City Of Elche Research Articles

Organic tracers in fine and coarse aerosols at an urban Mediterranean site: contribution of biomass burning and biogenic emissions.

The concentrations of anhydrosugars (levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan), polyols (inositol, xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol), and glucose were measured in PM1 and PM10 samples collected during 1 year at a traffic site in the city of Elche (southeastern Spain). Levoglucosan, mannosan, and galactosan were mainly found in the PM1 fraction since they are mainly emitted from biomass burning (BB). Likewise, inositol, xylitol, and sorbitol were primarily distributed in the fine mode, suggesting a non-negligible contribution from anthropogenic sources (specifically BB) to the levels of these compounds. This was supported by their seasonal variations, with higher concentrations during winter, and their correlations with levoglucosan concentrations. The average contributions of biomass burning and biogenic sources to OC and PM levels were calculated using levoglucosan and mannitol, respectively, as tracers. On average, BB accounted for 12% and 16% of the OC in PM1 and PM10, while the estimated contribution of fungal spores to OC and PM10 levels was 1.2 and 0.8%, respectively. The results of the present study suggest that, at least in the study area, most sugar alcohols are not appropriate tracers of biogenic emissions.

Música, lectura y bordado: la fuerza social de la máquina de coser de la Compañía Singer y la Escuela de Obreras Católicas (1875-1930)

The opinions expressed in the press regarding education in this period have two directions: on the one hand, they criticize the scarcity and poor material conditions of schools, and on the other hand, they try to create an awareness that serves to transmit their own ideology but what about non-formal education? Parallel to this educational universe, non-regulated education is developed, outside legal limits and promoted by the most humanistic social agents within the context of charity. This article aims to show some practices of this teaching, such as music academies, popular libraries, night and Sunday schools for Catholic workers in the city of Elche and the Singer Company, under the gaze of historical sociology.

Soil Sealing and Hydrological Changes during the Development of the University Campus of Elche (Spain).

The University Miguel Hernández of Elche was created in 1996 and its headquarters is located in the city of Elche. A new campus was developed where new buildings and infrastructures have been established for over 25 years in the north of the city. The university is growing, and the land cover/land use is changing, adapted to the new infrastructures. In fact, the landscape changed from a periurban agricultural area mixed with other activities into an urbanized area integrated into the city. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the progressive sealing of the soil and the consequences on the surface hydrology. The area is close to the Palmeral of Elche, a landscape of date palm groves with an ancient irrigation system, which is a World Heritage Cultural Landscape recognized by UNESCO. The evolution of the land occupation was analyzed based on the Aerial National Orthophotography Plan (PNOA). Soil sealing and the modifications of the hydrological ancient irrigation system were detected. Based on the results, proposals for improvement are made in order to implement green infrastructures and landscape recovery that can alleviate the possible negative effects of the soil sealing in the area occupied by the university.

Asamblea Local de Cruz Roja Española de Elche (1909-1930)

La Asamblea Local de Cruz Roja Española de Elche inició su andadura con carácter formal en el mes de septiembre de 1909; el talante altruista de la “brigada de camilleros” y su vida económica, compuesta principalmente por cuotas de socios, subvenciones del ayuntamiento y celebraciones para recaudar fondos, así como los servicios prestados para toda la población, advierten de la existencia de cobertura sanitaria en un momento de valor singular, como es la dictadura de Miguel Primo de Rivera. Los principios que rigen la Asamblea son los mismos que propone el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja en 1921: caridad, universalidad, independencia e imparcialidad. Objetivo: identificar qué se conoce sobre los inicios de la Cruz Roja Española en la ciudad de Elche y la relación existente con sus principios: caridad, universalidad, independencia e imparcialidad. Método: se llevó a cabo una investigación histórica basada en la revisión bibliográfica. Fuentes documentales: catálogos documentales de bibliotecas y archivos documentales, bases de datos electrónicas, catálogos de revistas especializadas en historia y otras fuentes de red. Descriptores utilizados: Cruz Roja, Cruz Roja Española, Cruz Roja Local. Resultados: en el análisis se incluyeron documentos procedentes de estudios basados en fuentes primarias y los resultados se presentan en 4 apartados: Composición y vida económica, Celebraciones para recaudar fondos: la Fiesta de la Banderita, Acuerdos municipales y Servicios prestados. Conclusión: existe una clara relación de la labor desarrollada por la Asamblea de la Cruz Roja Española de Elche y los principios en los que se orienta, desarrollando cada uno de ellos en su vida cotidiana; así se deprende de los documentos analizados de la época tanto de comunicaciones y actas del ayuntamiento como de prensa histórica.

