Region Of Andalusia Research Articles

A dynamic model of the change from pre- to post-aspiration in Andalusian Spanish

In Andalusian Spanish, there is a well-documented sound change in which pre- has become post-aspiration in sequences of /s/ followed by voiceless stops. Here we investigate acoustically its synchronic basis across two age groups and two different regions of Andalusia that differ in the degree to which the sound change has advanced. For this purpose, Functional Principal Component Analysis (FPCA) was applied to the probability of voicing and to the degree of closure that had been estimated from the speech signal extending between the two vowels on either side of the aspirated cluster. The first principal component derived from FPCA was mostly associated with changes to the timing of the closure. Earlier closures were characteristic of both younger and West Andalusian speakers and of alveolar stops. In the signals parametrised by the first PC score, post- and pre-aspiration were found to be acoustically inversely related to each other and predictable from closure timing. The general conclusion is that the sound change by which pre- evolves into post-aspiration is a derivative of resynchronising the closure relative to the voiceless interval that emerges after decomposing speech signals varying over a wide range of speakers into principal components of variation.

New machine learning approaches to improve reference evapotranspiration estimates using intra-daily temperature-based variables in a semi-arid region of Spain

The estimation of Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) is crucial to estimate crop water requirements, especially in developing countries and areas with scarce water resources. In these regions, the impossibility of collecting all the required data to compute FAO-56 Penman–Monteith equation (FAO56-PM) makes scientists search new methodologies to accurately estimate ET0 with the minimum number of climatic parameters. In this work, several neural network approaches have been evaluated for estimating ET0 using datasets from five weather stations located in Southern Spain (semiarid region of Andalusia). The assessment of statistical performance (Root Mean Square Error -RMSE-, Mean Bias Error -MBE-, coefficient of determination -R2- and Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient -NSE-) of models namely Multilayer perceptron (MLP), Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost were carried out using different input variables configurations. Only temperature-based data were used as inputs; the calculation of new variables called EnergyT (the integral of the half hourly temperature values of a day) and Hourmin (the difference in hours between time sunset and the time when the maximum temperature occurs) had promising results for the most humid stations. The good results obtained with EnergyT when it is used as an input of the system demonstrated that the information contained on it gives detailed characterization of the daily thermic behavior at each location, resulting in a more efficient model than those using only daily maximum, minimum temperature and extraterrestrial radiation values. In general, the modeling results showed that no model firmly outperformed the others, although MLP and ELM were commonly the models that gave the best performances for all sites: mean values of R2 > 0.89, mean values of NSE > 0.88, mean values of RMSE < 0.67 mm/day and mean values of MBE ranging from −0.17 to 0.30 mm/day. Therefore, EnergyT and Hourmin can be used to estimate ET0 more accurately in stations where data acquisition is limited, like in developing countries or at low-cost weather stations that cannot collect all the required meteorological variables used in FAO56-PM. Overall, the use of ELM is recommended due to its high performance in terms of efficiency (NSE) for all the configurations and for all locations, especially using EnergyT as an input variable.

The association of living donor source with patient and graft survival among kidney transplant recipients in the ERA-EDTA Registry - a retrospective study.

SummaryIn this study we aimed to compare patient and graft survival of kidney transplant recipients who received a kidney from a living‐related donor (LRD) or living‐unrelated donor (LUD). Adult patients in the ERA‐EDTA Registry who received their first kidney transplant in 1998–2017 were included. Ten‐year patient and graft survival were compared between LRD and LUD transplants using Cox regression analysis. In total, 14 370 patients received a kidney from a living donor. Of those, 9212 (64.1%) grafts were from a LRD, 5063 (35.2%) from a LUD and for 95 (0.7%), the donor type was unknown. Unadjusted five‐year risks of death and graft failure (including death as event) were lower for LRD transplants than for LUD grafts: 4.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7–4.6) and 10.8% (95% CI: 10.1–11.5) versus 6.5% (95% CI: 5.7–7.4) and 12.2% (95% CI: 11.2–13.3), respectively. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, associations disappeared with hazard ratios of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.87–1.13) for patient survival and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94–1.14) for graft survival. Unadjusted risk of death‐censored graft failure was similar, but after adjustment, it was higher for LUD transplants (1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.35). In conclusion, patient and graft survival of LRD and LUD kidney transplant recipients was similar, whereas death‐censored graft failure was higher in LUD. These findings confirm the importance of both living kidney donor types.

