Andalusian Provinces Research Articles

Evaluation of the Level of Psychological Distress in Construction Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Spain.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge for construction companies, which were confronted with the need to prevent the enormous negative socio-psychological impact of the pandemic on their employees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of psychological distress among construction workers in an advanced phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Andalusia, southern Spain. For this, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using online questionnaires with data on sociodemographic variables and employment situation, COVID-19 pandemic-related data, and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). A total of 860 questionnaires from all provinces of Andalusia, Spain, were collected between March and May 2022. Descriptive statistical analyses and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests were performed, followed by logistic regression analysis. The incidence of psychological distress was higher among women, individuals under 43 years of age, those with a family income below EUR 1200, participants whose working conditions had been affected by the pandemic, those who had not received adequate means or specific training to protect themselves from infection, those who had experienced symptoms, those who had suffered side effects after vaccination, and those who had been hospitalised. The logistic regression analysis predicted the occurrence of psychological distress in this study by the effect of the pandemic on mental/emotional well-being, the working conditions affected during the pandemic, health-related variables, and the age of the worker. The correctly classified percentage was 75.1%. Assessing psychological distress in construction sectors may allow for the identification of vulnerable groups or even help to reduce the number of errors in daily practice and potential risks of occupational injury or illness.

Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of the monkeypox outbreak in the South of Spain

AbstractBackground and AimUntil the May 2022 Monkeypox (MPXV) outbreak, which spread rapidly to many non‐endemic countries, the virus was considered a viral zoonosis limited to some African countries. The Andalusian circuit of genomic surveillance was rapidly applied to characterize the MPXV outbreak in the South of Spain.MethodsWhole genome sequencing was used to obtain the genomic profiles of samples collected across the south of Spain, representative of all the provinces of Andalusia. Phylogenetic analysis was used to study the relationship of the isolates and the available sequences of the 2022 outbreak.ResultsWhole genome sequencing of a total of 160 MPXV viruses from the different provinces that reported cases were obtained. Interestingly, we report the sequences of MPXV viruses obtained from two patients who died. While one of the isolates bore no noteworthy mutations that explain a potential heightened virulence, in another patient the second consecutive genome sequence, performed after the administration of tecovirimat, uncovered a mutation within the A0A7H0DN30 gene, known to be a prime target for tecovirimat in its Vaccinia counterpart. In general, a low number of mutations were observed in the sequences reported, which were very similar to the reference of the 2022 outbreak (OX044336), as expected from a DNA virus. The samples likely correspond to several introductions of the circulating MPXV viruses from the last outbreak. The virus sequenced from one of the two patients that died presented a mutation in a gene that bears potential connections to drug resistance. This mutation was absent in the initial sequencing before treatment.

Exposure to Coxiella burnetii in Wild Lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean Ecosystems.

Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonotic pathogen of worldwide distribution that can infect a wide range of wild and domestic species. The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can play a role as a reservoir for this bacterium in certain epidemiological scenarios, but, to date, a very limited numbers of large-scale serosurveys have been conducted for this species worldwide. Although exposure in hare species has also been described, C. burnetii in Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) has never been assessed. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with C. burnetii exposure in wild lagomorphs in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain. Between the 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons, blood samples from 638 wild lagomorphs, including 471 wild rabbits and 167 Iberian hares, were collected from 112 hunting grounds distributed across all eight provinces of Andalusia (southern Spain). The overall apparent individual seroprevalence was 8.9% (57/638; 95% CI: 6.8-11.4). Antibodies against C. burnetii were found in 11.3% (53/471; 95% CI: 8.4-14.1) of the wild rabbits and 2.4% (4/167; 95% CI: 0.1-4.7) of the Iberian hares. Seropositive animals were detected for 16 (14.3%; 95% CI: 7.8-20.8) of the 112 hunting grounds tested and in all the hunting seasons sampled. A generalized estimating equations model showed that the geographical area (western Andalusia) and presence of sheep were risk factors potentially associated with C. burnetii exposure in wild lagomorphs. A statistically significant spatial cluster (p < 0.001) was identified in the south-west of Andalusia. Our results provide evidence of moderate, endemic and heterogeneous circulation of C. burnetii in wild lagomorph populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Risk-based strategies for integrative surveillance programs should be implemented in these species to reduce the risk of transmission of the bacterium to sympatric species, including humans.

