Area Of Madrid Research Articles

Spatial dimension changes in second hand housing prices in Alcalá de Henares and León (Spain)

The objective of this study is to show different recent trends (2001-2009) in second-hand housing prices in Spain and in different neighbourhoods in Alcala de Henares and Leon, both of which are cities with very diverse economic and demographic characteristics. The first is a city in the metropolitan area of Madrid, with high landprices. The increasing demand for housing in Alcala de Henares is a good alternative for households, in view of high prices in Madrid. The second is Leon, the capital of the province of Leon, which is undergoing a depopulation process. We will demonstrate that house price dynamics is a local phenomenon and national or regional level data conceal interesting differences within cities (districts and neighbourhoods). The latest rise and decline in housing prices is clearly visible on the outskirts and sometimes non-existent in the town centre area.

El Aragoniense Medio y Superior en el Suroeste de Madrid: Los nuevos yacimientos de Micromamíferos del Mioceno Medio de Villaviciosa de Odón y Leganés

This paper discloses two new sites in the southwestern area of Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odon and Leganes, which have provided two rich micromammals associations of different ages. The micromammal association of the Villaviciosa de Odon site determined in this work is composed by the following taxa: Lagomorpha: Lagopsis penai; Erinaceomorpha: Galerix cf. exilis; Soricomorpha: Miosorex cf. grivensis; Rodentia: Atlantoxerus sp., Microdyromys sp., Armantomys tricristatus, Megacricetodon collongensis and Democricetodon sp. This association, mainly by the evolutionary stage of Megacricetodon collongensis, corresponds to the E local biozone after Daams & Freudenthal (1988a) from the end of the Middle Aragonian which is correlated with the end of the MN 5 Unit of Mein (1975). The micromammal association of the Leganes site consists of the following taxa: Lagomorpha: Lagopsis verus; Erinaceomorpha: Galerix cf. exilis; Rodentia: Heteroxerus cf. rubricati, Armantomys sp., Megacricetodon collongensis-crusafonti and cf. Democricetodon sp. Mainly by the evolutionary stage of Megacricetodon collongensis-crusafonti this association corresponds to the G1 local biozone after Daams et al. (1999 a y b) which is correlated with the MN 6 Unit of Mein (1975). It is the only site known in Madrid of this age. Both micromammals associations suggest an open environment dominated by hard vegetation of steppe kind, and a dry and relatively warm climate.

La repercusión del bilingüismo en el rendimiento académico en alumnos de colegios públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid

The purpose of this study is to analyze if there are differences in academic achievement for students in the second and third cycles of Primary Education depending on their attendance in bilingual or non-bilingual public schools in Madrid. A quasi-experimental design has been used with nonequivalent control group. The sample was composed of 2.153 students from 3rd to 6th grade of Primary Education enrolled in 12 public schools in the eastern area of Madrid. The academic achievement is measured by GPA and external examinations (Diagnosis Test of 4th grade of Primary Education and CDI Test of 6th grade of Primary Education). In connection with the CDI test, there are significant differences in favour of bilingual schools in Language and Mathematics. In the external test of 4th grade there were not significant differences. Regarding the GPA, there are significant differences in favour of non-bilingual schools in Science and English.

Paving the road toward Smart Grids through large-scale advanced metering infrastructures

Upgrading current electricity grid to the so-called Smart Grid represents one of the major engineering challenges ever. Hence, the road toward the Smart Grid will be long and needs to be paved gradually, certainly driving the next wave of research and innovation in both the energy and the ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) sectors. Currently, the earliest stages of such a complex project are being undertaken and AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructures) stand out as the first steps toward the Smart Grid. The Spanish R&D (Research and Development) demonstration project PRICE-GEN aims to be a flagship AMI project at both national and international level. It is focused on increasing the awareness of the status of the low voltage power distribution network through an optimal and interoperable communications architecture which provides detailed information on customers’ consumption and generation. The project entails the deployment of over 200,000 smart meters in the area of Madrid, such a pilot scheme being also used as reference in other European R&D projects, such as the IGREENGrid (IntegratinG Renewables in the European Electricity Grid). This paper presents the communications architecture and technologies which are deployed in the field, analyzing how they fit some specific Smart Grid communications requirement. In addition, the paper describes in detail the pilot itself along with the services which are currently been delivered as well as with the foreseen ones. Finally, the main trends in AMI from the ICT perspective are also discussed.