Linking Sustainable Development Goals with Thermal Comfort and Lighting Conditions in Educational Environments

The present paper deals with a wide range of issues related to the environmental quality in learning spaces, such as thermal and visual comfort, as well as energy efficiency. All of these issues fall under the umbrella of the UN Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Upon reviewing publications of past studies, interviews were conducted and questionnaires were distributed in public high schools in the province of Alicante, located in the Southeast of Spain. Sixteen high schools were selected for the interviews. Fifteen in the city of Elche, which is the total amount of the high schools in the city. One additional high school that was considered important for this research was included in the study due to the characteristics of the building design, excessively exposed to weather conditions. Significant differences were observed between schools built before 2000 and those built after that date. The latter, surprisingly, not more thermally and visually comfortable or energy efficient. The knowledge gained from our investigation will be of great benefit for architects, designers, engineers, school planners and principals in order to establish stronger connections between infrastructures and SDGs. A chart linking recommendations with specific SDGs is also included in this study.

El método biográfico en el estudio de las desigualdades sociales

En este artículo se presenta una reflexión sobre el método biográfico: sus ventajas y sus limitaciones, su utilidad para el estudio de ciertas parcelas de la realidad social, las dificultades propias del análisis y la diversidad de sus modos de aplicación. Esta reflexión surge a raíz de la realización de dos investigaciones. La primera de ellas trata sobre la reconversión de los trabajadores del calzado de Elche y el paso de muchos de ellos a la economía sumergida, a través de las trayectorias laborales y vitales de 30 trabajadores. La segunda, tiene como objeto el estudio de la pobreza a través de relatos biográficos de mujeres en situación de precariedad social. Se trata de dos investigaciones distintas, pero ambas comparten el hecho de ocuparse de dos manifestaciones de los procesos de la desigualdad social.

Characterization of hydrocarbons in aerosols at a Mediterranean city with a high density of palm groves.

Samples of PM1 and PM10 were collected for 1year at an urban background station in the city of Elche (southeastern Spain) and analyzed to determine the content of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A few samples were also gathered at a second sampling point established at one of the several palm tree gardens of the city in order to evaluate the influence of biogenic emissions on the urban levels of n-alkanes. Diagnostic parameters obtained for aliphatic hydrocarbons (carbon maximum number (C max), carbon preference index (CPI), and wax n-alkane content (%WNA)) revealed a higher contribution of biogenic n-alkanes in PM10 than in PM1. Moreover, the values of %WNA indicated that the levels of n-alkanes in Elche were more affected by emissions from terrestrial vegetation than in other urban areas, particularly in the palm tree grove location (%WNA=29 for PM10). PAH diagnostic ratios pointed to traffic as the main anthropogenic source of hydrocarbons in Elche, with predominance of diesel versus gasoline vehicle emissions. The average levels of total PAHs (~1ngm(-3)) were noticeably lower than the values registered at other urban areas in Europe, most likely because emissions from other sources are scarce. Both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons showed higher levels in the cold season due to the lower atmospheric dispersion conditions, the increase in traffic exhaust emissions, and the lower ambient temperatures that reduce the evaporation of semivolatile species.