Can satellite‐based weather index insurance improve the hedging of yield risk of perennial non‐irrigated olive trees in Spain?*

Olive oil yields fluctuate strongly due to their dependence on sufficient precipitation. An interesting option to hedge the yield risk in olive cultivation could be satellite‐based weather index insurance. Therefore, we implement index insurance as a hedging alternative for non‐irrigated olive groves using MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data. For this purpose, we focus on the Spanish region of Andalusia, given its importance in olive production at the international level. We calculate three satellite indices: the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), the Temperature Condition Index (TCI) and the Vegetation Health Index (VHI). Meteorological indices related to temperature and precipitation are used as benchmarks. Firstly, we estimate the periods that have the greatest influence on the critical vegetative phase of olives, which extends from March to September. Based on the indices, insurance contracts are designed using a copula approach, which is then employed to evaluate their hedging effectiveness. On average, the hedging effectiveness of VCI‐, VHI‐ and TCI‐based weather index insurance contracts amounts to 38 per cent, 38 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively. Moreover, VCI‐ and VHI‐based weather index insurance contracts outperform traditional weather index insurance contracts based on precipitation (by 29 per cent) and temperature (by 16 per cent) indices.

Atmospheric Pathways and Distance Range Analysis of Castanea Pollen Transport in Southern Spain

The sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is the only native species of this genus in Europe, where it faces various threats that are causing a severe decrease in populations, with the resulting loss of genetic diversity. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is of high economic and ecological importance, being well represented, especially in northern areas, whilst it is limited to isolated populations in medium-range mountains in southern Spain (Andalusia region). Taking advantage of this fragmented distribution, this study analyzes the dynamics of atmospheric transport of Castanea pollen through Andalusia region in order to obtain a better understanding of the pollination pathways as a key aspect of the floral biology of this partially anemophilous species. The aerobiological characteristics of this species are also of special interest since its pollen has been recognized as allergenic. Pollen transport pathways were studied by applying back-trajectories analysis together with aerobiological, phenological, land cover, and meteorological data. The results reveal that airborne Castanea pollen concentrations recorded in the city of Cordoba, in the center of Andalusia region, reach medium- and even long-range distances. The backward-trajectory analysis indicates that most of the pollen data detected outside the Castanea flowering season were related to westerly slow and easterly airflows. Furthermore, some of the case studies analyzed indicate the presence of southerly airflow patterns, which could influence medium- and long-range transport events from chestnut populations further south, even from those located in north African mountains. The integrated analysis of the results offers us better knowledge of the cross-pollination pathways of this endangered species, which help us to understand its genetic flows, as a basis for designing conservation strategies for this highly fragmented species in southern Spain.

Andalusian program for early detection of diabetic retinopathy: implementation and 15-year follow-up of a population-based screening program in Andalusia, Southern Spain

IntroductionDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is a preventable cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. We aim at analyzing the impact of a population-based screening program of DR using retinal photography with...

Evaluating the potential of adaptive comfort approach using historic data to reduce energy consumption in buildings in southern Spain

The application of adaptive comfort models is among the determinant factors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This research studies the region of Andalusia (south of Spain). A cluster analysis is applied to 786 Andalusian municipalities, and 4 groups are established according to the potential of adaptive strategies. A town is chosen from each group, and an hourly specific study is conducted for the last 20 years, as well as a daily study of the old time series by using an artificial neural network based on the existing climate data. The possibility of application of the EN 16798–1:2019 standard during the days of the year is analysed, as well as the possibilities of using natural ventilation and the possibility of using adaptive setpoint temperatures in comparison with both 3 fixed heating temperatures and 3 fixed cooling temperatures by considering the energy saving. The results to apply the standard ranged 69.0 and 100% of the days of each year. The possibilities of natural ventilation considered were greater than 10% of the hours of the year in all the assumptions. The energy saving of cooling degrees reveals a greater potential in the area studied than that of heating degrees; this tendency is supported by the study of old temporary series which are part of the climate variation predicted throughout the 21st century.

Reproductive biology and female frequencies of two co-occurring gynodioecious Thymus species

Gynodioecy, the co-occurrence of female and hermaphrodite plants in the same population is relatively common in the genus Thymus, where a high and variable female frequency has been reported in several species, populations and years. In most gynodioecious species, female plants produce more and/or better seeds than hermaphrodite plants, facilitating female maintenance in natural populations. Thymus × arundanus and T. granatensis are two sympatric gynodioecious species that inhabit the region of Andalucia, Spain. Here we studied reproductive components in two different years (1987 and 2016) as flower number, fruit-set, seed number and seed mass, and their possible relation to female frequencies in those years in natural populations of both species. In T. × arundanus, mean female frequency (59%) was ten times higher than that of T. granatensis (5%). Female frequency was relatively constant in T. × arundanus after almost 15 years (1987–2016), and in T. granatensis low female frequencies were observed (0–5%) with the exception of one population (18%). However, reproductive components were variable among species, years and genders, showing no consistent female fertility advantage. High female frequencies in T. × arundanus are not likely to be maintained by female fertility advantage but stochastic and pleiotropic effects on sex determination may play a relevant role in sex ratio variation in the studied populations of both species.

