Spanish Municipality Research Articles

Factors Influencing Physical Activity and Sports Practice among Young People by Gender: Challenges and Barriers

Young people aged 11 to 17 often fail to meet global recommendations for weekly physical activity and sports (PAS), despite its numerous benefits. In Spain, challenges such as excessive technology use and disinterest in PAS are prominent among youths. This study aimed to analyse the interest in PAS during leisure time and identify the factors influencing young people in a Spanish municipality towards this practice, as well as establish differences according to age and gender. Involving 891 adolescents (429 girls, 432 boys, and 30 other genders), this study found a significant association between gender and PAS participation. Boys are mainly motivated by fun and fitness, girls by health and fun, and other genders by perceived sports competence and health, with these motivations increasing with age. Deterring factors include fatigue, laziness, and lack of enthusiasm across all groups. Lack of free time is the most cited reason for quitting PAS, particularly for girls and other genders. For boys, disinterest, especially between ages 13 and 15, is a primary reason. These findings suggest that promoting PAS with a focus on health and leisure, and tailoring programmes to gender and age-specific needs, are essential to maintain motivation and ensure a healthier, more active population.

Anomalous distributions of birthdates across days of the month: An analysis using Spanish statistical records

This study investigates birthdate patterns in a context of well-established civil registers and intensive migration inflows. Leveraging extensive Spanish microdata on residential variation flows and the Spanish Municipality Register, this research reveals new facets of the distributions of immigrants’ birthdates across days of the month that differ significantly from those of non-migrants. The registered days of the month for birthdates are categorized into six distinct types based on the assumption that the anomalous distributions of birthdates will display rounding or simplifying patterns (digit preferences). The investigation reveals important anomalies in the distribution of birthdates that are much more pronounced for immigrants. A notable concentration of recorded birthdates is confirmed within all the designated types, contrasted by an under-recording of births on the remaining days of the month. These anomalies depend primarily on migrants’ country of origin and age group. The paper ends by proposing some recommendations for mitigating the anomalies.

Impact of the Integration of the Electric Vehicle on Low-Voltage Rural Networks

The electric vehicle deployment, due to the plans defined according to the energy transition objectives, produces new challenges for the electrical system. These challenges are associated with the charging infrastructure of these vehicles since they require a high current during specific periods, which can increase losses in the network, overload the lines, or cause voltage drops that affect the system’s stability. To solve these challenges, one of the possible solutions is the investment in new network infrastructure to face the increase in demand, such as the construction of new transformation centers or new medium and low-voltage lines. However, in the case of rural networks with a small number of users, these investments may not be viable. This article analyzes the possible impacts of connecting electric vehicles in a rural low-voltage network located in a Spanish municipality, as well as possible implementable solutions that do not require investment in new infrastructure. The number of connected vehicles has been calculated based on the national plan for 2030, and the network model used is based on actual data provided by the distribution company that operates in the area.

Optimal sizing and design of renewable power plants in rural microgrids using multi-objective particle swarm optimization and branch and bound methods

As energy prices rise, optimizing renewable power plant sizing is vital, especially in areas with unreliable electricity supply due to distant transmission lines. This study addresses this issue by optimizing a renewable power plant portfolio for a Spanish municipality facing such challenges. The presented approach involves a systematic method. Firstly, energy demand is thoroughly analyzed. Next, available renewable resources are explored and optimal plant placements are determined. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is then used to size each plant, minimizing annualized costs and grid energy imports. The most suitable feasible optimum is selected from theoretical configurations using branch and bound techniques, prioritizing practicality. In the specific case analyzed, the results show a 20-year Internal Rate of Return of 8.33 %. This is achieved with the following capacities for each plant: 750 kW of photovoltaic solar energy, 160 kW of turbine-based generation, 180 kW of hydroelectric pumping, 160 kW for the biomass plant, and 200 kW from the wind turbine. This study offers an innovative solution to energy challenges, providing practical insights for cost-efficient, sustainable projects.

Wastewater monitoring of a community COVID-19 outbreak in a Spanish municipality

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) wastewater surveillance has become an increasingly important tool since the initial moments of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, mainly conducted at a large population scale. However, the large-sized sewersheds may not provide suitable information for monitoring localized outbreaks. After the declaration of a community COVID-19 outbreak in two neighborhoods of Castellón (Spain), SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels were monitored in wastewater samples. Moreover, genomic sequencing was performed. Thirty-three samples were collected in 2020, distributed over three points of the sewage network, two of which were close to the areas where the cases were declared. The third point was located at the inlet of the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The samples were analyzed by RT-qPCR, using specific N1 and N2 target regions. The sum of confirmed cases, with the date of symptoms onset within the 3 weeks before each sampling day, was calculated. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on most days in the two sampling points at neighborhood level, and the detection became negative when the number of cases with symptoms onset during the last 21 days in the study areas decreased to 0 or 1 case. The genomic sequencing performed for RNA from wastewater and clinical samples showed the same variant. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent non-detection provided the epidemiologists in charge of controlling the outbreak with useful information to confirm its closure, complementing the clinical and epidemiological data. Our findings illustrate the value of wastewater surveillance for localized outbreaks, especially in situations of low incidence of COVID-19 at the broader community level.

