Costa Del Sol Research Articles

How Gastronomic Image Shapes Tourism Competitiveness: An Approach with Sentiment Analysis

The competitiveness of tourist destinations is influenced by their relative attractiveness, which will play an essential role in their global success; gastronomy is one of the main motivations that lead tourists to visit a given destination. This research aims to investigate gastronomy’s role in the destination’s competitiveness and image through the analysis of online reputation, both in terms of ratings and sentiments provided by the experience, through the creation of an index of the online reputation of gastronomic image. Online restaurant reviews retrieved from TripAdvisor, from restaurants belonging to eight tourism destination regions, considered the competitive set to the Algarve, are analysed by applying sentiment analysis algorithms. With regard to the Algarve region, it was concluded that the Costa del Sol and the Tropical coast were the most competitive regions in terms of gastronomic image, where the inclusion of seafood products in meals was one of the strategic aspects used to increase the competitiveness of this region. These results can help restaurant managers and destination management organisations to better understand the different customer needs and how to increase their competitiveness.

Spanish tourist industry during the Franco’s regime through the touristic cinema (1951-1977)

Mass tourism in Spain became one of the most prosperous economic sectors in the mid-twentieth century, collaborating in the process of convergence with Europe, using the seductive power of the media, especially the cinema. A quantitative and (to a lesser extent) qualitative analysis methodology was followed. After reviewing the academic literature, the records of the National Film Library were consulted, selecting 87 films of tourist content and of national production, during the period of operation of the Ministry of Information and Tourism (1951-1977). The results have made it possible to identify the tourist segments, the cinematographic genres, the type of tourists, national or foreign, as well as the heritage elements and the services present in the tourist product of the time, visualizing the scenarios where the plots of the films are developed. The cinematography allows showing the elements that constitute the economic tourism model of Franco’s Spain, focused on towns on the Mediterranean coast, especially on the Costa del Sol. The research translates the antecedents of tourism marketing, using cinema as a means of communication that recognizes the economic transformation of Spanish society and the new image of Spain to be projected abroad.

Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence, Management and Outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia: Experience in a Spanish Hospital.

This work aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mortality and incidence of complications in patients with bacteraemia due to Staphylococcus aureus (BSA). All episodes of BSA at the Costa del Sol University Hospital (Marbella, Spain) were recorded during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-March 2022) and compared with those in a previous period (February 2018-February 2020). Demographic, clinical and prognostic variables were recorded. The outcomes were measured as 14- and 30-day mortality and the incidence of complications/death. Mortality during the pandemic was 28.7% at 14 days and 35% at 30 days, while in the pre-pandemic group, it was 18.9% and 23.3%, respectively. For overall complications/deaths, the incidence rate was higher in the pandemic group, with 42.7%. No significant differences were observed between groups. Seventeen patients with COVID-19 were identified, with mortality rates of 64.7% and 70.6% at 14 and 30 days. Multivariate analysis established the presence of sepsis at diagnosis as a predictor of mortality, but not BSA, during the pandemic phase. In conclusion, BSA is a disease with high mortality, which was slightly higher during the pandemic phase. No differences were found in adherence to the bundle in our centre.

Gen Zers' Behaviour Towards Sustainability in a Mature Coastal Destination

ABSTRACTThis study provides insights into the attitudes, knowledge, behaviour and commitment of Gen Z tourists toward sustainability. The research was conducted on 1188 participants in the Western Costa del Sol (Andalusia, Spain), a well‐established coastal destination. The study also estimated, through a chi‐squared test and the Mann–Whitney U model, the premium price that Gen Z tourists are willing to pay for visiting a more sustainable destination. The results indicate that Gen Z has a good understanding and a high level of commitment towards sustainable tourism. However, only 10% of Gen Z tourists were willing to pay more for a sustainable destination. The study analyses the reasons behind this finding. Finally, the research suggests recommendations for understanding the consumption behaviours and practises of young travellers.

