Search Results (97)

Island electrical networks often face stability and resilience issues due to their weakly meshed structure, which lowers system inertia and compromises supply continuity. This challenge is further intensified by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, promoted by decarbonization goals, whose intermittent and variable nature complicates grid stability management. To address this, Red Eléctrica de España—the transmission system operator of Spain—has planned several improvements in the Canary Islands, including the installation of new wind farms and a second transmission circuit on the island of La Palma. This new infrastructure will complement the existing one and ensure system stability in the event of N-1 contingencies. This article evaluates the stability of the island’s electrical network through dynamic simulations conducted in PSS^®E, analyzing four distinct fault scenarios across three different grid configurations (current, short-term upgrade and long-term upgrade with wind integration). Generator models are based on standard dynamic parameters (WECC) and calibrated load factors using real data from the day of peak demand in 2021. Results confirm that the planned developments ensure stable system operation under severe contingencies, while the integration of wind power leads to a 33% reduction in diesel generation, contributing to improved environmental and operational performance. Full article

Reanalysis datasets, such as MERRA2, are frequently used in wind resource assessments. However, their wind speed data are typically limited to fixed altitudes that differ from wind turbine hub heights, which introduces significant uncertainty in energy yield estimations. To address this challenge, we propose a reproducible Measure–Correlate–Predict (MCP) framework that integrates Random Forest (RF) supervised learning to estimate hub-height wind speeds from MERRA2 data at 50 m. The method includes the fitting of 21 vertical wind profile models using data at 2 m, 10 m, and 50 m, with model selection based on the minimum mean square error. The approach was applied to seven wind-prone locations in the Canary Islands, selected for their strategic relevance in current or planned wind energy development. Results indicate that a three-parameter logarithmic wind profile achieved the best fit in 51.31% of cases, significantly outperforming traditional single-parameter models. The RF-based MCP predictions at different hub heights achieved RMSE metrics below 0.425 m/s across a 10-year period. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining physical modeling with machine learning to enhance wind speed extrapolation from reanalysis data and support informed wind energy planning in data-scarce regions. Full article

The decarbonization of offshore infrastructures is relevant to advancing global climate goals. This study presents a renewable-based energy system tailored for the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), designed to achieve full energy autonomy and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. A hybrid configuration integrating photovoltaic panels, vertical-axis wind turbines, lithium-ion batteries, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer, and a PEM fuel cell was developed and evaluated through detailed resource assessment, system simulation, and techno-economic analysis under real offshore constraints. The results confirm that complete decarbonization is technically feasible, with a net present cost approximately 15% lower than the current diesel-based system and a total suppression of pollutant emissions. Although the transition entails a higher initial investment, the long-term economic and environmental gains are substantial. Offshore green hydrogen emerges as a key vector for achieving energy resilience and sustainability in isolated marine infrastructures, offering a replicable pathway towards fully decarbonized ocean platforms. Full article

This research examines the impact of digital transformation on teaching practices and evaluates educators’ training requirements within the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu), focusing specifically on its implementation in the Canary Islands’ educational system. Through a quantitative study involving 546 teachers from primary and secondary institutions during the 2023/2024 academic year (confidence level: 95%, margin of error: 4.15%), we analyzed the relationship between digital competence development and educational innovation. Results indicate significant gaps in four key areas: digital content creation, innovative teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and feedback mechanisms. The findings reveal a direct correlation between insufficient educational funding and limited professional development opportunities in digital competencies. This study identifies critical areas requiring immediate attention, including increased budgetary allocation for technological infrastructure, systematic professional development programs aligned with DigCompEdu standards, and the restructuring of current innovation approaches in educational institutions. This research contributes to the understanding of how educational systems can effectively adapt to digital transformation while highlighting the crucial role of both financial investment and structured training programs in fostering successful educational innovation, ultimately emphasizing that adapting education systems to digital realities is essential for ensuring future success in an increasingly digitalized educational landscape. Full article

