Province Of Alicante Research Articles

Población extranjera y turismo residencial en el litoral de Alicante (1960-2011): repercusiones territoriales

El litoral de la provincia de Alicante ha registrado importantes cambios territoriales desde la decada de 1960, como consecuencia de la difusion de las actividades turisticas. Las transformaciones territoriales, entre las que destaca la configuracion de una dorsal de poblamiento litoral, se completan con las sociales. La llegada de poblacion extranjera jubilada o prejubilada procedente del norte y centro de Europa ha hecho de la provincia de Alicante (Espana) uno de los territorios donde el turismo residencial tiene mayor peso a escala nacional. El objetivo de esta investigacion es, por un lado, analizar los factores que justifican el asentamiento de amplios colectivos de inmigrantes en estas tierras y, por otro, poner de manifiesto las repercusiones sociales y territoriales asociadas a su llegada. La realizacion de entrevistas en urbanizaciones de municipios litorales y prelitorales permite avanzar en el conocimiento de estos factores, mas alla de los datos estadisticos.

Analysis and modelling of cross-shore profile of gravel beaches in the province of Alicante

The great scientific interest in the gravel beaches is due to the growing use of coarse materials in the nourishment of eroded sand beaches. The objective of this research is to obtain a model for an equilibrium profile of gravel beaches, which has been divided into the three parts of the transverse profile: Profile in the backshore, intermediate profile submerged and profile Posidonia oceanica area. Furthermore, the results are compared with other models used today. Initially, there had been a historical survey of the development plan and profile of each beach to determine the stability of the same, and see if there have been longitudinal or transverse movements within the analyzed profile. Here are various mathematical models generated from different mathematical functions (potential, exponential and rational) Profile for each zone. They are statistical parameters analyzing the surface error between real and estimating those selected as the best model data. Finally, due to the importance of Posidonia oceanica in the set of studied beaches (94.11%), and to determine the best model profile for this area, it analyzed the relationship between the slopes of the meadow and the land near the beach.

Bringing headteachers’ voices to the professional development debate: A case study from Spain

This study seeks to broaden the existing knowledge about education and professional development in educational leadership by analysing the characteristics of ‘good’ training programmes according to international theoretical frameworks and to educational leaders’ views. To do so, 100 headteachers of infant, primary and secondary schools were interviewed in the province of Alicante, Spain, and the data were coded and processed using Aquad 6. The results show agreement between the criteria for a good education programme used by the two sources referred to above.

Predicting Daily Water Table Fluctuations in Karstic Aquifers from GIS-Based Modelling, Climatic Settings and Extraction Wells

In semiarid regions, karstic aquifers are in some cases essential since they often constitute the only source of water supply. The increasing demand for water in these regions is responsible for the decreasing water table levels. As a consequence, groundwater management becomes indispensable. A robust black-box model of the Solana aquifer, a large karstic aquifer in Alicante province, is developed considering GIS-based modelling of the studied area, climatic settings and anthropic disturbances (water extractions and irrigation returns). The proposed model accurately predicts water table levels evolution (with EF index of 0.97 and RMSE of 0.09) and assesses the recharge rates. The model aims to become a useful tool in order to better understand the characteristics of karstic aquifers. A distinctive feature of the model is that it estimates the heterogeneous effective porosities along the depth profiles of the aquifer, which provides an advantage related to detect changes in the hydraulic transmissivity within karstic formations.

Estimation of the Proportion of Underachieving Students in Compulsory Secondary Education in Spain: An Application of the Rasch Model.

There are very few studies in Spain that treat underachievement rigorously, and those that do are typically related to gifted students. The present study examined the proportion of underachieving students using the Rasch measurement model. A sample of 643 first-year high school students (mean age = 12.09; SD = 0.47) from 8 schools in the province of Alicante (Spain) completed the Battery of Differential and General Skills (Badyg), and these students' General Points Average (GPAs) were recovered by teachers. Dichotomous and Partial credit Rasch models were performed. After adjusting the measurement instruments, the individual underachievement index provided a total sample of 181 underachieving students, or 28.14% of the total sample across the ability levels. This study confirms that the Rasch measurement model can accurately estimate the construct validity of both the intelligence test and the academic grades for the calculation of underachieving students. Furthermore, the present study constitutes a pioneer framework for the estimation of the prevalence of underachievement in Spain.

Enfermedad de Crohn: experiencias de vivir con una cronicidad

To explore the experiences of people with Crohn disease (CD), their life-changing events, the impact on their lives and the strategies used to cope with it. Qualitative study. In-depth interviews were carried out on 10 people affected by the disease in the province of Alicante (Spain). The collection, processing and analysis of data was performed using some phenomenological elements. The experiences of those affected can be classified into four main areas: recognition of the illness; perceived consequences of the disease itself by CD affected patients; disease management, and the search for support. Knowledge of the life experience of people affected by CD appears to be essential for the effective management of chronic illnesses when planning specific health treatment programs.

