Murcia City Research Articles

Density assessment and reporting for Phlebotomus perniciosus and other sand fly species in periurban residential estates in Spain

Green periurban residential areas in Mediterranean countries have flourished in the last decades and become foci for leishmaniasis. To remedy the absence of information on vector ecology in these environments, we examined phlebotomine sand fly distribution in 29 sites in Murcia City over a 3-year period, including the plots of 20 detached houses and nine non-urbanized sites nearby. We collected 5,066 specimens from five species using “sticky” interception and light attraction traps. The relative frequency of the main Leishmania infantum vector Phlebotomus perniciosus in these traps was 32% and 63%, respectively. Sand fly density was widely variable spatially and temporally and greatest in non-urbanized sites, particularly in caves and abandoned buildings close to domestic animal holdings. Phlebotomus perniciosus density in house plots was positively correlated with those in non-urbanized sites, greatest in larger properties with extensive vegetation and non-permanently lived, but not associated to dog presence or a history of canine leishmaniasis. Within house plots, sand fly density was highest in traps closest to walls. Furthermore, the study provides a guideline for insect density assessment and reporting and is envisioned as a building block towards the development of a pan-European database for robust investigation of environmental determinants of sand fly distribution.

Spatial effects in the socioeconomic valuation of peri-urban ecosystems restoration

In many cities, urban pressure is deteriorating peri-urban ecosystems, despite their high capacity to provide ecosystem services. Against this pressure, restoration projects are being developed to improve the environmental conditions of peri-urban ecosystems. The aim of this work is to determine the economic value and degree of acceptability of a restoration project, the Murcia-Río project, analysing spatial effects. This dimension is incorporated when estimating the willingness to pay (WTP) for the project and when dealing with protest behaviour (PB). A survey was carried out to 401 households in Murcia city (SE-Spain) using the contingent valuation method to obtain a monetary value for the project. We identify that distance to both the project area and substitute areas explain WTP and PB. Based on these findings, we recommend that, to maximize the benefits of such actions, interventions should be targeted to areas with high accessibility and low number of substitutes.

Urban air pollution and hospital admissions for asthma and acute respiratory disease in Murcia city (Spain)

IntroductionUrban air pollution (UAP) is a major threat to child and adolescent health. Children are more vulnerable to its effects, being associated with higher morbidity and mortality due to acute and chronic diseases, especially respiratory ones. A study is performed on the relationship between UAP and the rate of hospital admissions due to acute respiratory diseases. Patients and methodsAn ecological study was conducted on young people under 19 years-old in the city of Murcia, who had visited hospital emergency departments due to respiratory diseases (ICD-9) during 2015. A logistic regression was performed on the risk of hospital admission that included consultations in relation to the average daily levels of environmental pollutants (NO2, O3, PM10, SO2) obtained from the Air Quality Surveillance and Control network of the Region of Murcia. Other control variables, such as gender, age, average daily ambient temperature, and season of the year. ResultsA total of 12,354 (56% boys and 44% girls) children consulted in the emergency department for respiratory disease. Of those, 3.5% were admitted, with a mean age of 2.54 (95% CI; 2.16−2.91) years. The Odds Ratio (OR) of hospital admission for respiratory diseases: NO2 1.02 (95% CI; 1.01–1.04; P < .01), O3 1.01 (95% CI; 1.00–1.03; P < .01) male 1.4 (95% CI 1.11–1.79; P < .01) and winter 2.10 (95% CI 1.40–3.21; P < .01). Admissions for asthma: PM10 1.02 (95% CI; 1.01–1.04; P < .05), O3 1.04 (95% CI; 1.01–1.06; P < .01). Admissions for bronchiolitis: Age 0.69 (95% CI; 0.48−0.99; P < .05); NO2 1.03 (95% CI; 1.01–1.05; P < .01). ConclusionsUAP increases hospital admissions in children due to acute respiratory diseases, especially asthma and bronchiolitis. Implementing preventive measures, expanding time series and collaborative studies with open data, would help improve public health and air quality in the cities.