Agent-based modelling to simulate the socio-economic effects of implementing time-of-use tariffs for domestic water

• A time-of-use tariff was modelled using agent-based approach. • Different socio-cognitive profiles and types of households were modelled. • Annual domestic water use would be reduced by 17.2%. Designing and implementing innovative and effective policies to reduce domestic water demand is vital to enhance sustainability of cities. Past research has shown that Time-of-Use Tariffs (TOUT) is a powerful tool to reduce water consumption in urban settings. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this dynamic water pricing approach might be influenced by the socioeconomic conditions and preferences of households. To shed light on this issue, this paper employed an agent-based modelling method to simulate the possible socioeconomic effects of implementing TOUT in a Spanish municipality. The types of households were characterized according to size, number of inhabitants, income and to socio-cognitive profiles (clients, techno-solutionist, committed and environmentalist). Results from the modelling indicate that the implementation of a TOUT system would reduce domestic water use by 17.2%. However, this reduction was not homogenous for the socioeconomic groups of households defined. Low-income households are those who most reduced their water consumption (25.0%) but had the lowest water bill savings (9.3%). By contrast, high-income households present the largest water bill savings (11.9%) but the lowest reduction in water use (10.4%). The findings of this study evidence the importance of considering the socioeconomic and socio-cognitive differences among water users to evaluate the effectiveness of TOUTs.

Application of Sensory Marketing Techniques at Marengo, a Small Sustainable Men’s Fashion Store in Spain: Based on the Hulten, Broweus and van Dijk Model

(1) Background: the present research addresses sensory marketing to check its possible potential in making the consumer shopping experience in physical points of sale more sustainable and efficient, both for potential buyers and for the selling company. (2) Aims: the main purpose of this study is to check whether, by applying sensory marketing and merchandising techniques in a shop, the business can be more economically profitable and, thus, make it more sustainable. The main objective is, therefore, to find out how consumers respond to different communication strategies in an experimental men’s fashion shop located in a Spanish municipality. (3) Methodology: researchers adapted the so-called Sensory Marketing Model to a real case. Based on scientific evidence and documentary review, an experiment of implementation of sensory marketing tactics (visual, sound, olfactory and haptic) and its subsequent quantitative analysis based on the before-after, cause-effect relationship was carried out. (4) Results: the results obtained shed light on the importance of sensory marketing, as this study showed a considerable increase in sales, customer retention and customer satisfaction in the shop, following the deployment of appropriate sensory marketing strategies. (5) Conclusions: the Sensory Marketing Model is valid and reliable for implementation, not only to increase sales, but also to make the store more sustainable, as all actions carried out involved a decrease in material resources typical of retail shops.

Gendered cities: Studying urban gender bias through street names

This paper uses text analysis to measure gender bias in cities through the use of street names. Focusing on the case of Spain, we collect data on 15 million street names to analyze gender inequality in urban toponyms. We calculate for each Spanish municipality and each year from 2001 to 2020 a variable measuring the percentage of streets with female names over the total number of streets with male and female names. Our results reveal a strong gender imbalance in Spanish cities: the percentage of streets named after women is only 12% in 2020. We also observe substantial intra-urban differences, with female named streets being relatively scarcer in town centers. Concerning new streets, gender bias is lower but still far from parity. The second part of the paper analyzes the correlation of our indicator of gender bias in street names with variables related to gender attitudes and values, with the results suggesting that it constitutes a useful cultural measure of gender equality at the city level. This study thus helps to measure a relevant phenomenon, given the strong symbolic power attributed to street names, which has been elusive to quantify so far.

