Spanish Mediterranean Area Research Articles

Evaluation of Non-Contact Device to Measure Body Temperature in Sheep.

Non-contact devices have been used in the measurement of body temperature in livestock production as a tool for testing disease in different species. However, there are few studies about the variation and correlations in body temperature between rectal temperature (RT) and non-contact devices such as non-contact infrared thermometers (NCIT) and thermal imaging/infrared thermography (IRT). The objective of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of non-contact devices to measure the body temperature in sheep, considering six body regions and the possibility of implementing these systems in herd management. The experiment was carried out at the experimental farm of the Catholic University of Valencia, located in the municipality of Massanassa in July of 2021, with 72 dry manchega ewes, and we compared the rectal temperature with two types of non-contact infrared devices for the assessment of body temperature in healthy sheep. Except for the temperature taken by NCIT at the muzzle, the correlation between RT vs. NCIT or IRT showed a low significance or was difficult to use for practical flock management purposes. In addition, the variability between devices was high, which implies that measurements should be interpreted with caution in warm climates and open pens, such as most sheep farms in the Spanish Mediterranean area. The use of infrared cameras devices to assess body temperature may have a promising future, but in order to be widely applied as a routine management method on farms, the system needs to become cheaper, simpler in terms of measurements and quicker in terms of analyzing results.

Incidence and genetic diversity of cucurbit viruses in the Spanish Mediterranean area

AbstractViral infections on cucurbit fields can cause major economic losses. Monitoring of the main producing areas is essential to identify both prevalent and emerging viruses. For two consecutive years (2019–2020), the presence and molecular diversity of nine aphid‐ and whitefly‐transmitted viruses in the main cucurbit‐producing areas of the Spanish Mediterranean basin and other important regions were studied. In analyses of symptomatic plants, watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), cucurbit aphid‐borne yellows virus (CABYV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) were found to be prevalent in all the monitored areas, regardless of the crop and the farming conditions. Moroccan watermelon mosaic virus (MWMV) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) were also found at lower rates, mainly in mixed infections with WMV. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to determine the molecular variability of the different isolates. Whereas the sequences of CABYV, MWMV and ToLCNDV isolates all clustered within their corresponding Mediterranean clade, new viral variants of WMV and CMV were found. Seven new WMV profiles and a reassorting CMV isolate (IB‐IB‐IA) were observed. Moreover, the complete genome of the newly described WMV isolates was sequenced. Further studies should be done to determine if these new variants spread to new areas and if they can overcome the previously described resistances.

Are wind turbines integrated into landscape? an analysis of its social perception in a spanish mediterranean area

ContextRenewable energy sources development has introduced wind farms as a regular landscape element. However, as human-made elements, wind farms influence on landscape's scenic beauty differently according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the beholder.ObjectivesIn this regard, the study analyses the population's visual perception of wind farms into Mediterranean landscapes with reference to three social variables: gender, age and education level.MethodPeople's preferences were assessed through two on-line surveys with several landscape photographs, with and without wind turbines. Subsequently, the score of each photograph was statistically analyzed regarding the landscapes showed and the respondents' socio-demographic variables.ResultsThe results demonstrate how vegetation had a positive effect in landscape' scenic beauty, especially forest, as well as people do not perceive negatively wind turbines presence. In fact, their implementation in deteriorated or low scored landscapes improves its scenic beauty. Lastly, despite the fact that gender, age and education do not influence on people's perception, there is a trend between these factors and wind turbines influence on landscape.ConclusionsIn addition to reinforce the vegetation positive effects on landscape’ scenic beauty, wind turbines have become a new landscape element that, in general, do not have a negative impact on its scenic beauty but, according to age, different consideration appeared.

Landscape Value in the Spanish Costa del Sol’s Real Estate Market: The Case of Marbella

Housing prices are influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. This study aims to highlight the economic impact of the perceived landscape on single-family houses prices in a Spanish Mediterranean urban area (Marbella). Considering the landscape an important added value in real estate markets, this study also explores the landscape elements that contribute the most to the value of housing. A particularly positive influence of mixed views (urban elements and Mediterranean scrub) and sea views is detected in the analysis. Sea views are highly requested in the local housing market, but due to the graded topographical layout of Marbella, it is not very difficult to have sea views for houses. The low importance of views on natural land areas is worth noting when one of the attractions of this municipality is that of a highly valued Mediterranean natural environment. Views on the old town centre are somewhere in between: although the old town centre is highly regarded, with a generally good state of preservation, the sampled properties have poorer quality perspectives, with reduced visual basins and views centred on the foreground, usually the houses opposite.

