An increasing number of studies are describing the diversity of lichen phycobionts, which is leading to a better understanding of how lichen communities are assembled at different taxonomic, evolutionary and geographical scales. The present study explores the identity and genetic diversity of the microalgal partners of Punctelia borreri and P. subrudecta, two tropical and temperate parmelioid lichen fungi that often grow in temperate and Mediterranean forest ecosystems in Europe. Based on a specimen sampling distributed in two climatically divergent regions in the Iberian Peninsula, we found that these mycobionts are associated with Trebouxia gelatinosa, whose identity was also confirmed by an ultrastructural study of the pyrenoid. The bipartite network analysis indicated that each Punctelia species was associated with a different set of low frequency T. gelatinosa infraspecific lineages, whereas the two most abundant phycobiont lineages were shared between both mycobionts. Based on the current sampling, these two algal lineages occur exclusively in one of the two studied regions, which might point towards climate-driven, fine-tuned fungal-algal interactions. Finally, we documented visible symptoms of injury on the thalli in areas likely to have been impacted by air pollution.

Our study plans to quantify the effect of higher temperatures on different critical Turkish health outcomes mainly to chart future developments and to identify locations in Turkey that may be potential vulnerable hotspots. The general structure of the temperature mortality function was estimated with different fixed-level effects, with a specific focus on the mortality effect of maximum apparent temperature. Regional models were fitted to pinpoint the thresholds where the temperature–mortality relation changes, thus investigating whether the thresholds are determined nationally or regionally. The future patterns were estimated by extrapolating from future temperature trends: analyzing possible future mortality trends under the restricting assumption of minimal acclimation. Using the fixed effect regression structure, social and developmental variables acting as heat effect modifiers were also identified. In the largest dataset, the initial fixed effect regression specification supports the hypothesis summarized by the U-shaped relationship between temperature and mortality. This is a first corroboration for Turkish climate and health research. In addition, intermediation effects were substantiated for the level of urbanization and population density, and the human development and health development within provinces. Regional heterogeneity is substantiated by the mortality–temperature relationship and the significant threshold deviations from the national average.

The Iberian–Roman Humid Period (IRHP, 2600–1600 cal yr BP), is the most humid phase of the last 4000 yr in southern Spain as recorded in the sedimentary sequence of Zoñar Lake (37°29′00″N, 4°41′22″ W, 300 m a.s.l.). A varve chronology supported by several AMS 14C dates allows study of the lake evolution at annual scale in response to human impact and climate changes. There are four climate phases within this period: i) gradual transition (2600–2500 yr ago, 650–550 BC) from a previous arid period; ii) the most humid interval during the Iberian–Early Roman Epoch (2500–2140 yr ago, 550–190 BC); iii) an arid interval during the Roman Empire Epoch (2140–1800 yr ago, 190 BC AD 150); and iv) a humid period synchronous with the decline of the Roman Empire (1800–1600 yr ago, AD 150–350). Varve thickness and geochemical proxies show a multi-decadal cyclicity similar to modern North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) (60, 20 years) and solar variability cycles (11 yr). The timing and the structure of this humid period is similar to that described in Eastern Mediterranean and northern European sites and supports the same large-scale climate control for northern latitudes and the Mediterranean region.

Millennial to submillennial marine oscillations that are linked with the North Atlantic's Heinrich events and Dansgaard–Oeschger cycles have been reported recently from the Alboran Sea, revealing a close ocean-atmosphere coupling in the Mediterranean region. We present a high-resolution record of lithogenic fraction variability along IMAGES Core MD 95-2043 from the Alboran Sea that we use to infer fluctuations of fluvial and eolian inputs to the core site during periods of rapid climate change, between 28,000 and 48,000 cal yr B.P. Comparison with geochemical and pollen records from the same core enables end-member compositions to be determined and to document fluctuations of fluvial and eolian inputs on millennial and faster timescales. Our data document increases in northward Saharan dust transports during periods of strengthened atmospheric circulation in high northern latitudes. From this we derive two atmospheric scenarios which are linked with the intensity of meridional atmospheric pressure gradients in the North Atlantic region.

Archaeological sites at Abeurador and Font-Juvénal have produced extensive charcoal-rich horizons. The results of the charcoal analysis, based on the identification of woody species from anatomical features, contribute to the elaboration of plain phases within the development of vegetation in southern France. They are presented here in a new diagram and are interpreted as four major vegetation phases from 11,00014C yr B.P. to the recent past. In order to interpret the palaeoecological significance of the charcoal assemblages we have used multivariate analysis. The data base consists of 42 taxa and 48 archaeological levels. The division into four vegetation phases based on analytical interpretation is complemented by the more synthetic interpretation based on correspondence factor analysis (CFA). The results reveal the patterns of the vegetation history over the last 11 millennia, each being characterized by a key plant species.