Actitudes politicas y resultados electorales en Murcia durante la Segunda República

En el artículo se abordan las convocatorias electorales durante la II República en Murcia a través del análisis de las actitudes políticas y de los resultados. Una trama útil para escudriñar el pasado reciente. Se analizan cuatro consultas electorales en profundidad aunque con tratamiento desigual, prestando mayor atención a las elecciones municipales del 12 de abril de 1931, y a las generales del 16 de febrero de 1936, que ilustran satisfactoriamente dos coyunturas esenciales en el desarrollo de la II República. La inexistencia de sondeos de opinión, interesantes para clarificar los cambios en el comportamiento electoral, se suple con la breve historia de dos instituciones, el Ayuntamiento de la capital y la Diputación, ejemplos de gestión republicana que aportan el ambiente de la época percibido a partir de la toma de decisiones, no carentes de debate político, para resolver los problemas existentes en los distintos ámbitos de la realidad social. Las promesas de cambio emitidas en las distintas campañas electorales quedaron truncadas por las luchas políticas internas o la falta de presupuesto económico, así como por el posterior estallido de la guerra civil, que frustró la experiencia democrática republicana.

Personas mayores y sus experiencias frente al cambio tecnológico en Murcia Capital: Estudio desde la perspectiva de género

Este estudio forma parte de la tesis doctoral presentada en 2014. Es de tipo cualitativo y tiene como base la Teoría de las expectativas de Eficacia (Bandura, 1977) que pretende hacer un acercamiento sobre cómo las personas mayores se enfrentan al cambio tecnológico en Murcia Capital. Los objetivos del mismo indagan sobre las dificultades, miedos, frustraciones o motivaciones que estas personas experimentan al hacer uso de la tecnología. Con base en sus experiencias, hombres y mujeres mayores, hablan sobre cómo se enfrentaron al cambio tecnológico en el ámbito del hogar y del trabajo. Y de cómo esto afecta o contribuye en su desempeño en el trabajo, de la dificultad que representa hacer uso de la tecnología cuando nadie puede auxiliarlos/as o de la motivación que tienen debido al logro de diferentes actividades en línea realizadas con éxito. El estudio aporta una nueva visión al identificar diferencias y similitudes entre hombres y mujeres mayores cuando hacen uso de Internet y sus aplicaciones.

Comparison of water-level, extensometric, DInSAR and simulation data for quantification of subsidence in Murcia City (SE Spain)

Subsidence due to groundwater overexploitation has been recognized in the metropolitan area of Murcia (25 km2) in south-eastern Spain since the early 1990s. Previous published works have focused their attention on land subsidence that occurred during the drought period between 1995 and 2008. This work first analyzes the groundwater recovery that has occurred since 2008 and then determines the kind of associated ground deformation detected by the new extensometric data. Subsequently, subsidence time series are computed on 24 geotechnical boreholes scattered throughout the study area by means of a hydro-mechanical finite element code and a linear-elastic constitutive law. A spatio-temporal interpolation of the numerically modeled surface displacements is performed over the whole domain and compared with extensometers and DInSAR-derived displacement maps in two different periods: the drought period from 2004 to 2008, and the recovery period from 2008 to 2012. In spite of the limited information on the geomechanical parameters characterizing the modelled geological formations, the proposed approach is able to discriminate areas where the soils have an elastic behavior (small differences in the comparisons) or an elasto-plastic behavior (large differences in the comparisons). This zonation enhances the understanding of the subsidence phenomenon in Murcia City and could prevent, from a quantitatively point of view, future severe subsidence due to aquifer overexploitation.

Regional subsidence modelling in Murcia city (SE Spain) using 1-D vertical finite element analysis and 2-D interpolation of ground surface displacements

Abstract. Subsidence is a hazard that may have natural or anthropogenic origin causing important economic losses. The area of Murcia city (SE Spain) has been affected by subsidence due to groundwater overexploitation since the year 1992. The main observed historical piezometric level declines occurred in the periods 1982–1984, 1992–1995 and 2004–2008 and showed a close correlation with the temporal evolution of ground displacements. Since 2008, the pressure recovery in the aquifer has led to an uplift of the ground surface that has been detected by the extensometers. In the present work an elastic hydro-mechanical finite element code has been used to compute the subsidence time series for 24 geotechnical boreholes, prescribing the measured groundwater table evolution. The achieved results have been compared with the displacements estimated through an advanced DInSAR technique and measured by the extensometers. These spatio-temporal comparisons have showed that, in spite of the limited geomechanical data available, the model has turned out to satisfactorily reproduce the subsidence phenomenon affecting Murcia City. The model will allow the prediction of future induced deformations and the consequences of any piezometric level variation in the study area.