Exploring Troubles, Attitudes, and Strategies Related to Integrated Aquaculture. A Case of the Andalusia Region (South of Spain)

With the adoption of the Maritime Spatial Planning, European countries have recognized the need to move towards multi-sectoral management of marine resources and space. The present study discusses the problems and opportunities associated with an integrated aquaculture development along the coast of Andalusia through an in-depth analysis of legislative documents and face-to-face interviews. The findings suggest that the management of the aquaculture sector has been characterized by a sectoral approach with little integration into the existing economic activities and socio-cultural context leading to conflicts among fisheries and lack of acceptance from local communities. During the last decade, the regional competent authority and the aquaculture sector implemented several strategies to improve the integration with the other coastal users and enhance the social acceptability of this activity in the area.

New Risk Situations Related to Low Noise from Electric Vehicles: Perception of Workers as Pedestrians and Other Vehicle Drivers.

Sales of electric and hybrid electric vehicles are increasing steadily worldwide, and consequently their presence increases in city areas. At low speeds, the low levels of noise produced by these vehicles could become a new risk factor for road users. However, the magnitude of the risk has not been accurately determined. In addition, its inclusion in the work environment could pose a new risk that should be managed. Thus, in relation to low noise levels of electric and hybrid vehicles, this study aimed to characterise the risk situations and determine the risk perception of workers as pedestrians and internal combustion engine vehicle drivers coming into contact with these vehicles. The data were extracted from 417 questionnaires filled out by the employees of public service companies who come into contact with electric and hybrid vehicles during their working day in the city of Málaga, in the region of Andalusia, Spain. According to the experiences reported, it seems that the risk due to the low noise levels of electric vehicles is moderate and does not reach alarming levels. These risk situations usually occurred in low speed urban areas, particularly when crossing the road, or in semi-pedestrian areas. Almost half the respondents considered that the electric vehicle poses a risk to other road users because it is more difficult to hear, and they believe it likely that other road users could be injured. Despite that risk, pedestrians did not change their way of walking or moving around the parking areas and other areas of the company. Electric and hybrid electric cars are now required to produce sound when travelling at low speeds. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this measure should be assessed once implemented and future research should explore alternative non-acoustic measures.

Parameterisation and Optimisation of a Hand-Rake Sweeper: Application in Olive Picking

Olive picking is one of the most common social agricultural activities in many regions of Andalusia where the predominant crop is the traditional olive grove. The machinery used includes shakers, blowers and essential, low-cost hand-rake sweepers. The latter are generally used by the women of the squads to sweep the olives that fall from the trees. This article is focused on the design and optimisation of a hand-rake sweeper, in terms of durability and cost, for the picking of olives and other fruits, such as almonds, which are currently the main alternative to nonperennial crops in Andalusia. A parametric design of a hand-rake sweeper was created for this application using the design software CATIA, and its most vulnerable points were analysed in terms of effectiveness with varying design parameters, conducting usage simulations with ANSYS for a light material such as polypropylene. The maximum von Mises stress of the whole structure was 155.81 MPa. Using ANSYS, the dimension parameters of the hand-rake sweeper structure were optimised. The modified design was analysed again, showing a reduction of maximum tensions of 10.06%, as well as a decrease in its maximum elongations (0.0181 mm).

Spatial Disaggregation of Social Indicators: An Info-Metrics Approach

In this paper we propose a methodology to obtain social indicators at a detailed spatial scale by combining the information contained in census and sample surveys. Similarly to previous proposals, the method proposed here estimates a model at the sample level to later project it to the census scale. The main novelties of the technique presented are that (i) the small-scale mapping produced is perfectly consistent with the aggregates -regional or national- observed in the sample, and (ii) it does not require imposing strong distributional assumptions. The methodology suggested here follows the basics presented on Golan (2018) by adapting a cross-moment constrained Generalized Maximum Entropy (GME) estimator to the spatial disaggregation problem. This procedure is compared with the equivalent methodology of Tarozzi and Deaton (2009) by means of numerical experiments, providing a comparatively better performance. Additionally, the practical implementation of the methodology proposed is illustrated by estimating poverty rates for small areas for the region of Andalusia (Spain).

