Western Andalusia Research Articles

Dental sealant knowledge, opinion, values and practice of Spanish dentists

BackgroundMultiple guidelines and systematic reviews recommend sealant use to reduce caries risk. Yet, multiple reports also indicate that sealants are significantly underutilized. This study examined the knowledge, opinions, values, and practice (KOVP) of dentists concerning sealant use in the southwest region of Andalusia, Spain. This is a prelude to the generation of a regional plan for improving children’s oral health in Andalusia.MethodsThe survey’s target population was dentists working in western Andalusia, equally distributed in the provinces of Seville, Cadiz, and Huelva (N=2,047). A convenience sample of meeting participants and meeting participant email lists (N=400) were solicited from the annual course on Community and Pediatric Dentistry. This course is required for all public health sector dentists, and is open to all private sector dentists. Information on the dentist’s KOVP of sealants was collected using four-part questionnaire with 31, 5-point Likert-scaled questions.ResultsThe survey population demographics included 190 men (48%) and 206 women (52%) with an average clinical experience of 10.6 (± 8.4) years and 9.3 (± 7.5) years, respectively. A significant sex difference was observed in the distribution of place of work (urban/suburb) (p=0.001), but no sex differences between working sector (public/private). The mean ± SD values for each of the four KOVP sections for pit and fissure sealants were: knowledge = 3.57 ± 0.47; opinion = 2.48 ± 0.47; value = 2.74 ± 0.52; and practice = 3.48 ± 0.50. No sex differences were found in KOVP (all p >0.4). Independent of sex: knowledge statistically differed by years of experience and place of work; opinion statistically differed by years of experience and sector; and practice statistically differed by years of experience and sector. Less experienced dentists tended to have slightly higher scores (~0.25 on a Likert 1–5 scale). Statistically significant correlations were found between knowledge and practice (r=0.44, p=0.00) and between opinion and value (r=0.35, p=0.00).ConclusionsThe results suggest that, similar to other countries, Andalusian dentists know that sealants are effective, have neutral to positive attitudes toward sealants; though, based on epidemiological studies, underuse sealants. Therefore, methods other than classical behavior change (eg: financial or legal mechanisms) will be required to change practice patterns aimed at improving children's oral health.

Novedades arqueológicas de las sedes episcopales de la Bética Occidental

This paper presents a summary of the most recent information, some of it unpublished, resulting from archaeological research in the most prominent episcopal sees in urban areas of western Andalusia, Corduba, Hispalis and Astigi.

La certeza de la existencia según la deconstrucción del tiempo pasado en Tierra de nadie de Ángel García López

Ángel García López consagra los versos de Tierra de Nadie a la construcción lírica de un tiempo que existió, pero que ya no está y que, en consecuencia, nos aparta de aquel territorio que estuvo pero que ya no se tiene. Dicho de otra forma, Tierra de Nadie parte de aquellos espacios que, a pesar de haber existido, el tiempo se encarga de convertir en ausentes. Sin embargo, la huida del tiempo no origina la fuga de aquello que se fue. Es aquí donde la certeza de la existencia pasada reta al yo poético. Desde esta perspectiva, nuestro trabajo pretende analizar los recursos líricos de los que se sirve Ángel García López para configurar una voz poética que busque lo poseído en lo perdido, que cruce las fronteras de la muerte en la existencia presente produciendo un universo lírico limítrofe en el que el pasado logra, en palabras de R. M. Rilke, «la mayor expresión de la vida».

<i>Potamogeton schweinfurthii</i> in the Iberian Peninsula

Aymerich, P., Kaplan, Z., Guardiola, M., Petit, A. & Schwarzer, U. 2012. Potamogeton schweinfurthii in the Iberian Peninsula. Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 69(2): 187-192. We provide the first records for the Iberian Peninsula of Potamogeton schweinfurthii A. Benn., a species distributed mainly in Africa that was not discovered in Europe until 2005, where it is assumed to be indigenous but it has generally been confused with P. lucens. The Iberian specimens, which for the most part are from recent collections, have been identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular studies. We have detected 8 localities, 4 in the northeastern area of the Peninsula (Catalonia and Navarra) and 4 from the West (south and north of Portugal and western Andalusia). Our studies show that it is a very rare species on a regional level. Although it is a mainly tropical and subtropical species, we have found that P. schweinfurthii (both natural populations and those cultivated) has a high tolerance to climates with severe winters and frequent frosts. The large proportion of populations found in anthropogenic habitats, and the fact that most European records are from the past half-century, suggest that P. schweinfurthii may have experienced a recent expansion favoured by the construction of large number of artificial water bodies in the Mediterranean region. This raises the possibility that P. schweinfurthii in Europe is a species that forms temporary populations and has a naturally unstable area.