Sustainability and efficiency of rural accommodation business: an approach in the main tourist region of southern Europe

PurposeThe objective of this study is to determine the efficiency of tourist accommodation companies located in the main tourist area of southern Europe as one of the three elements of the local sustainable development triangle.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis, carried out using the data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology on 130 companies, has obtained that from the CCR perspective (results-oriented method when companies present constant returns on the input variables).FindingsThe companies involved are quite inefficient, while which from the BCC perspective (where the input and output variables used in the company respond to a variable and not constant scale) are quite efficient. The efficiency of these companies in the seven provinces of Andalusia has also been analysed to determine if there are patterns that differentiate them and thus be able to propose strategies that improve the sustainability of these territories. The conclusions of the study indicate the need to improve the operational efficiency of rural accommodation companies.Originality/valueThe analysis of efficiency in the hotel sector and even more so in the rural tourism sector is relatively scarce in the literature, especially in Spain. More specifically, Rubio and Román (2006) have demonstrated the existence of scale inefficiencies in hotels, but no evidence has been found in previous studies that this behaviour carries over to accommodation establishments located in the destinations under study.

The Neuroeducation Training of Students in the Degrees of Early Childhood and Primary Education: A Content Analysis of Public Universities in Andalusia

Educational neuroscience presents a broad view of what learning is and how and when it occurs. Consequently, neuroeducation offers improved strategies for understanding and developing the teaching–learning process. It is, therefore, essential that teachers and students are trained in neuroeducation, given the current knowledge in this field. Consequently, this study aims to reflect on the training in neuroeducation received by undergraduate students studying early childhood and primary education and to find out how the teaching of neuroeducation is approached in the universities of the eight Andalusian provinces. As methodology, a content analysis was made, which allowed us to transform qualitative data into quantitative data. The categories analysed were “Neuroeducation”, “Metacognition”, “Cognitive processes” and “Cognition”. The study plans for the 2022/2023 academic year were considered. The analysis results of these plans showed that, despite the relevance of neuroeducation in the educational context, the study plans barely addressed this subject. This suggested that the training received by future teachers was not enough to enable them to make the most of neuroscience and neuroeducation considerations.

The Situation of Unaccompanied Migrant Minors and Young People in Shelters and Protection Centers in Andalusia (Spain)

ABSTRACT This article aims to determine the situation of unaccompanied immigrant minors and young people in reception and protection centers for children in Andalusia, Spain. The study design is qualitative exploratory. The fieldwork was carried out in three provinces of Andalusia and involved interviews and focus groups with minors and young people in shelters and protection centers. The results show the participants’ perception of the care they receive in the centers. Situations of conflict between minors and professionals, disputes generated by cultural differences, lack of quality food, and cases of violence, among other issues, are the experiences reported by those interviewed. The research concludes that there is a need for more significant work inspections in reception and protection centers and more excellent proximity to urban environments that help social inclusion.

English, German, and French Tourists Are Key to the Success of Andalusian Destinations (Spain)

Why was this research undertaken? Because in some tourist destinations the number of international tourists has a greater impact on the number of overnight stays at hotels compared to domestic tourism. The aim of this study was to analyse the main tourist market segments in destinations in Andalusia from 2004 to 2022, to demonstrate the relevance of, and dependency on, the tourism industry in this territory. The methodology used in this research collected secondary data from Spanish and Andalusian public organizations (IECA, INE, SAETA and AENA), and information related to this topic from researchers and organizations (primary data) to select specific indicators and to draw the appropriate conclusions. The findings of the current study reveal that English, German, French, Italian, Belgian, and American tourists are the main markets of the Andalusian provinces and their hotel establishments. In addition, these three segment markets depend on the air accessibility and connectivity provided by Andalusian airports. Moreover, it should be remembered that domestic tourism generates 35.1% of the overnight stays at Andalusian hotels. Domestic tourism helped the hoteliers of Andalusia to survive the pandemic crisis when inbound tourism dropped to zero. Andalusia constitutes an interesting case of study because it attracts a large amount of tourism demand. Although English, German, and French markets monopolize the number of overnight stays, DMOs need to attract tourists from other countries to diversify the tourism demand.