Nuevas opciones para Educación Física: carrera de obstáculos (Gladiator Race)

El proyecto desarrollado a continuación se basa en la creación y organización de una carrera de obstáculos que combina el trail de montaña y la carrera a pie por asfalto. En ella los participantes podrán ir disfrazados o caracterizados de la forma en la que elijan. Esta carrera está diseñada para personas mayores de 18 años debido a la complejidad y peligrosidad de algunos obstáculos. El evento está pensado para que se desarrolle en la localidad Murciana de Alhama de Murcia, aprovechando los espacios y obstáculos naturales que nos regala la geografía. El recorrido contara con un total de 8,5 kilómetros aproximadamente por los cuales estarán colocados diferentes obstáculos como fosos de barro, hinchables, alambradas etc. A pesar del carácter lúdico de la carrera en la que se tendrán en cuenta aspectos tales como la vestimenta de los participantes también se le dará importancia a la clasificación personal de cada individuo con la intención de no perder el carácter competitivo de la prueba. A demás otra novedad que presenta esta carrera es el servicio de ludoteca que se ofertara para que padres y madres puedan asistir a las pruebas con sus hijos.

Partitioning of heavy metals over different chemical fraction in street dust of Murcia (Spain) as a basis for risk assessment

Dust samples were collected from urban, suburban, industrial, highways, and natural sites from the vicinity of Murcia City, Spain. Chemical and physical properties were determined as well as the partitioning of the heavy metals Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd over exchangeable pools, association with carbonates, oxides, organic complexes and a residual phase.The results showed differences in the concentrations and percentages of the metals extracted from the five chemical phases among the dusts studied. These were attributed to the sources of metals, total metal concentration, dust physical and chemical properties, and the specific affinity of some metals for some solid phases.Metal distribution in the different phases was found to depend on each land use. Pb found to mainly reside in the residual phase from natural area; while Pb was mainly bound to Fe and Mn oxides in industrial dust. In dust from the urban and industrial sites Cu was equally distributed over Fe and Mn oxides and the residual phase, while in highway dust it mainly resided in the organic fraction. Zn mainly resided in the residual phase in dust from the urban and natural site, while in dust from the suburban site a large proportion of Zn was bound to Fe and Mn oxides. Cd was mainly associated to Fe and Mn oxides in dust from the urban site.Zn was the most mobile metal; Cu was the least mobile metal, while Cd and Pb showed medium risks of being mobilized.

Enrichment of metals in soils subjected to different land uses in a typical Mediterranean environment (Murcia City, southeast Spain)

Abstract Industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices are 3 of the most important sources of metal accumulations in soils. Concentrations of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd were determined in surface soils collected under different land uses, including urban (UR), industrial (IN-1 and IN-2), agricultural (AG), abandoned unused (AB), and natural (NA) sites to examine the influence of anthropogenic activities on metals in soils formed in a typical Mediterranean environment. The highest concentrations of Cr, Cd, and Pb observed in the NW industrial area (IN-2) were 63.7, 3.34 and 2330 mg metal kg −1 soil, for each metal, respectively. The SW industrial area (IN-1) contained the highest Zn content at 135 mg kg −1 . However, soils with the highest concentrations of Ni and Cu were located in AG sites at 30.9 and 64.9 mg kg −1 soil, respectively. Sampling locations with the highest concentrations of Mn were identified in AB sites. Using the concentrations of metals at the NA sites as the baseline levels, soils collected from all other land uses in the study area exhibited significantly higher total contents of Zn, Mn, Cr and Ni. Metal enrichment was attributed to fertilizer and pesticide applications, industrial activities, and metal deposition from a high volume of vehicular traffic (for Pb and Cd). High concentrations of Mn in some samples were attributed to parent materials. The study demonstrated that anthropogenic activities associated with various land uses contribute to metal accumulation in soils and indicated a need to closely monitor land management practices to reduce human and ecological risks from environmental pollution.