Incidence of Bacteria of Public Health Interest Carried by Cockroaches in Different Food-Related Environments

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bacteria of public health interest transmitted by cockroaches in different food-related environments. From April to November, cockroaches were trapped in 11 buildings in different urban areas of Western Andalusia (Spain): three hotels, four grocery stores, a catering establishment, a food-industry plant, a health center, and a care home. The presence of a number of bacterial species, including Salmonella, in these food-related environments was confirmed; these species included microorganisms listed in European Union regulations, such as Salmonella spp., Enterobacter sakazakii (Cronobacter spp.), and Escherichia coli. A wide variety of species were isolated, some belonging to different genera that have a significant impact on public health and hygiene, such as Enterobacter and Klebsiella. To ensure adequate elimination of these microorganisms in food-related environments, the control of vectors such as Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, and Blatta orientalis, together with a thorough review of hygiene strategies, appears to be fundamental. It is clearly essential to compare the results of hygiene regulations implemented in food-related environments.

EVALUACIÓN DEL DESARROLLO DE LA FUNCIÓN EJECUTIVA EN ESCOLARES: USO DE LA PRUEBA DIMENSIONAL CHANGE CARD SORT (DCCS) EN UNA MUESTRA ESPAÑOLA.

Executive function (EF) has been studied from different perspectives, with the medical or neuropsychological approach has been the most deployed in the field of science, based on the effects that certain damage to the frontal lobes cause to human actions such as planning, impulse control or goal-directed action. Currently, there are studies of EF focused on defining the development and acquisition of skills relating to the components of this function. Therefore, the search for effective and simple tools that allow the detection of students who may have difficulty in control functions, planning, working memory tasks or evaluation, is a necessary resource in the work of detection and diagnosis of the school counselor. This study analyzes the development of executive function (EF) in school populations through the application of the test Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS). We used a sample of 82 students in kindergarten and primary (4 to 7 years) of public schools in western Andalusia. We analyzed the test results and its relationship with age and sex of subjects. The results observed showed a progressive domain, as hierarchical stages, of the EF tasks, being the most complex task, the combined use of several rules, the last to achieve. This pattern of solution of the tasks in a stepwise and hierarchical process shows that the DCCS is appropriate to observe the developmental level of EF, becoming an useful tool for early diagnosis of students with possible deficit related to self-control, mastery rules and attention problems such as attention-deficit hyperactivity or pervasive developmental disorder.

Assessment of an air pollution event in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula

On 12 and 13 August 2006, an exceptional air pollution event occurred in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula (western Andalusia). High concentrations of surface ozone, CO and PM10 were registered at several air quality stations, in some cases reaching record values. During the late afternoon and evening of these two dates, the information and alert thresholds of surface ozone at coastal stations were exceeded, with peaks of 270 μg m−3. Concentrations of CO and PM10 reached 1800 μg m−3 and 240 μg m−3. Surface meteorological observations, back trajectories computed with the HYSPLIT model and wind and specific humidity fields from the meso-meteorological WRF-ARW model have all been used to gain an understanding of the origin of this event. The results indicate that this event was caused by the long-range transport of air masses from the wildfires that had occurred in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia and northern Portugal) during the first two weeks of August 2006. Air masses loaded with pollutants were transported approximately 1000 km from north to south, over Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean, to reach the southwestern Iberian Peninsula, with the consequent negative high impact on the air quality of this region.

Screening for cervical neoplasia in a health center in Western Andalusia

We have analyzed the annual burden of 736 smears collected in the screening of cervical neoplasia at primary care facility where we work. We could not detect any neoplasia. Of the 50 positive smears (6.79% of total), 4 cases showed HSIL (high grade intraepithelial lesion) (median age 32 years) and 10 cases had LSIL (low grade intraepithelial lesion) (median age 25.5 years). The median age of the 733 satisfactory smears was 40 years. Age was a significant predictor for having an altered cytology (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93 to 0.98, p = 0.001190). Candida albicans was the microorganism more frequently associated with non- neoplastic inflammatory changes.