Identification of Vitis vinifera L. Local Cultivars Recovered in Andalusia (Spain) by Using Microsatellite Markers

In Andalusia (Spain), there are different wine regions that have a great recognized tradition. In these regions, the cultivation of the vine is ancient and there are still vineyards planted with local varieties of Vitis vinifera L. that have not yet been identified. The aim of this research study was to identify 49 accessions of grapevine collected in the districts of four provinces in Andalusia (Spain). All samples were genotyped with 20 microsatellite markers in order to ascertain the identity and analyze the genetic diversity of the collected material. In total, 30 different genotypes were obtained, 22 of them which were identified with named, known varieties by comparison to the Spanish or European microsatellite databases, and eight which are referred to as new genotypes. All loci were polymorphic, and a total of 159 alleles were detected, ranging from 4 to 12 alleles per locus, with an average allele number of 7.95. The overall observed heterozygosity was 0.763 and was slightly higher than expected (0.715), while the gene diversity per locus varied between 0.167 (VVIN73) and 0.967 (VVMD5). A dendrogram representing the genetic similarities among cultivars was depicted using the UPGMA method to investigate their relationships. The eight new genotypes identified in this research work could represent ancient local varieties in danger of extinction. These new cultivars may be used to determine original wines.

A qualitative insight at gender-based violence among young alcohol consumers in leisure contexts

ObjectiveTo know the characteristics of gender violence that underlies among adolescents in the context of leisure, their behavior and how they overcome these conflicts in leisure contexts where the consume alcohol. MethodQualitative study, with an ethnographic and feminist approach, with the participation of young people aged 16–22, frequenters of nightlife contexts and alcohol consumers, residents of two Andalusian provinces and one of Castilla-La Mancha. The participants were selected through intentional sampling and interviewed in depth. ResultsAdolescents frequently suffer from gender-based violence in leisure contexts that they assume normally as part of the role of having fun, while they use their own protection strategies to minimize risks. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs increases the possibility that a gender violence event take place. ConclusionGender-based violence among young people in the context of leisure, presents special characteristics that it is necessary to know in order to design preventive policies. The most vulnerable are young women who consume alcohol intensively. They usually go to the hospital emergency department for being unconscious due to alcohol consumption.

Bullying in Adolescents Practising Sport: A Structural Model Approach.

This article aims to analyse the relationship between the bullying aggressor and bullying victim profile related to practising or not practising sport in adolescents living in southern Spain. The research includes male and female participants aged between 12 and 16 years in different secondary schools in the provinces of Andalusia, Ceuta and Melilla in the period between February 2022 and June 2022. The study aims to extend the existing scientific, theoretical and empirical knowledge on the influence of playing sport or not on disruptive bullying attitudes in adolescents. To this end, two initial hypotheses were designed; the first hypothesises that bullying victim behaviours are associated with future bullying aggressor behaviours when practising sport; and the second states that victim behaviours are associated with future bullying aggressor behaviours when not practising sport. To verify them, SPSS software was used for the preliminary analysis of the scale and sociodemographic profile. Additionally, the study is based on structural equation modelling methodology and variance-based methods employing SmartPLS v3.3 software. The results show the importance of sport or physical activity to reduce the chances of carrying out bullying actions on other peers and/or classmates. Therefore, it is considered necessary to prevent bullying in the classroom by implementing sports intervention programmes in educational centres.

Breast Cancer Treatment in Integrated Care Process in Andalusia: The Challenge of Multidisciplinarity.

