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Purpose: This paper aims to analyse trends in implementing the main initiatives in the field of environmental management and sustainability in Spanish universities, taking as a reference point the guidelines adopted by a number of universities in countries most committed to sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: An analysis of information available on the Internet and of data collected from a questionnaire completed by a significant proportion of Spanish higher education institutions was carried out. Findings: The research found that the Spanish university system follows international trends: it possesses permanent working structures, applies a variety of environmental management and sustainability tools and carries out other activities related to the environment and sustainable development. But there still appears to be scope for improvement in some aspects, including to increase the visibility of the efforts in the environmental area, and other aspects such as the varying terminology used to refer to similar tools and processes and, conversely, of the same nomenclature to refer to distinct concepts. Originality/value: This paper provides new data and updated information on sustainability in Spanish universities and some recommendations for improvement.

The modification of the environment by human activity plays a very important role in the climate equation. The ever increasing rate of these modifications over the last 200 years has led to a disproportionate increase in the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, and particularly CO2, that has given rise to new disorders and the exacerbation/spreading of existing disorders among humans. In order to prevent the effects of this phenomenon on future generations, it is essential that we take measures to mitigate the causing factors and prevent the spreading, worsening or appearance of new disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main characteristics of the Quercus pollination season were studied in 14 different localities of the Iberian Peninsula from 1992-2004. Results show that Quercus flowering season has tended to start earlier in recent years, probably due to the increased temperatures in the pre-flowering period, detected at study sites over the second half of the 20th century. A Growing Degree Days forecasting model was used, together with future meteorological data forecast using the Regional Climate Model developed by the Hadley Meteorological Centre, in order to determine the expected advance in the start of Quercus pollination in future years. At each study site, airborne pollen curves presented a similar pattern in all study years, with different peaks over the season attributable in many cases to the presence of several species. High pollen concentrations were recorded, particularly at Mediterranean sites. This study also proposes forecasting models to predict both daily pollen values and annual pollen emission. All models were externally validated using data for 2001 and 2004, with acceptable results. Finally, the impact of the highly-likely climate change on Iberian Quercus pollen concentration values was studied by applying RCM meteorological data for different future years, 2025, 2050, 2075 and 2099. Results indicate that under a doubled CO2 scenario at the end of the 21st century Quercus pollination season could start on average one month earlier and airborne pollen concentrations will increase by 50% with respect to current levels, with higher values in Mediterranean inland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spanish Committee for the Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme runs a programme that monitors the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves. The monitoring programme features a system of indicators enabling the degree of implementation and the territorial integration of the Biosphere Reserves (BRs) located on Spanish territory. This paper sets out a statistical analysis based on the results of the degree of implementation for the BRs of Andalusia (Spain) obtained for the period 2008-2014. The analysis allows the identification of the indicators that have had the most influence on the degree of implementation in the Andalusian BRs, as well as the factors that may be strengthened in order to enhance the degree of implementation. The effectiveness of the indicator system will be improved if additional work is done to redefine those conceptual aspects that tend to generate discrepancies in the interpretation of compliance with the requirements of the variables. To improve the management of the Andalusian BRs, complementary studies to allow the evaluation of the impact of the initiatives related to the implementation of the MaB Program, should be carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pistacia species grow in temperate regions, and are widespread in the Mediterranean area. Two species can be found in the Iberian Peninsula: Pistacia lentiscus L. and Pistacia terebinthus L. Airborne pollen from these species, recorded in some Spanish provinces, is regarded by some authors as potentially allergenic, and therefore should be of particular interest, given that these species are actually being introduced as ornamentals in parks and gardens. This paper deals with a study of daily and seasonal Pistacia airborne pollen counts in Córdoba city, analysed in parallel with field flowering phenology data. The study was carried out in Córdoba, using a volumetric Hirst-type sampler in accordance with Spanish Aerobiology Network guidelines. Phenological monitoring was performed weekly from January to May at 7 sites in the mountain areas north of Córdoba city. The Pistacia pollen season lasted an average of 41 days, from mid-March to end of April. Higher pollen counts were recorded in evening hours. The pollen index increased over the study period, and the pollen season coincided with phenological observations. Some airborne pollen grains were recorded once flowering had finished, due to re-suspension or transport from other locations. Pistacia pollen counts in Córdoba were low, but sufficient to identify seasonal and daily patterns. This pollen type should be taken into account in pollen calendars, in order to fully inform potential allergy-sufferers. The number of trees introduced as ornamentals should be carefully controlled, since widespread planting could increase airborne pollen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several of the airborne biological particles, such as pollen grains and fungal spores, are known to generate human health problems including allergies and infections. A number of aerobiologists have focused their research on these airborne particles. The Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA) was set up in 1992, and since then dozens of research groups have worked on a range of related topics, including the standardization of study methods and the quality control of data generated by this network. In 2010, the REA started work on an inter-laboratory survey for proficiency testing purposes. The main goal of the study reported in the present paper was to determine the performance of technicians in the REA network using an analytical method that could be implemented by other bio-monitoring networks worldwide. The results recorded by each technician were compared with the scores obtained for a bounded mean of all results. The performance of each technician was expressed in terms of the relative error made in counting each of several pollen types. The method developed and implemented here proved appropriate for proficiency testing in interlaboratory studies involving bio-monitoring networks, and enabled the source of data quality problems to be pinpointed. The test revealed a variation coefficient of 10%. The relative error was significant for 3.5% of observations. In overall terms, the REA staff performed well, in accordance with the REA Management and Quality Manual. These findings serve to guarantee the quality of the data obtained, which can reliably be used for research purposes and published in the media in order to help prevent pollen-related health problems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]