Control of deformation of buildings affected by subsidence using persistent scatterer interferometry

In this article, satellite radar data are analysed to control the deformation of the buildings of Murcia City (SE Spain) affected by subsidence. This phenomenon has occurred as a result of groundwater overexploitation in drought periods, and special attention is paid to the most recent drought which occurred between 2005 and 2008. In the first part of this work, the study area is presented followed by a description of the characteristics and effects of subsidence on the buildings of the urban area. Persistent scatterer interferometry is used to process a satellite base radar dataset measuring the temporal and the spatial evolution of subsidence. These results are analysed with respect to several factors that control subsidence mechanisms: water table decrease, thickness of the compressible layer and the type of foundation of the buildings. To validate these results, a detailed structural damage analysis of several buildings is presented. According to the results presented in this work, it may be concluded that damage of buildings is triggered by soil consolidation due to groundwater overexploitation, demonstrating that the inclusion of this technique can be particularly interesting in structural monitoring framework of civil infrastructures, as a complementary tool to control subsidence damage.

A ground subsidence study based on DInSAR data: Calibration of soil parameters and subsidence prediction in Murcia City (Spain)

Subsidence is a hazard that affects wide areas in the world causing important economic costs annually. The City of Murcia (SE Spain) is affected by this phenomenon since the 90s. In this work, ground subsidence caused by aquifer overexploitation is remotely monitored with Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI). In particular, the so-called Coherent Pixels Technique (CPT) has been applied to SAR images from ERS and ENVISAT satellites. The CPT displacement time series corresponding to the 1993–1995 period have been used to calibrate a proposed one-dimensional subsidence model. Hence, the CPT time series have been successfully used to retrieve physical parameters of the soil. Then the model has been used to predict the deformations for the period 1993–2007. The comparison between the predictions of the model and the actual subsidence time series for the 1995–2007 period provides an average absolute difference of 3.2 ± 2.5 mm. Despite the simplicity of the adopted 1D model, these results show the usefulness of the CPT derived displacement information to calibrate and validate numerical models of ground subsidence due to aquifer overexploitation, which can be used to predict the aquifer's response for future piezometric falls.

Advanced interpretation of subsidence in Murcia (SE Spain) using A-DInSAR data – modelling and validation

Abstract. Subsidence is a natural hazard that affects wide areas in the world causing important economic costs annually. This phenomenon has occurred in the metropolitan area of Murcia City (SE Spain) as a result of groundwater overexploitation. In this work aquifer system subsidence is investigated using an advanced differential SAR interferometry remote sensing technique (A-DInSAR) called Stable Point Network (SPN). The SPN derived displacement results, mainly the velocity displacement maps and the time series of the displacement, reveal that in the period 2004–2008 the rate of subsidence in Murcia metropolitan area doubled with respect to the previous period from 1995 to 2005. The acceleration of the deformation phenomenon is explained by the drought period started in 2006. The comparison of the temporal evolution of the displacements measured with the extensometers and the SPN technique shows an average absolute error of 3.9±3.8 mm. Finally, results from a finite element model developed to simulate the recorded time history subsidence from known water table height changes compares well with the SPN displacement time series estimations. This result demonstrates the potential of A-DInSAR techniques to validate subsidence prediction models as an alternative to using instrumental ground based techniques for validation.

Distribution of metals in soil particle size fractions and its implication to risk assessment of playgrounds in Murcia City (Spain)

Metal contents in bulk soil samples are commonly used to assess contamination but metal accumulations in soils are known to increase with decreasing particle size. We investigated the distribution of metals in various particle size fractions, particle morphology and metal enrichment factors to characterize the properties of soils in four urban parks in Murcia City (SE, Spain). We extended our results to explain possible sources of metals and their likely significance of metals in fine fractions to the risk assessment of urban soils. Soil samples were fractionated and concentrations of Al, Si, Ti, Na, Mg, Ca, P, K, Fe, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Co, Mn and Ni were determined in nine particle size fractions including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 (PM 10) and 2.5 (PM 2.5) μm. The contents of metals in playgrounds were below some European cities and low enrichment factors (EF) indicate limited anthropogenic metal depositions. However, the consistently high EF (> 3.0) for Ni in particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5) in four parks together with EF > 2.0 for Pb and Co in the 0–75 μm in Malecón and Rio parks were attributed to vehicular depositions. In the study area, the predicted amount of Ni in relation to particle size is given by Ni (mg kg − 1 ) = − 13 (ln particle size in μm) + 92, r 2 = 0.76. The presence of high amounts (60–80%) of calcite and dolomite in fine fractions might have contributed to metal accumulation through the formation of metal–carbonate complexes. Goethite, especially in PM 10 and PM 2.5 can also serve as sink for metals. Using EF for bulk soils indicates that Ni is not enriched ( i.e., EF < 1.0) in four parks but EF > 3.0 for PM 10 and PM 2.5 indicate otherwise. Similar cases are true for the 0–75 μm fractions for Zn in all parks. We therefore suggest that risk assessment of urban soils in Murcia City (and elsewhere) should be based on (fine) particle size because of the tendency of metal to accumulate in fine particles. In addition, the mineral composition of fine particles should also be considered in risk assessment. In the study area, the inhalation and ingestion of calcite can potentially irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Our results provide important information that might be useful in assessing risks associated with soils on playgrounds where children can unknowingly ingest and inhale dust while actively playing in urban parks.