Despite the increasing trend in the incidence of breast cancer in recent decades, mortality has decreased in developed countries. The general objective of the study is to analyse the functioning and organisation of the care process for breast cancer treatment in Andalusia (Spain) in order to identify possible barriers and facilitators that may be affecting its effectiveness and, therefore, the survival of the disease. A qualitative method was adopted based on 19 semi-structured interviews with health professionals from different specialities in two Andalusian provinces: Huelva (mortality rate higher than the national average) and Granada (mortality rate similar to the national average). Results show the existence of barriers (seasonal delays, low frequency of multidisciplinary meetings, lack of human and technical resources, difficulties in accessing treatment in certain populations, etc.) and facilitators (creation of multidisciplinary units and committees for breast pathology, standardisation of treatments, assignment of professionals with preferential attention to breast pathology, etc.) in the care process of breast cancer treatment. The combination of these barriers can have an impact on the accessibility, quality, and efficacy of the treatment, and in the long term, on survival from the disease.

Feminine morphology in possessive complements of adverbial constructions in Andalusian varieties

The present study scrutinizes the Spanish morphological variation between masculine and feminine possessive complements used with locative adverbials (e.g. cerca mío / mía ‘close to me’). The feminine -a suffix (e.g. mia) is the innovative variant and has been described by normative grammars as a low-frequency and stigmatized trait. This paper focuses on Andalusian Spanish, where the innovative -a-suffix has the highest frequency of use. Twitter data from the eight provinces of Andalusia are compiled in order to determine the innovation’s diatopic distribution and linguistic diffusion. The quantitative results show that the -a variant predominates in all Andalusia and that the change has spread through all the adverbial locative contexts. We propose a series of analogical extensions have taken place whereby the feminine possessive complement spreads from one adverbial context to another, creating an analogical snowballing effect.

Spanish Classical Theater in COVID-19 Times: How Andalusian Companies Dealt with the 2020 Pandemic

Abstract: With the closure of theaters in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, theatrical companies in Spain were forced to change their seasonal programs. After interviewing actors, directors, and producers from different provinces of Andalusia who work with classical theater, this work exposes the difficulties that theater practitioners faced during the closures of the theaters and how they adapted to the restrictions imposed upon the reopening of theatrical spaces. These professionals explained what could or could not be adapted from their work, how long this adaptation took (or would have taken), and what other barriers they faced that are not obvious for laypersons. Furthermore, this article introduces these companies’ opinions on virtual adaptations, recordings, and other alternative forms of theater. Finally, this work reveals how theater practitioners see the future of theater and comedia after the emergence of digital performances during the pandemic.

Trastorno específico del lenguaje en Andalucía, España: prevalencia en función del subtipo y del género

IntroductionSpecific Language Impairment (SLI) is a significant impairment in language acquisition (−1.25 SD), resistant to intervention and not justified by physical, neurological, intellectual, sensory or social causes, requiring specialized intervention. There is little information on the prevalence of this group in Spain. ObjectivesThree objectives, to calculate the prevalence of SLI in general and subtypes globally and according to gender, to determine the ages of diagnosis of SLI and to know its distribution by provinces in Andalusia. Materials and methodsPrevalence: Reference population: 537,879 Primary School students. The prevalence is calculated by types, provinces and sex and homogeneity with hierarchical cluster is analyzed. Detection ages and SLI allocation in Andalusia: Reference population: 1,185,061 students. Frequencies and percentages of SLI are calculated by typology, province, age group and sex. Classification tree technique (CHAID method) is used. ResultsPrevalence: 8.27 per thousand (‰) in Andalusia (Spain). Screening ages. At age 8, 86.9%, mainly expressive SLI (E-SLI). Semantic-pragmatic disorder (SPD) is detected mainly from the age of 8 years. DistributionSex: 74% are boys. Age groups: 2.9% are between 3-6 years old, 32% between 6 and 8, 42% between 8 and 12 and 23% over 12. Typologies: expressive SLI (E-SLI): 56%, expressive-receptive SLI (ER-SLI): 33% and semantic-pragmatic disorder (SPD): 11%. ConclusionsSLI students, due to their specific characteristics and dimensions, should be considered in educational policies.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Tumors and Other Structural Anomalies in Brain MRI Performed to Rule out Secondary Headache: A Multicenter Observational Study.

