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• Government policy shall address the strategic nature of local resource use decisions. • Local resource users face linked coordination, prisoner's dilemma, and zero-sum/externality situations. • Governments shape the behavior of local resource users via bundles of policy instruments. • Policy instruments contribute to local collective action via a handful of mechanisms. This paper presents a diagnostic approach to the role and capacity of governments to facilitate local collective action and alleviate environmental problems. The paper adds to a nascent scholarship aiming to conciliate theories on "governance by government" and "governance by self-organization". We adopt two premises for that purpose: (1) policy instruments shall be tailored to the strategic nature of local resource management decisions; and (2) such nature is not static and can be modified via governmental policies. We first build on the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework to characterize the decision-making situations that local resource users face and the local rules that shape said situations. Then, based on common pool resource (CPR) and policy instrument choice theory, we identify four mechanisms through which different policy instruments can facilitate local collective action (change in payoffs and their perception, reduction of transaction costs, reduction of uncertainty, and normative consonance). This analytical approach is then applied to four illustrative cases of water management in Germany, France, Greece and Spain. As shown, local resource users are embedded in not one but many overlapping decision-making situations. In this context, the promotion of collective action is rarely accomplished via a single policy instrument or mechanism but via bundles of them. Also, the paper illustrates the importance of understanding how governmental policies modify the structure of rules and incentives that affect local resource users, potentially facilitating local collective action and the solution of environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to develop a decision tool for planning offshore wind farm locations, combining multi-criteria decision analysis and geographic information systems. This method considers several technological, environmental, social, and economic criteria. The criteria are used as evaluation factors and constraints to rank the identified potential locations through an Analytic Hierarchy Process. During the evaluation of the available areas, a pairwise comparison is used in which a group of experts determines the weights. Sensitivity and consensus analyses evaluate the results robustness. The methodology is developed for a case study in the Atlantic coastal areas of Portugal, Spain, and France. The results show the potential of this tool to support the planners in the designation of regions for floating wind farm development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates the influence of partisan politics on transit projects delivered through public-private partnerships (PPPs) by analyzing two case studies of light rail projects in Spain. The use of public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements to deliver urban transit projects is supposed to reduce the influence of politics on project-level decisions. However, the paper illustrates how relevant decisions about these light rail projects were based primarily on political considerations, starting with the decision the deliver the projects through PPPs. Our analysis shows how the influence of political considerations have impacted on a range of factors that affect the performance of these projects, including the route selected and the integration of the system into the wider transit network and urban landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies reveal physical, economical, and socio-technical barriers when measuring performance of sustainable urban ration projects with existing assessment tools. This reality, enlarged in the Spanish context, has revealed the need of a friendly-user and holistic tool that can assist the agents involved in the decision-making process of urban regeneration projects. This paper presents the Guide of strategies for urban regeneration; a design-support tool developed by demand of the Government of the Valencian Community (Spain). Along this paper we describe how the Guide has been designed by integrating: in first place measures of exiting urban assessment tools, secondly lesson learned coming from the application of urban assessment tools to selected and rewarded urban best practices at European level, and thirdly the opinion of regional decision-makers and urban experts. As a result, this Guide offers strategies and recommendations on a self-questioning format that makes easy its implementation by any urban planner regardless of its expertise on the topic. It is based on an open-source philosophy with a nonprofit orientation, using transparent and easy-to-understand technical criteria. It can be applied to any kind of urban fabric and proposes equal representation of the thematic categories needed to be considered during an urban regeneration project design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Life Cycle Assessment methodology has been applied to a typical block of flats located in Barcelona, Spain to evaluate environmental impacts during the construction phase. The aim of this paper is to develop and apply several criteria for the building sector that help decision making at the design and construction stages, thereby allowing the selection of sustainable building materials, reducing the environmental impact of the materials used, minimizing the amount of waste generated, and increasing the percentage of this waste that is recycled. From a life cycle perspective during the construction phase, results showed that regarding to environmental impact of global warming potential, there was a total emission of 1.19E+01kgCO2 equiv.m−2 y−1 (referred to m2 of horizontal constructed area) of which about 85% was during the fabrication, while the rest was due to the energy consumed (8%), transport (6%) and waste management (1%). When analysing the whole building, the total waste obtained in the construction phase was 4.56E+01kgm−2 of which rest of materials account for 84% (internal and external walls 30%, architectural finishing 23% and foundations and basement 19%) and packaging waste represents 16% (roofing 31%, structural frame 22%, architectural finishing 15% and internal and external walls 10% of the total waste). Finally, in this paper we compare the different combinations of real construction scenarios for external and internal walls while taking into account the environmental and economic aspects and also three different systems of waste management: landfill, incineration and recycling have been evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, a new methodology adequate for the separate accounting and analysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) flows of a system is developed, employing the monitoring of these through a metabolic perspective and based on the established MFA methodological guidelines, as proposed by Eurostat in 2001. Additionally, a new indicator is proposed, suitable for the revision of MSW management plans, when combined with the metabolic picture of a system, in line with basic waste management principles. The value of the MSW management self-sufficiency indicator reflects the capacity of a system to manage the amount of MSW it accepts and the grade of sustainability of the treatment practices followed within the system, valuing as the best option the use of residues as raw materials. Compared with waste recovery rates, the new indicator proves to be more comprehensive in assessing the effectiveness of MSW management plans in medium-scale urban regions, evaluating the capacity of a socioeconomic system to close its material circles. In combination with information provided by other urban sustainability indicators, as water use and air pollution, the indicator can be a useful tool in decision making. In this paper, the case