The paradox of success: Water resources closure in Axarquia (southern Spain)

Axarquia is a semi-arid region in southern Spain that in the past 25 years has experienced significant population growth, along with an economic boom driven by an increasing influx of tourists to Costa del Sol and the expansion of irrigated export-oriented subtropical crops. The combination of these factors has led to a chronic structural scarcity condition that has been intensified by the occurrence of a long and extreme drought. As a result, its only reservoir has reached historically low levels and the piezometric levels in its main aquifer have decreased significantly, suggesting that groundwater reserves are being overexploited. The water crisis is impacting citizens (urban supply), farmers (losses of yields and crops), and the environment (decreasing water reserves). The authorities have responded through supply-side measures such as incorporating reclaimed wastewater in the system and planning the deployment of desalination infrastructure in the region, but demand control and proper governance are required to guarantee sustainability. Consequently, in this case study we apply the European Environment Agency's DPSIR (driving forces, pressures, state, impact, and response model of intervention) framework to understand the basin closure process in Axarquia and assess the main actions that have been undertaken by public and private sector stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the region. Our results provide a valuable reference case to support the analysis of similar closure events, the early identification of potential crisis conditions, and the design of potential solutions in water scarce regions in the European Union, the Mediterranean, and elsewhere.

Effects of Hydrotherapy on the Management of Childbirth and Its Outcomes-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The main objective of this study was to generate further evidence on maternal and birth outcomes associated with the use of hydrotherapy during labor, specifically aiming to describe the effects of water immersion during all stages of labor (first, second, and third) on women. A retrospective cohort study was carried out on a random sample of women who gave birth at the Costa del Sol Hospital between January 2010 and December 2020. The calculated sample size was 377 women and the data were extracted from their partograms. After data extraction, two groups were formed: one group used hydrotherapy during childbirth (n = 124), while the other group included women who did not use hydrotherapy during the childbirth process (n = 253). The results highlight significant differences in pain perception, analgesia use, types of labor, and delivery times between the two groups. Women who did not use hydrotherapy reported higher pain perception, with a median (IQR) of 8 (7-9) on a numerical scale, compared to a median (IQR) of 6 (5-7) for the hydrotherapy group. Furthermore, the group without hydrotherapy required epidural analgesia in 40% of cases, while in the hydrotherapy group, it was only necessary in 20%. In terms of the type of delivery, the hydrotherapy group had more spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to the non-hydrotherapy group, which had more operative vaginal deliveries. The overall duration of labor was longer in the hydrotherapy group, especially in women who arrived at the hospital late in labor. Hydrotherapy is associated with a longer time to delivery. Women with a higher pain tolerance tend to opt for hydrotherapy instead of epidural analgesia.

Evaluation of the EasyNAT SARS-CoV-2 assay PCR test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are commonly utilized in commercial settings but pose challenges due to labor-intensive procedures and extended response times during peak demand. In contrast, real-time fluorescence and isothermal amplification assays using Crossing Priming Amplification (CPA) offer faster genetic material analysis, eliminate subjectivity, and require less manipulation and personnel training.This study aimed to validate the EasyNAT SARS-CoV-2 Assay, a diagnostic kit based on CPA, using oral and nasopharyngeal samples. The EasyNAT kit was compared to the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 kit, evaluating 873 samples obtained during routine analysis at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, Spain).The overall sensitivity and specificity for the EasyNAT SARS-CoV-2 Assay were 79.1% (95%CI 74.5–83.7) and 99.5% (95%CI 98.7–100), respectively; with, validity index of 91.9%, positive predictive value of 98.9%, negative predictive value of 88.9%, positive likelihood ratio of 144.5, negative likelihood ratio of 0.21 and a total Youden Index of 0.79. Notably, sensitivity improved in fresh samples (91.4%), along with a high Youden Index (0.91).The EasyNAT SARS-CoV-2 Assay achieved a higher percentage of concordance in positive samples with Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 when analyzing cycle threshold (Ct) intervals below 30 compared to intervals equal or greater than 30, and demons.In conclusion, the EasyNAT SARS-CoV-2 Assay demonstrated high sensitivity and agreement with Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2, particularly in fresh samples or when the signal was detected at Ct intervals below 30, indicating higher viral loads. This makes it suitable for rapid screening in various settings, including those with limited access to conventional molecular laboratory setting.

Local gastronomy as a destination tourist attraction: The case of the ‘Chiringuitos’ on the Costa del Sol (Spain)

The purpose of this study is to analyse whether the local gastronomy of the Costa del Sol in Malaga (Spain) is a relevant factor in the choice of destination by foreign tourists. Specifically, it analyses the culinary offer and the gastronomic characteristics of the food and the service offered in the typical beach-bars: the Chiringuitos. The authors began their research with fieldwork based on opinions of tourists collected through questionnaires completed after their gastronomic experience. The results revealed three different groups of tourists according to their attitudes towards local gastronomy, with different predispositions and gastronomic knowledge. The authors concluded that tourists have different levels of satisfaction and motivation depending on whether the tourists were identified as being in one particular segment or another. This research aims to fill the literature gap on gastronomic interest in a destination traditionally focused on sunshine tourism.

