Province Of Malaga Research Articles

A Study on Anomie and Neoliberalism: The Role of Social Disconnection on Well-Being

This study analyses whether the levels of anomie and social disconnection as consequences of the perceived implementation of neoliberal economic measures have a negative influence on the well-being of individuals. The study sample consisted of 334 Spanish participants residing in the city and province of Malaga, Spain (201 women and 133 men). The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 80 years (M = 33.22, SD = 15.35). The results obtained in our research showed that anomie and social disconnection exert a serial mediation on the relationship between perceived neoliberalism and well-being. It was obtained that perceived neoliberalism had a positive effect on anomie and that anomie had a positive effect on social disengagement, while pointing to social disengagement having a negative effect on well-being. The results are interpreted from the perspective of social identity, assuming that a society as being in a state of anomie fails to satisfy important psychological needs. This anomie causes individuals to perceive themselves as more disconnected, and as such not benefiting from the potential positive effects of group membership and social identification.

On intra-urban differences in the destinations of emigrants from the Municipality of Malaga (Spain): An approximation based on the municipal register of inhabitants

Emigrants who left the Municipality of Malaga in the 2017–2021 period went to multiple destinations, mostly municipalities located in the province of Malaga itself, more specifically in its metropolitan area. Average housing prices in these metropolitan municipalities are highly variable, and, in this context, it is reasonable to assume that there will be a relationship between the income levels of emigrants and their destination. Based on a special processing of the Municipal Register of Inhabitants of the Municipality of Malaga, we show how a relationship can effectively be found between the average household income (AHI) of the census tract of origin of the emigrants and the average price of housing in the destination municipality, both for the whole group of emigrants and for selected age groups – children and young adults. A relationship that points to an overrepresentation of municipalities with high housing prices in the sections with the highest income, and vice versa.

Resilience Strategies of Students in Highly Complex Educational Contexts: Opportunities for Inclusive Pedagogical Transformation

The COVID-19 pandemic had various effects on the social, personal and educational spheres that made it necessary to rethink how to respond to new emerging needs. In Spain, a massive closure of schools occurred, which led to a transition from face-to-face teaching to emergency remote teaching. This led to the implementation of pedagogical measures to ensure continuity in the teaching process. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of the pandemic on the educational and personal trajectories of students from their own experiences of attending a poorly performing school in the province of Malaga (Spain). The methodology was qualitative, and the information was collected through a focus group. The most relevant results indicated that the students, in response to the pandemic situation, developed resilience strategies to cope with the lack of technological devices, connectivity problems, difficulties in managing their emotions and the absence of interactions with their peer groups. The main conclusions include the need to build resilient and inclusive educational spaces as key pillars for educational transformation.

Inadequate Pollination Is a Key Factor Determining Low Fruit-to-Flower Ratios in Avocado

Avocado is an evergreen tree that exhibits protogynous dichogamy and displays a massive flower production, characterized by a high abscission of unfertilized flowers and developing fruitlets, ultimately leading to a low final fruit set. A common practice to improve avocado pollination involves introducing honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) hives during the flowering season. To evaluate the extent of inadequate pollination in avocado, the effect of different beehive densities on the percentage of flowers receiving pollen during the female flower stage was examined for seven years in an experimental orchard located in Southern Spain. A total of 17,288 flowers were observed under the microscope for this purpose. Additionally, pollen deposition was evaluated in five “Hass” avocado commercial orchards under different management strategies situated in the Malaga province (3960 flowers). The results obtained reveal that the percentage of flowers with pollen at the end of the female stage ranged from 2.85 (0.13% fruits retained at the end of June) in orchards without honey bee hives to 4.34 (0.11% fruits retained) in orchards in which 10 beehives per ha were placed. This percentage increased significantly to 13.79 after introducing 24 honey beehives per ha (0.21% fruits retained). Furthermore, the percentage of pollinated flowers in the commercial orchards remained below 15% even in those orchards in which pollen donors and honey bee hives were present. Thus, insufficient pollination could be considered as a primary limiting factor in avocado production under Mediterranean climates. Enhancing pollinator diversity and increasing their numbers could be a viable strategy to improve the percentage of avocado flowers receiving pollen during the female stage.