of a highly urbanised coastal Mediterranean area (the city of Barcelona and its surroundings) is studied and assessed for a time period of eight years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper has three objectives: firstly, to evaluate how the extent of clustering in wildfires differs across the years they occurred; secondly, to analyse the influence of covariates on trends in the intensity of wildfire locations; and thirdly, to build maps of wildfire risks, by year and cause of ignition, in order to provide a tool for preventing and managing vulnerability levels. For these objectives we analysed the spatio-temporal patterns produced by wildfire incidences in Catalonia, located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula. The methodology used has allowed us to quantify and assess possible spatial relationships between the distribution of risk of ignition and causes. These results may be useful in fire management decision-making and planning. The methods shown in this paper may contribute to the prevention and management of wildfires, which are not random in space or time, as we have shown here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The use of biomass resources for power generation offers numerous benefits of interest for political decision-makers: fuel security, rural and industrial development, ecological benefits. In Spain, policy instruments have been used since 1980 to stimulate biomass power generation. However, the diffusion outcome by 2007 was very disappointing: only 525MW. This paper argues that two factors lie at the core of this: the conceptualization of biomass resources by political decision-makers in the instruments used, and the desire that policy instruments be in line with market liberalization principles. These generated a persistent economic obstacle for biomass power generation, and impeded the development of markets for the supply of biomass resources. The policy learning regarding the heterogeneity of biomass resources, and the investors’ expectations on risks, profitability and resource markets was very slow among political decision-makers. The paper contributes to the understanding of diffusion outcomes by proposing to analyse diffusion by means of five indicators: types of resources, technologies, developers, motivations to invest and project sizes. Besides, the paper shows the usefulness of investigating policy instruments in terms of their risk and profitability characteristics. This enables a better understanding of the diffusion patterns and outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Decision-making for climate change adaptation requires an integrated and cross-sectoral approach to adequately capture the complexity of interconnected systems. More meaningful decisions can be taken in an arena where different agents provide knowledge of specific domains. This paper uses a semi-quantitative method based on cognitive mapping to demonstrate how new knowledge emerges when combining knowledge from diverse agents. For the case of heatwaves in the city of Madrid (Spain) we elicit knowledge about climatic impacts across urban sectors and potential adaptation options. Knowledge is elicited in individual interviews and then aggregated using fuzzy cognitive maps. We observe that the individual maps vary considerably in size and structure and find evidence of diverse and even contradictory perceptions. There is no “super-stakeholder”, who theoretically could provide full knowledge about mechanisms operating in this urban system: the maximum percentage of the final aggregated map explained by a single individual is 26% in terms of concepts and 13% in terms of connections. We illustrate how the emergence of new knowledge can be sustained by combining scientific and policy expertise. Our approach supports knowledge co-production and allows to account for the interconnectedness of urban sectors under climatic impacts in view of formulating more robust adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and scope In the epoch of precision medicine and personalised oncology, which aims to deliver the right treatment to the right patient, molecular genetic biomarkers are a topic of growing interest. The aim of this expert discussion and position paper is to review the current status of various molecular tests for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and especially considering their significance for the clinical routine use. Methodology Opinion leaders and experts from diverse nationalities selected on scientific merit were asked to answer to a prepared set of questions about the current status of molecular diagnostics in different GI cancers. All answers were then discussed during a plenary session and reported here in providing a well-balanced reflection of both clinical expertise and updated evidence-based medicine. Results Preselected molecular genetic biomarkers that are described and disputed in the current medical literature in different GI cancers were debated, and recommendations for clinical routine practice were made whenever possible. Furthermore, the preanalytical variations were commented and proposals for quality controls of biospecimens were made. Conclusion The current article summarises the recommendations of the expert committee regarding prognostic and predictive molecular genetic biomarkers in different entities of GI cancers. The briefly and comprehensively formulated guidelines should assist clinicians in the process of decision making in daily clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Indexes of Coincidence to analyze the effect of uncertainty on decision making. • To identify and to track natural and epistemic uncertainty in dam risk models. • To outline the need for extra studies, surveys and tests before dam rehabilitation. • They are useful for risk-informed management of other civil engineering structures. In recent years, the application of risk analysis to inform dam safety governance has increased significantly. In this framework, considering explicitly and independently both natural and epistemic uncertainty in quantitative risk models allows to understand the sources of uncertainty in risk results and to estimate the effect of actions, tests, and surveys to reduce epistemic uncertainty. In this paper, Indexes of Coincidence are proposed to analyze the effect of epistemic uncertainty in the prioritization of investments based on risk results, which is the key issue in this paper. These indexes allow consideration of the convenience of conducting additional uncertainty reduction actions. These metrics have been applied to the prioritization of risk reduction measures for four concrete gravity dams in Spain. Results allow for a better understanding of how epistemic uncertainty of geotechnical resistance parameters influence risk-informed decision making. The proposed indexes are also useful for probabilistic risk analyses of other civil engineering structures with high epistemic uncertainty environments, since they analyze whether existing uncertainty could have an impact on decision making, outlining the need for extra studies, surveys and tests. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the projects subject to environmental impact assessment (EIA) are closely related to climate change, as they contribute to or are affected by it. The growing certainty about climate change and its impacts makes its consideration an essential part of the EIA process, as well as in strategic environmental assessment (SEA). This paper examines how climate change (CC) has been taken into account in EIA in Spain through the analysis of 1713 environmental records of decision (RODs) of projects submitted for EIA. In 2013 Spain approved one of the most advanced laws in terms of CC consideration in environmental assessment, although it had not yet accumulated extensive practice on the issue. This contrasts with the situation of countries like Canada or the USA, which have a significant body of experience without specific legal requirements. Only 14% of the RODs analysed included references to CC, and in more than half of the cases it was a mere citation. Thermal power plants, which are subject to specific GHG regulations, show the highest consideration, while transport infrastructures, which are important contributors to CC, show a very low consideration. Almost all the references are related to their contribution to CC, while consideration of the effects of CC is minimal. The increasingly common incorporation of CC into SEA, should not imply its exclusion from EIA, because both processes have different aims and uses. Including the obligation to consider CC in the EIA regulations is highly desirable, but probably not enough without other measures, such as practical guidance, training and motivational programmes for practitioners and evaluators. But even these actions cannot ensure effective and adequate assessments of CC. Probably more resources should be spent on creating greater awareness in all the agents involved in EIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study presents new evidence regarding the factors that influence the exit decisions of vessels from fisheries, especially the effects of fishery subsidies. To estimate and better understand the impact of a set of variables on the exit rate of the Spanish purse seine fleet, we use parametric analysis of duration models. The Gamma accelerated failure-time (AFT) model with inverse Gaussian heterogeneity was found to be the best-fitting model. This paper finds that assistance for the scrapping of vessels, the establishment of joint ventures, and vessel export have positive effects on the probability of a vessel's exit from the Spanish purse seine fishery fleet. The results also show that fishing vessels operating with only one type of main fishing gear are more likely to leave the fishery than those that operate using different main fishing gear to improve the profitability of their fishing activities. Furthermore, we observe that vessels that operate in EU waters are less likely to leave the fisheries. In addition, the engine power and tonnage were variables that did not contribute significantly to the model, indicating that they are not crucial factors for the survival of purse seine vessels. Finally, as anticipated, the analysis of revenues allows us to conclude that vessels with low incomes are more likely to leave the fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Building stock modelling is implemented through a bottom-up method. • Dynamic simulations are applied through calibrated and parameterized stock models. • Optimal retrofit solutions under a 2050 future weather scenario are proposed. • Results are provided for four different climatic regions in southern Spain. • Results can be interactively accessed by stakeholders and the general public. Retrofitting the existing building stock is widely accepted as a crucial factor to reaching 2030 and 2050 climate and energy targets, given that the building sector is among the top three most dominant energy consumers. This paper presents a bottom-up study which uses calibrated and parameterized energy stock models (building archetypes), while also incorporating building stock information from a large database. The thermal performance of the existing social housing stock of southern Spain is assessed through dynamic simulation under present and future climate change scenarios. Subsequently, several passive and low-cost operation-related strategies are numerically optimized through genetic algorithms to determine the best retrofit solutions, taking into consideration global warming scenarios. A multi-objective decision analysis is carried out by optimizing annual overheating hours (%), annual undercooling hours (%), and investment costs (€/m2). Among the conclusions reported, it is important to note the feasibility of implementing low-cost retrofit strategies considering investment costs of up to around 200 €/m2, which would lead to average annual overheating and undercooling hours below 55 % and 45 %, respectively. However, retrofit solutions exclusively based on passive and low-cost operation measures were proven to be significantly limited to improve thermal comfort results in the social stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managerial accounting can play an important role in supporting safety management in enterprises, by systematically providing appropriate reports to support the decision-making process in the area of risk prevention, benefiting both internal and external stakeholders. In this paper, we first examine the weaknesses of current managerial accounting systems as regards the provision of systematic information on the cost of measures to ensure health and safety in the workplace. We then propose a model of management accounting to calculate, analyse and control these costs, with particular reference to construction companies. Finally, we implement a case study in a Spanish construction company, focusing on two construction projects carried out in 2008 in Andalusia (Spain). This study reveals that health and safety costs are substantial and remain invisible to the company to a very large degree (more than 90%), because the items that make up this cost are dispersed within other accounting entries, thus remaining unidentified on the income statement. Accordingly, construction companies need to implement a management accounting system to get appropriate information about safety costs, to guide their decisions in safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In Spain, fewer men are smoking every year yet the number of women smokers remains relatively high. This paper examines the impact of two anti-smoking policies (increased prices and obligatory pictorial health warning labels) on womens smoking decisions; generation cohorts are used to elucidate the determinants of those decisions. Data source We have drawn 48,755 observations of women living in Spain from the Spanish National Health Surveys of 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2011. Data synthesis Among the main results, we highlight that belonging to a particular generation modulates the manner in which individual characteristics and tobacco policies determine smoking decisions. For example, women's smoking was not considered as socially acceptable until the 1960s and therefore older women have lower smoking rates. However, for the younger female cohorts (generations X and Y) smoking was seen as an act of rebellion and modernity, so women belonging to these groups, irrespective of educational level, are more likely to smoke. Conclusions The price of cigarettes and pictorial health warning labels on cigarette packets also influence the smoking behaviour of Spanish women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary effects of droughts on river basins include both depleted quantity and quality of the available water resources, which can render water resources useless for human needs and simultaneously damage the environment. Isolated water quality analyses limit the action measures that can be proposed. Thus, an integrated evaluation of water management and quality is warranted. In this study, a methodology consisting of two coordinated models is used to combine aspects of water resource allocation and water quality assessment. Water management addresses water allocation issues by considering the storage, transport and consumption elements. Moreover, the water quality model generates time series of concentrations for several pollutants according to the water quality of the runoff and the demand discharges. These two modules are part of the AQUATOOL decision support system shell for water resource management. This tool facilitates the analysis of the effects of water management and quality alternatives and scenarios on the relevant variables in a river basin. This paper illustrates the development of an integrated model for the Llobregat River Basin. The analysis examines the drought from 2004 to 2008, which is an example of a period when the water system was quantitative and qualitatively stressed. The performed simulations encompass a wide variety of water management and water quality measures; the results provide data for making informed decisions. Moreover, the results demonstrated the importance of