Search Results (48)

Climate change and global warming are causing growing environmental concerns, prompting many countries to increase investments in renewable energies. The high growth rate of renewables in the energy systems brings significant intermittency challenges. Demand-side flexibility is presented as a viable solution to address this phenomenon. In this framework, this research study proposes a novel methodology to evaluate the flexibility potential that residential consumers can offer to the Distribution System Operator (DSO). Moreover, it pretends to provide guidelines and design of standardized parameters to disaggregate the aggregated energy consumption data of end-users. This step is essential to identify and characterize the primary energy consumption processes in the residential sector, laying the groundwork for future flexibility evaluation. Furthermore, the modeling of the energy consumption curves will enhance residential sector demand-side flexibility enabling end-users to modify their usual consumption patterns. The implemented methodology has been applied to real consumer data provided by the DSO of a Spanish municipality of about 29,000 habitants in the Alicante Province (Spain). Results achieved allowed the validation of the proposed methodology enabling the disaggregation of residential energy profiles and facilitating the subsequent dynamic assessment of residential end-user’s demand flexibility. Moreover, this work will provide valuable guidelines to carry out short-term energy resource planning and solve operational problems of the energy systems. Full article

Environmental problems, along with the increasing energy demand and high electricity costs in the agricultural sector, justify the need to explore renewable energy sources in order to improve irrigation efficiency and sustainability. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse the feasibility of installing floating photovoltaic panels in the irrigation ponds of irrigation communities (ICs) in the province of Alicante. To this end, a practical case study based on the operating data of a photovoltaic installation on an irrigation pond, which shows 31% self-consumption and a 27% reduction in energy costs, is presented. Based on these results, this type of installation has been considered for the rest of the ponds in the province of Alicante, with an estimated total investment of EUR 130 million and annual savings of EUR 23 million in energy costs. Additionally, barriers such as the initial investment and the need for public financing for large-scale implementation are identified. Finally, it is concluded that the adoption of floating photovoltaic energy represents a key opportunity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate environmental impact, and promote the circular economy in the agricultural sector. Full article

This paper presents an enhanced hub location model tailored to port–hinterland logistics planning, grounded in the Capacitated Multiple-Allocation Hub Location Problem (CMAHLP). The formulation incorporates nonlinear cost structures, hub-specific operating costs, adaptive capacity constraints, and a feasibility condition based on the Social Net Present Value (NPVsocial) to support the design of intermodal freight networks under asymmetric spatial and socio-environmental conditions. The empirical case focuses on Spain, leveraging its strategic position between Asia, North Africa, and Europe. The model includes four major ports—Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, and Algeciras—as intermodal gateways connected to the 47 provinces of peninsular Spain through calibrated cost matrices based on real distances and mode-specific road and rail costs. A Genetic Algorithm is applied to evaluate 120 scenarios, varying the number of active hubs (4, 6, 8, 10, 12), transshipment discounts (α = 0.2 and 1.0), and internal parameters. The most efficient configuration involved 300 generations, 150 individuals, a crossover rate of 0.85, and a mutation rate of 0.40. The algorithm integrates guided mutation, elitist reinsertion, and local search on the top 15% of individuals. Results confirm the central role of Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, frequently accompanied by high-performance inland hubs such as Málaga, Córdoba, Jaén, Palencia, León, and Zaragoza. Cities with active ports such as Cartagena, Seville, and Alicante appear in several of the most efficient network configurations. Their recurring presence underscores the strategic role of inland hubs located near seaports in supporting logistical cohesion and operational resilience across the system. The COVID-19 crisis, the Suez Canal incident, and the persistent tensions in the Red Sea have made clear the fragility of traditional freight corridors linking Asia and Europe. These shocks have brought renewed strategic attention to southern Spain—particularly the Mediterranean and Andalusian axes—as viable alternatives that offer both geographic and intermodal advantages. In this evolving context, the contribution of southern hubs gains further support through strong system-wide performance indicators such as entropy, cluster diversity, and Pareto efficiency, which allow for the assessment of spatial balance, structural robustness, and optimal trade-offs in intermodal freight planning. Southern hubs, particularly in coordination with North African partners, are poised to gain prominence in an emerging Euro–Maghreb logistics interface that demands a territorial balance and resilient port–hinterland integration. Full article