Desarrollo y validación de una escala de evaluación de los activos y fortalezas escolares desde la perspectiva del profesorado

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable scale to assess teacher’s perception of the fundamental strengths of a school. There are different scales for assessing school culture and climate, however we wanted to develop an instrument to assess other variables that reflect a good school functioning. First, we create a scale based on the existing instrument and on a literature review of the relevant dimensions of school context for adolescent positive development. Finally, the scale was administered to a sample for analysis of its psychometric properties. The sample consisted of 336 teachers (49,7 % men and 50,3% women) from 25 to 63 years old (M = 41.5, SD = 9.47) who were working at secondary education, in public and private’s centers from Western Andalusia. The results have allowed us to support the adequacy of psychometric properties of the scale and the validity of a model based on unique global factor (school assets). It will be interesting for future research to analyze the external and predictive validity of the instrument. CITE AS:Pertegal Vega, M.A., Hernando Gómez, A. & Oliva Delgado, A. (2011). Desarrollo y validación de una escala de evaluación de los activos y fortalezas escolares desde la perspectiva del profesorado. Apuntes de Psicología, 29, 379-395.

Discursos y conflictos en la gestión de los recursos hídricos: agricultores, ambientalismo y sostenibilidad. Una aportación desde la antropología social para la gobernanza del agua

The goal of this paper is to present some of the results of a project commissioned by the Ministry of Environment of the Government of Spain and the Confederacion Hidrografica del Guadalquivir to develop a participatory process aimed at drafting the rules that would govern the use of a groundwater located in the subsoil of a region of Western Andalusia, following the guidelines contained in the Water Framework Directive of the European Union. The paper presents and analyzes the discourses, and the logics underlying them, of the farmers and representatives of associations of environmental focus in the area about the uses and current status of the water resources and its impact on water conservation and the ecosystem that it is part. It also argues about the way that social anthropology can contribute to consensus building and implementation of a new governance of water by public agencies.

Trends of extreme precipitation and associated synoptic patterns over the southern Iberian Peninsula

Summary This paper investigates the extreme precipitation events in the southern Iberian Peninsula (Andalusia) using 86 stations with daily precipitation records for the period 1955–2006. Seasonal (excluding summer) and monthly trends were established for different extreme-precipitation indices. Both the stability and the significance of the trends were examined. The findings indicate a significant spatial and seasonal variability. The most noteworthy results were found in winter, with a predominance of decreasing trends for intensity indices in western and central (CW) Andalusia, whereas positive trends appeared in the south-eastern (SE) zone. These marked differences in the sign of trends in short distances evidence the importance of using a dense network of stations for regional analysis of extremes. Overall, spring analysis reveals a negative trend in the intensity indices, especially in March. In autumn, the significance of the trends proved lower in comparison to winter and spring, and only September presented significant increasing trends in intensity indices. The synoptic patterns associated with heavy precipitation events were compared with two large-circulation indices affecting the precipitation over Andalusia (the North Atlantic Oscillation, NAO, and the Western Mediterranean Oscillation, WeMO). This analysis was made for the two sub-areas of Andalusia separately. The synoptic patterns at the surface and 500-hPa level were determined by the use of a principal component analysis (PCA) in T-mode coupled with clustering techniques. The seasonal distribution and the location of disturbances of the atmospheric patterns found were clearly differentiated in the two areas. The tendencies found for the indices agree with the changes in the frequency of the main synoptic patterns for each area. Furthermore, most of these synoptic patterns were related to highly negative WeMO values. Conversely, only some of the patterns associated with heavy rainfall in the western and central area presented significant negative values of the NAO index.

Changes in water level, land use, and hydrological budget in a semi-permanent playa lake, Southwest Spain

Medina playa lake, a Ramsar site in western Andalusia, is a brackish lowland lake of 120 ha with an average depth of 1 m. Water flows into Medina from its 1,748-ha watershed, but the hydrology of the lake has not previously been studied. This paper describes the application of a water budget model on a monthly scale over a 6-year period, based on a conceptual hydrological model, and considers different future scenarios after calibration to improve the understanding of the lake's hydrological functioning. Climatic variables from a nearby weather station and observational data (water-level evolution) were used to develop the model. Comparison of measured and predicted values demonstrated that each model component provided a reasonable output with a realistic interaction among the components. The model was then used to explore the potential consequences of land-use changes. Irrigation of olive groves would significantly reduce both the hydroperiod (becoming dry 15% of the time) and the average depth of the lake (water level <0.5 m 40% of the time). On the other hand, removal of an artificial overflow would double the average flooded surface area during high-water periods. The simulated water balance demonstrates that the catchment outputs are dominated by lake evaporation and surface outflow from the lake system to a creek. Discrepancies between predicted and observed water levels identify key areas of uncertainty for future empirical research. The study provides an improved basis for future hydrological management of the catchment and demonstrates the wider utility of this methodology in simulating this kind of system. This methodology provides a realistic appraisal of potential land-use management practices on a catchment-wide scale and allows predictions of the consequences of climate change.