combining these measures depending on the evolution of a drought event and the state of the water resources system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines household tourism participation decisions and tourism expenditure across the business cycle. Microdata is used from the Spanish Household Budget Survey for the years 2006–2010, facilitating an analysis of the consequences of the economic crisis and unemployment on tourism consumption decisions by households. By estimating a Heckman model, the effects of households' socioeconomic determinants on participation and expenditure decisions can be identified. Taking the year 2008 (the beginning of the crisis) as a reference, the stability of the tourism expenditure model is tested, identifying variables whose effects alter in times of crisis. One important aspect of the study is how household unemployment affects tourism participation and expenditure decisions. The effect of unemployment takes into account whether it is the main breadwinner, his or her spouse, or another member of the household who is unemployed. Concentrating on those households whose main breadwinner was employed at the time, an analysis is also made of how job insecurity affects tourism consumption decisions. From the results, the unemployment variables can be seen to have a significant explanatory power, suggesting that unemployment information does help to explain the evolution of tourism expenditure across the business cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To reduce ecological impacts caused by development projects, avoidance, minimization and compensation techniques have to be taken together into consideration along Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures. This paper explores the particular role that ecological compensation has had in recent road and railway EIA procedures in Spain, as seen through the review of a set of recent EIA Records of Decision (RODs) that confirms precedent findings. Noticing that residual impacts are not paid much attention, and that there is no evidence of a solid public participation in ecological impact evaluation, it proposes to increase the awareness on residual impacts, as a way to make easier public access to the allegedly most sensitive moment of EIA implementation: (residual) impact evaluation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A decision-making model to manage sheep farms in dehesa areas was assessed. • The model was applied to different farms typologies in different weather scenarios. • Models may contribute to the design of sustainable management strategies in extensive sheep-for-meat farms. • Farmers seem to prefer to adapt their stocking rates to the average years. • The use of the model could be useful for decision-making in sheep-for-meat cooperatives. The need to produce safe food products for an ever-growing world population while reducing the impact on climate change makes it necessary for the farm business to combine productivity and sustainability. As more efficient and sustainable production systems need to be developed for this purpose, the creation of new instruments that allow the management of farms and provide information to contribute to their evolution and improvement becomes more relevant. The main goal of this paper is to assess a model to be used as a decision-making tool in a meat sheep cooperative group in southwest Spain. The methodology is structured in three stages: (i) creation of a model, (ii) identification of representative farms and (iii) model assessment. The model is applied to representative farms obtained from a cluster analysis. A simulation of the model is performed taking into account profitability variables under different stocking rate and weather scenarios. The outcomes of the model show that farmers may try to maximize the profitability per hectare adjusting their stoking rate to average weather scenarios. In a climate change framework this model could be a useful tool to assess extensive sheep farms, as it might contribute to the design of sustainable management strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Understanding soil dynamics is essential for making appropriate land management decisions, as soils can affect the carbon content from the atmosphere, emitting large quantities of CO2 or storing carbon. This property is essential for climate change mitigation strategies as agriculture and forestry soil management can affect the carbon cycle. The Mediterranean dehesa (Mediterranean grassland ecosystem with scattered oak trees — grazing system with Quercus ilex spp. ballota) is a silvopastoral system that integrates forestry, agricultural and livestock practices. The dehesa is characterized by the preservation of forest oaks that provide environmental services including carbon capture and storage. This paper shows the relationships between soil properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) in two soil types: Cambisols (CM) and Leptosols (LP), with two management systems: organic farming (OF) for 20years and conventional tillage (CT) in a Mediterranean dehesa of southern Spain without cropping. An analysis of 85 soil profiles was performed in 2009 in Los Pedroches Valley (Cordoba, southern Spain). The SOC stock (SOC-S) was greater in CM (75.64Mgha−1) than in LP (44.01Mgha−1). Physical parameters were the main variables affecting soil development. SOC-S was very similar in OF and CT (CM [74.90Mgha−1-CT; 76.39Mgha−1-OF] and LP [44.77Mgha−1-CT; 43.25Mgha−1-OF]). Data analysis showed that management practices had little effect on SOC storage in the study zone. Significant differences between soil types and management practices were found in SOC content for different horizons. The stratification ratio was >2 in both soils types (CM and LP) and management systems (OF and CT). These results indicate that the soil is of high quality, and that management practices have little influence on SOC-S in Los Pedroches Valley. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is based on the combination of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and tools or multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in order to obtain the evaluation of the optimal placement of photovoltaic solar power plants in the area of Cartagena (Region of Murcia), in southeast Spain. The combination GIS–MCDM generates an excellent analysis tool that allows for the creation of an extensive cartographic and alphanumeric database that will later be used by multi-criteria methodologies to simplify problems to solve and promote the use of multiple criteria. In GIS two types of criteria will be reflected: constraints or restrictive criteria, and weighting criteria or factors. Constraints or restrictive criteria will make it possible to reduce the area of study by discarding those areas that prevent the implementation of renewable energy plants. These criteria will be obtained from the legislation (planning regulations, protected areas, road networks, railways, waterways, mountains, etc). Weighting criteria or factors will be those which, according to the objective to be reached, influence the ability to solve a concrete alternative. The choice of such criteria is marked by the influence presented to the overall goal; in this case they will be location, geomorphological, environmental and climatic criteria. Through the use of MCDM the criteria or factors mentioned will be weighted in order to evaluate potential sites to locate a solar plant. Analysis and calculation of the weights of these factors will be conducted using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The assessment of the alternatives according to their degree of adequacy is carried out through the TOPSIS method (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the connectivity of the Spanish airport system between 2001 and 2007. Over the period, network carriers considerably strengthened the connectivity between Spanish airports and major European hubs. Although OneWorld is still the dominant alliance in Spain, SkyTeam and Star achieved a larger connectivity share through the growth of indirect services provided through their northern European hubs. In addition, the network rationalization strategy of Iberia and its decision to concentrate operations at Madrid-Barajas had important implications for the connectivity of other Spanish airports. Low-cost carriers have boosted direct connectivity from secondary Spanish airports. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Decision making by tourism firms'' managers and public policymakers is complex for many reasons. One of them is that many tourism products embed a combination of multiple public (external to the decisions of individual firms, related to location and essentially non-rival) and private attributes. Since tourists get satisfaction from each of the components of the product variety bought, managers face the daunting task of putting together, promoting and pricing a bundle of heterogeneous components. This paper draws on hedonic pricing literature to obtain insights (beyond making correct pricing decisions) for tourism firms'' managers and public policymakers when dealing with products and destinations embedding public good components. An application to coastal hotels in tourism destinations of Catalonia is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Traditional top-down and technocratic approaches seem to be insufficient to tackle the many conflicts related to the sustainable use of natural resources. At the same time, reductionist and mono-disciplinary approaches lack the capacity to capture the complex interactions within evolving socio-ecological systems. Coastal zone management is an area that provides a clear example of such difficulties. In this paper we explore the scope of a participatory integrated assessment process, known as Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE), in the context of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). Through a two-year collaborative research process, between an interdisciplinary group of researchers and a diverse group of stakeholders in the Urdaibai Estuary (a Biosphere Reserve in the Basque Country, Northern Spain), we show that improving the integration of diverse expertise and values can lead, through a mutual learning process, to the definition of relevant policy options and sound decisions in the face of complexity, value conflict and unavoidable uncertainty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explores the process by which indicators may be developed as tools for communicating science to decision-makers using the participatory approach demonstrated by the Balearic Indicators Project. This initiative reflects a series of compromises considered necessary to achieve the objective of generating an indicator system that is scientifically viable, comparative internationally yet locally relevant, and to facilitate its implementation. The article highlights questions regarding the utility of science for addressing current global issues related to sustainability and why science often fails to promote change at the societal level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spanish Port Authorities currently face a wide range of complexities in their decision-making processes, as they have to satisfy several port management objectives that may conflict with one another. This paper examines these circumstances by using decision theory methodology with multiple objectives, which, through the Promethee method, makes the design of an index possible. This index combines different decision factors that shape the competitiveness of a port to rank the Spanish Port Authorities. This ranking serves as an alternative to the traditional ranking system by easily providing more information about port traffic. The Promethee method was chosen because it is reliable, the outcomes are easy for decision makers to understand and the parameters can be economically interpreted. To account for any subjectivity in the measures for different criteria, we developed three survey campaigns aimed at the following groups: members of the port community, Port Authority managers and academic researchers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides theoretical and methodological arguments to study the politics of space in small marginal and depopulated areas of Spain. The case for research is the Riaza river valley in the province of Segovia. Usually the analysis of rural space (and the geographical space in general) provides opposing presentations: vertical, between global and local or horizontal between urban and rural or in community–out of community. Fewer contributions adopt as an objective the configuration of spatial categories into a small area. This contribution differentiates the politics of small rural areas into three main levels or spheres: (1) official, (2) unofficial or intermediate and (3) community or spontaneous. Between these levels there is conflict but also collaboration, founded on the specific nature of the situation or problem and the agents and actors involved in each one. The methods are mainly qualitative with complementary documentary sources (local newspapers, official documents from regional and environmental administration). The interview program presents two phases: (1) with people involved in the decision-making process at an area level and (2) with representative figures (in professional and social term) in the study area. The conclusions confirm the existence of different parallel and segmented discourses in each level and also between levels of decision-making. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: During the twentieth century, vaccination has been one of the measures of greatest public health impact. Vaccine administration has helped reduce the burden of disease and mortality from infectious diseases. At present, there is increasing concern about infectious diseases and the ability of health systems to control them, highlighting the need for evaluation of vaccination programs. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of economic evaluation studies carried out regarding Spain on vaccines. Methods: Systematic review. Search of articles in major bibliographic databases available online from January 1983 to June 2011. References identified were limited to full economic evaluations carried out regarding Spain that evaluated vaccination programs. For each of the selected papers, a set of predefined variables were extracted. Results: A total of 46 studies met inclusion criteria. The topics studied were pneumococcal vaccination, influenza vaccination, Hepatitis B vaccination and varicella vaccination. Cost-minimization analysis, perspective of society, long time horizon, use of modeling techniques, and the inclusion of direct and indirect costs were the most common methodological characteristics. The results of the studies reviewed showed, in most cases, net savings or cost-effectiveness ratios below €30,000/QALY. Conclusions: Although there has been an improvement in the methodological quality of studies, they still show shortcomings that should be addressed. From a public health perspective, it would be relevant to evaluate vaccines targeted to major health problems in Spain, including all relevant costs and benefits. In order to obtain a more efficient use of health resources, economic evaluation methods should be applied more rigorously and results should be used consistently in decision-making processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper discusses the benefits of using short sea shipping in intermodal transport for fruit and vegetables. Multi-Criteria Decision Making techniques are applied to determine optimal allocation between land and intermodal transport, including environmental externalities. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out to monitor changing priorities among decision-makers (exporters) so as to encourage a modal shift. The results reveal savings in intermodal transport costs and a slight reduction in externalities with respect to land transport. However, the exporter must assume an increased delivery time of goods. At present, this situation is far from a reality, highlighting how inherently complicated it is to change the modes of transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to demonstrate discrimination of geochemical anomalies by application of multifractal analysis techniques to a stream sediment geochemical data (774 samples) from a geologically complex area at the boundary between the Ossa Morena (OMZ) and South Portuguese (SPZ) zones of the Iberian Variscan Massif. In this area, which is poorly investigated up to now, small to medium size iron–oxide–copper–gold (IOCG-type) and Pbph name="sbnd" />Cu mineralizations are known to exist. The use of multifractal techniques highlighted weak anomalies not manifested by using conventional methods. The use of the C–A method has been very helpful for establishing thresholds separate anomalies of elements from the regional background, but local anomalies could not be identified as clearly as with the singularity mapping method. The characterization of selected elements (Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn) is based on the use of multifractal spectrum curves f(α) and indices such as R, Δα and M (multifractality). These have proved to be very useful for characterizing different geochemical behaviors (e.g. depletion or enrichment of elements) as well as spatial distribution and singularity. The singularity (α) maps of the studied elements show areas more accurately compared to conventional geochemical maps, and reveal that local anomalies are not only spatially associated with known occurrences but also are disposed along trends consistent with structures known to be linked to mineralization. Therefore, singularity maps used as spatial evidence for integration with other layers of spatial evidence in mineral prospectivity mapping to provide a useful input for decision-making about further mineral exploration in the study area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a real-time, on-farm irrigation scheduling software (RIDECO). The software was been designed for stone fruit orchards in the semiarid conditions of Spain. The characterization of stone fruit crop water requirements for the local conditions and under different irrigation strategies is presented. Meteorological data in the study area is collected daily from the SIAR public network of weather stations in an automated fashion. Subsequently, values of cumulative degree-days are computed to identify the stages of fruit growth and crop development. The software allows performing weekly irrigation schedules under standard, regulated deficit irrigation and water restriction conditions. The irrigation scheduling software stands as a valuable tool for on-farm water resources allocation planning. It can be used to forecast the irrigation water required to meet seasonal meteorological, agronomical and managerial scenarios in stone fruit orchards. RIDECO can also be used to plan deficit irrigation strategies in cases of severe water restrictions. The software can be parameterized to adjust to specific varieties and local farming conditions. A variety of graphs assist irrigation managers in their decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sustainable tourism is being consolidated at an international level as an approach that should be used to make all types of tourism more environmentally, socially and economically beneficial. A common practice is to use an indicator system for designing and implementing tourism models that focuses on the sustainability approach. Indicators are considered as useful tools that allow tourism managers to diagnose the situation of the destination, and to identify and evaluate issues that require addressing to improve the level of sustainability of the tourist activities. However, these indicator systems usually do not provide a practical guide to establish how to interpret information and how to integrate it into the decision-making. In this paper we present an indicator system to evaluate sustainable tourism at cultural destinations. Likewise, we suggest a method based on goal programming to construct composite indicators. The definition of the indicator system and composite indicators is completed providing guidelines that establish how to use these tools in tourism sector planning. Specifically, we propose three basic practical uses for these tools: the formulation of general action plans at a regional level, the definition of short-term strategies for destinations and the establishment of destination benchmarking practices. Each practical use is illustrated using the case of cultural tourism destinations in the Andalusia region (Spain). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hotel sector, as a service industry where it is possible to separate capital investment from management skills, is a clear example of how internationalisation can be modelled without shareholding involvement through foreign direct investment. This paper is an empirical examination of the key factors influencing the decision process carried out by Spanish hotel companies in choosing an entry mode for international expansion. The main objective is to verify whether the concepts derived from the transaction-cost, agency and the strategic theories of organisational capability and knowledge in companies can really explain the mode of foreign expansion employed by the Spanish hotel sector. This study will allow comparison of findings on holiday resort hotel chains with other analyses on the international hotel industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tree-ring analysis has been demonstrated to be a useful tool for palaeohydrology. Selecting suitable study areas is the first step in palaeoflood research using tree-ring techniques. Objective methods are needed to facilitate exploration and subsequent location of basins where sediment-laden flash floods are likely and that also have tree species suitable for dendrogeomorphological research in a palaeohydrological context. This paper presents a novel methodology for selecting preliminary suitable watersheds for dendrogeomorphological palaeoflood research in central Spain. Geographical information systems (GIS) provide decision-makers with a powerful set of tools for the manipulation and analysis of spatial information. Using GIS tools and basic thematic maps, we defined three different indexes concerning the occurrence of dendrogeomorphological evidence. A Consensus Decision Making procedure (CDM) was carried out in order to weight each factor individually prior to combining the factors. As a result, we obtained information about the most appropriate watersheds for palaeoflood research using tree-ring analysis. A total of 189 watersheds appeared to be highly interesting for tree-ring studies. Of these only 17 have flow gauges, so data concerning frequency and magnitude of floods in basins without gauges could potentially be provided by dendrogeomorphological studies. In order locate such sites and to carry out such studies more efficiently, a more objective methodology for selecting watersheds for tree-ring studies is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explains the process followed to generate the model used as a decision support tool for agricultural production planning in the most agrarian areas in Galicia (NW Spain). The model comprises three procedures that use 44 social, environmental and economic indicators developed using both monographic information and field data. The indicators allow for the selection of the most suitable crops and land uses for each agrarian area, and allow decision makers to define key factors for performing a diagnostic analysis and proposing relevant actions regarding agricultural production planning. The potential of the tool for defining a hierarchy of potential crops and land uses according to their degree of suitability has been illustrated by applying the model to one of the 88 Ecological and Economic Units studied (EEUs). The proposed model can be a useful tool for production managers, agricultural associations, governmental agencies and even non-governmental organizations in underdeveloped countries. The most innovative aspects of the model are the feasibility of grouping indicators to perform a diagnostic analysis of different scenarios, and that it can be adapted to any