Simulations of a tornadic supercell event in the south of Spain: Sensitivity to initial and boundary conditions and microphysics parameterizations

A tornadic supercell near the village of Campillos (Malaga province) occurred on 26 August 2019 with several associated damages. In this study, we analyze the sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to initial and boundary conditions and microphysics parameterizations when reproducing this particular event. A total of 20 cases were simulated with four initial and boundary conditions (ERA5, GDAS/FNL, GFS, HRES-IFS) and five microphysics parameterizations (WDM6, Goddard, Morrison, Thompson, WSM6). Forecasts are quantitatively compared with 10-min observations at 153 weather stations for the following variables: temperature at 2 m (T2), relative humidity at 2 m (RH2), wind speed at 10 m (U10) and accumulated precipitation in 3 h (PCP3h). Similarly, the spatial verification method MODE (Method for Object-Based Diagnostic Evaluation) has been used to evaluate the reproduction of convective storms by high-resolution numerical simulations. Our results indicate that microphysics plays a key role in this event, being more relevant than initial and boundary conditions. In particular, Goddard configuration combined with ERA5 or IFS initial and boundary conditions has shown the best overall performance. Simulation based on Goddard and ERA5 captured features to diagnose the development of severe convection. Therefore, WRF model, with the correct parameter sets, was able to reproduce the environmental conditions for supercell formation. The spatial resolution used in the simulations was appropriate to explicitly generate a supercellular storm, although it was not sufficiently high to resolve the formation of tornadoes. Nevertheless, the model showed signs of an environment favourable to tornadogenesis.

Shadow Theatre as a Performative Art for the Development of Uninhibited Corporal Expression and Group Cohesion in Sixth-Grade Students of Primary Education

Shadow theatre is an educational resource based on the use of silhouettes and the body as a means of communication. It allows the incorporation of music and sound effects that help students discover movement possibilities in the stage space. It also encourages collaborative work through the creation of groups. Therefore, the aim of this research is the incorporation of shadow theatre as a performance art for the promotion of uninhibited corporal expression and group cohesion. An action-research methodology is used to define a didactic proposal that incorporates shadow theatre in the field of music education at primary school. The learning situation is carried out in two public schools in the province of Malaga, with a sample of 213 students. The results indicate that shadow theatre effectively improved pupils’ body expression and group cohesion. Some students had initial difficulties, but thanks to the anonymity provided by this resource, fear of ridicule was reduced. It is proposed to compare this resource with theatre in order to define whether the method of incorporating the shadow is really effective.

Doctors’ perception of red wine consumption and cardiovascular health

IntroductionThe consumption of red wine has historically been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk, with sometimes controversial scientific evidence. MethodA survey was carried out via whatsapp dated 09/01/22 to a cohort of doctors from the province of Malaga, asking about possible healthy red wine consumption habits, differentiating: never, 3–4 glasses per week, 5–6 weekly drinks and 1 daily drink. Results184 physicians answered, with a mean age of 35 years±11.1, of which 84 (45.6%) were women, distributed in different specialties, the majority being Internal Medicine with 52 (28.2%). The most frequently chosen option was D (59.2%), followed by A (21.2%), C (14.7%) and B (5%). ConclusionsMore than half of the doctors surveyed recommended zero consumption, and only 20% indicated that a daily drink could be healthy in non-drinkers.

Overview of Second Chance Schools in the Province of Malaga (Spain): A case Study

The rate of early school leavers (ESL) in Andalusia is relatively high, reaching 21.8% in 2020. This will condition the employability of specific population sectors and, to some extent, other exclusionary dynamics. Second Chance Schools (E20) are proposed as an educational alternative for those who have dropped out of school early.
 In this paper, we will analyze the profile of E20 users in the Malaga province and their motivations and expectations. We found that the majority of the participants in the Second Chance School programs in the province of Malaga are Spanish women aged 16-22 years old and living in Malaga City.
 The average drop-out age is 16 years old, and the main reason is demotivation and disinterest (29.5%, followed by family reasons (25.3%). The primary motivation for returning to studies is "self-improvement." The level of satisfaction of the participants is relatively high and has a very positive effect on other areas of life.

Recent developments in immigration patterns. A case study in the province of Malaga (Spain)

Foreign population play an important role in the Axarquía in the province of Malaga, Spain, where in some municipalities they account for over 40% of residents. Many of them have very small populations, and have come to depend on immigration to maintain population levels. In this context, the objective of our research is to assess the impact that both Brexit and COVID-19 pandemic have had on immigration into these areas. We show how Brexit has led to an increase in the number of britons registered with their Local Councils, in part due to the post-Brexit need to do so; and how the limitations in mobility resulting from the pandemic led to a reduction in immigration into the area to just a few arrivals from nearby areas. We end by showing that just a year later, the migratory movements into the Axarquía had returned to normal levels.

