City Of Seville Research Articles

“The truth that no one wants to see.” Social work practice, human rights and aesthetic mediation in a group of people experiencing homelessness in Seville (Spain)

ABSTRACT This article presents the narratives of people experiencing homelessness, highlighting the daily violation of their human rights in the city of Seville (Spain). In a process characterised by a search for the meaning of homelessness and the role of Social Work in human rights, their experiences are part of a knowledge production that reclaims the dignity to these individuals using their words and bodies. Methodologically, this goal was achieved by Collective Theatre Creation, combining artistic research with Social Work, theatre pedagogy and aesthetic mediation. This methodology enabled a group of individuals experiencing homelessness to write and perform a play entitled ‘The truth that no one wants to see’ as a result of a research process applying aesthetic mediation in Social Work. Simultaneously, it leads us to the potentiality of artistic practices in the resizing of group practice in Social Work.

6 - The African diaspora in times of COVID-19

Within a conceptual framework proposed by the African Union, which views the diaspora as a sixth African region, this article analyses the economic situation of Senegalese street vendors in the city of Seville, in the southern European border region. For this community, street trading is the most important economic activity and source of income, of which tourism is a significant market. Using an ethnographic methodology, including interviews with street vendors, City Council officials, a lawyer-activist and observation, the study examines institutional perceptions and the treatment of Senegalese street vendors within the administrative and planning processes of the public administration, and the relationship this has with tourism. The results show how ethnocentric prejudices and criminalising stereotypes influence local administration policy. The analysis also examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of the lack of institutional assistance for this population group, how the Senegalese population coped with the economic impact of lockdown through their own networks and support systems, and by migrating outward. The results presented in this article are part of a broader research project on urban development and sociospatial impacts of tourism in large cities in Andalusia, Spain (PAIDI-FEDER 2020: R+D+i Project).

The importance of citizen participation in improving comfort and health in obsolete neighbourhoods affected by energy poverty

This study analyses comfort and health in obsolete neighbourhoods in regions with high rates of energy poverty. The Polígono San Pablo in the city of Seville, Spain has been chosen as a case study.The research aims to highlight the importance of including participatory processes in the analysis of human rights issues, such as energy poverty. A hybrid and interdisciplinary methodology is presented which incorporates a citizen participation process. The aim is to use this methodology to identify how an obsolete building stock and lack of access to a basic energy service may be affecting people's health.The main results obtained show the need to include citizen consultation to identify shortcomings and potentialities in obsolete neighbourhoods, especially in terms of energy education. This is expected to contribute to the creation of more effective local energy policies to address the multidimensional problem of energy poverty.

Bridging Heritage and Citizens: A Methodological Consultation-Based Approach

ABSTRACT This study stems from the contemporary need to establish a connection between heritage and citizens, a fundamental element in heritage preservation and a safeguard for authenticity and identity values. 1 The study bridges the gap between theory and practice by proposing a methodology based on diagnosis and subsequent proposals to bring heritage closer to the local population. The case study used for this purpose has been the city of Seville, Spain, and it primarily focuses on built heritage and the Historic Urban Landscape. The methodology outlined in this article comprises three phases: (1) Survey and Data Collection, involving the design and implementation of a perception-focused survey; (2) Results Analysis and Evaluation, where the obtained data is statistically analysed, subsequently evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively with a proposed a KPI system; (3) Strategic Planning: finally, as a final outcome, the study utilises the previous evaluation to formulate objectives and an action plan to enhance the local community’s heritage relationship. It is expected that the proposed methodology for this case study will be applicable to other similar contexts.

Analysis of Touristification Processes in Historic Town Centers: The City of Seville

Encouraged by the administration, the gen9otrification process has been useful in economic terms for the reactivation of the socio-cultural fabrics of historic urban spaces in decline. What was initially considered an advantage has led to the touristification of historic centers, and in turn to the alteration of their original use. In these settings, the demographic void caused by increasingly shunning local identity has combined with pressure from excessive tourism and the obsolescence of heritage protection bodies in charge of conservation. Given the crisis affecting the definitions of the current system, this study aims to review the environmental agents of heritage value in relation to the processes of touristification and gentrification. Data obtained from different methodologies are analyzed using a multidisciplinary database, a model which enables the analysis of the relevant information from the different interacting fields. This case study focuses on the historic town center of Seville, specifically between 2015 and 2020. Elements are defined as indicators for these processes and the analysis of this case study will comprise the main results of this research.