The taxonomic complexity of Phoenix palms in the Canary Islands, where multiple morphotypes representing at least four taxa currently exist, presents significant challenges for archaeobotanical identification. We developed a Bayesian probabilistic framework to identify archaeological Phoenix seeds within the context of genus-wide morphological diversity. Our analysis incorporated thousands of specimens including modern reference collections, archaeological materials from pre-Hispanic sites in Gran Canaria and La Gomera (3–16th centuries CE), and fossil remains. We recorded quantitative measurements and qualitative characteristics for each specimen. To understand taphonomic effects, we conducted experimental carbonization of modern P. canariensis seeds and documented the resulting morphological alterations. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward’s minimum variance method and calculated taxonomic assignment probabilities for archaeological specimens using Bayesian inference, where likelihood was derived from taxon proportions within assigned clusters. The results indicated a high probability (0.69–1.00) that the archaeological specimens belong to P. canariensis var. canariensis, with no evidence for P. dactylifera presence. These findings provide critical insights into pre-Hispanic exploitation of Phoenix palms, particularly the endemic P. canariensis, which served as a vital resource, providing food, fiber, and construction materials. Our methodological approach offers a robust framework for addressing taxonomic uncertainty in archaeobotanical research while enhancing understanding of historical palm biogeography and resource use patterns in the Canary Islands. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive RMS-based phasorial model of an E-STATCOM with grid-forming (GFM) control, designed to improve power system stability in isolated grids. Unlike previous approaches, this model integrates a governor with an internal power system stabilizer (PSS) and an active current limiter (ACL) to enhance frequency regulation and mitigate oscillations. Additionally, an exciter with a nonlinear modulation function is introduced to optimize voltage regulation and reactive power support. A detailed conventional supercapacitor (SC) model is also incorporated, enabling dynamic DC-voltage control based on active power variations, improving frequency stability. The proposed E-STATCOM RMS model includes algebraic equations, dynamic governor and exciter models, supercapacitor-based energy storage control, and an advanced current-limiting strategy. Simulations are conducted on the Fuerteventura–Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain) power system, comparing the E-STATCOM with a synchronous condenser (SynCon) in frequency response, voltage regulation, and fault performance. The results show that the E-STATCOM improves frequency stabilization and energy efficiency while complying with grid codes. This study introduces a novel RMS-based modeling approach for GFM E-STATCOMs, bridging the gap between theoretical phasorial analysis and real-world applications. The findings confirm that E-STATCOMs are a viable alternative to SynCons, enhancing grid stability in high-renewable-penetration systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: To summarize the current state of knowledge regarding personalized, risk-based approaches in active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) and to explore the lessons learned from AS practices in other types of cancer. Methods: This mixed methods review combined a systematic review and a narrative review. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic rviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with searches performed in the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases. Only studies evaluating personalized, risk-based AS programs for PCa were included. The narrative review focused on AS approaches in other solid tumors (thyroid, breast, kidney, and bladder cancer) to contextualize the findings and highlight lessons learned. Results: After screening 3137 articles, 9 were suitable for inclusion, describing the following four unique risk-based AS tools: PRIAS, Johns Hopkins, Canary PASS, and STRATCANS. These models were developed using data from men with low-risk (Grade Group 1) disease, with little to no magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. They used patient information such as (repeated) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measurements and biopsy results to predict the risk of upgrading at the next biopsy or at radical prostatectomy, or to assign a patient to a pre-defined risk category with a corresponding pre-defined follow-up (FU) regimen. Performance was moderate across models, with the area under the curve/concordance index values ranging from 0.58 to 0.85 and calibration was generally good. The PRIAS, Canary PASS, and STRATCANS models demonstrated the benefits of less burdensome biopsies, clinic visits, and MRIs during FU when used, compared to current one-size-fits-all practices. Although little is known about risk-based AS in thyroid, breast, kidney, and bladder cancer, learning from their current practices could further refine patient selection, streamline monitoring protocols, and address adoption barriers, improving AS’s overall effectiveness in PCa management. Conclusions: Personalized, risk-based AS models allow for a reduction in the FU burden for men at low risk of progression while maintaining sensitive FU visits for those at higher risk. The comparatively limited evidence and practice of risk-based AS in other cancer types highlight the advanced state of AS in PCa. Full article