Dos perspectivas del Este del Retiro

This paper analyzes two perspectives drawn by the architect Lorenzo Gallego Llausas for two urbanization plans in the area of Madrid to the East of the Retiro. The target is to investigate why two drawings predictably made by the same author and so close in time use graphic resources so different for its task of depicting the city that is been planned. The study of the circumstances that conditioned its gestation will serve us to understand how these differences respond mainly to the urban approach of the proposals they convey. These drawings illustrate how the features of the container (the drawing of the city in this case) are intrinsically related to the intention of the contents: that is, the urbanization plan.

A method to evaluate the adaptability of photovoltaic energy on urban façades

Solar simulation and evaluation tools are essential for the design of novel energy and environmental strategies. To date, a number published studies in this area focused on the analysis of flat roofs and small urban areas. This paper presents a method, based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), for defining the potential of photovoltaic solar energy over urban façades. The method enables the generation of 3D solar maps from two standard data sources, namely cadastral cartography and data on solar irradiance registered by the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET, for its initials in Spanish).A series of charts have been generated relating the urban and solar geometries as a result of the numerical model. The charts permit the study of the optimal parameters for the photovoltaic integration over façades. In addition, a study conducted over a representative urban area of Madrid is discussed as an example of the applicability of the discussed methodology.Finally, the adequacy of the Spanish Technical Edification Code (CTE, for its initials in Spanish), defining thresholds regarding the usability of photovoltaic energy, has been tested both theoretically and through the case study. Our study concludes that this regulation hinders the architectural integration of photovoltaic devices given the strict usability thresholds adopted.

Risk Factors for Men’s Intimate Physical Aggression in Spain

This study tests a model of physical aggression in a sample of 194 men being treated for physical or psychological aggression in the greater Madrid area of Spain. The prevalence of aggression in this sample was lower than in a US batterer sample. In the path model highlighted here, borderline personality traits and alcohol problems were identified as risk factors for physical aggression perpetration and the role of borderline traits was mediated by psychological aggression. A reciprocal relationship was found between psychological perpetration and victimization but not physical perpetration and victimization. These findings are discussed within a cross-cultural context; conceptual and treatment implications are also addressed.

Reducing Major Lower Extremity Amputations After the Introduction of a Multidisciplinary Team for the Diabetic Foot

We analyzed the incidence of lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in the 3rd Health Care Area of Madrid before and after the March 2008 introduction of a multidisciplinary team for managing diabetic foot disease. We compared the amputation rates in people with and without diabetes during 2 periods: before (2001-2007) and after (2008-2011) the introduction of a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Unit (MDFU). We also analyzed the trend of the amputation rates by joinpoint regression analysis and measured the annual percentage change (APC). During the study period, 514 nontraumatic LEAs were performed, 374 (73%) in people with diabetes and 140 (27%) in people without the disease. The incidence of LEAs showed a significant reduction in major amputations in people with diabetes, from 6.1 per 100 000 per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.9 to 7.2), in the 2001 to 2007 period, to 4.0 per 100 000 per year (95% CI = 2.6 to 5.5) in the 2008 to 2011 period (P = .020). There were no changes in incidence of minor or total amputations in the diabetic population or in amputations in the nondiabetic population during the study period. Joinpoint regression analysis showed a significant reduction in the incidence of major LEAs in diabetic population with an APC of -6.6% (95% CI = -10.2 to -2.8; P = .003), but there were no other significant changes. This study demonstrates that the introduction of a multidisciplinary team, coordinated by an endocrinologist and a podiatrist, for managing diabetic foot disease is associated with a reduction in the incidence of major amputations in patients with diabetes.

