animals (≥4 years old). Univariate animal models using a Bayesian approach were used, with a pedigree of 757 animals. Sex (two) and appraiser-season (13) were included as fixed effects, age as a linear covariate, and permanent environmental and additive genetic as random effect. The heritabilities of the morpho-functional traits were low to medium (0.09–0.58) and matched the range in the bibliography. Heritabilities for coat color traits were 0.36 for QB and 0.23 for WM. The highest genetic correlations were obtained between QB and upper neck line (0.816) and between WM and form of the hoof (0.638). The negative signs of most of the genetic correlations between WM and the functional traits is also remarkable, contributing to the selection of functional traits against the presence of white marks in this population. A clear genetic differentiation was observed between animals with better breeding values for QB and WM, corroborated by a study on founders. In conclusion, QB and WM could show different genetic backgrounds. Full article

Background: The aim was to evaluate the reinforcement of the standard therapy with hyperimmune plasma (HP) in Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) patients. Methods: Open-label, multicenter, randomized clinical trial performed in three hospitals in the Balearic Islands. Non-severe COVID-19 hospitalized patients with clinical time evolution equal to/less than 7 days were included, and randomized in: plasma group (PG) (n = 37), receiving 600 mL divided into two doses from convalescent plasma donor, administered on days 1 and 2 after the enrollment; and control group (CG) (n = 17). Primary outcome was the time for clinical improvement within 21 days, defined as patient achievement of categories 8, 7, and 6 in the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trial scale (ACTT). The trial was terminated early due to the impossibility of recruitment due to the pandemic. Results: PG presented better scores on the ACTT scale at 7 days after HP infusion, whereas CG was needed 14 days to achieve similar results. The plasma infusion was safe. Conclusions: Despite the tendency observed in the plasma group to achieve slightly earlier better physical condition compared with the standard treatment alone. The administration of HP has been shown to be a safe therapy. No robust evidence was found to affirm a therapeutic effect of the early administration of two infusions of HP for non-severe COVID-19 infected patients. The interpretation is limited by the early termination of the trial, which resulted in a small sample size. Full article

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease characterised by increased left ventricle (LV) wall thickness caused by mutations in sarcomeric genes. Finding a causal mutation can help to better assess the proband’s risk, as it allows the presence of the mutation to be evaluated in relatives and the follow-up to be focused on carriers. We performed an observational study of patients with HCM due to the novel p.Arg652Lys variant in the MYH7 gene. Eight families and 59 patients are described in the follow-up for a median of 63 months, among whom 39 (66%) carry the variant. Twenty-five (64%) of carriers developed HCM. A median maximum LV wall thickness of 16.5 mm was described. The LV hypertrophy was asymmetric septal in 75% of cases, with LV outflow tract obstruction in 28%. The incidence of a composite of serious adverse cardiovascular events (sudden death, aborted sudden death, appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator discharge, an embolic event, or admission for heart failure) was observed in five (20%) patients. Given the finding of the p.Arg652Lys variant in patients with HCM, but not in controls, with evident segregation in patients with HCM from eight families and the location in an active site of the protein, we can define this variant as likely pathogenic and associated with the development of HCM. Full article

This study deals with the mortars and subordinately rocks collected from the archaeological site of Cap de Forma, that is a “Bien de Interés Cultural” located on a cape along the southeastern coast of Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Cap de Forma consists of different structures belonging to different periods and civilization phases: a fortified settlement of Talaiotic age, built in cyclopean technique and including three rooms and a rainwater cistern; a nearby necropolis of tombs (cuevas) excavated into the cliff; a more recent site occupancy testified by plastering of the cistern; a house-fort (pecheña casa-quartel), a lookout point of the 17th–18th century. Compositional features and mineralogy of mortars and rocks were investigated by optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Physical properties (density, porosity, water saturation and water saturation coefficients and mechanical strength) were also determined. This work is aimed at characterizing these archaeologic remains to understand the building technique, the choice of raw materials and possibly their provenance, taking into account the age and civilization they belong to. Results indicate that cocciopesto-rich mortars were used in the cistern watertight and other ancient structures linking from a Roman age. The cocciopesto seems to derive from local pottery even if some evidence would suggest the contrary, whereas the source of the binder is definitely the local Mg-rich limestone. The house-fort was plastered with gypsum-based mortars in the 17th–18th century. The most likely source of raw gypsum was the island of Mallorca where some quarries were opened in the same period. Mechanical and physical tests reveal a strong state of decay that requires conservation actions. This work sheds light on a poorly studied monument, better constraining the different phases of its occupation. Some interesting questions, such as the cocciopesto provenance, are still open. Full article

One of the objectives of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project is to assess the impact of bottom trawling on the vulnerable benthic habitats of the circalittoral bottoms of the Menorca Channel (western Mediterranean), designated a Site of Community Importance (SCI) within the Natura 2000 network. The present study compares the epibenthic communities of four areas, subjected to different bottom trawl fishing intensity levels. The assignment of fishing effort levels was based on the fishing effort distribution in the area calculated from Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data and the existence of two Fishing Protected Zones in the Menorca Channel. Biological samples were collected from 39 beam trawl stations, sampled during a scientific survey on April 2019. We compare the diversity, composition, and density of the epibenthic flora and fauna, together with the rhodoliths coverage and the morphology of the main species of rhodoliths of four areas subjected to different levels of bottom trawl fishing effort, including one that has never been impacted by trawling. Our results have shown negative impacts of bottom trawling on rhodoliths beds and the first signals of their recovery in areas recently closed to this fishery, which indicate that this is an effective measure for the conservation of this habitat of special interest and must be included in the management plan required to declare the Menorca Channel as a Special Area of Conservation. Full article