Fact-based nutrition for infants and lactating mothers-The NUTRISHIELD study.

Human milk (HM) is the ideal source of nutrients for infants. Its composition is highly variable according to the infant's needs. When not enough own mother's milk (OMM) is available, the administration of pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is considered a suitable alternative for preterm infants. This study protocol describes the NUTRISHIELD clinical study. The main objective of this study is to compare the % weight gain/month in preterm and term infants exclusively receiving either OMM or DHM. Other secondary aims comprise the evaluation of the influence of diet, lifestyle habits, psychological stress, and pasteurization on the milk composition, and how it modulates infant's growth, health, and development. NUTRISHIELD is a prospective mother-infant birth cohort in the Spanish-Mediterranean area including three groups: preterm infants <32 weeks of gestation (i) exclusively receiving (i.e., >80% of total intake) OMM, and (ii) exclusively receiving DHM, and (iii) term infants exclusively receiving OMM, as well as their mothers. Biological samples and nutritional, clinical, and anthropometric characteristics are collected at six time points covering the period from birth and until six months of infant's age. The genotype, metabolome, and microbiota as well as the HM composition are characterized. Portable sensor prototypes for the analysis of HM and urine are benchmarked. Additionally, maternal psychosocial status is measured at the beginning of the study and at month six. Mother-infant postpartum bonding and parental stress are also examined. At six months, infant neurodevelopment scales are applied. Mother's concerns and attitudes to breastfeeding are registered through a specific questionnaire. NUTRISHIELD provides an in-depth longitudinal study of the mother-infant-microbiota triad combining multiple biological matrices, newly developed analytical methods, and ad-hoc designed sensor prototypes with a wide range of clinical outcome measures. Data obtained from this study will be used to train a machine-learning algorithm for providing dietary advice to lactating mothers and will be implemented in a user-friendly platform based on a combination of user-provided information and biomarker analysis. A better understanding of the factors affecting milk's composition, together with the health implications for infants plays an important role in developing improved strategies of nutraceutical management in infant care. https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05646940.

Historical Floods on the Spanish Mediterranean Basin: A Methodological Proposal for the Classification of Information at High Spatio–Temporal Resolution—AMICME Database (CE 1035–2022)

The uncertainties raised by climate change in the Mediterranean region justify a detailed study on rainfall regime over a long time scale. This study is not just about reconstructing and characterizing climate variability, but also identifying the hydrometeorological episodes of greater severity and low frequency. These phenomena, such as floods and droughts, affect the availability of water resources, generate casualties and have significant impacts on human activity. In this context of global warming, knowledge of past extreme hydrometeorological events has gained importance over time. Moreover, the ability to classify these past extreme events in order to compare them with current ones strengthens research capabilities. For this reason, this paper proposes a multivariable classification system for flood episodes, both historical and recent. The classification considers the physical conditions of a flood, its damage to structures and its social impacts. The proposed methodology has been applied to the AMICME flood database for the Spanish Mediterranean catchment areas from CE 1035 to 2022. This paper shows the application of this methodology for six flood episodes from different centuries and locations. It has been possible to display all the indexed information for the different flood cases of every episode through cartographic summary representations. Results prove the adaptability of the classification system to different hydrographical and historical contexts.

Sequential effects of spent coffee grounds on soil physical properties

AbstractSpent coffee grounds are a bio‐residue studied as soil organic amendment and it has been proven that it has short‐term effects on soil physical properties. However, its sequential effects on the cultivation of clayey soils are little studied. Therefore, an in vitro experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of increasing doses (1%, 2%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%) of spent coffee grounds on the physical properties of a clayey soil in the Spanish Mediterranean area which is rich in smectites. The addition of spent coffee grounds increased water retention at −33 and −1500 kPa proportionally to the added amounts, but the increase in the wilting point was much larger than the field water capacity, decreasing the plant available water content. A non‐linear influence on the aggregate size is demonstrated. It increased total porosity and consequently reduced soil bulk density. This fact was reflected in the stereomicroscopy images where an increase in the pores analysed with image analysis was observed. Furthermore, SEM images corroborate that spent coffee grounds act intensely in the short‐term due to the interaction between their particles and those of clay. The 5% dose acted as a threshold dose from which the greatest effects on soil physical properties occur. In general, the use of SCG as an organic amendment is a good sustainable solution because it supposes a reuse of this bio‐residue (15 million tons per year), an increase in soil organic carbon (SCG contains ≈ 50% carbon) and an improvement of the soil physical and chemical properties.