Modeling PM10 Originating from Dust Intrusions in the Southern Iberian Peninsula Using HYSPLIT

Abstract The Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectories (HYSPLIT) model has been applied to calculate the spatial and temporal distributions of dust originating from North Africa. The model has been configured to forecast hourly particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) dust concentrations focusing on the impacts over the southern Iberian Peninsula. Two full years (2008 and 2009) have been simulated and compared against surface background measurement sites. A statistical analysis using discrete and categorical evaluations is presented. The model is capable of simulating the occurrence of Saharan dust episodes as observed at the measurement stations and captures the generally higher levels observed in eastern Andalusia, Spain, with respect to the western Andalusia station. But the simulation tends to underpredict the magnitude of the dust concentration peaks. The model has also been qualitatively compared with satellite data, showing generally good agreement in the spatial distribution of the dust column.

Development and Validation of a Scale for the Measurement of Adolescents’ Developmental Assets in the Neighborhood

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument to assess features of a neighborhood that are relevant to the development and adjustment of adolescents. First, a scale was created from a literature review. Second, the content validity of this scale was validated through expert opinion. Finally, the scale was administered to a sample population for analysis of its psychometric properties. The sample consisted of 2,400 adolescents (1,068 boys and 1,332 girls) between ages 12 and 17 who were secondary students in public and private schools in Western Andalusia. The results demonstrate the adequacy of the psychometric properties of the constructed scale.

Using PM 10 geochemical maps for defining the origin of atmospheric pollution in Andalusia (Southern Spain)

In this work we present a detailed study of atmospheric PM 10 pollution in Andalusia (Southern Spain) based on geochemical maps. The study includes determination of PM 10 levels and bulk chemical composition with samples from 17 representative monitoring stations (rural, urban background, traffic hot spot, and urban zones with industrial influence) during 2007. The knowledge of background levels and concentrations of relevant chemical compounds and elements allows the quantification of the main sources of pollution in relevant cities and sites of ecological interest. In comparison to other stations in Spain and mainland Europe, PM 10 in Andalusia is characterized by high levels of crustal matter and secondary inorganic components (SIC). This has been attributed to the following causes: 1) High road traffic and industrial emissions, 2) High frequency of North African air mass outbreaks contributing between 3 and 4 μg m −3 in western Andalusia and 4–7 μg m −3 in eastern Andalusia, and 3) Climate factors such as low rainfall, dry soils favouring resuspension, and high photochemical activity. Atmospheric particulate matter in urban areas located in the vicinity of industrial estates is enriched in secondary inorganic compounds and metals. Three main hot spots have been identified according their high trace element concentrations: Huelva (As, Cu, Zn, Se, and Bi), Strait of Gibraltar (V, Ni, Cr, and Co) and Bailén (V and Ni). The transport of pollutants from cities and industrial estates to areas of ecological interest (e.g. Doñana National Park) has been found to cause the increase in background levels in a number of trace elements (e.g. As) in the air. An important outcome of this study is that geochemical maps of atmospheric matter are a powerful tool for illustrating spatial variation patterns of geochemical components and identifying specific pollution hot spots.

The Catalan presence in the Western Andalusia at the end of the Middle Ages

Taking for granted that the Catalan-Aragonese expansion through the Mediterranean sea has received due attention from historians, this work deals with some realms and locations less often visited by sailors and merchants from Catalonia, Valencia or Mallorca. Its aim is to provide a view of the Catalan presence in western Andalusia throughout the late Middle Ages, analyzing its role in the Andalusian allotment and the conditions accounting for the development of such a presence in the region between the thirteenth and the fifteenth centuries. It deals particularly with the creation of family and economic bonds standing as the foundations of Catalan influence on Andalusia, which help to better understand its interest in the Middle Atlantic some time later.