This research is focused on water governance problems in La Marina Alta District, in the province of Alicante (southeastern Spain). The district has a public management body, Consorcio de Abastecimiento y Saneamiento de Aguas de los Municipios de La Marina Alta (CASAMA), which has been inoperative since its creation in 1987. Although La Marina Alta has sufficient water resources in situations of hydrological normality, they are significantly affected by the impacts of climate change, insufficient water treatment technology and the absence of storage and regulation infrastructure. As a consequence, periods of scarcity and overexploitation of aquifers, together with high-demand situations, have generated scenarios of a lack of drinking water with reputational damage and uncertainty for the future of agricultural operations. Thus, the aim of this work is to propose the adoption of integrated water resource management strategies that will increase the resilience of this sub-basin in La Marina Alta. To this end, the contribution of new non-conventional resources to the water pool, combined with an efficient network of infrastructure, and all this supported by effective governance structures, would be essential to achieve a sustainable balance between demand and supply, preserving the environmental values of the territory. Full article

The 2024 cut-off low-pressure (DANA) event had a devastating impact on the province of Valencia (Spain), resulting in 227 fatalities. This extreme weather event highlighted the urgent need to enhance education on flood risk and prevention, particularly through geography lessons in schools. This paper presents a didactic experience conducted during the 2024–2025 academic year at a primary school in Alicante (Valencian Community, Spain), within the sixth-grade subject of “Natural, Social, and Cultural Environment Studies”. The initiative aimed to increase knowledge of the causes of flooding and safety measures, with a particular focus on the DANA event of 29 October 2024. Through hands-on and collaborative activities, the project sought to raise awareness of the importance of risk prevention and management. Ultimately, this educational approach aspires to foster a more resilient society, one that is better prepared to face the challenges posed by current and future climate change scenarios. Full article

Alterations in static plantar pressure distribution serve as important indicators of gait and balance impairments in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In addition, the identification of altered patterns of plantar load distribution, along with restricted ankle dorsiflexion, may serve as early markers of postural instability and gait dysfunction in women with MS. Objectives: To assess differences in static plantar pressure, load distribution, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion between women diagnosed with MS and women without the condition. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between April and December 2024. Women with MS were recruited from patient associations in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, as well as from the neurology outpatient clinic at the Doctor Balmis University Hospital (Alicante, Spain). Static postural assessment was performed using the Neo-Plate^® pressure platform, which measured maximum and mean plantar pressure (kPa), load distribution (%), contact surface area (cm²), and anterior–posterior weight distribution between the forefoot and rearfoot. The ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was assessed with a universal two-arm goniometer. All parameters were compared with those of a group of women without a diagnosis of MS. Results: Compared to women without MS, participants with MS showed a significantly greater load on the right forefoot (25.75% vs. 23.41%, p = 0.021), and reduced load on the right (23.09% vs. 26.01%, p = 0.004) and left rearfoot (26.60% vs. 30.85%, p = 0.033). Total forefoot loading was significantly higher (52.33% vs. 46.40%, p < 0.001), and rearfoot loading was lower (47.64% vs. 52.42%, p = 0.006) in the MS group. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was also significantly reduced in women with MS, both with the knee flexed (5.95° ± 4.50 and 6.76° ± 4.69 vs. 15.45° ± 5.04 and 14.90° ± 5.43) and extended (2.69° ± 3.69 and 3.12° ± 3.83 vs. 8.17° ± 3.41 and 8.60° ± 3.31), with all differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Women with MS present significant alterations in static plantar load distribution, with increased forefoot and decreased rearfoot loading, as well as markedly reduced ankle dorsiflexion, in comparison to women without the disease. These findings suggest the presence of postural imbalances associated with MS, potentially affecting functional stability and mobility. Full article

The precipitation in the Mediterranean region, characterised by its annual variability and concentration in high-intensity events, is a key factor in territorial planning and the management of runoff in urban areas, particularly on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. This study focuses on the province of Alicante, applying the “daily precipitation concentration index (CI)” in 26 meteorological stations for the period 1981–2020, with the aim of analysing the statistical structure of precipitation on an annual scale. It measures the irregularity and intensity of precipitation according to the concentration of most of the annual total in a few days. Furthermore, it examines the synoptic situations and trajectories of the air masses on days of torrential rain using the HYSPLIT model. This is essential to identify the origin of moist air masses, to understand the meteorological mechanisms that intensify extreme rainfall events, and to identify recurrent patterns that explain their frequency and characteristics. The results reveal extreme CI values of between 0.58 in the interior of the province and 0.71 in the southern pre-coastal area, with a value of 0.68 in the city of Alicante. On average, the CI is 0.65, indicating that 25% of days with more rain have a concentration of around 75% of total precipitation, while 10% of the days represent 45% of the total. With respect to the origin of air masses, the most relevant in the mid-troposphere (500 hPa) are those from the north of Africa, particularly during the final periods of their trajectory, with flows from the east on the surface. Full article