Evaluation of Open Geotechnical Knowledge in Urban Environments for 3D Modelling of the City of Seville (Spain)

The need for sustainable urban growth management and preventive conservation of built elements constitute the key factors in today’s increasing demand for the better understanding of subsoil. This information, mainly available from geotechnical surveys, can be integrated into spatial databases to produce operational models. Aiming to generate strategies that enable the visualisation of underground properties in highly anthropised environments, the following four-phase methodology has been proposed: (a) Gathering of geotechnical data; (b) Spatial and statistical analysis; (c) Database design; (d) Generation of 2D and 3D models. Following the aforementioned criteria and using open sources, a spatial dataset of 650 points located within the historical centre of Seville (Spain) has been developed. This urban area is characterised by the heterogeneous distribution of its soil layers and their geotechnical properties. The results show that the application of this method enables a prompt and efficient display of the distribution of geotechnical layers in urban and metropolitan environments, by considering the variations in their mechanical properties. This simplified approach therefore establishes a new starting point for the development of predictive strategies based on approaches of a more complex nature that facilitate the analysis of the interactions between subsoil, buildings, and infrastructures.

A Tale of Two Cities and Cycling: Halifax, Canada versus Seville, Spain

Cycling is one of the most sustainable modes or urban transportation and cities around the world are taking steps to create safe cycling infrastructure to accelerate cycling uptake across all ages and abilities. There is considerable variability in how cycling infrastructure is planned, implemented and funded. In this commentary, we compare the actions and experiences of the Canadian city of Halifax and the Spanish city of Seville. We identify three lessons to implement a minimum grid to promote cycling. The first lesson is to invest and mobilize sufficient funds to build a complete network quickly. The second is to create institutional bodies with sufficient authority to implement the network. The third is to use best practice designs from the start. Comparing the processes of these two cities helps to illustrate some of the institutional and bureaucratic barriers that other cities can learn from.

Emotions of Candidates on Twitter in the 2023 Seville City Council Election: A Second-Order Campaign?

This paper analyses the messages that candidates emitted on the social network Twitter (now called “X”) during the campaign for the 2023 municipal elections in the city of Seville and the emotions they used. This type of electoral process has usually been deemed as second-order elections within multilevel governance political systems, implying that the national arena may affect local dynamics to some degree. Thus, the main research objective is to determine the extent to which elements of nationalisation were used in candidates’ rhetoric, along with the emotional components associated with each political formation during a local campaign somewhat relevant on the state level. A total of 960 tweets were retrieved through R Statistics and the Application Programming Interface of the social network itself. They were then analysed drawing upon the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count programme. The results show that certain elements of nationalisation were indeed used by candidates, in addition to emotional-level differences present in their messages. This accentuates the evident need for further research on municipal elections and campaigns, as well as on their potential distinctive features regarding political jurisdiction.

Protein supplement consumption prevalence, habits and complications in adolescents

IntroductionThe consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health. MethodsProspective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in 6 schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content. ResultsWe obtained a total of 263 valid responses that showed a prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements of any kind of 19.01%, of which 56.0% (10.64% of the total) corresponded to adolescents that consumed protein supplements for a mean protein intake of 0.26 g/kg/day (SD, 0.18). The profile of consumers of any type of supplements differed from that of nonconsumers in age, use of long-term medication and weight loss or high-protein diets. The comparison of adolescents who consumed protein supplements versus nonprotein supplements only evinced a significant difference in the control of supplement consumption. Although most of these adolescents were not subject to external control, 25.92% of those who consumed protein supplements were monitored by a professional, compared to 7.38% of consumers of nonprotein supplements. In the group that consumed protein supplements, 85.18% of adolescents achieved the desired effect and 18.51% reported some form of negative effect. ConclusionsThe prevalence of protein supplement consumption among adolescents in our area is 10.64%, with consumption of amounts corresponding to 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein. The profile of protein supplement consumers is very similar to that of nonprotein supplement consumers.