other region in the world, by adjusting the objectives of agricultural production planning and the corresponding indicators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This short communication paper presents recommendations for developing scale-appropriate monitoring and modelling strategies to assist decision making in natural resource management (NRM). These ideas presented here were discussed in the session (S5) ‘Monitoring strategies and scale-appropriate hydrologic and biogeochemical modelling for natural resource management’ session at the 2008 International Environmental Modelling and Simulation Society conference, Barcelona, Spain. The outcomes of the session and recent international studies exemplify the need for a stronger collaboration and communication between researcher and model developer on the one side, and natural resource managers and the model users on the other side to increase knowledge in: 1) the limitations and uncertainties of current monitoring and modelling strategies, 2) scale-dependent linkages between monitoring and modelling techniques, and 3) representation of hydrologic and biogeochemical phenomena in model development and practical application for natural resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Local governments are responsible for the supply of important public services in cities. On many occasions the management of those services is externalized. There is extensive literature analyzing the explanations for the governance option taken by local governments, aiming to ascertain the reasons why the management of certain services is externalized. Recent research has highlighted the fact that time has not been contemplated by research dealing with explanatory factors in the decision to contract out municipal services. This is a key issue in order to identify the real reason behind policymakers’ decisions about the management of the services in cities. This paper tests the importance of taking into account time in the research into contracting out. This is undertaken by means of two methodological tests in the design of variables from a dataset containing 744 municipalities in Southern Spain. Using this empirical analysis as a basis, it is concluded that considering time contributes towards enhancing the specification of the model and that omitting this aspect could lead to misunderstanding the motivation behind such decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been applied within the residential building sector of two buildings, one in each a developed (Spain) and a developing (Colombia) country. The main goal of this paper involves the environmental loads and also brings together the operational energy for activities during the operation phase such as HVAC, domestic hot water, electrical appliances, cooking and illumination. The present research compares two real scenarios: Situation 1, where 100% of the dwelling’s energy is supplied with electricity only and Situation 2, where dwellings can be operated with natural gas plus electricity. The results for the environmental impacts using natural gas plus electricity show that of the Spanish environmental impacts air conditioning had the highest impact with approximately 27–42% due to the electricity used to power it. In Colombian results showed that electrical appliances had the highest environmental impacts in the same order of magnitude with approximately 60% and cooking had the best reduction of emissions due to the use of natural gas, from 10% down to less than 2%. The origin of the energy source used in each Country plays an important role to minimize environmental impacts, as was demonstrated by the environmental impacts of its use in Colombia where 78% of the electricity came from hydroelectric plants whereas in Spain it is more mixed, fossil fuels represented 55%, nuclear 18% and wind 9%. In summary, LCA has been applied because this methodology supports the decision making to concern environmental sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Economic research into the design and implementation of policies for the efficient management of water resources has been emphasized by the European Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC). The efficient implementation of policies to prevent the degradation and depletion of water resources requires determining their value in social and economic terms and incorporating this information into the decision-making process. A process of wastewater treatment has many associated environmental benefits. However, these benefits are often not calculated because they are not set by the market, due to inadequate property rights, the presence of externalities, and the lack of perfect information. Nevertheless, the valuation of these benefits is necessary to justify a suitable investment policy and a limited number of studies exist on the subject of the economic valuation of environmental benefits. In this paper, we propose a methodology based on the estimation of shadow prices for the pollutants removed in a treatment process. This value represents the environmental benefit (avoided cost) associated with undischarged pollution. This is a pioneering approach to the economic valuation of wastewater treatment. The comparison of these benefits with the internal costs of the treatment process will provide a useful indicator for the feasibility of wastewater treatment projects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In new deregulated electricity market, price forecasts have become a fundamental input to an energy company’s decision making and strategy development process. However, the exclusive characteristics of electricity price such as non-stationarity, non-linearity and time-varying volatile structure present a number of challenges for this task. In spite of all performed research on this area in the recent years, there is still essential need for more accurate and robust price forecast methods. Besides, there is a lack of efficient feature selection technique for designing the input vector of electricity price forecast. In this paper, a new two-stage feature selection algorithm composed of modified relief and mutual information (MI) techniques is proposed for this purpose. Moreover, cascaded neural network (CNN) is presented as forecast engine for electricity price prediction. The CNN is composed of cascaded forecasters where each forecaster is a neural network (NN). The proposed feature selection algorithm selects the best set of candidate inputs which is used by the CNN. The proposed method is examined on PJM, Spanish and Ontario electricity markets and compared with some of the most recent price forecast techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global warming and air quality are headline environmental issues of our time and policy must preempt negative international effects with forward-looking strategies. As part of the revision of the European National Emission Ceilings Directive, atmospheric emission projections for European Union countries are being calculated. These projections are useful to drive European air quality analyses and to support wide-scale decision-making. However, when evaluating specific policies and measures at sectoral level, a more detailed approach is needed. This paper presents an original methodology to evaluate emission projections. Emission projections are calculated for each emitting activity that has emissions under three scenarios: without measures (business as usual), with measures (baseline) and with additional measures (target). The methodology developed allows the estimation of highly disaggregated multi-pollutant, consistent emissions for a whole country or region. In order to assure consistency with past emissions included in atmospheric emission inventories and coherence among the individual activities, the consistent emission projection (CEP) model incorporates harmonization and integration criteria as well as quality assurance/quality check (QA/QC) procedures. This study includes a sensitivity analysis as a first approach to uncertainty evaluation. The aim of the model presented in this contribution is to support decision-making process through