Abstract T P185: Effectiveness Of A Telestroke System In A Metropolitan Area: A Prospective Cohort Study. The Madrid Telestroke Project

Introduction: our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a Telestroke system, in terms of an increase in the number of patients treated with intravenous (IV) thrombolysis and a shorter door-to-needle time, in the metropolitan area of Madrid, Spain. Methods: prospective observational cohort study: 1) cohort exposed to Telestroke: acute ischemic stroke patients attended at Infanta Sofia University Hospital (community hospital) connected by Telestroke with the Stroke Center at La Paz University Hospital; 2) Non-exposed cohort: acute stroke patients who are attended at Severo Ochoa University Hospital (community hospital) connected by phone with the Stroke Center at Ramon y Cajal University Hospital. The number of patient attended, number of IV thrombolysis, times used (min), and the number of unnecessary transfers were recorded. We analyzed the first two years of the Telestroke (March 2010-March 2013). Results: in the Telestroke cohort the system was activated in 44 patients, being stroke code in 30 cases. In the non-exposed cohort 29 phone calls were made, being stroke code in 27 cases. In the Telestroke cohort, IV thrombolysis were administrated in 66.43% (19/30) of patients whereas in the non-exposed only 37% (10/27) received this treatment (p = 0,047). The door-to-needle time was shorter in Telestroke cohort than in the non-exposed cohort (mean (SD), 76.9 (33.3) vs. 132.7 (62.5), p = 0,022). In addition, there were fewer unnecessary secondary transfers in the Telestroke cohort (4% vs. 22.2%, P NS). Conclusion: the implementation of a Telestroke system in a metropolitan area is effective, increasing the number of IV thrombolysis and reducing the door-to-needle times.

Root Calcretes and Uranium-Bearing Silcretes At Sedimentary Discontinuities In the Miocene of the Madrid Basin (Toledo, Spain)

Abstract This paper reports a detailed study of the calcrete and silcrete profiles in the Miocene detrital deposits in the western area of Madrid, at the boundary of two main sedimentary units. The aims of this work were to better understand the pedogenic and diagenetic environments in which these profiles formed and to determine the cause(s) of their enrichment in uranium. Calcrete and silcrete duricrusts are characteristic features of closed continental basins in semiarid climates; this paper discusses the significance of duricrusts as indicators of important change in such basins. The detailed macromorphological, micromorphological, and geochemical study of three duricrust profiles revealed the sequence of pedogenic, vadose, and groundwater processes responsible for their formation. During the first stage of their development, carbonate laminae formed a white “grill-like” structure within the detrital parent materials. The microstructure and macrostructure of the carbonate, which includes alveolar septal structures and needle-fiber calcite, indicates the important role of roots and their associated microorganisms in calcrete formation. Early silicification occurred in the pedogenic-vadose environment affecting the detrital parent material, roots, and calcretes, forming an early silcrete defined by opaline glaebules and silica rhizoliths. The detailed preservation of the cells in the silicified roots denotes the early replacement of root organic matter. The green or green-yellowish fluorescence of the silicified root structures under short-wavelength UV shows their preferential enrichment in uranium. Calcitization and silicification coexisted in the pedogenic vadose environment, leading to several reversible replacements of calcite and silica. Later, the rise of the water table promoted silicification under phreatic conditions, as indicated by the good preservation of the texture of the detrital host rocks and calcretes. Other silcrete textures, such as ovoidal opaline accumulations, intraclasts produced by autobrecchification, and vadose silica cements, indicate later vadose environments, and consequently variations in the water table. The geochemical features of the calcretes and silcretes (major, minor, and rare earth elements) were inherited from their parent materials. The rare-earth-element patterns of some silcretes show them to have a positive Ce anomaly, suggesting that oxidizing conditions reigned during their formation. The good correlation between silica and uranium suggests that the silica phases acquired uranium through the direct silicification of roots that had fixed uranium from organic matter. This study shows that calcrete–silcrete duricrusts provide detailed information regarding the processes occurring in semiarid continental basins. In the studied basin, roots played a key role in both the development of the duricrust profiles and their enrichment in uranium. These duricrusts provide important information for understanding the overall stratigraphy of the studied basin and its large-scale sequential evolution.