Fluoride is an anion that is widely distributed in nature whose main source is volcanic emissions. This anion reaches humans mainly through water and can produce beneficial effects at certain doses, with toxic effects occurring at high doses. There are regions of the world that stand out for their high concentrations of fluoride, as it has produced endemic fluorosis in their population. This is the case for Tenerife, one of the islands of the Canary archipelago of volcanic origin. The aims of this study are to perform a historical review of fluoride concentrations in this region and to assess the current levels. The determination of fluoride will be carried out by potentiometry using an ion-selective electrode. The high concentration of fluoride in the water supply continues to be a problem, since about 55% of the studied municipalities on the island of Tenerife exceed the parametric value for the concentration of fluoride in the water (1.5 mg/L). The municipalities with the highest fluoride concentrations in Tenerife are El Tanque (10.61 mg/L), Icod de los Vinos (5.28 mg/L), Tegueste (4.37 mg/L) and La Victoria de Acentejo (3.63 mg/L). The child population aged from 1 to 3 years with a daily water consumption of 1.5 L exceeds the ULs in 21 of the 31 studied municipalities of the island. Meanwhile, the child population aged from 4 to 8 years (daily water consumption of 1.5 L) greatly exceeds the ULs in 13 of 31 of these municipalities. In the case of the adult population (consumption of 2 L/day), it exceeds the ULs in 3 of the 31 studied localities. In addition, since only exposure induced from one type of food has been studied, and not in regard to overall diet, it can be concluded that there may be a risk of overexposure to fluoride for the population aged 1 to 3 years in all the municipalities studied, as well as for the population aged 4 to 14 years and the adult population in most of them. Thus, it can be determined that, currently, with the recommended water consumption, the population could be exposed to a toxicological risk depending on the municipality and age. Full article

Marine environmental variability and climate change are interconnected; they are the main causes of the fluctuations in ecosystems and cyclically affect fisheries. This work has four main goals. The first is to present a broad historical review of international research activities on fisheries and climate change, mainly in European waters. We have recovered a selection of seminal international scientific publications from 1914 to 1995, which aroused great interest among the scientific community at that time, although most of these publications have fallen into oblivion in the 21st century. The second goal is to review the main intergovernmental initiatives on climate and marine research from the 1980s to the present, detecting gaps and a lack of unanimity in some guidelines from international organizations. The third goal is to analyze decadal warming/cooling in the Canary Current Upwelling System (extending from the NW Iberian Peninsula to Senegal), to understand the current rapid tropicalization of pelagic and benthic ecosystems in Southern European Atlantic seas. The fourth goal is to identify priority research lines for the future, including the need to promote an international retrospective on fisheries oceanography research, for at least the last hundred years. Full article

Numerous interactions between human activities and wildlife currently impact various species. In recent decades, these activities have contributed to declining sea turtle populations. The waters around Spain serve as important staging areas for sea turtles, particularly Caretta caretta, which spend part of their life cycle there. However, these same waters threaten turtles because of various causes of stranding. This study aims to comprehensively understand the rehabilitation process for these animals at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WRC) La Tahonilla in Tenerife, Canary Islands. It also seeks to explore rehabilitation efforts at different centers focused on recovering sea turtles in both the mainland and the Canary Islands. Additionally, we have examined the procedures for addressing stranded sea turtles where a recovery center does not exist. Our findings reveal the existence of varying protocols among different centers in Spain’s mainland and islands. Improving and unifying these protocols is essential for enhancing the rehabilitation of sea turtles in Spain. Full article

The field of real estate valuations is multivariate in nature. Each property has different intrinsic attributes that have a bearing on its final value: location, use, purpose, access, the services available to it, etc. The appraiser analyzes all these factors and the current status of other similar properties on the market (comparable assets or units of comparison) subjectively, with no applicable rules or metrics, to obtain the value of the property in question. To model this context of subjectivity, this paper proposes the use of a fuzzy system. The inputs to the fuzzy system designed are the variables considered by the appraiser, and the output is the adjustment coefficient to be applied to the price of each comparable asset to obtain the price of the property to be appraised. To design this model, data have been extracted from actual appraisals conducted by three professional appraisers in the urban center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The fuzzy system is a decision-helping tool in the real estate sector: appraisers can use it to select the most suitable comparables and to automatically obtain the adjustment coefficients, freeing them from the arduous task of calculating them manually based on the multiple parameters to consider. Finally, an evaluation is presented that demonstrates its applicability. Full article