the assessment of future emission scenarios taking into account the effect of different detailed technical and non-technical measures and it may also constitute the basis for air quality modelling. The system is designed to produce the information and formats related to international reporting requirements and it allows performing a comparison of national results with lower resolution models such as RAINS/GAINS. The methodology has been successfully applied and tested to evaluate Spanish emission projections up to 2020 for 26 pollutants but the methodology could be adopted for any particular region for different purposes, especially for European countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper shows the results of a low level controller that has been applied to an autonomous robotic system using a WiFi-based Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP). These observations provide a clue for global robot localization from the first iteration of the POMDP algorithm. Due to the noise channel of WiFi measures, it becomes necessary to make observations at a well known location within the environment. Therefore, a robust local navigator is needed in order to place the robot in an optimal position for making the observation. The system has been tested with two Pioneer 2AT robots in the premises of the Department of Electronics at the University of Alcalá. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new decision support system called hybrid SW-MARCOS-G is proposed. • The decision making method is implemented for the airports service quality in Spain. • The results have been validated by sensitivity analysis. • Grey values were utilized to facilitate experts' qualitative judgments. The role of airports is critical for a region in which it is viewed as an engine for the economic development. Facilities, infrastructure, information and in general the services offered by an airport represent the fuel for this engine. Evidently, customers and travelers expect standard-quality services that need to be framed and measured. Therefore, services in airports should be quantified and maintained, accordingly. This article reports a case study for evaluating quality of services offered by five main airports located in Spain. Quality of service was modelled based on a number of factors such as convenience, comfort, courtesy of staffs, information visibility, prices, security, and transportation facilities. The grey based multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was employed towards a reliable evaluation process by airport experts and to accommodate the several qualitative and conflicting evaluation factors with distinct definitions. To this end, Grey Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA-G) and grey Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution (MARCOS-G) methods were applied for quantifying relative weights of decision factors and rating airports, respectively. Several sensitivity analysis, simulations, and comparisons were conducted for verifying the preciseness of the revealed results. Research findings demonstrate that the proposed SWARA-G-MARCOS-G-based methodology (i) enables decision makers to express their preferences clearly; and (ii) attenuates the embedded subjectivity and uncertainty within the decision-making process. In addition, they revealed that access to the parking and Wi-Fi connection are amongst the critical factors in evaluating service quality of airport. This paper contributes to related literature in presenting a novel decision-making approach for measuring service quality of airports, validated via a real-case study. The employed interval and linguistic grey variables allow experts, in airport operations, to express their opinions with higher flexibility and comfortability. The presented model could be re-applied for other studies or practical cases as a user-friendly decision support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two-stage decision making model for establishment of logistics centers. • Modification of the original methods under rough environment. • Consideration of judgmental conflicts, information inaccuracy and uncertainty. • Performance comparison and sensitivity analysis. • Murcia and Catalonia emerged out as the most preferred logistics center location. Logistics centers are those areas where all the national and international logistics and transportation operations are managed and directed to various business operations. One of the essential elements of an urban development system is to identify the appropriate location for a logistics center. In practice, the issue of evaluating and selecting the most suitable geographical area for a logistics center is considered as a complex decision making problem that can be well formulated through analytical and mathematical models. An exhaustive review of literature indicates that no concrete study has still proposed any integrated evaluation approach for logistics center selection. Thus, this paper aims in developing a two-stage decision making model to find out the most preferred zone in the autonomous communities of Spain for establishment of logistics centers. In the first stage, the considered communities are compared based on five evaluation criteria using data envelopment analysis (DEA) to identify the efficient and inefficient alternatives. In the second stage, a model is designed to evaluate the performance of the efficient communities using rough full consistency (R-FUCOM) and combined compromise solution (R-CoCoSo) methods. The adopted model allows capturing the uncertainty and vagueness in the decision makers' judgments as involved in the evaluation process with the use of rough set theory (RST). The R-FUCOM method is utilized to obtain the optimal weights of the criteria, while R-CoCoSo method is finally used to rank the efficient communities. In addition, sensitivity analyses are performed to validate the robustness of the derived results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper analyses the effects that the largest aviation accident in Spain in the last 25 years affected decisions by potential passengers. There evidence is of a long-lasting “Rainman effect”, with passengers penalising the airline involved with a 20% long-term reduction in traffic. There were also substitution effects towards other means of transport at Madrid-Barajas, where the accident happened, although these were limited in time. There have been no significant effects on other companies or on the total traffic at the aeroplane''s destination airport, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), where there are no comparable substitutes for air transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The historical lack of fishers' participation in decision making had led to weak fishing management and explains the meagre results achieved so far in conserving marine resources. European Commission recommends greater participation by fishers in the decision-making process so that adopted measures will better reflect local circumstances. It should be easier to introduce co-management measures in fisheries that have a tradition of cooperative behaviour among groups of fishers, as is generally the case in the small-scale fishing sector. This paper studies how small-scale Galician fishers view greater participation in the decision-making process. The results show that fishermen are clearly in favour of increased participation—through their guilds and, to a lesser extent, alongside trade unions, producer organizations, and scientists. The results show that fishers also favour moving toward co-management on such issues as participating in the establishment of regulating mechanisms, monitoring compliance with fishing rules, and demarcating areas for sport fishing. • EU recommends greater participation by fishers in the decision-making process. • Galician SSF views of greater participation in decision-making process are studied. • Results show fishermen are clearly in favour of increased participation. • Results show that fishers also favour moving toward co-management on some issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]