Headache disorders (HDs) are among the most common conditions of the central nervous system, with an estimated prevalence of 50% in adult population. The aim of this work is to analyze the prevalence of structural anomalies that may explain HDs in MRI exams performed to rule out secondary headache in real-world practice, as well as risk factors associated with these lesions. We conducted a retrospective observational study based on a consecutive case series of all patients that underwent brain MRI due to headache from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2019. We included patients from six MRI diagnostic centers accounting for four provinces of Andalusia (southern Spain). Bivariate and multivariate logistical regression models were performed to identify risk factors associated with the outcomes (1) presence of a structural finding potentially explaining headache, (2) presence of intracranial space-occupying lesions (SOLs), and (3) presence of intracranial tumors (ITs). Of the analyzed sample (1041 patients), a structural finding that could explain headache was found in 224 (21.5%) patients. SOLs were found in 50 (6.8%) patients and ITs in 12 (1.5%) patients. The main factors associated with structural abnormalities were female sex (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02–1.85), accompanying symptoms (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05–1.89), use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.31–2.72) and previously known conditions potentially explaining headache (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.55–3.84). Female sex (p = 0.048) and accompanying symptoms (p = 0.033) were also associated with ITs in bivariate analyses. Our results may be relevant for different medical specialists involved in the diagnosis, management and prevention of headache. Moreover, the risk factors identified in our study might help the development of public health strategies aimed at early diagnosis of brain tumors. Future studies are warranted to corroborate our findings.

Breastfeeding experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain:a qualitative study

BackgroundThe pandemic caused by COVID-19 has affected reproductive and perinatal health both through the infection itself and, indirectly, as a consequence of changes in medical care, social policy or social and economic circumstances.The objective of this study is to explore the impact of the pandemic and of the measures adopted on breastfeeding initiation and maintenance.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted by means in-depth semi-structured interviews, until reaching data saturation. The study was conducted between the months of January to May 2021. Participants were recruited by midwives from the Primary Care Centres of the Andalusian provinces provinces of Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, Granada, and Jaén. The interviews were conducted via phone call and were subsequently transcribed and analysed by means of reflexive inductive thematic analysis, using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 30 interviews were conducted. Five main themes and ten subthemes were developed, namely: Information received (access to the information, figure who provided the information), unequal support from the professionals during the pandemic (support to postpartum hospitalization, support received from Primary Health Care during the postpartum period), social and family support about breastfeeding (support groups, family support), impact of confinement and of social restriction measures (positive influence on breastfeeding, influence on bonding with the newborn), emotional effect of the pandemic (insecurity and fear related to contagion by coronavirus, feelings of loneliness).ConclusionThe use of online breastfeeding support groups through applications such as WhatsApp®, Facebook® or Instagram® has provided important breastfeeding information and support sources. The main figure identified that has provided formal breastfeeding support during this period was that of the midwife. In addition, the social restrictions inherent to the pandemic have exerted a positive effect for women in bonding and breastfeeding, as a consequence of the increase in the time spent at their homes and in the family nucleus co-living.

Teachers’ perceptions of Content and Language Integrated Learning in primary schools in Andalucía

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has been deemed to be a promising and innovative approach to teaching foreign languages and has received unanimous endorsement by virtually all educational authorities in the European Union. Yet, notwithstanding the numerous benefits the programme offers, it is not free from difficulties. Thus, the main objective of this qualitative study was to examine the teachers’ perceptions of CLIL implementation with the major focus on the shortcomings detected and outlined in the previous studies. Data were obtained from an ad hoc online questionnaire filled out by 203 in-service teachers from bilingual English primary schools in the eight provinces of Andalusia (i.e., Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and Sevilla) in the year 2020. The picture emerging from the results of the study is not positive as it reflects growing concern over the paucity of teacher training programmes, insufficient coordination, lack of attention to diversity, inadequate textbook design, and above all, students’ low English proficiency and class size, factors which might impede the proper development of the programme. Moreover, content teachers as well as those with lower language competence and less experience in teaching appear to be in dire need of more training and support.