Human activities have a major impact on ecosystems, causing significant changes in the environment. Human activities can lead to a significant alteration and reduction in the variety of species. In the last few decades, there has been a shift in the sustainable approach to land planning and management. This article introduces a novel model for assessing land planning impact/capacity systematically, which takes into account the phytobiological value of a landscape and focuses on conserving and restoring endemic species. The land carrying capacity of a region was assessed for various land uses and potential future situations. The study took place in the province of Alicante (Spain), where the native plant Vella lucentina was discovered. Findings showed that only 34% of the proposed activities could be carried out without impacting endemism. There are only two possible activities that could be carried out without affecting endemism, namely scientific–cultural activities and the occasional harvesting of aromatic species. Simultaneously, four activities can be carried out carefully, which are maintaining current activities, restoring ecosystems, planting trees, and managing grazing. Finally, camping, extensive agriculture, and urbanization are three activities that are not compatible with the presence of endemism. Full article

Birds select habitats to optimize resources and maximize fitness, with some species recently colonizing new areas, like the Eurasian Collared Dove (ECD) in the Iberian Peninsula. The ECD spread across Europe in the early 20th century from South Asia. This study reanalyzes data from the Atlas of Breeding Birds in the Province of Alicante (SE Spain) to identify macrohabitat-level environmental variables related to its occurrence and abundance in this semi-arid Mediterranean landscape during the breeding season. We performed Hierarchical Partitioning analyses to identify important environmental variables for the species associated with natural vegetation, farming, topography, hydrographical web, urbanization, and climate. Results show that ECD has a higher occurrence probability near anthropic areas (isolated buildings, suburban areas), water points (medium-sized ponds), larger crop surfaces (total cultivated area), and warmer localities (thermicity index). The species avoids natural habitats like pine forests and scrublands. Abundance is positively linked to anthropic features like larger suburban areas and urban-related land uses. These findings can help predict its expansion in regions with a Mediterranean climate in South America, North America, or Australia, and its continuous natural expansion and population increase within the Mediterranean basin and Europe. Full article

This paper analyzes the events that originated an integrated water resources management (IWRM) model called Consorcio de Aguas de la Marina Baja (CAMB), in the province of Alicante (Spain), in 1978. The impact of tourism and population growth in the second half of the 20th century motivated the need for new management formulas seeking a balance between available resources and a greater need for water resources. The emergence of mass tourism in Benidorm at the end of the 1950s generated a great imbalance between the needs and availability of water resources. Also considering the effect of periods of severe drought, the solution to the deficit was found in the principles of institutional economics and circular water management. Water infrastructure and technology are elements of great importance in this model, allowing the exchange of natural water for reclaimed water, as a result of previous agreements between traditional irrigators and supply users of coastal populations. Its success has guaranteed the coexistence of traditional agriculture and the consolidated tourism activity, making possible the conservation of the cultural landscape. The historical and economic analysis of the model that led to the creation of CAMB can be applied to other regions facing similar challenges. Full article

This study assessed the impact of counter-mapping on university students’ perception and knowledge of their cities, focusing on cultural diversity, urban dynamics, and social challenges. Using a quasi-experimental design with pretests and posttests in the province of Alicante, Spain, changes in the understanding of urban geography, everyday life, and cultural diversity were analyzed among 54 Geography Didactics students. Likert scale surveys and open-ended questions were employed, complemented by statistical and qualitative analyses, to measure knowledge and perceptions before and after the counter-mapping project. The results indicate that although quantitative correlations did not show statistically significant significance, qualitative analysis revealed significant and profound learning. Participants uncovered the hidden layers of their urban environments and gained a better understanding of the complexities and challenges of their cities. The project promoted the development of critical skills such as analytical thinking, active research, and effective communication, proving to be a valuable pedagogical tool that surpasses the limitations of traditional teaching methods and encourages active and committed citizenship. This inclusive and multidimensional approach enriches the diversity of experiences and knowledge, significantly contributing to the teaching of urban subjects, community engagement, and social responsibility and laying the groundwork for the proper tourist, cultural, social, or urban planning of city spaces. Full article