KONTRIBUSI UMAYYAH ANDALUSIA DALAM PENGEMBANGAN ILMU PENGETAHUAN

The Andalusian Umayyad dynasty was a continuation of the Damascus Umayyad which was destroyed on the Iberian peninsula, the entry of Islam in Andalusia was first brought by the commander Tharif bin Malik at the suggestion of Musa bin Nushair to the Caliph al-Walid. After conquering Christian kingdoms in almost all regions of Andalusia, the rulers of the Umayyad dynasty focused their attention on the development of science and science which made big names like Ibn Rushd, Ibn Firnas and Ibn Hazm. The Andalusian rulers opened the palace doors as wide as possible for discussion activities, provided laboratories and made the palace a gathering place for art experts and writers from all over to pour works and artistic creations. The government's attention to scientists made Andalusia a beacon of civilization at a time when European society lived in darkness and ignorance. The progress that was made during the Umayyad Andalusian era which would later inspire the birth of the Renaissance era which was marked by the industrial revolution in Europe.

Validation of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey in Spanish adolescents.

There are a large number of studies in the literature on burnout and its negative consequences for health and psychological wellbeing. Use of the burnout index in the academic context has increased to the point of identifying even the adolescent population. Nevertheless, at the present time there is no validated instrument for evaluating this syndrome in Spanish high school students. In view of this, our study attempted to evaluate the factor structure and reliability of the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) in a sample of high school adolescents. The sample included 1,209 students in the autonomous region of Andalusia (Spain), of whom 47.1% were boys and 52.9% girls, with a mean age of M=15.07, SD=1.174). The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a model with 12 items showing good fit, distributed across three factors: emotional exhaustion, cynicism and academic efficacy. These results demonstrate that the proposed instrument has an excellent factor structure and internal consistency, and is useful for evaluating academic burnout in the adolescent Spanish high school population.

The “business–territory” relationship of cooperative societies as compared to the conventional business sector in the region of Andalusia

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to identify whether cooperativism in Andalusia is related to the territory in which it takes place. The discovery of a “cooperativism–territory” relationship is of particular interest, given Andalusia's significant territorial diversity and the ability of cooperative societies to adapt to different surroundings. Noteworthy among the results is the greater connection shown by cooperative societies to the area in which they carry out their activities, compared with that seen in the conventional business sector. As such, cooperative societies are strategic entities in terms of responding and adapting to the evolution of certain localized social needs emerging in the region of Andalusia.

Aflamencado practice in the contemporary piano perfoming

Aflamencado practice in the contemporary piano perfoming

Monthly Precipitation Forecasts Using Wavelet Neural Networks Models in a Semiarid Environment

Accurate forecast of hydrological data such as precipitation is critical in order to provide useful information for water resources management, playing a key role in different sectors. Traditional forecasting methods present many limitations due to the high-stochastic property of precipitation and its strong variability in time and space: not identifying non-linear dynamics or not solving the instability of local weather situations. In this work, several alternative models based on the combination of wavelet analysis (multiscalar decomposition) with artificial neural networks have been developed and evaluated at sixteen locations in Southern Spain (semiarid region of Andalusia), representative of different climatic and geographical conditions. Based on the capability of wavelets to describe non-linear signals, ten wavelet neural network models (WNN) have been applied to predict monthly precipitation by using short-term thermo-pluviometric time series. Overall, the forecasting results show differences between the ten models, although an effective performance (i.e., correlation coefficients ranged from 0.76 to 0.90 and Root Mean Square Error values ranged from 6.79 to 29.82 mm) was obtained at each of the locations assessed. The most appropriate input variables to obtain the best forecasts are analyzed, according to the geo-climatic characteristics of the sixteen sites studied.