People's attitudes towards the agrifood system influence the value of ecosystem services of mountain agroecosystems.

Studies covering the social valuation of ecosystem services (ES) are increasingly incorporating people’s attitudes, which allows social heterogeneity to be identified. This is especially relevant in mountain areas, where diverse complex interactions occur among the environment, the socioeconomic system, and a wide variety of farming practices. In this context, we aimed to: (i) identify the attitudinal dimensions that build people views about the agrifood system; and (ii) analyse how these attitudinal dimensions influence the value given to ES delivered by mountain agroecosystems of two European countries. We conducted a survey with a sample of 1008 individuals evenly distributed in the Italian Alps and Spanish Mediterranean mountain areas to collect information on people’s attitudes toward: (i) the economy and the environment; (ii) rural development and agricultural intensification; (iii) food quality, production, and consumption; and (iv) agricultural and environmental policies. The survey included a choice experiment to assess the value that individuals attach to the most relevant ES provided by mountain agroecosystems in these areas (i.e., landscape, biodiversity, quality local products, wildfires prevention and water quality). The results showed four common attitudinal dimensions, namely Economy over environment, Mass-Market distribution reliability, Agricultural productivism, and Environmentalism and rural lifestyle. These attitudinal dimensions resulted in six groups of respondents. Most groups positively valued an increase in the delivery of all the analysed ES, which suggests that agricultural policies which aim to promote ES are likely to receive social support in the study areas. However, the differing attitudinal dimensions underlying people’s preferences may result in disagreements about the steps to be taken to achieve the desired increase in ES delivery.

Country of origin label monitoring of musky and common octopuses (Eledone spp. and Octopus vulgaris) by means of a portable near-infrared spectroscopic device

Modern analytical techniques using miniaturized and portable near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy instruments are particularly suited for assessing the authenticity of fishery products since meeting the requirements of rapidity, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and easiness of application. The objective of the present study was to verify the suitability of use of a portable and ultra-compact NIR spectrometer combined with machine learning to characterize the geographic origin of two octopus species. Replicate NIR spectra (908.1–1676.2 nm) of 118 musky and 29 common octopus specimens (Eledone spp. and Octopus vulgaris) from Portuguese Atlantic or Spanish Mediterranean fishing areas were recorded, pre-processed and elaborated via the following classification algorithms: orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and multilayer perceptron-artificial neural network (MLP-ANN). When 7-fold cross validation was performed on 75% of data, the results showed that linear tools (OPLS-DA and LR) were the most powerful and stable techniques in recognizing the origin of both octopus species (mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision values above 98%). During the external validation phase OPLS-DA, SVM, and MLP-ANN performed better for common octopuses, while LR and MLP-ANN for musky octopuses. The achieved outcomes suggest the combination of portable NIR spectroscopy and machine learning as a promising plan of action to be adopted for the creation of an integrated analytical platform with capabilities for automated data recording, processing, and reporting, which may be helpful for on-site and in-line monitoring of fishery products.

Helicobacter pylori Is Present at Quantifiable Levels in Raw Vegetables in the Mediterranean Area of Spain