Virtual reality to improve low-back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy: a pilot RCT for a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

A significant proportion of women experience low back and pelvic pain during and after pregnancy, which can negatively impact their daily lives. Various factors are attributed to these complaints, and many affected women do not receive adequate healthcare. However, there is evidence to support the use of different physiotherapeutic interventions to alleviate these conditions. Virtual reality is a promising complementary treatment to physiotherapy, particularly in improving pain perception and avoidance. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a four-week program combining VR and physiotherapy compared to standard physiotherapy in pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain, in terms of improving pain avoidance, intensity, disability, and functional level. The study also aims to investigate patient satisfaction with the VR intervention. This research will be conducted through a multi-center randomized controlled clinical trial involving pregnant patients residing in the provinces of Seville and Malaga with a diagnosis of low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. The alternative hypothesis is that the implementation of a Virtual Reality program in combination with standard physiotherapy will result in better clinical outcomes compared to the current standard intervention, which could lead to the development of new policies and interventions for these pathologies and their consequences. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05571358.

Characteristics of hospitalized patients with hypercalcemia in the province of Malaga: a longitudinal, retrospective, multicenter study

Background and objectiveThere are limited studies analyzing hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients. Our objectives were to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with hypercalcemia, estimate its prevalence in the hospital setting, analyze the rate of correction of hypercalcemia, and identify prognostic variables. Materials and methodsObservational, longitudinal, retrospective, and bicentric study. Adult patients admitted to two hospitals in Málaga (2014–2018) with a diagnosis of hypercalcemia were included. The minimum follow-up was 2 years or until death. ResultsA total of 205 patients with hypercalcemia were included (incidence: 0.13%). The mean age (SD) was 68.2 (13.1) years, with a predominance of males (55.1%). The median (IQR) serum calcium at admission was 13.1 (11.8–14.6) mg/dl. The most common etiologies were neoplasms (75.1%), primary hyperparathyroidism, and medications (both 8.8%). The median (IQR) follow-up period was 5.1 (1.7–60.3) weeks.The most commonly used treatments were fluid therapy (86.8%), loop diuretics (70.9%), bisphosphonates (60.7%), and glucocorticoids (46.2%). The rate of correction of hypercalcemia was 65.2%, with a median (IQR) of 6 (3–10) days. The mortality rate was 81.5%. The median (95% CI) survival was 5.1 (3–7.3) weeks. Factors associated with higher mortality were advanced age, neoplastic etiology, serum calcium at admission, and failure to correct hypercalcemia. ConclusionsHypercalcemia in hospitalized patients is mainly due to neoplastic processes and is associated with high mortality. We observed a low rate of adherence to recommendations for the management of hypercalcemia.

Percepción de los médicos frente al consumo de vino tinto y la salud cardiovascular

IntroductionThe consumption of red wine has historically been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk, with sometimes controversial scientific evidence. MethodA survey was carried out via whatsapp dated 09/01/22 to a cohort of doctors from the province of Malaga, asking about possible healthy red wine consumption habits, differentiating: never, 3-4 glasses per week, 5 -6 weekly drinks and one daily drink. ResultsA total of 184 physicians answered, with a mean age of 35 years ± 11.1, of which 84 (45.6%) were women, distributed in different specialties, the majority being internal medicine with 52 (28.2%). The most frequently chosen option was D (59.2%), followed by A (21.2%), C (14.7%) and B (5%). ConclusionsMore than half of the doctors surveyed recommended zero consumption, and only 20% indicated that a daily drink could be healthy in non-drinkers.