Competencia socioemocional en el aula: Características del profesor que favorecen la motivación por el aprendizaje en alumnos de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria

RESUMENNo se puede negar el incremento en los diez últimos años de investigaciones y publicaciones centradas en la Competencia Socioemocional. En concreto, este estudio aborda uno de los procesos que, según Goleman (1996), forma parte del constructo Inteligencia Emocional: la motivación. Numerosos estudios tratan su relación con el rendimiento y el fracaso escolar (González, Mendiri y Arias, 2002; Brier, 2006). El aumento de los índices de desmotivación en las aulas, unido a un rendimiento académico cada vez menor en algunos grupos de alumnos —a los que se unen aspectos y situaciones familiares disfuncionales—, justifica este estudio acerca de uno de los factores que más incidencia puede tener en los alumnos y sobre el que se puede intervenir: se trata de las características de los profesores que son percibidas como motivadoras por sus alumnos. En concreto, el estudio aborda el análisis de las diferencias en función de los diferentes cursos, el sexo y los factores de motivación según la Escala de Motivación Académica (EMA, Manassero y Vázquez, 1997, 1998). Para ello, se presentan los primeros hallazgos de un estudio, con una muestra incidental de 350 alumnos de ESO, pertenecientes a dos colegios concertados de diferentes áreas de Madrid. El trabajo concluye con algunas pautas de intervención para los profesores, que se consideran recomendables en la actuación en las aulas.ABSTRACTIt can’t be denied that, in the last ten years, research and publications focusing on Social and Emotional Competencies is increasing. This study addresses one of the processes, which according to Goleman (1996), is part of the Emotional Intelligence construct: motivation. Numerous studies deal with its relationship with performance and school failure (Gonzalez, Mendiri and Arias, 2002; Brier, 2006). The increased rates of demotivation in the classroom, coupled with an increasingly lower academic performance in some groups of pupils, together with dysfunctional family situations, justify this study about one of the factors with more impact on students: the characteristics of teachers who are perceived as motivating by the students. Specifically, in this paper, the differences taking into account the courses, the sex and the motivational factors according to the Academic Motivation Scale (EMA, Manassero and Vazquez, 1997, 1998) will be analyze. For this propose, the first findings of a study, with an incidental sample of 350 students from two schools in different areas of Madrid, will be presented. The paper concludes with some recommended guidelines for intervention for teachers in the classroom.

The Role of Social Networks in the Creation and Development of Business among African Immigrants in Madrid Area (Spain)

The Role of Social Networks in the Creation and Development of Business among African Immigrants in Madrid Area (Spain) Richard M. Mababu Abstract Social networks provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to gain information from a wide variety of sources, to get capital, to test idea of business, to gain moral and material support, and to get talents for the venture. Immigrants use their social networks as a strategy to maximize their opportunities of integration and success in the host country. This study explores the impact of social networks on African immigrants business creation and growth in Madrid area (Spain). A survey was conducted among 200 African immigrant entrepreneurs in Madrid area, using faceto- face interviews by mean of a questionnaire. The findings indicate that more than 75 per cent of African immigrant entrepreneurs interviewed decided to go abroad for Political instability in their home country and for economic reasons. Moreover, this study shows that the social networks play an important role in African immigrants for the start up and development of business. Family, friends and ethnic ties are among the largest part of the social networks where African entrepreneurs find the main resources they need to run their business. African entrepreneurs value the positive role of cultural factors in their success. Practical implications and recommendations for future researches are discussed. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jsbed.v2n3-4a3

Characterisation of the ex vivo virulence of Leishmania infantum isolates from Phlebotomus perniciosus from an outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid, Spain

Since mid 2009, an outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid, Spain, has involved more than 560 clinical cases. Many of the cases occurred in people who live in areas around a newly constructed green park (BosqueSur). This periurban park provides a suitable habitat for sand flies (the vectors of Leishmania infantum). Indeed, studies of blood meals from sand flies captured in the area showed a strong association between the insect vector, hares or rabbits, and humans in the area. Interestingly, up to 70% of cases have been found in immunocompetent patients (aged between 46-60 years). This study was designed to evaluate the ex vivo virulence of the L. infantum isolates from Phlebotomus perniciosus captured in this area of Madrid. Murine macrophages and dendritic cells were infected ex vivo with L. infantum strain BCN150, isolate BOS1FL1, or isolate POL2FL7. At different times after infection, the infection indices, cytokine production (IL-12p40 and IL-10), NO release and arginase activities were evaluated. Using an ex vivo model of infection in murine bone marrow-derived cells, we found that infection with isolates BOS1FL1 and POL2FL7 undermined host immune defence mechanisms in multiple ways. The main factors identified were changes in both the balance of iNOS versus arginase activities and the equilibrium between the production of IL-12 and IL-10. Infection with isolates BOS1FL1 and POL2FL7 also resulted in higher infection rates compared to the BCN150 strain. Infection index values at 24 h were as follows: BCN150-infected cells, 110 for infected MØ and 115 for infected DC; BOS1FL1-infected cells, 300 for infected MØ and 247 for infected DC; and POL2FL7-infected cells, 275 for infected MØ and 292 for infected DC. Our data indicate that L. infantum isolates captured from this endemic area exhibited high virulence in terms of infection index, cytokine production and enzymatic activities involved in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniosis. Altogether, these data provide a starting point for the study of the virulence behaviour of parasites (BOS1FL1 and POL2FL7) isolated from P. perniciosus during the outbreak of human leishmaniosis in Madrid, Spain, and their involvement in infecting immunocompetent hosts.