Bike-sharing systems: Effects on physical activityin a Spanish municipality

Introduction: Urban mobility (such as walking or biking) and public Bike-Sharing Systems (BSS) have begun to emerge through programs and services that drive change from the strong culture of dependence on motor vehicles in most developed countries. At the international level, the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations (UN) opted to establish objectives for sustainable development, addressing the need to establish changes in urban mobility. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that physical inactivity and being overweight / obesity are the fourth and fifth risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the world, respectively. The objective of this study is to know if a BSS has been able to serve as a means of promoting Physical Activity (PA) in the urban environment. Material and Methods: A quantitative and longitudinal study has been designed with data collection and analysis from July 2009 to January 2012. The sample consisted of a total of 3,268 users and a total of 59998 observations were recorded (Men: n = 42,411; Women: n = 17,587). SPSS 21.0 and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Users between the ages of 20 and 44 have spent an average of 30.7 minutes, between 45 and 64 years an average of 36 minutes and between 65 and 79 years an average of 51.1 minutes. Conclusions: The data suggest that the WHO (2010) PA recommendations may be being met. BSS can favor the practice of PA in the urban environment, and thus, be able to promote less polluted and traffic-congested environments. Men from 65 to 79 years old have had the most average minutes of use. The routes that took the most minutes were those that go between the same stations and those that pass between stations on the urban outskirts.

An Integration of UAV-Based Photogrammetry and 3D Modelling for Rockfall Hazard Assessment: The Cárcavos Case in 2018 (Spain)

An example of the combined use of UAV photogrammetry and rockfall numerical simulation is described. A case of fragmental rockfall occurred on 17 November 2018 in Cárcavos, a site located in the Spanish municipality of Ayna (Albacete). The event caused a great social alarm as some infrastructure was affected. By using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, a high-resolution 3D model has been generated from point cloud data, and distribution and size of the fragmented rocks (more than 600 boulders) determined. The analysis has been performed through numerical simulations to: (1) reproduce the paths followed by the real blocks; and (2) estimate the speed and energy of the blocks, together with their heights, impacts and stopping points. Accordingly, source areas have been identified, including the potential source areas and unstable blocks on the slope. In addition, the exposed elements at risk (buildings, facilities, infrastructures, etc.) have been identified, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures against future events evaluated.

The changing geographies of fertility in Spain (1981-2018)

The objective of this article is to investigate the variation of fertility across Spain’s geographic areas between 1981 and 2018, to highlight spatial change over three decades of major fertility transformations. During the last decades, Spanish fertility decreased considerably to below replacement levels. Although total fertility remains below replacement level in Spain, there are important differences in subnational trends that seem to concentrate around certain areas. Starting from the assumption that there is fertility diversity across the country, which persists over time and such variation is not random but rather spatially driven, we aim to describe the divergence from national trends and analyse the dynamics of spatial patterns of fertility over time with spatial analysis tools. Using from Spanish municipality data, we use 910 territorial units that ensure spatial contiguity and construct yearly fertility indicators derived from census and register data, encompassing fertility by age, birth order, and age at childbirth. We investigate the spatial patterns of fertility and their changes over time, by means of spatial and correlogram analysis, exploring the effects of neighborhood definitions. Results confirm the presence of spatial autocorrelation for all variables throughout the considered timeframe, both at global and local scale. The considered time frame depicts substantial changes in the distribution of low and high fertility clusters, reshaping the geographical distribution of fertility in Spain, with big metropolitan areas as leaders in high fertility, as childbearing is deeply impacted by labor market covariates.
 The fertility decline in Spain has driven total fertility to below replacement levels in a short period of time, shifting the classical North-South divide of low-high fertility into an East-West clustering, with economic centres such as cities becoming the new focal points of higher fertility. The descriptive and econometric spatial approaches adopted in this article, together with the detailed data available for this study, make it possible to appreciate the scale of fertility changes across the country, its heterogeneity across regions, and the evolution of fertility determinants over time.

A heuristic algorithm for optimal cost design of gravity-fed water distribution networks. a real case study

In this work, we put forward a new algorithm for minimizing the total cost of gravity-fed water distribution networks (WDN) by optimally choosing pipe diameters. Our approach is based on network theory and heuristic procedures and aims at overcoming a number of limitations found in the current scientific literature. WDN optimization problems belong to those that are discrete, non-linear and non-convex, making the use of standard optimization algorithms inefficient. Furthermore, resorting to metaheuristic search techniques to test many different solutions has an exceedingly expensive computational cost, due to the inherent complexity of the problem. Here we present an efficient heuristic algorithm that circumvents these limitations, exploiting detailed aspects, such as the specific network topology. In order to check the capability of the algorithm in a realistic setting, we have developed and analyzed a mathematical model of a water distribution network in a Spanish municipality, considerably larger than those addressed in previous works. Our numerical results indicate significant potential construction savings over current design practices, which justifies the interest of our approach in addressing this class of optimization problems.