High-resolution pollen analysis of Alborán Sea core MD95-2043 provides a 48-ka continuous vegetation record that can be directly correlated with sea surface and deep-water changes. The reliability of this record is supported by comparison with that of Padul (Sierra Nevada, Spain). Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 was characterised by fluctuations in Quercus forest cover in response to Dansgaard-Oeschger climate variability. MIS 2 was characterised by the dominance of semi-desert vegetation. Despite overall dry and cold conditions during MIS 2, Heinrich events (HEs) 2 and 1 were distinguished from the last glacial maximum by more intensely arid conditions. Taxon-specific vegetation responses to a tripartite climatic structure within the HEs are observed. In MIS 1, the Bölling-Allerød was marked by rapid afforestation, while a re-expansion of semi-desert environments occurred during the Younger Dryas. The maximum development of mixed Quercus forest occurred between 11.7 and 5.4 cal ka BP, with forest decline since 5.4 cal ka BP. On orbital timescales, a long-term expansion of semi-desert vegetation from MIS 3 into MIS 2 reflects global ice-volume trends, while Holocene arboreal decline reflects summer insolation decrease. The influence of precession on the amplitude of forest development and vegetation composition is also detected.

The aim of the present work was to assess the prevalence of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) in Balearic Islands adolescents, and socio-demographic and lifestyle factors that might determine adherence to the MDP. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in the Balearic Islands between 2007 and 2008. A random sample (n 1231) of the adolescent population (12–17 years old) was interviewed. Dietary questionnaires and a general questionnaire incorporating questions related to socio-economic status, parental education level and lifestyle factors were used. Dietary habits were assessed by means of two 24 h recalls and a quantitative FFQ. Adherence to the MDP was defined according to a score constructed considering the consumption of nine MDP characteristic components: high MUFA:SFA ratio, moderate ethanol consumption, high legumes, cereals and roots, fruits, vegetables and fish consumption, and low consumption of meat and milk. Then, socio-demographic, lifestyle and health status variables that could determine a higher or ower adherence were assessed. The mean adherence was 57·9 (sd 8·9) % and the median adherence was 57·3 %. Half of the Balearic Islands adolescents (50·5 %) showed an adherence to the MDP comprised between 52·7 and 62·8 %. By multivariate analyses, a high maternal level of education, increased physical activity, reduced alcohol intake and abstinence from smoking were independent associations of better adherence to the MDP. The promotion of not only the MDP but also the Mediterranean lifestyle, including greater physical activity, should be reinforced among the Balearic younger generations.

The foliicolous genus Phylloblastia is recorded for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula where it is represented by three species: P. fortuita sp. nov. from several localities in the north-east of Spain, P. dispersa, a new record for Europe and reported for the first time outside the tropics, and P. inexpectata. A key to the European species is provided.

After outlining the trends of Italian Mediterranean politics, this article examines the relationship between Italy and the Maghreb region. As a result of its central geographic position, acting as a natural bridge between Europe and Africa, Italy is undoubtedly more exposed and vulnerable than other countries to any critical developments in the political and economic situation of this area, so it is understandable that it occupies an increasingly important position in Italian foreign policy. Italy has especially considered it in its national interest to make it a specific, high priority to contribute to stabilising this region through multilateral and bilateral initiatives aimed at reinforcing political dialogue and economic cooperation with the coastal countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean. The aim has been to create a safety net around Italian maritime borders against the risks posed by an uncontrolled increase in migration (to which Italy is more exposed than other countries), the instability of North African energy resources and Islamist terrorists infiltrating Italian territory. Apart from examining the concerns regarding the Maghreb region that have become crucially important for Italian national interests (security, immigration, development, energy), the article analyses the salient elements of bilateral relations between Italy and the Maghreb countries, particularly Libya.