Zoonotic Parasites in Playgrounds in Southern Spain: A One Health Approach

Zoonotic parasitic diseases are considered a global threat to public health. In this sense, canines and felines may be infected by different cosmopolitan parasites, with playgrounds serving as an important focus of infection for humans, as well as domestic or wild animals. Knowledge of the epidemiological situation of parasites in animal reservoirs integrated into the environment, identifying the spread pathways, is a key element for an effective response to this threat. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the frequency of intestinal parasites with zoonotic potential in 120 playgrounds in the Malaga province (Spain). Samples were processed and analysed following standard parasitological procedures. Some 36.7% of playgrounds were parasite-positive with one or more zoonotic parasites. The most common parasites recovered were nematodes (60.0%), followed by protozoan species (33.3%) and cestodes (6.7%). In the parasite-positive playgrounds, Toxocara spp. (17.0 ± 3.5%) and Giardia duodenalis (17.0 ± 3.4%) were the most predominant parasites. In addition, 34.1% of playgrounds were infected with multiple parasites. Our results show a high presence of parasitic forms with zoonotic potential in playgrounds in Malaga, Spain. Due to the close contact between pets and humans in playgrounds, the potential zoonotic risk may increase if prevention and control measures are not designed.

A new taxon of Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from the southern Iberian Peninsula (Andalusia, Spain)

A new species, Euphorbia guadalhorcensis of Euphorbia subgenus Esula, section Paralias is described and illustrated. The new species can be separated from the other species in the section by several morphological characteristics, such as chamaephytic and erect habit, and the presence of indumentum on the leaves, stems, dichasia, cyathia, and fruits. In addition, a morphometric study of the ibero-balearic species of sect. Paralias showed that the seeds of the new species are different by having the longest caruncles and highest relation caruncle length/seed length. The new taxon occurs on the low, xeric, and rocky mountains of Sierra del Hacho de Pizarra and Sierra del Hacho de Álora, both localised in the Guadalhorce River Valley in the province of Malaga (Andalusia, Spain).

Concepção e programação de um jogo de vídeo educativo. Um estudo de caso no Ensino Primário

This article show an experience of creating a "serious game" video game in a multilevel classroom of a rural school located in the province of Malaga (Spain) during the 2018/19 school year. In order to know the limitations, weaknesses and potentialities inherent in a project of this complexity and to analyze the perceptions, learning and educational experiences of the students. We have used a qualitative methodology. From a methodological perspective, throughout the entire school year, in-depth interviews and discussion groups have been carried out in which all the students and teachers who have been involved in the project have participated. The analysis of the information provided mainly shows limitations related to teacher training and that the design and creation of a video game contributes to the development of technical, curricular, attitudinal and transversal skills, abilities and knowledge in students. In conclusion, the creation of video games in the classroom brings personal, curricular and professional benefits to the students, however, it is necessary, on the one hand, to expand the offer and improve the training quality of the teaching staff -initial and continuous-, and, on the other On the other hand, promote the development of educational projects that facilitate the involvement of agents outside the center.

Modeling the Rainfall Exploitation of the Reservoirs in Malaga Province, Spain

In areas with scarce water resources, it is so important to analyze the connection between the different elements of a river basin and the water collected by the basin’s reservoir, to determine and predict the spatial and temporal variability of water on it. In this paper, we use the basic principles of hydrological modelling to develop a model for the exploitation of rainfall in reservoir basins in the province of Malaga, Spain. The monthly water input data of the seven reservoirs in the province of Malaga, provided by the Hidrosur Network of the Automatic Hydrological Information System (SAIH), as well as the precipitation and daily temperature of the stations of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) associated with the basins of each of these reservoirs were used. We assume that the entrance to a reservoir in a given month must depend on the precipitation produced in its watershed (both the amount of rain and the intensity with which it fell), the precipitation collected from the previous months (and the way in which it was produced) and the evapotranspiration produced during that period. For each reservoir, we propose a model with nine parameters to simulate the arrival of rainfall to the reservoir, covering aspects from the amount and intensity of rain, past and present, to the level of evapotranspiration on a given area for a given date. These nine parameters are optimally adjusted through an artificial intelligence algorithm to maximize the correlation between real and simulated contributions. The results show how this model, adjusted for each reservoir, will let us predict how changes in the rainfall and temperature patterns, predicted, for example, by the IPCC models, will affect the future water levels at the studied reservoirs.

Natural hazards in the Regional Land Management Plans of the province of Malaga (Spain). Suggested improvements

El análisis de los riesgos naturales es una materia de gran importancia para la ordenación del territorio, y en la que se está trabajando ampliamente en los últimos años desde ámbitos científicos. No obstante, aún no se ha logrado una transferencia real y efectiva a los documentos normativos. Considerando la idoneidad de la escala comarcal para su gestión, este trabajo realiza un análisis de los Planes de Ordenación del Territorio Subregionales vigentes o en tramitación en la provincia de Málaga (España). Entre las principales conclusiones destaca que existe una manifiesta preocupación en dichos planes por los riesgos naturales, pero que no llega mucho más allá de la mera exposición, sin que finalmente quede recogido de manera eficiente en la normativa o en la cartografía de ordenación. Al respecto, se ofrecen una serie de propuestas de mejora específicas para subsanar dicha problemática.