Oportunidades perdidas en la detección temprana de la infección por VIH en pacientes con infecciones de transmisión sexual: un estudio de vida real

IntroductionSexually transmitted diseases such as cervicitis, proctitis and urethritis are associated with high rates of HIV infection. When these pathologies are suspected, HIV serology should be requested. Material and methodsA Retrospective study was performed during 2018 at the Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Spain). HIV serologies requested in patients who were asked for PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were reviewed. ResultsA total of 1818 patients were evaluated, in which HIV serology was performed in 44.7%, of which 14 (1.7%) were positive. The remaining 55.3% were missed diagnostic opportunities. ConclusionsC.trachomatis and N.gonorrhoeae infections are associated with a high rate of occult HIV infection. The degree of suspicion of HIV in this population remains low and it is essential that it be reinforced in the presence of the possibility of infection by these pathologies.

Unpacking the unequal privileges within transnational lifestyle relocation: Swedish lifestyle migrants' advantages and challenges in the Spanish housing market

AbstractLifestyle relocation is a highly privileged form of mobility. However, the extent of such privilege needs to be addressed theoretically and empirically in countries such as Spain where lifestyle migration is rising. This article dissects the extent of such privilege by analyzing the economic advantages and challenges that different social groups have when acquiring properties for lifestyle reasons. By lifestyle reasons we understand here a mix of economic, leisure and life change motivations underlying lifestyle migrants' property acquisition.To explore the unequal advantages and challenges faced by lifestyle migrants, we explore the variegated economic strategies conducted by Swedish lifestyle migrants in the property markets in the coastal areas of Majorca, Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca in Spain. Such trajectories that illustrate the extent of the privilege of lifestyle migrants are analyzed by (i) dissecting the privileged position of lifestyle migrants in what Wright labelled as the ‘relations of production’; by (ii) exploring how the position in the relations of production intersect with other social structures and particularly age, gender and civil status; and by (iii) categorizing the trajectories of Swedish lifestyle migrants in the Spanish housing market according to three main positions of privilege: less advantaged, advantaged and super advantaged.

Safety and Effect of the Use of Hydrotherapy during Labour: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Hydrotherapy is a technique used for pain management during labour, but its safety for both the mother and foetus remains uncertain. The main aim of this study is to determine whether the use of hydrotherapy in the first stage of labour is safe for both the mother and newborn. A retrospective observational study was conducted to collect data from the partogram, maternal and neonatal history. A total of 377 women who gave birth at the Costa del Sol Hospital in Malaga between January 2010 and December 2020 were randomly selected. They were divided into a control group (253 women) and an intervention group (124 women) that used hydrotherapy in the first stage of labour. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, history of previous miscarriages, type of delivery, or newborn weight. The results showed that most women who opted for hydrotherapy were nulliparous, and the use of hydrotherapy during labour was safe for both the mother and foetus. There were no significant differences in the variables of maternal arterial hypotension, postpartum haemorrhage, postpartum maternal fever, foetal complications, neonatal admission, 1 and 5 min Apgar scores, umbilical arterial or venous pH, or foetal cardiotocographic recording. However, there was a significant difference (p = 0.005) in the rate of breastfeeding among mothers who opted for hydrotherapy (96% vs. 85.7%). The use of hydrotherapy during the first stage of labour is safe and is associated with increased breastfeeding rates compared to conventional delivery.

Combining multiple geostatistical analyses to assess the past, present, and future of fragile Mediterranean deltaic environments