Prevalencia, hábitos de consumo y complicaciones de los suplementos nutricionales proteicos en adolescentes

IntroductionThe consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health. Material and methodsProspective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in six schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content. ResultsWe obtained a total of 263 valid responses that showed a prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements of any kind of 19.01%, of which 56.0% (10.64% of the total) corresponded to adolescents that consumed protein supplements for a mean protein intake of 0.26 g/kg/day (SD, 0.18).The profile of consumers of any type of supplements differed from that of nonconsumers in age, use of long-term medication and weight loss or high-protein diets. The comparison of adolescents who consumed protein supplements versus nonprotein supplements only evinced a significant difference in the control of supplement consumption. Although most of these adolescents were not subject to external control, 25.92% of those who consumed protein supplements were monitored by a professional, compared to 7.38% of consumers of nonprotein supplements. In the group that consumed protein supplements, 85.18% of adolescents achieved the desired effect and 18.51% reported some form of negative effect. ConclusionsThe prevalence of protein supplement consumption among adolescents in our area is 10.64%, with consumption of amounts corresponding to 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein. The profile of protein supplement consumers is very similar to that of nonprotein supplement consumers.

Variability of heat stress using the UrbClim climate model in the city of Seville (Spain): mitigation proposal

Climate change is creating an increase in temperatures, which is harming the quality of life of people all over the world, particularly those with minimal financial resources. While 30% of the world’s population is now vulnerable to extreme heat, estimates show that ratio will rise to 74% in the next 20 years, according to forecasts. Using the UrbClim climate model, this study examines the space-time variability of the heat stress index (HI) in different local climate zones (LCZs), as well as how heat wave conditions might affect this index based on land use and land cover. To that end, Seville, in Southern Spain, was investigated during the summer of 2017, when it had four heat waves. The following indices were considered for each urban sub-area: Normalized Difference Vegetation, Proportion Vegetation, Normalized Difference Built, and Urban Index. The goal is to conduct a statistical analysis of the link between the aforementioned elements and the heat stress index in order to recommend mitigation and resilience techniques. Our findings showed that compact and industrial LCZs (2, 3, and 10) are less resistant to HI than open and rural regions (5, 6, B, D, and G), which are more resistant to HI due to higher vegetation rates. The heat wave condition exacerbates the HI in all LCZs. As a result, initiatives such as enhancing open space, increasing green space, or using green roofs and façades might alleviate heat stress and improve people’s quality of life.

Urban Environment of Disappeared Heritage: Graphic Analysis of Puerta Real in Seville

The city of Seville experienced a remarkable rise in the 16th century thanks to trade with America. Based on a report by the architect Hernán Ruiz, it was decided to renovate the gates of the walled city. The Puerta Real, also called Puerta de Goles, was remodelled between 1560 and 1566, and King Philip II entered through it in 1570. However, it was demolished around 1864, and only the remains of the adjacent wall stand today. This research aims to graphically analyse the gate and its immediate surroundings to gain a more profound knowledge of it and to promote its heritage value. To this end, an extensive collection and analysis of historical images has been carried out, which are essential for understanding the transformations of the site. A photograph by Masson (c. 1855–1860) was next used to support the virtual reconstruction of the gate. A 3D laser scanner was also used to document the existing archaeological remains and, via game-engine technology, to recreate rigorously, for the first time, this 16th-century gate in its current environment. This research could be useful for future scientific reconstruction to promote the heritage revitalisation of this city area.

MANAGEMENT PROPERTIES AND PROCEDURES IN THE INFORMATION MODEL OF THE HISTORIC BUILDING HBIM ON BUILDING FACADES

Abstract. Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) has become the ideal tool for professionals studying building conservation and restoration. The BIM model allows one to identify structural deformations following three-dimensionally resolved models. In addition, this methodology is specifically designed to register parametric construction models, as an information manager by adding semantic components to the model, including information on the different transformations of the historical artefact, and allowing continuous progress in the building's life cycle. In this work, graphic information and data related to conservation projects are compiled that allow a management of all the documentation integrated in the same Project, from all the disciplinary fields related to the heritage conservation and rehabilitation process. Specifically, from the geometric identification and the restoration documents, it is intended to develop an experimental application where both terrestrial laser scanning records and the use of image processing routines can allow automatic operations to monitor alterations in façades, in order to subsequent control by conservation experts. For this, a building with certain characteristics has been chosen, such as the Miguel de Mañara palace in the city of Seville. A building that has a main façade of 43.30 metres in length by 6.75 metres in height and, in which its façade rotates in an angled guideline to adapt to the urban planning of the time. The analysis is based on the applicability of two segmentation algorithms and the construction of the multilayer enclosure model where the different stratigraphies of the results obtained are exposed.