El Aprendizaje Político de la Participación: el Caso del Presupuesto Participativo de Elche (Alicante) en España

After a decade of implementation of experiences of participatory budgeting in Spain is still know little impacts real that these projects have on the learning of the participants, these citizens, elected or technical. This article aims to provide more knowledge about the educational impact of participation based on the results of empirical research on these learning and changes experienced by participants in a real experience of participatory budgeting in the city of Elche (Spain) during the years 2008 to 2011. Do this and using as reference previous work of Pontual (2000), Lerner and Schugurensky (2007) and Luchmann (2012), were interviewed in depth, with formats of questions, citizens, elected and municipal technicians. Key words: Participatory Budgeting; informal learning; citizenship; participation

Seasonal and interannual trends in PM levels and associated inorganic ions in southeastern Spain

Concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and associated inorganic ions were measured between October 2008 and October 2009 in the city of Elche (southeastern Spain). The levels of the inorganic components in PM2.5 and PM10 were compared with those measured in the same city during the period December 2004–November 2005. A reduction of 12% and 24% in the annual concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, was observed from 2004–05 to 2008–09. The decrease in PM2.5 was mainly attributed to a steep reduction in (NH4)2SO4 levels caused by a significant decline in SO2 emissions, higher precipitation rates, and a lower occurrence of winter PM episodes under high atmospheric stability conditions. In the PM10 fraction, NH4+, Ca2+ and SO42− experienced the largest decreases. The drop in Ca2+ levels, higher in winter than in summer, was mainly attributed to the increase in precipitation and the reduction in construction activity. The PM1 annual average concentration in 2008–09 was only 9.2μg/m3. Slightly higher PM1 levels were measured in summer (10.1μg/m3) than in winter (8.8μg/m3), due to the low frequency of local pollution episodes during winter 2009. The PCA analysis identified the contribution of three sources of ionic compounds in the submicron fraction: secondary (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3, traffic emissions, and dust resuspension. NO3− size distribution exhibited a marked seasonal pattern, with a lower proportion associated with particles smaller than 2.5μm in summer than in winter, due to the thermal decomposition of NH4NO3. In contrast, the SO42− size distribution was approximately constant throughout the year.

Use of a passive sampling network for the determination of urban NO2 spatiotemporal variations

Nitrogen dioxide levels were systematically measured by means of passive samplers at 79 sites in the city of Elche (southeastern Spain) with the aim of investigating the factors affecting NO2 spatiotemporal variations and quantitatively assessing the impact of traffic on urban NO2 concentrations. One-week sampling campaigns were performed approximately once a month during 2007 and 2008. The average NO2 concentration during the two-year period was 32 ± 12 μg m−3, with minima in summer and maxima from fall to early spring. Temporal variations of nitrogen dioxide concentrations were mainly affected by meteorological factors. On the other hand, the relative spatial distribution of NO2 levels, which remained fairly constant during the study period, was controlled by both traffic flow allocation and urban street layout. Using cluster analysis, the sampling sites were grouped into four representative classes of urban NO2 pollution, indicating that a considerable reduction in the number of measurement points for monitoring the spatial and temporal variability of nitrogen dioxide levels is feasible. By means of regression analysis, we estimated a weekly average concentration decrease of ∼1 μg NO2 m−3 if a reduction of 4000 vehicles per week occurred in city centre streets. These results can be useful for improving urban air quality management and control efficiency.

Estilos de vida, salud autopercibida y utilización de los servicios sanitarios en inmigrantes de Paraguay y Bolivia residentes en la ciudad de Elche

ObjectiveTo study the lifestyle, use of health services, self-perceived health status and health services evaluations of immigrants from Paraguay and Bolivia in the city of Elche, and to establish and/or adapt prevention health services strategies to the needs of this population. MethodsA cross-sectional study, using a health questionnaire, was conducted between November 2009 and April 2010, using a convenience sample selected from the Paraguay and Bolivia Citizens Association. ResultsA total of 49 Paraguayans and 35 Bolivians over 15 years old were interviewed of whom 42 (50%) were male; 33% of respondents did not perform any physical activity, and 14.3% were smokers (males [23.8%] vs female [4.8%], P=.03). The assessment of health was good or very good in 59.5% (Paraguayans [71.4%] vs Bolivians [42.9%]), P=.02). The use of health services was 85.4% (males [75%] vs women [95.2%], P=02) and 51% went to an emergency department. Consultation with a dentist was reported in 43.9% (Paraguayans [56.2%] vs Bolivians [26.5%], P=.007); 65.9% considered the Spanish public health system as being excellent, very good or good. ConclusionThe lifestyle, the use of private resources and the assessment of health status are different in both groups studied. The assessment of the Spanish public health system was good in both. Strategies are needed to improve lifestyle, counselling for smoking cessation, alcohol use and control of dyslipidaemia.