Vegetables are one of the main foodstuffs consumed in the Mediterranean diet. However, raw vegetables have been associated with relevant foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Accurate knowledge of the microbiological quantitative risks associated with these matrices is crucial in order to define effective control measures, avoiding the survival and dissemination of foodborne pathogens through the different food chain stages. The aim of the present study is the assessment of the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (a unique carcinogenic biological agent recognized to date) on leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, and chard) by means of the detection of the specific pathogenicity vacA gene. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) optimized approach was used to detect H. pylori-positive samples and the concentration of this pathogen (with a limit of detection equal to 10 cells). One hundred raw vegetable samples were acquired in markets corresponding to the Spanish Mediterranean area. Sliced vegetable leaves were homogenized and centrifuged, and DNA was extracted from the homogenates. qPCR results confirmed 20 out of 100 H. pylori-positive samples, with melting temperature (Tm) values in the range of 84.8–86.5 °C (TmvacA H. pylori = 85 °C). Amplicons were cut, purified, and sequenced to confirm the homology with the H. pylori vacA gene. A total of 17 out of 100 vegetable samples (12/45 (26.6%) lettuce, 2/21 (9.5%) spinach, and 3/34 (8.8%) chard samples) were finally confirmed as H. pylori-positive. Contamination levels were in the range of 1.5 ± 0.3 to 2.5 ± 0.1 log10 cycles (36–335 CFU/g leafy vegetables). Our results show that H. pylori is detected by qPCR at levels close to infectious doses in fresh vegetables, thus posing a food safety hazard.

The Useful Life of Reinforced Concrete Structures with Reinforcement Corrosion Due to Carbonation in Non-Aggressive and Normal Exposures in the Spanish Mediterranean.

Some reinforced concrete structures must be repaired at an early stage in their life due to the oxidation processes suffered by their reinforcements; such processes involve serious pathologies that affect the stability and safety of buildings. Spanish legislation distinguishes several classes of environments, with non-aggressive and normal exposure providing a longer useful life of the structure. The present study shows that some structural elements in reinforced concrete, mainly the pillars in the area of contact with the ground, are exposed to significant corrosion by carbonation. This position of the structural elements dramatically and abruptly shortens the useful life of the models provided for the current regulations. A total of 17 pillars in 10 buildings of different ages and locations in the Spanish Mediterranean area, not subject to the presence of chlorides, have been analyzed. These buildings are situated in environments considered by the standard as normal and non-aggressive. The actual carbonation that these elements present have been compared with that which can be derived from the model established by Spanish regulations. Of these pillars, 14 present a carbonation higher than that derived from the model, and the last three pillars largely conform to the figures of the model. This significant deviation shows the need for a revision of the Spanish EHE 08 regulation, which should include aspects such as the action of dampness by capillarity and the differences in electrochemical potential between the different materials.

Understanding Motivations and Segmentation in Ecotourism Destinations. Application to Natural Parks in Spanish Mediterranean Area

Ecotourism is one of the tourism variants with more annual growth. Motivation has become a fundamental criterion for travel behavior. Segmentation is used to identify the market niches of different tourism products and services. This study collects these three elements and is designed to examine demand segmentation and motivations in ecotourism. The analysis was carried out in the Albufera and Serranía de Cuenca Natural Parks, both located in the Mediterranean area in Spain. The analysis sample consists in 349 surveys obtained in situ. For the data analysis, a factor analysis and nonhierarchical K-media segmentation were performed. The results show eight motivational dimensions: “Interpersonal relationships”, “Self-development”, “Escape”, “Building personal relationships”, “Nature”, “Ego-defensive function”, “Rewards”, and “Fun”. According to tourists’ motivations, three ecotourist segments are obtained: “Nature”, “Multiple motives”, and “Reward and Escape”. This research can assist companies and institutions to improve tourism service offers and perform efficient marketing planning.

On the presence of Dipturus nidarosiensis (Storm, 1881) in the Central Mediterranean area.

The Norwegian skate Dipturus nidarosiensis (Storm, 1881) has only recently been recorded in the western Mediterranean Sea along the coast of southern Sardinia, off Algeria and the Alboran Sea. The present study confirmed the presence of the species in the Central Mediterranean Sea by identifying morphometric, morphological features and molecular markers. Biological sampling was conducted from 2010 to 2016 on eight specimens collected through commercial landings, offshore observer programmes and scientific surveys in Adriatic and Ionian waters at depths between 320 and 720 m. The total lengths of the specimens (juveniles and adults) ranged from 268 to 1,422 mm, and their body weights ranged from 44.5 to 12,540.0 g. They showed morphometric features that corresponded to those of Norwegian skates in the Northeast Atlantic and the Western Mediterranean. In previous analyses, molecular data were obtained by mitochondrial COI sequences. The haplotype network showed the occurrence of a common haplotype (Hap_1) shared by the individuals from areas in the North Atlantic, Sardinian, Algerian and Spanish Mediterranean Sea areas but not South Africa. The occurrence of individuals in different stages of life (i.e., juveniles, sub-adults and adults) and sexual development (immature and mature) suggested the presence of a species with a permanent reproductive allocation in the deep waters of the Mediterranean, which was exposed to a low level of fishing exploitation. Indeed, the deep depth distribution of the species could be the reason for the absence of information about this species in onshore or offshore fishery data collection programmes and scientific surveys.