Influenza is a health problem and vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent it. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccination coverage (VC) against influenza in healthcare workers (HCWs). A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dr. Balmis University General Hospital in the province of Alicante (Spain), in which vaccination data were collected retrospectively. Adverse effects (AEs) were detected via telephone call between 15 and 30 days after vaccination. The existence of significant changes in VC between the different seasons studied was evaluated using Chi square with a statistical significance level of p < 0.05. A total of 8403 HCWs vaccinated throughout the different seasons were studied. The vaccination coverage of HCWs for influenza pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2019/20 season) was 51.9%; increased during the pandemic to 67.9% (2020/21 season) and 65.5% (2021/22 season); and, after the pandemic, it decreased to 42.7% (2022/23 season) (p < 0.05). The most frequent reason for vaccination during the periods evaluated was “self-protection”, followed by “protection of patients” and “protection of family members”. Of all HCWs evaluated, 26.6% (1460/5493) reported at least one AE. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs’ influenza vaccination coverage fluctuated considerably. There has been an increase in VC during the most critical moments of the pandemic, both in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, which has, subsequently, decreased in the 2022/2023 season, to levels below pre-pandemic (2019/2020 season), which justifies implementing specific measures to recover VC in Spain. Full article

Trypanosomosis is a global animal issue, causing significant economic losses, particularly in Africa. In Spain, only one pathogenic species, Trypanosoma evansi, has been identified so far. It was first detected in a dromedary camel in the Canary Islands in 1997. Since then, numerous cases of the disease, known as Surra, have been diagnosed, prompting various studies and efforts in control and surveillance. Given the lack of a comprehensive database that consolidates the most relevant data in this area, the development of a national atlas, with a focus on the Canary Islands, to incorporate all available information on T. evansi in Spain became a necessity. For the development of the atlas, a repository was constructed, encompassing a range of datasets and documents spanning from 1997 to 2022. Information from each source, and in particular georeferenced locations and results of blood tests on animals, were extracted and integrated into a comprehensive database. A total of 31 sources were analysed, providing a total of 99 georeferenced locations and 12,433 animal samples. Out of these samples, 601 (mostly from dromedaries) were found to be positive for T. evansi. The Card Agglutination Test for T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi), a serological test, was the most commonly used diagnostic method, and it showed a higher prevalence for all tested animal species. Positive cases were mainly concentrated in the Canary Islands, specifically in the eastern islands, with isolated cases found in the province of Alicante (Iberian Peninsula). This atlas provides an overview of the history and occurrence of Surra in Spain, and it represents a valuable tool for future control initiatives and for research. Still, the need for more studies remains, especially for further testing of potential hosts other than camelids and for the examination of their potential transmission vectors. Full article

This work provides new data on the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Biar, combining the investigation of documentary sources with the analysis of the geometry obtained using LiDAR technology and the study of stone materials. This monument has a Proto-Renaissance façade of great architectural value, as it was the first building in the province of Alicante, in Spain, to use Renaissance decorations at the beginning of the 16th century. Its main façade reflects the four centuries of its construction from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The building has been digitised using LiDAR technology and photogrammetry. The graphic representation of the point cloud obtained from the aforementioned techniques makes it possible to study deformations in colour gradient with respect to a reference plane. The results obtained after the analysis of these data show that the method used in this work has served to detect and corroborate the constructive evolutions of the church obtained from the documentary sources investigated. This work serves as an example for similar works, proposing the incorporation of the analysis of anomalies in the geometry of the facings as a new variable that should be considered to complement the rest of the usual studies, bringing to light deformations and irregularities that at first sight may go unnoticed. Full article

In the context of climate change, where the average temperature has risen in recent decades on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, bioclimatic indicators show an increase in thermal discomfort. This is especially relevant in regions with a clear focus on mass and seasonal sun and beach tourism, with a large number of tourists experiencing discomfort in hot and humid summer environments. The research analyses the temporal evolution (1967–2022) of the coasts of the provinces of Alicante and Murcia (Spain) using the Climate Comfort Index (CCI), divided into four different regions. Used are 14 coastal meteorological observatories divided into four regions. Trend analysis was performed using the Mann–Kendall (MKT) and Theil–Sen (TSE) tests. The results revealed a loss of climate comfort during the summer season (−0.3 to −0.4/decade), as well as an expansion of the warm period toward June and early September, with an increase of 38.7 days in “hot” thermal comfort. The increase in thermal discomfort in the summer is influenced by an increase in average temperature (0.5 to 0.7 °C/decade) and a reduction in the average relative humidity (−1.0 to −2.1%/decade) and wind speed (−0.2 to −0.9 km/h/decade). In the last 22 years (2000–2022), decreases (p  ≤ 0.05) have been recorded in July and September (−0.2 to −0.4/decade), reaching “excessive heat” climatic comfort thresholds for the first time. Finally, there has been an increase in thermal comfort in winter, especially during December in recent years (2000–2022). Full article