Gypsy Pentecostalism, Ethnopolitical Uses and Construction of Belonging in the South of Spain

The Gypsy Evangelical movement started in the west of France where, in the mid twentieth century, the first conversions took place. Back home, the converted started preaching among their people, spreading the religious movement all the way to western Andalusia. Half a century later, we can hardly call this a “new” movement, but we can certainly say that Gypsy Pentecostalism has become one of the most original organizational experiences developed by Spanish gypsies. The process of constructing this new sense of ethnic and religious belonging has been marked by the double suspicion that hangs over Evangelical Gypsies: first, as part of a stigmatized ethnic minority and, second, as members of a religious “sect”. However, this has also helped to strengthen the process of ethnogenesis and cultural reinvention that is redrawing the image of gypsies from the angle of Evangelism. It has also brought about the strategic and intentional mobilization of ethnicity—the search for recognition and political activity aimed at obtaining public resources to finance extensive social development.

Spatio-temporal trends of mortality in small areas of Southern Spain

BackgroundMost mortality atlases show static maps from count data aggregated over time. This procedure has several methodological problems and serious limitations for decision making in Public Health. The evaluation of health outcomes, including mortality, should be approached from a dynamic time perspective that is specific for each gender and age group. At the moment, researches in Spain do not provide a dynamic image of the population's mortality status from a spatio-temporal point of view. The aim of this paper is to describe the spatial distribution of mortality from all causes in small areas of Andalusia (Southern Spain) and evolution over time from 1981 to 2006.MethodsA small-area ecological study was devised using the municipality as the unit for analysis. Two spatio-temporal hierarchical Bayesian models were estimated for each age group and gender. One of these was used to estimate the specific mortality rate, together with its time trends, and the other to estimate the specific rate ratio for each municipality compared with Spain as a whole.ResultsMore than 97% of the municipalities showed a diminishing or flat mortality trend in all gender and age groups. In 2006, over 95% of municipalities showed male and female mortality specific rates similar or significantly lower than Spanish rates for all age groups below 65. Systematically, municipalities in Western Andalusia showed significant male and female mortality excess from 1981 to 2006 only in age groups over 65.ConclusionsThe study shows a dynamic geographical distribution of mortality, with a different pattern for each year, gender and age group. This information will contribute towards a reflection on the past, present and future of mortality in Andalusia.

Historical importance of wetlands in malaria transmission in southwest of Spain

Malaria is a parasitic disease that is currently affecting a good number of countries with approximately one million deaths per year. Traditionally, this pathology has been related to wetlands and other unhealthy water bodies. It disappeared from most of Western Europe after the Second World War; however, its eradication from Spain took place later. In fact, the WHO didn't officially declare malaria in Spain eradicated until 1964, after a gradual controlled process of the illness, through the improvement of health and hygienic conditions in the country, and the fight against the vectors, the parasite, and its reservoirs. In 1913, the Spanish regions with the largest number of municipalities with autochthonous malaria were, precisely, those containing larger areas covered by unhealthy water bodies (except for Extremadura). Among them, Western Andalusia outstood as the main region with the largest area of unhealthy malaria focuses and with high mortality and morbidity rates. Within Western Andalusia, Huelva -and especially its coastal areas- has been, for centuries, one of the provinces with greater endemicity. After the Spanish Civil War a process of reforestation with fast-growing species took place in the Coastal Aeolian Sheet of the Province of Huelva, which led to an 88% reduction of the surface covered by ponds in this territory. These lagoons had started a natural regression process by the end of the XIXth Century related to the post-Little Ice Age warming in Andalusia. The parallel evolution of malaria patients and the regression process experienced by these wetlands for the above mentioned reasons have had a determinant influence in the eradication of the disease. All of this leads us to consider the relevant role of wetlands when studying the future risk of malaria reemergence in SW Spain.

Mitochondrial DNA signatures at different spatial scales: from the effects of the Straits of Gibraltar to population structure in the meridional serotine bat (Eptesicus isabellinus)

The meridional serotine bat Eptesicus isabellinus is found in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. We analyzed the genetic structure of E. isabellinus at two different geographic scales to reveal the historical and ecological patterns that have shaped its populations. The role of the Straits of Gibraltar as an isolating barrier between African and Iberian populations is evaluated and the degree of genetic structure and female-mediated gene flow was assessed at a local scale between neighboring colonies. Populations of E. isabellinus from Iberia and northern Morocco show little genetic divergence and share mtDNA haplotypes, indicating that the Straits of Gibraltar are neither an impediment to dispersal nor a cause of genetic differentiation. Our results also suggest that E. isabellinus may have dispersed from western Andalusia into northern Morocco after the last glacial period. At a smaller geographic scale, the colonies studied showed high variation in genetic variability and structure, indicating that no female-mediated gene flow is present. This pattern is consistent with a described pattern of independent endemic viral circulation of the bat rabies virus EBLV-1, which was found when studying rabies dynamics in the same serotine bat colonies.