MAMI: a birth cohort focused on maternal-infant microbiota during early life

BackgroundEarly microbial colonization is a relevant aspect in human health. Altered microbial colonization patterns have been linked to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Advances in understanding host-microbe interactions highlight the pivotal role of maternal microbiota on infant health programming. This birth cohort is aimed to characterize the maternal microbes transferred to neonates during the first 1000 days of life, as well as to identify the potential host and environmental factors, such as gestational age, mode of delivery, maternal/infant diet, and exposure to antibiotics, which affect early microbial colonization.MethodsMAMI is a prospective mother-infant birth cohort in the Spanish-Mediterranean area. Mothers were enrolled at the end of pregnancy and families were follow-up during the first years of life. Maternal-infant biological samples were collected at several time points from birth to 24 months of life. Clinical and anthropometric characteristics and dietary information is available. Specific qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing as well as short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) profile would be obtained. Multivariable models will be used to identy associations between microbiota and clinical and anthropometric data controlling for confounders.MAMI would contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between diet, microbiota and host response in early life health programming, enabling new applications in the field of personalized nutrition and medicine.Trial registrationThe study is registered on the ClinicalTrial.gov platform NCT03552939. (June 12, 2018).

Effects of lifestyles and the Mediterranean diet on elderly people’s quality of life according to gender / Efectos de los estilos de vida y la dieta mediterránea en la calidad de vida en personas mayores en función del género

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been associated with certain eating habits, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD) and lifestyles. However, the specific role of gender in this association is not yet known. The objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between the consumption of the MD essential foods and lifestyle (tobacco and alcohol consumption and exercise) with the HRQoL of 340 elderly people aged over 60 living in the Spanish Mediterranean area. The results show a better HRQoL in males. Compared to females, the lifestyles of males include a moderate consumption of alcohol and tobacco in addition to a greater frequency of physical activity. The predictive models of HRQoL were also different between males and females, as the influence of lifestyles and MD were greater in males. These results are clinically useful for the designing of programmes that promote successful ageing as they can be specified for sex.

Retro-diagnosis methodology for land consumption analysis towards sustainable future scenarios: Application to a mediterranean coastal area

Abstract Land consumption is a good indicator to directly diagnose present and future imbalances in territories, and indirectly, possible issues associated to the management of other resources. Therefore, after reaching the target of standardizing urban research that makes it possible to build healthier and greener cities, the real challenge for the future is to make the leap from urban scale to regional scale and deploy these policies in an integrated manner, in so-called territories. In that context, this paper presents a model of multidisciplinary analysis through indicators based in land consumption and transformation rates. The model, called GIS-LiDAR retrospective analysis, is implemented through territorial information tools in order to simulate and diagnose possible future imbalances based on past and current trends. This innovative methodology will be applied in a Spanish Mediterranean coastal area called the Campo de Cartagena, a territory with issues related to low-density urban sprawl, intensive agriculture and mass tourism coastal urbanization. This territory of high economic activity and with important environmental protected areas like the Mar Menor lagoon as well as complex interrelated phenomena will be retrohistorically diagnosed from the perspective of land transformation over 60 years. The method, designed to advance future scenarios and help planners in decision-making, will show dangerous current trends leading to imbalances in this area so that future planning can be implemented with smart (sustainable) criteria.