Littoral plains in general and those of the Mediterranean rivers and ramblas, are highly vulnerable territories. Understanding the past and present conditions of these areas is the best strategy to design efficient land management plans to prevent degradation such as pollutants, soil sealing, erosion, etc. in the near and medium future. In this research, different mapping techniques (land-use changes in twelve different years using manually digitalisation and field observations, from 1956 to 2019, and pattern analysis using ecological landscape indexes), multivariate statistical analyses (Spearman rank coefficient and Principal Component Analysis), and predictive models (Markov chain) are combined to assess the past, current, and future status of the Vélez River delta (Málaga province, Southern Spain), a representative vulnerable territory situated in the popular touristic area of Costa del Sol. We also included a demographic analysis using annual population census data (current inhabitants and projections) and a climate trend analysis (Mann-Kendall test) considering temperatures, precipitations and wind data. Our results demonstrate that the drastic urbanization, including new settlements, roads, and ways, has negatively impacted the delta area, even the alluvial plain, beaches, and natural sand deposits. From 1956 to 2019, >70 ha of deltaic area have been lost. The largest category of land-use, cultivated fields, accounted for up to 72.4 % of the total delta area in 1984. However, this was reduced to 41.1 % by 2019. The alluvial plain and beaches/sand deposits started from 9.3 and 11.8 %, and decreased to 5.2 and 5.9 %, respectively. Also, climate change (especially in temperature) could affect some spatial patterns. Predictive models reveal that it is likely that abandoned spaces, sand deposits, and beaches, will be transformed into new urban areas and, to a lesser extent, into cultivated fields. We concluded that the conservation of the cultivated lands, although decreasing in the area over the studied period, obtained the highest correlation with the delta conservation. Therefore, we affirm that efficient plans, which promote specific changes in land use, would contribute to stopping the degradation of the delta such as pollution of natural areas or soil sealing. Specifically, a plan should be developed to preserve sustainable agriculture and control urban sprawl.

Longitudinal assessment of the eating pattern of people with dementia and its association with problems for feeding and malnutrition: a prospective follow-up study protocol

IntroductionDementia conditions the patient’s nutrition from the beginning and vice versa. Generating difficulties for feeding (FEDIF) will influence its evolution. There are currently few nutritional longitudinal studies in people with...

Landscape Value in the Spanish Costa del Sol’s Real Estate Market: The Case of Marbella

Housing prices are influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. This study aims to highlight the economic impact of the perceived landscape on single-family houses prices in a Spanish Mediterranean urban area (Marbella). Considering the landscape an important added value in real estate markets, this study also explores the landscape elements that contribute the most to the value of housing. A particularly positive influence of mixed views (urban elements and Mediterranean scrub) and sea views is detected in the analysis. Sea views are highly requested in the local housing market, but due to the graded topographical layout of Marbella, it is not very difficult to have sea views for houses. The low importance of views on natural land areas is worth noting when one of the attractions of this municipality is that of a highly valued Mediterranean natural environment. Views on the old town centre are somewhere in between: although the old town centre is highly regarded, with a generally good state of preservation, the sampled properties have poorer quality perspectives, with reduced visual basins and views centred on the foreground, usually the houses opposite.

A Different Processing of Time-Domain Induced Polarisation: Application for Investigating the Marine Intrusion in a Coastal Aquifer in the SE Iberian Peninsula.

This study presents the developments regarding the time-domain induced polarisation method as a supporting tool for resistivity soundings during investigations of coastal detrital aquifers that are salinized by marine intrusion. The interpretation of resistivity measurements in such aquifers, which have variable hydrochemistry and lithology, involves uncertainties owing to the presence of low-resistivity lithologies, such as clays. To reduce these uncertainties, the use of other geophysical parameters is necessary; hence, this study focuses on induced polarisation since it can be measured simultaneously with resistivity. In detail, we propose the determination of induced polarisation using 1D techniques while developing a different algorithm for processing the induced polarisation data. The aim is to extend the results of this phenomenon, using, instead of chargeability, the concepts of polarisability and decay time, which are extracted from the decay curve, given that they represent more intrinsic properties of the various analyzed subsurface media. Results were obtained by applying this methodology to a Quaternary aquifer of the Costa del Sol in the SE Iberian Peninsula (in the province of Almería) during two different campaigns, one in mid-autumn and one late winter (i.e., in October and February, respectively) are presented. The results reveal the position of the saline front during each campaign while reflecting the seasonal movement of the marine intrusion.

Digital social networks as tools of citizen movements

Faced with the environmental plundering resulting from the tourism boom in southern Spain, a number of groups have emerged to promote the defense of the natural heritage. In Malaga, capital of the "Costa del Sol", eight citizen platforms have been detected that use digital tools to amplify their demands. This study analyzes the strategy used by these movements in order to assess the planning of their presence on Facebook. The methodology used was the content analysis of this digital social network and the qualitative analysis of the results obtained, as well as semi-structured interviews with the leaders of these groups.