Therapeutic pulmonary telerehabilitation protocol for patients affected by COVID-19, confined to their homes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn December 2019, 27 cases of pneumonia, of unknown cause, were identified in the province of Hubei (China). The WHO declared the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and it was finally declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Spanish Government obliges the entire population to remain confined to their homes, with the exception of essential basic services, to stop the spread of COVID-19. Home isolation implies a notable physical deconditioning. Telerehabilitation methods have reported positive experiences, and we propose to study in affected patients of COVID-19, due to the general house confinement of the entire Spanish population.MethodsPatients will be recruited in the regions of Andalusia, Murcia, and Valencia (Spain). Patients will remain confined to their homes, and there, they will carry out their assigned exercise program, which will be controlled telematically. Evaluators will attend to carry out all measurements at the beginning, during, and end of the study, telematically controlled. The patients will be randomly divided into three groups, two of them will perform a home exercise program (breathing exercises or non-specific exercises for muscle toning) and the third group will perform sedentary activities, using mental activation techniques, and will act as a sham group. We will evaluate respiratory variables and other variables of the physical state through physical tests, effort, and perceived fatigue. The data will be statistically analyzed, and the hypotheses will be tested between the groups, using the SPSS software, v.24, considering a 95% confidence interval.DiscussionWe will analyze the results, in terms of the level of fatigue and perceived exertion, physical health, and maintenance of respiratory activity of two types of exercise programs, toning and respiratory, applied in patients affected by COVID-19 during the period of home confinement. We intend to investigate a field not previously studied, such as the repercussion of carrying out a toning and respiratory exercise program in these patients, in historical circumstances that no one had previously observed in Spain, since the general population has never been forced to remain confined in their homes, due to a pandemic infection, by a coronavirus (COVID-19). Observing the effects that these two home exercise programs could produce in patients infected with COVID-19, we will try to better analyze and understand the mechanisms that are associated with the worsening of breathing in this type of patient.Trial registrationBrazilian Clinical Trial Registry RBR-6m69fc. Registered on March 31, 2020.

Las emociones en la interacción con la tecnología en el profesorado y el alumnado de centros con buenas prácticas TIC

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo conocer las emociones que surgen de la interacción con las TIC en el profesorado y el alumnado de los centros educativos con larga trayectoria y Buenas Prácticas con TIC en Andalucía. Con esta finalidad, se realiza un diseño de corte cuantitativo con un método descriptivo y un diseño tipo encuesta. La muestra es de 18 centros educativos, en los cuales se indaga sobre las emociones del profesorado y el alumnado a través de dos cuestionarios con escalas tipo Likert. Los resultados muestran que las emociones más comunes en el uso de las TIC en ambos colectivos son el bienestar y satisfacción y el orgullo mientras que la disminución de la frustración es la menos frecuente en el uso de las mismas. Asimismo, se identifican algunos elementos asociados a las emociones tanto del profesorado como del alumnado. Entre las conclusiones destaca la necesidad de otorgar relevancia a las emociones que subyacen en la interacción con las TIC tanto en el profesorado como en el alumnado si el objetivo es mejorar los procesos educativos mediados por TIC. Finalmente, el análisis refleja cómo las emociones en el uso de las TIC por parte del alumnado se asocian a factores similares a los que generan una brecha digital en términos de competencia, como son el género, el número de dispositivos que poseen o disponer de Internet en casa, entre otros. The present study aims to tap into the emotions of teaching staff and students in Spanish schools in the Region of Andalucía when they interact with ICT. The schools chosen for the study had a long-standing experience with ICT programs and a well-defined code of ICT best practices. A quantitative methodological design was used. The sample consisted of 18 schools, in which teachers’ and students' emotions were investigated through two questionnaires designed on a Likert scale. The results show that the most common emotions in the use of ICT in both groups are well-being and satisfaction and pride. A decrease in frustration levels is the least reported emotion. Likewise, some elements associated with the emotions of both teachers and students are identified. The conclusions highlight the need to give relevance to the emotions underlying the interaction with ICT in both teachers and students, if the goal is to improve educational processes mediated by ICT. Finally, the analysis reflects how emotions in the use of ICT in students are associated with factors similar to those that generate digital divide in terms of competition, such as gender, the number of electronic devices and Internet connection at home, among others.

Mapping and Analysis of Biomass Supply Chains in Andalusia and the Republic of Ireland

The bioeconomy can play a critical role in helping countries to find alternative sustainable sources of products and energy. Countries with diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems will see diverging feedstock opportunities to develop these new value chains. Understanding the sources, composition, and regional availability of these biomass feedstocks is an essential first step in developing new sustainable bio-based value chains. In this paper, an assessment and analysis of regional biomass availability was conducted in the diverse regions of Andalusia and Ireland using a bioresource mapping model. The model provides regional stakeholders with a first glance at the regional opportunities with regards to feedstock availability and an estimate of the transportation costs associated with moving the feedstock to a different modelled location/region for the envisioned biorefinery plant. The analysis found that there were more than 30 million tonnes of (wet weight) biomass arisings from Ireland (84,000 km2) with only around 4.8 million tonnes from the Andalusian region (87,000 km2). The study found that Cork in Ireland stood out as the main contributor of biomass feedstock in the Irish region, with animal manures making the largest contribution. Meanwhile, the areas of Almería, Jaén, and Córdoba were the main contributors of biomass in the Andalusia region, with olive residues identified as the most abundant biomass resource. This analysis also found that, while considerable feedstock divergence existed within the regions, the mapping model could act as an effective tool for collecting and interpreting the regional data on a transnational basis.