Considering the detrimental impacts of the current pesticides on the biotic components of the biosphere, the development of novel pesticides is vital. Plant-derived biopesticides have emerged as popular alternatives to create a safer and more sustainable agriculture model. This study aims to validate the previous bioguided fractionation of endemic Canary Islands sage, Salvia canariensis, as a potential source of botanical pesticides using a cultivation process. Accordingly, the bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of cultivated S. canariensis on the phytopathogenic fungal mycelia of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria alternata yielded six known terpenoids. Their abietane diterpenoid-type (1–5) and sesquiterpenoid (6) structures were established based on spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. This strategy identified one abietane diterpenoid, salviol (5), as a potential candidate for the future development of biofungicides with similar potency towards the assayed phytopathogenic fungi to commercial fungicides. Salviol worked in a concentration-dependent manner. Overall, this study reinforces the potential of abietane-type diterpenoids as promising agrochemical lead compounds against infectious diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi and validates the cultivation of S. canariensis as a potential source of plant-derived biopesticides. Full article

Background: For our society, chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem associated with high mortality, morbidity, reduced quality of life and a progressive increase in health costs. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the current cost of kidney transplantation (KT) and kidney–pancreas transplantation (KPT) among the different Regional Health Services (RHS) in Spain. Methods: A descriptive comparative study analyzing the public prices of RHS in Spain. The Official Gazette of the different communities was consulted, where the latest available order on this type of cost was sought. A descriptive analysis was made of the stipulated cost of the KT and KPT, for each degree of severity, RHS, year of publication and cost calculation method. Mean cost and standard deviation were calculated. Results: KT prices were found for 15 of the 18 RHS (83.33%). The average cost of KT in Spain was EUR 33,926.53 ± 6950.053 (range from EUR 23,140.37 in the Canary Islands to EUR 48,205.75 in Catalonia). For KPT, costs were found for 5 of the 18 RHS (27.8%). The mean cost of KPT was EUR 65,792.38 ± 11,273.12 (ranging from EUR 49,418.81 in Navarra to EUR 78,363.20 in Andalusia). Conclusions: There is a large variability in KT and KPT costs in Spain between RHS. Our study underlines the importance of adopting standardized and updated costing methods for KT and KPT. Full article

The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of secondary school teacher training in order to identify existing needs and the resources currently available to respond to SENS and SEN students. A qualitative and descriptive research method was used. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to gather information. The sample consisted of 45 teachers who were distributed throughout the autonomous community of the Canary Islands (Spain). The analysis was carried out using the qualitative data analysis programme MAXQDA, version 20. The main findings show that teachers, in general, do not feel prepared to deal with students with SEN and SENS and, therefore, ask for experts to support them in this task and for training in emotional education in order to acquire the competencies and skills for classroom management. Full article

Paratuberculosis (PTB), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic disease with economic impact on ruminant farming worldwide. The Canary Islands count with the fourth largest goat population in Spain and are “officially free” of bovine tuberculosis. Twelve farms were included with 2774 serum samples tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of anti-MAP antibodies in two sessions. In the first session, an overall apparent prevalence of 18.4% (2.5% up to 61.1%) was obtained. Farms with prevalences (0–10%], (10–20%] and >20% were identified, with differences in seroconversion in the same prevalence group between farms and age ranges. Non-vaccinated (nV) and vaccinated (V) animals were included in the second sampling session. Higher levels of antibodies were detected in V animals older than 12 months, with considerable variations between age ranges and farms. Our results describe the current PTB status of the Canary Islands’ goat farming. Furthermore, new insights on the effect of the farm prevalence on seroconversion in V animals are provided, although further studies are needed to evaluate the multiple factors affecting the immune response to anti-MAP vaccination. Full article