Cardiovascular risk and obesity in sleep apnea syndrome assessed with the Stop-Bang questionnaire

IntroductionSleep disorders include a number of different processes, of which the most prevalent is the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS).Prevalence of SAHS has increased worldwide, and has a significant social and health impact because of the increased cardiometabolic risk attributed to obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. Material and methodsA cross-sectional epidemiological study of 1110 workers from public service companies in the Spanish Mediterranean area (Balearic Islands and Valencian Community) was conducted between January and December 2015. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using the Castelli, Kannel and TG/HDL indices, and prevalence of obesity using body mass index, waist circumference, waist-height ratio, and visceral fat. SAHS risk was assessed using the Stop-Bang questionnaire. ResultsRisk of SAHS was low in 77% of patients and intermediate-high in 23% of patients. All obesity parameters showed a statistically significant association (p<0.001) with intermediate/high risk of SAHS. Obesity prevalence is higher the worse the quality of sleep. There was a statistically significant relationship between risk of SAHS and cardiovascular risk with the atherogenic indexes found. ConclusionsTwenty-three percent of workers had intermediate/high SAHS risk. The results of this study support the relationship of SAHS with an increased CVR and with obesity parameters.Further prospective studies in different productive sectors may be useful to confirm the results of this research.

Riesgo cardiovascular y obesidad en el síndrome de apnea del sueño valorado con el cuestionario Stop-Bang

IntroductionSleep disorders include a number of different processes, of which the most prevalent is the sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS).Prevalence of SAHS has increased worldwide, and has a significant social and health impact because of the increased cardiometabolic risk attributed to obesity and the associated metabolic syndrome. Material and methodsA cross-sectional epidemiological study of 1110 workers from public service companies in the Spanish Mediterranean area (Balearic Islands and Valencian Community) was conducted between January and December 2015. Cardiovascular risk was calculated using the Castelli, Kannel and TG/HDL indices, and prevalence of obesity using body mass index, waist circumference, waist-height ratio, and visceral fat. SAHS risk was assessed using the Stop-Bang questionnaire. ResultsRisk of SAHS was low in 77% of patients and intermediate-high in 23% of patients. All obesity parameters showed a statistically significant association (p value <.001) with intermediate/high risk of SAHS. Obesity prevalence is higher the worse the quality of sleep. There was a statistically significant relationship between risk of SAHS and cardiovascular risk with the atherogenic indexes found. ConclusionsTwenty-three percent of workers had intermediate/high SAHS risk. The results of this study support the relationship of SAHS with an increased CVR and with obesity parameters.Further prospective studies in different productive sectors may be useful to confirm the results of this research.

Assessment tools for urban sustainability policies in Spanish Mediterranean tourist areas

Spanish Mediterranean tourist cities have traditionally been developed under compact urban patterns, following pre-existing urban forms. However, during the last two decades, the transformation of these areas has challenged the original character of Mediterranean cities, replacing it with urban sprawl growth patterns; functional specialization areas derived from tourist and leisure economic activities; and the creation of new private open spaces. Assessing the current status of these urban tourist areas is crucial to developing the necessary strategies for their renovation and future transformation into sustainable and liveable cities and territories.The objective of this research is to design a specific tool to assess Spanish Mediterranean tourist cities that considers their urban singularities. For this purpose, existing urban sustainability indicator systems were selected and reviewed. Due to the thematic gaps and inaccuracies found in these systems when applied to urban tourist areas, several indicators were tailored and a new set of indicators was included for their assessment. The new tool comprises twenty-seven urban descriptors including: pre-existing parameters; tailored indicators; and a new set of descriptors to reflect the specific features of Spanish Mediterranean tourist cities. They are grouped into eight approaches that provide in-depth analysis of the three singular urban attributes of these areas: land occupation; complexity of economic activities; and outdoor spaces.

Who can you trust? Implications of institutional vulnerability in flood exposure along the Spanish Mediterranean coast

Over the last years, the Spanish Mediterranean coastal area has undergone significant increase in the number of floods and their consequential damages. However, according to climatic records, this trend is more related to an exposure multiplication than with the increase of extreme rainfall events. Within this framework, it is interesting to evaluate how the different local governments have influenced on urban growth in flood-prone areas through a deficient spatial planning, also to evaluate its possible relation with sociodemographic factors. The proposed methodology is based on two institutional vulnerability index related to the local spatial planning intersection with the hydrological modelling data, and a multiple linear regression of these index value and several sociodemographic parameters (population, tourists, housings, etc…). The final results demonstrate how local governments increase exposure and its relationship to population growth, foreign tourist and economic causes.