Transcultural Dwelling. Japan’s Pioneer Architect Miho Hamaguchi and her last Project in Spain

Miho Hamaguchi (1915-1988) was the first woman to be a licensed architect in Japan. A pioneer in domestic design during the postwar period, she built and consulted on thousands of houses throughout her prolific career. However, she is a little-known figure both in Japan and in the international debate. Her representation in architectural historiography is limited to her influence on kitchen design, but her writings and work go far beyond. Hamaguchi's legacy is one of bold residential architecture that embodied democratic ideas in spatial configurations. She promoted the house as a fundamental tool for gender equality, leaving behind a feudal and patriarchal system. At the end of her career, she found in Costa del Sol the perfect place to carry out a residential project as a cultural exchange. "Kaiyo Club" became a set of three houses since the first design in 1974 until the subsequent extensions were completed in 1987. Throughout its different stages, the project shows a striking Spanish-Japanese transfer where different architectural languages coexist. The white-walled exterior dialogues with the vernacular, while its interior unfolds Japanese patterns with tatami-floored rooms or ofuro-style bathrooms. These dwellings present a unique hybrid materialization, displaying Hamaguchi's design from a humanistic stance, blending of locally rooted modernist spatial principles and reinterpreted traditions.

Development of a Clinical Prediction Rule for Adverse Events in Multimorbid Patients in Emergency and Hospitalisation.

(1) Background: There is currently a global consensus that the quality of comprehensive care for acutely hospitalised elderly people should include addressing functionality and mobility, cognitive status, prevention of pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, falls and delirium, as well as pain control and medication-related problems. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a clinical prediction rule for multimorbid patients admitted to an acute care hospital unit for any of the five adverse events included in our vulnerability pentad: falls, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, pain and delirium. (2) Methods: Longitudinal analytical clinimetric study, with two cohorts. The study population will consist of multimorbid patients hospitalised for acute care, referred from the Emergency Room. A clinical prediction rule will be proposed, incorporating predictive factors of these five adverse outcomes described. This study has received funding, awarded in November 2020 (PI-0107-2020), and was approved in October 2019 by the Research Ethics Committee ″Costa del Sol″. (3) Conclusions: Preventing adverse events in hospitalised patients is particularly important for those with multimorbidity. By applying a clinical prediction rule to detect specific risks, an estimate can be obtained of their probability of occurrence.

Participación del paciente a través de la escucha activa. A propósito de la remodelación de un servicio de extracciones

Background and objectiveFrom listening to patients there arises the possibility of improving both the care and the health infrastructure that users frequent. Our purpose of study was to explore the perception of users about the means and the care received involved in a hospital service through active listening, and to evaluate the satisfaction perceived after the opening of the renovated area. MethodsA mixed methodology evaluative investigation was carried out within the context of the Extraction Service of the Costa del Sol Hospital, using qualitative methodology to assess the perception of users, and quantitative methodology through a satisfaction survey to identify the change after remodeling of the area. ResultsThrough a qualitative approach, improvements have been identified in terms of the internal and external infrastructure of the center, highlighting the need to personalize spaces depending on the profile of the patient attended. In evaluating the impact after remodeling the area, patients have a higher overall satisfaction both from the healthcare professionals who attend them and from the healthcare center. ConclusionsThrough the use of a mixed methodology, useful information has been incorporated for a project to improve a hospital infrastructure, and a subsequent evaluation of the positive impact on the satisfaction perceived by users after remodeling.

Impact on the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Costa del Sol healthcare system area

Introduction and aimsGastrointestinal perforation is a surgical emergency that is associated with a high mortality rate and requires special care. During the pandemic, there has been competition with COVID-19 patients for health resources, especially ICU bed availability. The primary aim of our study was to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases registered before the pandemic. Materials and methodsA retrospective, observational, single center, cohort study was conducted that included patients that underwent emergency surgery for gastrointestinal perforation in the periods during the pandemic (6 months) and before the pandemic (12 months). Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, duration of hospital and ICU stay, status at discharge, and perforation site were compared. ResultsThe study included 67 subjects (33 in the pre-pandemic period and 34 in the pandemic period). There were no significant differences regarding sex, age, or comorbidity. The perforation rate per emergency intervention was 4-times higher during the pandemic. There was an increase in the number of patients that were foreigners (4 [11%]) and nonresidents (6 [17%]). ICU admissions decreased (6 [19%]) but ICU stay increased to 137 h. Hospital stay increased by 5 days and delay in care increased 4.5 h. The number of deaths was higher (from 5 [15.2%] to 10 [29.4%]). Four patients with perforations were positive for COVID-19, were admitted to the ICU, and died. ConclusionsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic there was an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal perforations at our healthcare system area; symptoms were more advanced, and mortality was higher.