Extreme weather event disrupts reproduction of an isolated western spadefoot toad population, Pelobates cultripes (Cuvier, 1829), at its southern range limit

Pelobates cultripes can be considered among those amphibians most affected by climate change in Spain. Its long larval period and predicted shorter pond hydroperiods in its temporary breeding ponds may ultimately reduce population recruitment. We conducted surveys during its breeding season 2021–2022 in order to analyse one of the last remaining urban populations in its southern limit (coastal Malaga province). We recorded a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperature compared to previous years. Although the species shortened its larval period in comparison with that previously reported, no post–metamorphic juveniles were observed. This interruption in reproduc tion highlights the need for improved monitoring of these isolated amphibian populations as it could be an early warning sign of global changes in the Mediterranean region.

DNA Barcoding and Morphometry Reveal Further Cryptic Bio-Diversity within the Pin Nematode Genus Paratylenchus (Nematoda: Tylenchulidae).

Paratylenchus species are obligate ectoparasitic nematodes on cultivated and wild herbaceous and woody plants occupying numerous soil categories. Several species may cause damage to several crops (viz. P. dianthus, P. enigmaticus, P. microdorus, P. hamatus and P. epacris on carnation, lettuce, rose and walnut, respectively). This investigation proves and emphasizes the relevance of applying integrative taxonomy for the accurate detection of Paratylenchus species in mountainous wild environments in the Malaga province, Southern Spain. This research analyzed 45 soil samples of maritimus pine and one of green heather in southern Spain and identified fourteen Paratylenchus species, two of them are described herein as new species (P. paraaonli sp. nov., P. plesiostraeleni sp. nov.), six of them were first reports for Spain (P. canchicus, P. nainianus, P. neonanus, P. salubris, Paratylenchus sp. 2 SAS, and P. wuae), and six species (P. caravaquenus, P. microdorus, P. nanus, P. neoamblycephalus, P. sheri, and P. variabilis) have been already reported in Spain. Accordingly, these data increase the biodiversity of pin nematodes in Spain comprising a total of 47 species (33.1% out of 142 total species of this genus). Phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal and mitochondrial markers (D2-D3, ITS, and partial COI) resulted in a consistent position for the newly described Paratylenchus species in this study (P. plesiostraeleni sp. nov., P. paraaonli sp. nov.). Paratylenchus plesiostraeleni sp. nov. grouped in a separated subclade as unequivocal species from the P. straeleni-complex species (including P. straeleni and P. parastraeleni), and P. paraaonli sp. nov. clustered with P. vitecus, but clearly separate from this species. This study indicates that Paratylenchus species diversity in natural environments may be higher than expected, and this study may help in accurate identifications.

Perceived Motivational Climate Determines Self-Confidence and Precompetitive Anxiety in Young Soccer Players: Analysis by Gender

The main objective of this study was to analyze whether the perception of the motivational climate in young soccer players determines the level of competitive anxiety and self-confidence. In addition, the results were explored according to gender, in order to observe if there were differences between the female and male categories. A total of 113 cadet and youth soccer players from six soccer teams in the provinces of Malaga and Granada, aged between 14 and 19 years, who competed in regional leagues, participated in the study. Of these, 50 were female and 63 were male. The Competitive Sport Anxiety (CSAI-2), Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2), and Self-Confidence in Sport Competition Questionnaire (CACD) were used to collect the information. Correlation, linear regression and cluster analyses were performed. The data analyses carried out affirmed the relationship between the study variables, observing that the perception of ego climate was positively related to cognitive anxiety (p < 0.05) and insecurity (p < 0.01), and inversely to self-confidence (p < 0.05). By gender, boys showed a higher perception of an ego-oriented (p < 0.001) and lower perception of a task-oriented climate (p < 0.05) than girls. However, girls showed a greater intensity in the relationships related to ego climate and lower scores in self-confidence (p < 0.01), as well as higher scores in insecurity (p < 0.001). The results have shown positive relationships between self-confidence and a task-oriented climate, as well as negative ones with an ego-oriented climate. It is also observed that ego orientation generates more insecurity and anxiety, which is more evident in girls.