Archaeological surveys in areas with a high density of artefacts: Analysis and interpretation proposals

This paper has a twin methodological and interpretative focus. It presents the use of geospatial technologies applied to archaeological surveying. We use the high-resolution spatial and temporal data obtained from the study of the ancient Protohistoric and Roman landscape in the eastern area of the Iberian Peninsula (present-day Alicante province, Spain) to illustrate the methodological proposals. The observed spatial patterns allow us to infer certain aspects relating to the ancient use of the land, transformations in settlement patterns and the intensification of landscape use.

Termografía infrarroja aplicada en cúpulas históricas: identificación y análisis de sistemas constructivos

The specific use of infrared thermography as a non-destructive technique allows the study of constructive systems in historic buildings (characterization of materials, construction layers and identification of original / restored elements). Thus, a practical application is shown in temples built between the late seventeenth and the early nineteenth century in the province of Alicante, where complementarity of thermographic images of 140 domes is analysed (along with data collected in situ, original drawings and draw up plans) as a research tool in analysis phases prior to a restoration. In conclusion, research shows how thermography is applicable to the study of different aspects such as the recognition of materials used (90.71 % solid brick, 6.43 % hollow brick and 2.86 % stone), thickness variations (75.71 % pointed shape, 17.86 % hemispherical shape and 6.43 % low shape), characterization of cracks / fissures (conservation conditions) and identification of original (96.43 %) o restored domes (3.57 %).

Descripción de una especie nueva del género Athous Eschscholtz, 1829, de la Península Ibérica (Coleoptera: Elateridae: Dendrometrinae: Dendrometrini)

A new species of the genus Athous Escscholtz, 1829 subgenus Haplathous Reitter, 1905 is described from the Iberian Peninsula: Athous (Haplatous) dianae n.sp. At present this species is only known from the Alicante province, being the first species of Haplathous subgenus known form Valencian Community.

Fundar la casa: prácticas rituales y espacio doméstico en el <em>oppidum</em> ibérico de El Puig d’Alcoi (Alacant)

In this paper we present the ritual practices identified in the Iberian oppidum of El Puig d’Alcoi, in the central area of the ancient Contestania, in the northern part of the current province of Alicante. We present two separate deposits under the houses dated during the 5th and 4th centuries BC, in which were buried remains of banquets and animal sacrifices, with the burial of a newborn in one of them. We interpret them as foundation rituals of houses and are analysed in relation to domestic life developed in the course of the occupation of the oppidum, in particular with the processes of building-rebuilding the houses and the social relationships of the community that inhabited El Puig d’Alcoi.

El proyecto del Canal del Algar de Francisco Morell: una iniciativa temprana del regeneracionismo hidráulico en Alicante

Por sus características climáticas, en la región mediterránea del sureste han tenido históricamente destacado protagonismo las obras y proyectos hidráulicos. La hegemonía que mantiene la actividad agrícola en España, aún en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX, por el retraso en la adopción de los modelos industriales, favoreció, al amparo de un incipiente liberalismo, modelos de crecimiento económico de corte agrarista en los que el regadío y las obras hidráulicas fueron elementos destacados. En la provincia de Alicante, el proyecto del Canal del Algar del arquitecto valenciano Francisco Morell es un ejemplo. El presente artículo trata de justificar cómo, en Alicante, y favorecido por este contexto, aparece en 1866 el Proyecto de un canal de riego que anticipa, en muchos de sus planteamientos y propuestas, la ideología del movimiento regeneracionista.

Radiocarbon dates, climatic events, and social dynamics during the Early Neolithic in Mediterranean Iberia

Our goal in this paper is to examine the socioecological dynamics of the Early Neolithic period in Iberia in order to test the usefulness of temporal probability curves built from dated sites as a relative proxy for exploring possible links between trends in population patterns and climatic fluctuations. We compare the information for the entire Iberian Peninsula with four Mediterranean regions, investigating the climate–population relationships that emerge when we zoom into particular regions. We evaluate climatic and other possible causes of similarities in the shapes of temporal probability curves across the Peninsula, associated with demographic changes in the Early Neolithic sequence. Changes in subsistence patterns identified in empirical data from sites like Cendres cave (Alicante province), together with computational modeling that simulates long-term socio-ecological processes, suggest key variables that can help account for local dynamics. Theoretical approaches from Complex System Theory and Evolutionary Archaeology can help us to better understand evolutionary processes including the spread of farming.

The father's decision making in home birth.