Evidence ofLeishmania infantumInfection in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in a Natural Area in Madrid, Spain

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important neglected zoonosis and remains endemic in at least 88 developing countries in the world. In addition, anthropogenic environmental changes in urban areas are leading to its emergency world wide. Zoonotic leishmaniasis control might only be achieved by an integrated approach targeting both the human host and the animal reservoirs, which in certain sylvatic cycles are yet to be identified. Recently, hares have been pointed out as competent reservoirs of Leishmania infantum in Spain, but the role of other lagomorphs has not been clarified. Here, 69 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from a natural area in Madrid in which a high density was present were analyzed using indirect (immunofluorescence antibody test, IFAT) and direct (PCR, culture) techniques. Fifty-seven (82.6%) of the animals were positive to at least one technique, with IFAT yielding the highest proportion of positive samples. L. infantum was isolated in 13% animals demonstrating the occurrence of infection in this setting. Our results suggest that rabbits could play a role of competent reservoir of L. infantum and demonstrate that the prevalence of infection is high in the analyzed area.

Current status of L. infantum infection in stray cats in the Madrid region (Spain): implications for the recent outbreak of human leishmaniosis?

BackgroundSince 2009, the incidence of human leishmaniosis in the SW of the Madrid region has been unusually high. Although dogs are the main reservoir for this disease, a role played by dogs in this outbreak has been ruled out and investigators are now considering other hosts (eg. cats, rabbits, hares) as possible alternative reservoirs.This study was designed to examine the Leishmania infantum status of stray cats in Madrid to assess its possible implications in the human leishmaniosis outbreak.Methods346 captured stray cats were tested for antibodies against L. infantum by the indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) and nested-PCR methods were used to detect Leishmania DNA in blood samples of cats testing seropositive for L. infantum and/or retroviruses infection. Cats were also tested for Toxoplasma gondii using the direct agglutination test (DAT) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies (PetChek* FIV/FeLV). The presence of intestinal parasites was determined using a routine coprological method.ResultsThe seroprevalence of L. infantum infection (cut off ≥ 1/100) was 3.2% (11/346). However, it was not possible to amplify Leishmania DNA in any of the blood samples. Seropositivity was not associated with sex, age, capture site, clinical status, retrovirus infection or T. gondii seropositivity. Of the 11 cats seropositive for L. infantum, 3 also tested positive for FIV, none for FeLV and 6 for T. gondii. It should be mentioned that the prevalence of FeLV p27 antigen was 4% and of FIV antibody was 9.2%. Although the seroprevalence of T. gondii was quite high at 53.5%, no T. gondii oocysts were found in any of the faeces samples analysed (n = 287). In contrast, intestinal parasites were detected in 76 (26.5%) samples, Toxocara cati being the most prevalent.ConclusionsOur results suggest a stable L. infantum infection situation among the stray cats of the Madrid area; the disease is uncommon and no clinical cases have been reported to date. The detection of other zoonotic parasites such as T. gondii and T. cati in stray cats indicates a need to adopt strict control measures in this population.