Middle Miocene volcanic activity in the Afyon volcanic province (eastern part of Western Anatolia) is characterized by multistage potassic and ultrapotassic alkaline volcanic successions. The volcanism is generally related to the northward subduction of the African plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. In Afyon, the Middle Miocene volcanic products consist of melilite leucitite, tephriphonolite, trachyte, basaltic–trachyandesite, phonolite, phonotephrite, tephriphonolite and lamproite rocks. Near-surface emplacement and relatively quiescent subaerial eruptions of lamproitic magma produced different emplacement forms such as dome/plug-shaped bodies and lava flows, showing variation in volume and texture. The mineralogical constituents of the lamproites are sanidine, olivine (77 < Mg no. < 81), phlogopite (74 < Mg no. < 78), K-richterite, clinopyroxene (74 < Mg no. < 78), with accessory apatite, calcite and opaque minerals. Afyon lamproites resemble Mediterranean-type Si-rich lamproites. Their compositional range is 50–52 wt% SiO2, 4–8 wt% MgO, and they display a typical lamproitic affinity. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns exhibit enrichment in LREE relative to HREE ((La/Yb)CN=15.3–17.0). They show extreme enrichment in LILE relative to primitive mantle values and troughs of Nb and Ti. The lamproites give a range of high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and low 143Nd/144Nd ratios. The geochemical and isotopic characteristics suggest that lamproitic magma is derived from highly metasomatized mantle. The enrichment history may include metasomatic events related to subduction, as in other active orogenic areas of the Mediterranean.

This paper aims to provide a biogeographical analysis of the epiphytic lichen flora of S Calabria by means of chorograms (i.e. distributional maps showing the joint distribution of multiple taxa). Two datasets on both local and Italian distribution were used. Local distribution is described by records of 135 epiphytic species in 14 sampling sites (5 trees per site, boles sampled from the ground to 2 m) representing the main vegetation belts of the survey area. A cluster analysis of the species, based on their commonness-rarity in the 9 main bioclimatic areas and in the 20 administrative regions of Italy, was applied. For each of the 7 clusters of species (chorotypes), a chorogram was produced. The matrix of species and sites was also submitted to numerical classification, and 5 clusters of sites were obtained, corresponding to the main altitudinal belts and tree species. For each group of sites, the frequencies of chorotypes were calculated. The results show a clear relationship between local distribution, mainly related to ecological conditions, and the Italian one. The truly Mediterranean forests of the survey area have the highest incidence of the Tyrrhenian element. Beech forests of the montane belt, dominated by broad-ranging lichens, are the most diverse biogeographically. The pine forests lying above the temperate belt do not host a peculiar lichen flora, being dominated by broad-ranging circumboreal species.

The aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional status for thiamin (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2) in an adult Mediterranean population, in order to identify patterns of intake, groups at risk for deficiency and factors that might influence this risk. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Andalusia, a western Mediterranean region in southern Spain. Nutrient intakes were studied in a random sample of 3390 subjects (1746 men, 1644 women) who were between 25 and 60 years of age. Blood samples were obtained for biochemical assays in a random subsample of 372 subjects (181 men, 191 women). Food consumption was assessed by 48 h recall. Vitamin B1 and B2 were measured as erythrocyte transketolase and as erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficients, respectively. Energy and vitamin intakes were significantly higher in men than in women. Intakes were below two-thirds of the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B1 in 7·80% of the men and 4·50% of the woman, and were below this level for vitamin B2 in 18·00% of the men and 11·70 % of the women. Age, educational level, alcohol use and smoking were also associated with differences in the intake of these nutrients. Biochemical analyses showed that vitamin B1 and B2 status was deficient in 6·40 and 5·30% of the population, respectively. Although factors such as gender, age, level of education, drinking and smoking can have an effect on the risk of inadequate intake of these nutrients, these factors did not affect biochemical indices of nutritional status in the present study.

This study assesses the pattern of occurrence of a generalist species, the Eurasian badger Meles meles, in forest fragments located in agricultural landscapes of central Spain with a coarse-grained pattern of fragmentation (<20% forest cover in the landscape). Four forest regions (n = 139 forest fragments) were sampled. Badger presence/absence in forest fragments was studied in relation to: forest size, isolation and vegetation structure. Badgers were tested to see if, despite their habitat generalism, they were negatively affected by forest fragmentation in this type of fragmented landscape. Results indicated a strong and significant effect of fragment size on badger occurrence (presence was rare in forest fragments <100 ha) and an important effect of isolation at a local scale. The response of badgers to forest fragmentation in Spain is quite different to the response in other European landscapes. In Spain, badgers cope with a divided coarse-grained landscape where suitable habitats are embedded in a largely unsuitable matrix (cereal croplands). In contrast, in Britain or central Europe, badgers may be benefited by forest clearances in a heterogeneous but non-divided landscape where small woodlots are separated by a matrix of good quality (mainly pastures) and fragmentation produces fine-grained mosaic landscapes where food and den sites are simultaneously enhanced. Species' response to forest fragmentation may strongly depend on the pattern of fragmentation and, in coarse-grained fragmented landscapes, generalist species may be affected in the same way as specialist ones.