Wireless and Low-Power System for Synchronous and Real-Time Structural-Damage Assessment

The rise of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and the evolution of Low-Power Wide-Area Networks have directly contributed to the emergence of a new generation of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems based on the Non-Destructive Test approach. Consequently, this article presents the design and development of a synchronous, low-cost, real-time, wireless, and low-power consumption SHM system for pre-existing buildings and infrastructures, which has been validated on a structure built in the High Middle Ages forming part of the historical heritage of the city of Seville (Spain). The system proposes a modular and scalable design with the capacity for synchronous monitoring of the accelerations of a structure thanks to the deployment of several reduced-size nodes that acquire and transmit the accelerations of the structures through a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) NB-IoT connection. This aspect and Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) capability enables the permanent deployment of sensor nodes, thereby not only obviating the use of costly traditional devices but also granting access to the structures to be monitored for each test and maintenance task and hence supporting the tasks related to the preventive conservation of heritage. The experimental tests carried out demonstrate the low impact of GPS time synchronization and FOTA on the autonomy of the system. The precision of the system is also validated by comparing the results with a precision system in a real field test. Furthermore, continuous monitoring is guaranteed through the graphical interface developed as a composition of microservices, which enables management of the deployed networks.

Street Guide as a Literary Genre: La Manada City

This study thoroughly examines La Manada (The Wolf Pack) City, an artwork that illuminates the various forms of violence and oppression experienced by urban communities, particularly women and marginalized groups. Our research specifically focuses on the literary elements of this painted map which demonstrates the transition from defensive to artistic strategies as a means of survival. Initially, we aim to provide a comprehensive background of the artwork, including its title, social context, the incidents that inspired the idea, and the author’s activism. Subsequently, we scrutinize the literary resources of the 257 items that comprise the street guide of the map. By analysing the various names given to locations on the map, including literary devices and semantic fields, we observe reminiscences of classic surrealist paintings and the artist’s ability to protect herself while revealing the violence hidden behind the guise of antithesis, alliteration, metaphor, and other literary devices. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our research, we compared it to two other maps with different intentions. Our findings confirm the strength of La Manada City, which operates both locally and globally. As a representation of the former emporium city of Seville, our map exposes the adverse impact of dominant capitalistic strategies on community life, perpetuating inequalities for countless “poor owners of the world” by disregarding nature and culture.

Energy Consumption Prediction of Electric City Buses Using Multiple Linear Regression

The widespread electrification of public transportation is increasing and is a powerful way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using real-world driving data is crucial for vehicle design and efficient fleet operation. Although electric powertrains are significantly superior to conventional combustion engines in many aspects, such as efficiency, dynamics, noise or pollution and maintenance, there are several factors that still hinder the widespread penetration of e-mobility. One of the most critical points is the high costs—especially of battery electric buses (BEB) due to expensive energy storage systems. Uncertainty about energy demand in the target scenario leads to conservative design, inefficient operation and high costs. This paper is based on a real case study in the city of Seville and presents a methodology to support the transformation of public transportation systems. We investigate large real-world fleet measurement data and introduce and analyze a second-stage feature space to finally predict the vehicles’ energy demand using statistical algorithms. Achieving a prediction accuracy of more than 85%, this simple approach is a proper tool for manufacturers and fleet operators to provide tailored mobility solutions and thus affordable and sustainable public transportation.

Unravelling the impact of courtyard geometry on cooling energy consumption in buildings

At present, the energy used for air conditioning in buildings in urban areas accounts for over 36% of total global energy consumption. Energy efficiency has become a critical factor in the urban planning of cities worldwide. Courtyard buildings in hot cities are a prime example of the approach used in traditional vernacular architecture to mitigate the effects of extreme weather. However, given the challenge of guaranteeing accurate modelling of microclimates within these courtyards, their impact on energy demand in buildings has been routinely overlooked by energy certification tools.This work examines three empirical case studies selected in Seville city (Spain), where temperatures during the summer months are extreme. The case studies selected display distinct geometric variations, and the primary objective of the research is to assess the influence of this geometric factor on the cooling energy demand of the building indoors. To achieve this, a validated methodology combining experimental and numerical data was implemented to evaluate the energy performance of buildings with courtyards. Different simulations were conducted to detect the impact of individual courtyard features. The results show a reduction in cooling demand of 8–18% depending on the geometry of the courtyard. Analysis was also carried out on the influence of the floor level and the orientation of adjacent rooms, revealing differences of 15% and 22%, respectively. The main conclusion of the research is that the use of courtyards as functional devices, paying particular attention to their geometry, is a key factor in the cooling energy demand of buildings.