This work sought to inquire on the father's role on the decision making regarding home birth from the perspective of both partners. The design was ethnographic of qualitative nature, conducted in the province of Alicante, Spain. A total of 11 couples participated voluntarily in the study. To gather the data, the following techniques were used: two life stories, five narrations, and in-depth interviews of all the study participants. The data obtained were analyzed with the ATLAS-ti v6.2 software. Four fundamental categories were obtained: father's attitude, role performed, influencing factors, and perception of the woman. Theproposal to carry out the delivery at home tends to be made by the woman, but its decision is made jointly. This decision is influenced by different factors, like: good evolution of the pregnancy, accompaniment by a professional, and the couple's beliefs on the delivery. The fathers consider they must be respectful of the woman's decision and accompany them during the whole process; the women are comforted by their unconditional support and accompaniment, considering it essential. The father's role is fundamental in the planned decision of having a home birth; a decision discussed and mediated by the couple in which their fears and beliefs are determinant in their decision. The woman has her partner's support to implement her decision.

Academic Achievement in Early Adolescence: The Influence of Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Variables

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the predictive effects of intellectual ability, self-concept, goal orientations, learning strategies, popularity and parent involvement on academic achievement. Hierarchical regression analysis and path analysis were performed among a sample of 1398 high school students (mean age = 12.5; SD =.67) from eight education centers from the province of Alicante (Spain). Cognitive and non-cognitive variables were measured using validated questionnaires, whereas academic achievement was assessed using end-of-term grades obtained by students in nine subjects. The results revealed significant predictive effects of all of the variables. The model proposed had a satisfactory fit, and all of the hypothesized relationships were significant. These findings support the importance of including non-cognitive variables along with cognitive variables when predicting a model of academic achievement.

Migraine education brochures and patient-perceived satisfaction

IntroductionBrochures are commonly used as educational tools in daily neurological practice. They are provided to increase the general population's knowledge of a specific disease and also to combat sources of erroneous information. Surveys are the most commonly used method of ascertaining user satisfaction with services received. ObjectivesThis study will assess patient-perceived satisfaction and provide feedback to measure the comprehensibility and overall utility of an educational brochure on migraine. Material and methodsOpen prospective multicentre study of a group of patients diagnosed with migraine in neurology clinics in Alicante province. During the initial visit, each patient received a migraine brochure prepared by the Valencian Society of Neurology's study group for headaches (CEFALIC). During a follow-up visit, they were then asked to fill out a personal survey on the overall quality of the information in the brochure. ResultsWe included a total of 257 patients diagnosed with migraine (83% episodic migraine; 17% chronic migraine); mean age was 37.6 years. Two hundred seven patients confirmed having read the brochure (80.5%); 50 patients (19.5%) either forgot to read it or had no interest in doing so. The brochure seemed interesting and easy to understand according to 90% of the patients. Seventy-six per cent of the respondents stated that reading the brochure increased their overall knowledge of migraine, while 50% of the patients found the brochure useful for improving migraine control. ConclusionsPatients found the migraine educational brochure to be comprehensible, a means of increasing overall knowledge of the disease, and useful for increasing control over migraines. Evaluations of the educational brochures that we provide to our patients with migraine should be studied to discover the causes of dissatisfaction, determine the level of quality of service, and investigate potential areas for improvement.

Aplicación del modelo de incertidumbre a la fibromialgia

ObjectivesFinding out women's experiences diagnosed with fibromyalgia applying the Theory of Uncertainty proposed by M. Mishel. DesignA qualitative study was conducted, using a phenomenological approach. LocationAn Association of patients in the province of Alicante during the months of June 2012 to November 2013. ParticipantsA total of 14 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia participated in the study as volunteers, aged between 45 and 65years. MethodInformation generated through structured interviews with recording and transcription, prior confidentiality pledge and informed consent. Analysis content by extracting different categories according to the theory proposed. ResultsThe study patients perceive a high level of uncertainty related to the difficulty to deal with symptoms, uncertainty about diagnosis and treatment complexity. Moreover, the ability of coping with the disease it is influenced by social support, relationships with health professionals and help and information attending to patient associations. ConclusionsThe health professional must provide clear information on the pathology to the fibromyalgia suffers, the larger lever of knowledge of the patients about their disease and the better the quality of the information provided, it is reported to be the less anxiety and uncertainty in the experience of the disease. Likewise patient associations should have health professionals in order to avoid bias in the information and advice with scientific evidence.