Public opinion and tourism in Spanish destinations.

Abstract &#x0D; Purpose - We analyse the positive and negative impacts of tourism according to the opinions of residents of Gran Canaria, Andalusia and the Andalusian province of Malaga, comparing similarities, differences and general trends. &#x0D; Design/methodology/approach - The methodology is based on descriptive statistics of two surveys that were developed at two Research Centers located in Canary Islands and Andalusia. In Gran Canaria, the survey was administered by telephone to 504 residents in 2012; meanwhile in Andalusia, the survey was based on face-to-face interviews made to 1781 residents in the eight Andalusian provinces during 2008. The unequal characteristics of both territories, both in extension and in population density, deserved to limit also the Andalusian sample to one of the provinces, and it was decided to compare the results with the views of residents in the Andalusian province of Malaga which is the most tourist developed province of the Autonomous Community receiving more than 30% of the total of the tourists in Andalusia. Both Malaga and Gran Canaria are mature and consolidated sun and beach Spanish tourist destinations.&#x0D; Findings - In Gran Canaria, the opinions of the respondents are in general more homogeneous and more critical than in Malaga and Andalusia. In turn, the opinions of the residents of Malaga are also more critical to those of Andalusia. It seems that the tourist development of the place of residence is aligned with the fact that the residents have more formed opinions, regarding the benefits as well as the negative externalities. &#x0D; Originality/value – The study is novel as the comparative studies are still scarce, and the added value is also based on the importance of the mass tourist Spanish destinations used in the analysis: Gran Canaria, Andalusia and Malaga. The evaluation of the impacts and effects of the tourism in tourist destinations according to the opinions of residents is a basic pillar of a proper Sustainable Tourism Management model.&#x0D; Keywords - Public opinion; tourism; Spanish destinations; Gran Canaria; Andalusia; Malaga.&#x0D; Paper type - Research paper

Spanish adaptation and validation of the Pain Assessment Scale in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) in patients with dementia and impaired verbal communication: cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to adapt and validate the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale in Spanish.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingTwo health districts of Andalusian provinces, located in the...

Proteomics Data Analysis for the Identification of Proteins and Derived Proteotypic Peptides of Potential Use as Putative Drought Tolerance Markers for Quercus ilex.

Drought is one of the main causes of mortality in holm oak (Quercus ilex) seedlings used in reforestation programs. Although this species shows high adaptability to the extreme climate conditions prevailing in Southern Spain, its intrinsic genetic variability may play a role in the differential response of some populations and individuals. The aim of this work was to identify proteins and derived proteotypic peptides potentially useful as putative markers for drought tolerance in holm oak by using a targeted post-acquisition proteomics approach. For this purpose, we used a set of proteins identified by shotgun (LC-MSMS) analysis in a drought experiment on Q. ilex seedlings from four different provenances (viz. the Andalusian provinces Granada, Huelva, Cadiz and Seville). A double strategy involving the quantification of proteins and target peptides by shotgun analysis and post-acquisition data analysis based on proteotypic peptides was used. To this end, an initial list of proteotypic peptides from proteins highly represented under drought conditions was compiled that was used in combination with the raw files from the shotgun experiment to quantify the relative abundance of the fragment’s ion peaks with the software Skyline. The most abundant peptides under drought conditions in at least two populations were selected as putative markers of drought tolerance. A total of 30 proteins and 46 derived peptides belonging to the redox, stress-related, synthesis,-folding and degradation, and primary and secondary metabolism functional groups were thus identified. Two proteins (viz., subtilisin and chaperone GrpE protein) were found at increased levels in three populations, which make them especially interesting for validation drought tolerance markers in subsequent experiments.