Renewing Street Lighting with LED Technology A Single Case Study in Casarabonela

In 2015, the ecological, economic and social necessity of increasing energy efficiency contributed to street lighting renewal in the Spanish municipality of Casarabonela. Considering fixed operating and maintenance costs, it was a significant, long term investment with high impact for the community. Technicians chose LED light sources after studying technical and economic proposals submitted. Measurements of light levels, energy consumption and costs were carried out before and after the renovation. Once the chosen proposal was implemented, follow up surveys from technicians, maintenance workers and final users were collected. This case study aims to describe steps taken in the process of luminaires replacement. It has been estimated savings, expected and actual together with the return period on investment. This case may well serve as a prototype for a subsequent multiple case study which aims to validate a list of indicators obtained in a previous research.

Factors influencing erythrocyte sedimentation rate in adults: New evidence for an old test.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a routine test for inflammation. Few studies have investigated the potential influence of lifestyle factors and common metabolic abnormalities on the ESR. This study investigates the influence of demographic factors, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, obesity, and metabolic syndrome on the ESR in adults.This cross-sectional study covered 1472 individuals (44.5% males; age range, 18–91 years) randomly selected from the population of a Spanish municipality. The ESR was measured using a standardized method. We assessed habitual alcohol consumption in standard drinking units, along with tobacco smoking, regular physical exercise (by questionnaire), body mass index, and variables defining metabolic syndrome. Multivariate analyses were performed, including mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin concentration in the models.The ESR was higher in females than in males, and increased steadily with age. Median ESR of females was 2-fold higher than that of males, and median ESR of individuals aged >65 years was 2-fold higher than that of individuals in the youngest category (ages 18–35 years). Body mass index, presence of metabolic syndrome, and smoking were independently and positively associated with higher ESR values. Light alcohol drinkers and individuals with high regular physical activity displayed lower ESR values than did alcohol abstainers and individuals with low physical activity, respectively.ESR varies greatly with age and sex, and corresponding reference values are proposed. Lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption) and common metabolic abnormalities (obesity and related metabolic syndrome) may also influence ESR values.

A proposal to establish indicators for the evaluation of municipal councils’ socio-cultural policies

How can municipal sociocultural policies promote community empowerment, citizenship or social cohesion? What objectives should be proposed at the municipal level to promote processes of sociocultural community development? How can we identify local needs in order to stimulate community development processes? In response to these questions, this paper proposes indicators to evaluate sociocultural policies that will enable us to obtain useful information and, at the same time, contribute to produce changes and possible outlines for strategic interventions. The proposal describes a system of flexible and rigourous indicators intended for municipal technicians and politicians interested in evaluating their sociocultural actions and strategies. We present the result of a research process which included validation by experts and technicians in or related to sociocultural community development, and the application of this system based on a case study of a Spanish municipality. Among the proposed indicators specific consideration is given to the support of local creators and the promotion of civic creativity, as well as the use of sociocultural activities as a strategie to contribute to cultural and civic diversity.

Inspectors find phthalates in toys and asbestos in second-hand products

This paper reports on a project focused on obtaining the current consumption and disposal habits of electrical and electronic toys from a survey aimed at parents of children of nine pre- and primary schools. In addition, it is also focused on identifying the most effective way of transmitting environmental information to parents and children to promote the collection of electrical and electronic toys at their end-of-life. The study was implemented in a Spanish municipality. With regard to the consumption habits, aspects related to the amount of toys that children receive annually and percentage of those which are electrical and electronic toys have been obtained and classified according to the family size. Results from Chi-squared analysis and Ordinal Logistic Regression show that there is a statistically significance relationship among these variables. Regarding disposal habits, aspects related to the reasons and way for discarding electrical and electronic toys, time that toys are kept at home or the willingness to rent or buy second hand e-toys have been obtained. What really attracts attention is that, apart from consumers who donate the toy to family or social associations, 67.1% of consumers discard them along with other waste fractions in domestic bins, whereas only 32.9% do so at recycling points, as Directive 2012/19/EU requires. To increase this percentage, three environmental education actions (distinguishing from each other by the way used to transmit the environmental information: paper, audiovisual or personal communication) have been designed, applied and evaluated their efficiency according to the amount of waste toys collected.