IMPACT OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION UPON THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION: SINGULAR EVENTS

Background and Aims: Recent studies point out that the association between morbidity and mortality with atmospheric pollution varies depending upon the region, seasonal period and the heterogeneous chemical composition of suspended particulate matter. From the environmental point of view, many studies exist about variations in PM levels, both on their size distribution as well as their chemical composition, according to certain singular events having an either natural or anthropogenic origin, identified by the analysis of the surrounding orographic, meteorological and environmental characteristics. The objective of this study is to estimate the short-term association between the number of hospital emergency room admissions and atmospheric pollution, evaluated by a lone variable categorized as event. Methods: Ecological study of temporal series relating hospital emergency room admissions caused by the circulatory apparatus cerebrovascular, total cardiac, total respiratory, asthma and chronic pulmonary obstruction and the atmospheric pollution indicated by the presence or not of a singular event in the city of Elche. The following are considered events: a) Saharan intrusion, contributing mineral dust masses from North Africa; b) Atmospheric stability, high stability situations favoring pollution accumulation; c) Regional accumulation, persistent recirculation of contaminated air masses; d) European episode, the entrance of air masses originating in Europe; e) Smoke or collections of particles resulting from incomplete combustion; and f) Firework displays. The magnitude of association was estimated using Poisson regression. Results: The increase in atmospheric pollution during periods of atmospheric stability is associated with an increase of 1.64% (IC 95%: 1.30-2.08%) in hospital admissions from respiratory causes, and specifically from asthma (2.55%) or COPD (1.26%), but not statistically significant. On the other hand, a risk of becoming ill due to cardiovascular causes was obtained in both periods of Saharan intrusion as well as atmospheric stability, but they were not significant either. Conclusions: Singular events are a variable to keep in mind in the study of the impact of atmospheric pollution upon the health of the population. Although these results can only be considered preliminary, as there were only two events – a Saharan intrusion and atmospheric stability – a sufficient number of days did transpire to be studied.

The Influence of Meteorology on Particulate Matter Concentrations at an Urban Mediterranean Location

Daily mass concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were measured along with meteorological parameters from October 2008 to October 2009 in the city of Elche, close to the southeastern Spanish Mediterranean coast. Annual mean levels of 9.2, 13.2, and 26.2 μg m−3 were obtained for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were lower than those previously measured at the same location due to unusual weather conditions that occurred during winter 2009, specially the decrease in the number of high atmospheric stability episodes. The contribution of road traffic to the levels of submicron (PM1), fine (PM2.5–1), and coarse (PM10–2.5) particles was studied by correlating PM concentrations with NO2. The results showed a higher relative contribution in winter (0.45 < r < 0.65) than in summer (−0.26 < r < 0.05). However, the scarce variability in traffic intensity (in terms of number of vehicles per day) was unable to explain daily and seasonal variations in PM levels. Rather, these variations were associated to seasonal changes in other PM sources and meteorological conditions. The three size fractions showed good negative correlations with wind speed during winter, suggesting that the main effect of cold season winds was the dilution of atmospheric aerosols. For the coarse fraction, good correlation coefficients were obtained with temperature and solar radiation (0.60 and 0.70, respectively) due to identical seasonal behavior of coarse PM and these parameters during the study period.

MORPHOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS OF DATE-PALM DIVERSITY (PHOENIX, ARECACEAE) IN WESTERN EUROPE AND SOME PRELIMINARY MOLECULAR RESULTS

In the Southeast of the Iberian Peninsula lies the largest traditional date-palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivation area, at the northern limit of this species in the western Mediterranean. Large palm groves extended traditionally around Elche, Orihuela, Albatera, and Abanilla with smaller groves scattered in wadis, ravines, or watered gardens from Almeria to Castellon. Around and within the city of Elche (Comunidad Valenciana) grow over 250,000 palm trees, belonging to different local cultivars. Most of them show morphological likeness to different north-African cultivars such as ‘Medjool’ or ‘Deglet Nour’. However, the diversity is extremely high in terms of fruits, leaf shape and color, and stems, including minor local types. Furthermore, Phoenix iberica has been described as a wild species from the wadis near the sea. It has glaucous leaves, stout stems and small dates with thin flesh. It shows similarities to ‘Medjool’ or ‘Barhee’ cultivars in some vegetative characters, but its fruits are intermediate between those of Phoenix theophrastii and P. sylvestris. A group of cultivars well-known for its green leaves and small fruits, which normally ripen under the climate of SE Spain, has been described as Phoenix chevalierii. We are studying the diversity of date palms in Spain by nuclear microsatellite polymorphism, polymorphic ITS regions and chloroplast microsatellite patterns. Macro- and micro-morphological characters were studied using multivariate analysis techniques. Overall, these allow us to compare Phoenix dactylifera cultivars from Africa and the Near East, and related Phoenix species.

Non-imported brucellosis outbreak from unpasteurized raw milk in Moroccan immigrants in Spain.

Nine cases of brucellosis were identified in the city of Elche (Comunidad Valenciana, Spain) in two families of Moroccan immigrants. All of the patients had drunk unpasteurized raw milk from goats. Brucella melitensis biovar 3 was identified in clinical specimens. Preventive measures for brucellosis should be implemented among immigrant populations in Spain.

Programa de ejercicio físico en el medio acuático

AbstractTaking part in physical exercise as a means of improving health has increased in recent years. As a consequence numerous centres have been appearing where both adults and children can get in shapeThe present study descries the administration of a programme of physical exercise in the aquatic environment which is orientated towards improving of the adult population Material and methodThe study was carried out in a swimming centre in the city of Elche (Alicante). 26 subjects (five men and 21 women) participated in it, with their consent previously given (5 men and 21 women), and with average age of 38.85 years (± 13.78), and who had been swimming, with supervision from an instructor, for an average of 17.9 months (± 17.94). All the participants stated that they had begun this activity to improve their health. During three months, in sessions of 50 minutes three times weekly, the subjects carried out in groups general aquatic and swimming exercises, differentiated by phases. The planning and application of the programme were carried out by our team.Before the application of the programme, the subjects filled in a questionnaire with questions relative todifferent public health aspects, and after the application of the proramme, the sensation of improvement and the satisfaction with the programme and with the hysiotherapist were evaluated. ResultsBesides carrying out physical exercise with the aim of improving health, the subjects studied presented other healthy behaviours, thus in 61.5% of te cases the subjects stated that they did not consume alcohol, and 38.5% consumed only a moderate amount. Regarding their eating habits, in 69.2% of the participants they were considered correct.After finishing the proramme, 65.4% found an improvement in their general state of health, 23.1% a great deal better and the remaining 11% without variation. These percentaes coincide with the results relating to the evaluation of the satisfaction with the programme. Regarding the activity of the physiotherapist, 53.8% of the participants considered it very satisfactory, 38.5% sa isfactory, and 11.5% were indifferent.Regarding performance, it can be observd that we had 100% attendance and no drop-outs. ConclusionsWe consider that the programme has been effective in improving the general state of health of the participants, and due to the satisfaction that they themselves state, the conent and the duration of the sessions have been adequate. The planning and application of physical exercise programmes in the aquatic environment, with the aim of promoting health, require the presence of a physiotherapist, expert in the subject, as the best health professional to carry them out.