Definition of sequences through ichnocoenoses and taphofacies: An example from the Sácaras Formation (early Cretaceous, eastern Spain)

Abstract An integrated taphonomical, ichnological and sedimentological analysis has been carried out on the Albian deposits of the Sierra Helada section (Province of Alicante, southeastern Spain). This allowed recognition and detailed characterization of the shallowing- and coarsening-upward sequences present in these deposits. Twenty sequences were detected throughout the section. They contain the following, from bottom to top: (1) the bottom of the sequence characterized by very fine-grained marls rich in echinoid tests and echinoid trace fossils with very little evidence of physical reworking—it records a distal platform, low-energy environment; (2) marls interbedded with fine-grained calcarenites, rich in large Thalassinoides and slightly reworked echinoid tests, with common bioclast-armored tubes ( Ereipichnus geladensis ), recording low-energy background conditions but increasing energy of the sedimentary events, (3) coarse-grained calcarenites rich in different types of small to large Thalassinoides and E. geladensis horizons, showing the intense and frequent action of storms and directed currents on the seafloor, and (4) coarse-grained, cross-bedded calcarenites, rich in Ophiomorpha nodosa , deposited under high-energy background conditions in the shallowest part of the sequence, recording the presence of shifting dunes in the inner platform. Occasionally, also the record of a rapid transgression has been pointed out through the presence of condensed tapho- and sedimentary facies and mixed ichnocoenoses at the top of the sequence just after an erosive surface. The defined ichnoceonoses and their distribution throughout the sequence reflect the shifting from a distal expression of the Cruziana Ichnofacies to the shallower archetypal Cruziana Ichnofacies and finally to the high-energy, shallow-water Skolithos Ichnofacies. The distribution of taphofacies and ichnocoenoses and development of the sequences all through the section show a general transgression followed by a regressive phase, which fit with the third-order curves described for the area on the basis of pure sedimentological analysis in previous studies ( Castro et al., 2008 ).

New Methodology for the Classification of Gravel Beaches: Adjusted on Alicante (Spain)

ABSTRACT Aragones, L.; Lopez, I.; Villacampa, Y.; Serra, J.C., and Saval, J.M., 2015. New methodology for the classification of gravel beaches: Adjusted on Alicante (Spain). In this article, a methodology is presented for the classification of gravel beaches, which can be applied internationally. Such beaches' defence against the energy of incoming water flow is due to their steep slopes and the high permeability of infiltration, but that defence is reduced with increasing sand fraction. The objective of this research was to understand the variables involved in the formation of gravel beaches, to classify them according to the distribution and position of sediment along the transversal profile, and to obtain a discriminant function. To apply the methodology, 34 gravel beaches in the province of Alicante, Spain, were first classified visually into five different types: Type 1: Sand and gravel beaches, Type 2: Sand and gravel separated beaches, Type 3: Gravel and sand beaches, Type 4: Gravel and sand separa...

How to Make a Barranco: Modeling Erosion and Land-Use in Mediterranean Landscapes

We use the hybrid modeling laboratory of the Mediterranean Landscape Dynamics (MedLanD) Project to simulate barranco incision in eastern Spain under different scenarios of natural and human environmental change. We carry out a series of modeling experiments set in the Rio Penaguila valley of northern Alicante Province. The MedLanD Modeling Laboratory (MML) is able to realistically simulate gullying and incision in a multi-dimensional, spatially explicit virtual landscape. We first compare erosion modeled in wooded and denuded landscapes in the absence of human land-use. We then introduce simulated small-holder (e.g., prehistoric Neolithic) farmer/herders in six experiments, by varying community size (small, medium, large) and land management strategy (satisficing and maximizing). We compare the amount and location of erosion under natural and anthropogenic conditions. Natural (e.g., climatically induced) land-cover change produces a distinctly different signature of landscape evolution than does land-cover change produced by agropastoral land-use. Human land-use induces increased coupling between hillslopes and channels, resulting in increased downstream incision.

EVALUATION OF GYM USERS' DIET WITH MUSCLE DYSMORPHIA (BIGOREXIA)

it is an innovative study where has been analyzed the diet among gym users with Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) of gyms in the province of Alicante. it have been analyzed 141 male gymnasts of several gyms of Alicante (urban area of southeastern Spanish) aged between 18-45 years old, who purpose increasing their muscle mass. Were considered BMI (kg/m2) and 24 hour diet. And it has been determined whether or not suffer MD trough Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale. the sample consisted of 141 men, of whom 45 are MD and 96 are not according to Muscle Appearance Satisfaction. Protein intake was calculated and was greater than 1.5 g/kg/day in patients without MD and greater than 2 g/kg/day in the MD group. Analyzing the other nutrients, results show that the proportion of carbohydrates and fats and their percentages by degree of instauration are within the recommendations except cholesterol which exceeds and the amount of dietary fiber that is slightly lower. In relation to micronutrients are within the recommendations in all cases except iodine which is slightly lower in MD. individuals with MD do a balanced energy and adequate carbohydrate and fat diet, however protein intake values exceed the limits proposed according to the scientific evidence for muscle mass development in strength sports.