<b>Precariedade urbana e vulnerabilidade social. O caso de Canãda Real Galiana, na Espanhab<b>

Spain’s Cañadas Reales exist since the 13th century XIII as a passage for cattle. Current essay deals with the irregular occupation of the Real Cañada of Galiana in the metropolitan area of Madrid, between the municipalities of Coslada, Rivas-Vaciamadrid and Madrid. It was only from 2008 that the government started to act on the issues involving the place. In fact, it is a heavily occupied region with few official data. Estimates give about twenty to forty thousand inhabitants. Actually it is a space occupied by gypsies, Moroccans, poor Spaniards and immigrants of several nationalities. Legislation exists that the population will be removed in two years. Current research presents the precarious integration conditions at the spatial and social levels of the resident population and reflects on the impact in an eventual eviction.

Perspectives of Livestock Farmers in an Urbanized Environment

Agriculture and its conflicts is a traditional debate in contemporary rural geography, associated with the organization and transformation of cultural landscapes by social groups. One of the most important areas of research is the perspectives and responses of farmers on the urban-rural fringe. The problems associated with land use change and the varying influences on new uses of traditional landscape introduce renovating and permanent elements to the management, responses and perspectives of farmers: extensification, changes in the organization of farm, relocation, etc. The purpose of this research is to analyze the conflicts, key responses and perspectives over farmland uses and their coexistence with the main dynamics of local and regional land use governance in the metropolitan rural area of Madrid, Spain. This contribution presents the main results of an empirical research in a key area in the north of the Madrid region: the municipalities of Colmenar Viejo and Tres Cantos. The methodology is mainly qualitative, based on an ethno geographical approach concerning livestock farmers directly affected by the urbanization process. The main results reflect the relevance of local politics and the individual livestock farmers’ strategies.

Distribución espacial de las clases altas en la región metropolitana de Madrid 2001-2011

La articulación espacial de elites y clases altas influye en el desarrollo urbano, puede condicionar la viabilidad de los servicios municipales y desencadenar polémicos procesos de gentrificación. Estos patrones de distribución territorial de las clases altas se estudian para la región metropolitana de Madrid mediante tres perspectivas: del análisis multivariable y cartográfico; de la intensidad de la segregación; y de la articulación interna que genera la movilidad obligada entre municipios. Los resultados indican que la CAM presenta cinco grandes conglomerados de municipios especializados socioespacialmente: tres de clase alta y medio-alta situados al norte y oeste de la comunidad, uno de carácter mixto al este (el subsistema entorno a Alcalá de Henares) y uno de clases bajas en el sur. Los datos a nivel de secciones censales muestran una fuerte segregación y un patrón característico de la CAM: centros urbanos con alta presencia.

“Economic Impact of Pedestrianisation in Historic Urban Centre, the Valdemoro Case – Study (Spain)”

Building activities in urban centres involving pedestrianisation are never bereft of controversy. In this paper we shall look at the methodology applied by the Authors in the Valdemoro case (a town of around 60,000 inhabitants located within the metropolitan area of Madrid) in order to evaluate the economic impact on the local area of the pedestrianisation programme which has been planned and is currently being carried out in stages as part of the Sustainable Mobility Plan to which the town adheres.•Firstly, a benchmarking was undertaken in which different experiences of pedestrianisation were assessed, and through the application of a Delphi method results analysis, management and expert groups were able to decipher the responses.•Secondly, a specific market study was undertaken in the Valdemoro area through contacts with local trading associations, people from the business world to quantify the specific impact which this type of construction might have. Contacts were made with commercial representatives in the town: trade associations and guilds, business centres, the local Chamber of Commerce, The Central Traders’ Association, and which are others as yet unspecified. Taking into account what has been mentioned beforehand and the benchmarking results, an assessment is made using a model which allows us to:∘Perform recommendations on which businesses to develop.∘Evaluate the impact on the area as a whole.∘Detect the most widely affected businesses.∘To fix the conditions to guarantee success from the economic viewpoint of the pedestrianisation programme.

The Upward Occupational Mobility of Immigrant Women in Spain

This paper studies the upward occupational mobility trajectories of immigrant women performing unskilled work as a first job in Spain. The goals of the research are to go beyond the debate that focuses on the structural elements that condition their labour trajectories in Spain and to include both personal factors and the way in which these women use their agency in order to shape their labour trajectories. We have opted for a mixed-method approach, using data from the National Immigrant Survey ENI-2007, combined with 42 socio-biographical interviews with immigrant women from Latin America living in the metropolitan areas of Barcelona and Madrid.