Assessing the feasibility of GIS multimethod approach to ascertain territorial accessibility to hemodynamics rooms in Spain mainland

Between 1981 and 2001 health competencies in Spain passed from the Central Government to the Autonomous Communities (AC). Those issues conducted to a not heterogeneous health services in continental Spain. This is undoubtedly aggravated high-tech health equipment provision, as in the case of hemodynamics rooms that perform primary balloon percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), used to deal with acute myocardial infarction. In this regard, the present study aims to assess the territorial accessibility to these rooms of the potential population that may suffer an acute myocardial infarction, in each Spanish municipality, on continental Spain.The study has used a large amount of methodologies and research tools, related to accessibility based on Geographic information Systems (GIS). Among the used methods, should be highlighted the spatial interaction model. This particular method has been based on the three-step floating catchment area (method-3SFCA). Nevertheless, the authors have developed a specific methodology, increasing the mentioned method, with the goal to assess, in a more accurate way, the spatial distribution of the hemodynamics rooms, and the impacts this distribution might have on people's life quality.The results obtained by means of thematic maps allowed us to identify the municipalities with greater and less health equipment provision, the differences in health coverage between Autonomous Communities, and the municipalities where this health coverage is going to increase, if patients could be moved to other Autonomous Communities. The developed analysis enabled us to present a detailed view of the problem identifying the regions where it must be improved in order to achieve a more equitable access to the high-tech health (HTH) services, presenting a framework which indicator how these dispersions may be overcome.

The role of environmental organisations on urban transformation: The case of waste management in Esporles (Mallorca)

Abstract The study presented in this paper explores and examines the role of grassroots environmental organisations in promoting schemes aimed at reducing the impact of waste production at a local level. Focusing on the Spanish municipality of Esporles, in the Balearic island of Mallorca, the authors investigate how participatory forums can increase involvement and engagement among residents in the implementation of waste management policies. Esporles introduced and implemented the first unit-pricing (UP) scheme in Spain, making the municipality a countrywide icon of environmental-friendly urban transformation. Due to its success, the scheme quickly became a model for other Spanish municipalities with regard to designing and developing local waste management solutions. Findings from this study demonstrate how increasing participation and involvement of local residents in public consultations and debates can effectively support the design and implementation of more sustainable waste management policies. In addition, findings illustrate how local authorities can empower residents in transforming urban environment through changing their behaviours and practices towards waste management. The role of grassroots environmental organisations appears important with regard to developing innovative instruments and delivering effective environmental policies to address waste management at a local level, and to achieve sustainable urban transformation.

Factors Influencing Serum Concentrations of Immunoglobulin D in the Adult Population: An Observational Study in Spain.

Immunoglobulin D (IgD) is the least studied of immunoglobulin classes. This study sought to investigate the potential relationship between demographic, metabolic, lifestyle and immunological factors, and serum IgD concentrations in a general adult population. We measured serum IgD concentrations by means of a commercial turbidimetric assay in 413 individuals (median age, 55years; 45% males), randomly selected from the adult population of a Spanish municipality. Serum IgD concentrations displayed considerable variation in the population, ranging from undetectable (<6.7mg/l) to 878mg/l. Serum IgD concentrations were undetectable in 78 cases (18.9%) and >100mg/l in 39 cases (9.4%). Median IgD was 21.9mg/l. Serum IgD concentrations were negatively associated with age and positively associated with smoking, after adjustment for potential confounders. Overweight individuals showed lower concentrations of IgD than did normal-weight individuals. Atopy (positivity of skin tests to aeroallergens) was not significantly associated with IgD concentrations, although non-symptomatic atopics showed higher IgD concentrations. No consistent association was observed between serum IgD concentrations and gender, metabolic syndrome, or alcohol consumption. No significant association was found between baseline IgD concentrations and development of either allergic or immune disease after a median 11.4years of follow-up. In conclusion, serum IgD concentrations in adults show a wide variation in the population and may be influenced by common factors, particularly age and smoking habit. These factors should be taken into account when defining reference ranges for serum IgD concentrations.

A simulated annealing algorithm for zoning in planning using parallel computing

There is an increasing demand for tools that support land use planning processes, particularly the design of zoning maps, which is one of the most complex tasks in the field. In this task, different land use categories need to be allocated according to multiple criteria. The problem can be formalized in terms of a multiobjective problem. This paper generalizes and complements a previous work on this topic. It presents an algorithm based on a simulated annealing heuristic that optimizes the delimitation of land use categories on a cadastral parcel map according to suitability and compactness criteria. The relative importance of both criteria can be adapted to any particular case. Despite its high computational cost, the use of plot polygons was decided because it is realistic in terms of technical application and land use laws. Due to the computational costs of our proposal, parallel implementations are required, and several approaches for shared memory systems such as multicores are analysed in this paper. Results on a real case study conducted in the Spanish municipality of Guitiriz show that the parallel algorithm based on simulated annealing is a feasible method to design alternative zoning maps. Comparisons with results from experts are reported, and they show a high similarity. Results from our strategy outperform those by experts in terms of suitability and compactness. The parallel version of the code produces good results in terms of speed-up, which is crucial for taking advantage of the architecture of current multicore processors.