Efectividad de un sistema de información personalizada sobre la calidad de prescripción de medicamentos en médicos de familia

To evaluate the effectiveness of a system of personalised prescription information (PPI) to improve prescription habits of family doctors (FD); to examine how useful PPI is in maintaining these habits, and to analyse its influence through factors of the doctor and his/her environment. Cross-sectional, descriptive pilot study to analyse conditioning factors and possible confusion; quasi-experimental intervention study to assess the effectiveness of PPI, with two groups (experimental and control) and 4 determinations (before the PPI and after: short, medium and long-term).Setting. Family doctors in the Murcia Region. The prescriptions of all family doctors in the Murcia region which started before PPI and which continued until the end of the study and without absences of over 10% at each measurement.Intervention. The family doctors from the Murcia city area formed the experimental group: they received PPI with specific proposals for improvement. The FDs of Cartagena and Lorca, who did not receive PPI, made up the control group. Statistical analysis. Logistical regression to identify conditioning factors. Z comparison of proportions contrasted with one-tail hypothesis to check the effectiveness of PPI. Non-randomised allocation to groups made comparison difficult: conditioning factors for stratification or adjustment were studied. Confirmation of PPI s effectiveness justifies its dissemination. If there is no such confirmation, it will have to be perfected. Isolating the factors conditioning prescription that can be modified helps find ways to improve PPI.

Prevalence and viability of eggs of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina in public parks in eastern Spain.

To demonstrate the prevalence of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina eggs in parks in Murcia city, eastern Spain, a total 644 soil samples were examined from nine parks. More than 67% of parks and 1.24% of soil samples were contaminated and the mean egg density per sample was eggs per 100 g of soil. Over 97% of eggs identified were viable. Only one sample was positive for Toxascaris leonina. The present findings suggest that shady conditions are important for the occurrence and viability of Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina eggs in soil as there were significantly more positive samples in shaded and moist areas compared with open and dry habitats.

Airborne Alternaria spores in SE Spain (1993-98)

The annual, seasonal and hourly distribution of Alternaria spores in the air of Murcia, SE España, was studied on a six-year period. The relationships between Alternaria spore concentrations and meteorological factors were investigated. Alternaria is a late afternoon taxon in the Murcia city, with maximum spore concentrations occurring between 13.00h and 21.00h. Alternaria spores are present in the atmosphere throughout the year, with a main spore season extending from March to October, and showing two peaks as a consequence of the summer drop in concentration. Alternaria spore concentrations correlate well with Poaceae and Chenopodiaceae pollen counts, suggesting these plants could be important hosts, but not the only ones, because many crops are growing just when peaks occur. Low wind velocities favoured high spore counts. Correlation with temperature was positive in five of the six years. Mean temperature is the factor which best explain spore levels. The best prediction model obtained explains 74% of the observed variance in Alternaria levels (in a five steps scale) by using mean temperature alone.

Nuevos documentos sobre tipografía murciana del siglo XVIII

En junio de 1788 los impresores Manuel Muñiz y Antonio de Santa María tomaban la decisión de asociarse creando la primera imprenta mancomunada de que tenemos noticia en la ciudad de Murcia. Un mes más tarde pasaban por el registro de Francisco Bocio con objeto de formalizar la compañía y establecer las condiciones por la que debían gobernarse. Las informaciones que aportan este documento y otras diversas escrituras acerca del devenir del taller del Plano de San Francisco permiten alumbrar un tramo de historia de la tipografía murciana del Setecientos.