Oral Health Status in a Group of Roma Children in Seville, Spain.

Identify the oral health status through an epidemiological survey of the population of gipsy children in the city of Seville. The WHO (World Health Organization) criteria for oral health surveys were used in the study with children aged 6 to 13 years carried out in two Seville schools located in neighborhoods with a high percentage of gypsy population (Polígono Norte and Sur of the city of Seville). The final sample consisted of 108 children in whom the DMF (decay-missing-filled index) for primary dentition was 5.0 + -3.1 for the 6-9 year-old age group and the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) for the 10-13 year-old group was 4.5 + -3.3. The frequency of brushing was low, with a significant percentage of children not brushing their teeth (42.3%). The striking feature is that 26.9% of children had never visited the dentist despite their basic dental care being covered by the regional government. The children studied present high levels of caries compared to the rest of the Spanish population, as well as very low levels of oral hygiene. Given the lack of success of existing oral health programmes among this population, a different intervention is needed, taking into account the idiosyncrasies of the gipsy community.

Assessment and Actions to Support Integrated Water Resources Management of Seville (Spain)

AbstractIntegrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) of the city of Seville, Spain, located in the southern Guadalquivir River Basin is assessed applying the city blueprint approach (CBA). The trends and pressures framework identifies five major indicators reflecting ‘concern’ for Seville’s urban water management: heat island effect, urban drainage flooding, river peak discharges, unemployment rate and economic pressure. The results indicate increased daytime and night-time temperatures and increased urban flooding due to sealed soil, and river rise from regional precipitation under climate change. The financial pressures are driven by the high unemployment rate and the low per capita income compared to other cities assessed. The city blueprint framework identifies three categories reflecting ‘poor’ performance for the urban water management of Seville: water infrastructure, solid waste and climate adaptation. An aging sewer network, low operational cost recovery and combined-sewer overflow systems dominate. Solid waste management is characterized by high waste generation, low recycling rate and minimal energy recovery. The percentage of green space is low, but growing. The Governance Capacity Framework identifies five conditions reflecting ‘limited’ governance of water scarcity: awareness, useful knowledge, continuous learning, agents of change and financial viability. The assessment of water governance reflects a low citizens’ sense of urgency. Integrating citizens and stakeholders in a more participative governance will result in increased awareness of economic efforts required to face water scarcity, renewal of water infrastructure and climate adaptation. The blue city index (BCI) of Seville is 5.8/10, placing it highly among other Mediterranean cities, and in the top 20% of 125 cities assessed worldwide. Application of the CBA to the urban water resources of cities allows clear definition of water and resource management challenges and is the first step to becoming a ‘water smart’ city.

Exploring the Intention to Adopt Sustainable Mobility Modes of Transport among Young University Students.

This research arises from the need to accelerate the diffusion of sustainable mobility and the call for research on this topic. The Sustainable Development Goal 11 of the 2030 Agenda, the scientific articles on sustainable mobility systems and the advance of micro-mobility, shared mobility, Mobility on Demand (MOD) or Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in recent years manifest the importance of sustainable urban development. Given this reality, this paper explores the elements and factors that condition the adoption of a sustainable mobility mode of transport. An empirical study was carried out in the city of Seville through an electronic questionnaire delivered to university students. Our exploratory approach is an innovative point of view that can help us to better understand the reasons for the successful adoption of sustainable mobility modes of transport. The most relevant results of this study indicate that the user's perceived impacts on sustainability and customer forces influence the adoption of a mode of transport by citizens, whereas the product forces seem not to influence thTABLEis. Therefore, cities and companies that have put their emphasis exclusively on improving mobility products and services, without taking citizens into account, are less likely to succeed. Additionally, governments should consider that economic issues or environmental concerns of citizens act as drivers of innovation in urban mobility.