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Abstract: In this study 10 commercial top selling cigarette brands in Spain have been machine smoked and the mainstream smoke has been analyzed. Multifunctional analysis has been satisfactorily employed to correlate the effect of the main design features of the cigarettes including amount of tobacco, filter size or paper weight with the amount of smoked tobacco and with the ratio CO2/CO. The composition of the vapor phase and that of the particulate matter have been analyzed. The particulate matter retained in the filter of the cigarettes has also been analyzed showing a distinct behavior of the compounds condensed in the cigarette filters and in the traps, related to their retention time. A general trend for the relative yield of some compounds in the different brands have been identified and confirmed by multifunctional analysis. Nevertheless, there are some noticeable compounds that behave differently in the different brands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: This paper presents an empirical study of a formative mobile-based assessment approach that can be used to provide students with intelligent diagnostic feedback to test its educational effectiveness.Method: An audience response system called SIDRA was integrated with a neural network-based data analysis to generate diagnostic feedback for guided learning. A total of 200 medical students enrolled in a General and Descriptive Anatomy of the Locomotor System course were taught using two different methods. Ninety students in the experimental group used intelligent SIDRA (i-SIDRA), whereas 110 students in the control group received the same training but without employing i-SIDRA.Results: In the students' final exam grades, a statistically significant difference was found between those students that used i-SIDRA as opposed to a traditional teaching methodology (T(162)=2.597; p=0.010). The increase in the number of correct answers during the feedback guided learning process from the first submission to the last submission in four multiple choice question tests was also analyzed. There were average increases of 20.00% (Test1), 11.34% (Test2), 8.88% (Test3) and 13.43% (Test4) in the number of correct answers. In a questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert-type scale, the students expressed satisfaction with the content (M=4.2) and feedback (M=3.5) provided by i-SIDRA and the methodology (M=4.2) used to learn anatomy.Conclusions: The use of audience response systems enriched with feedback such as i-SIDRA improves medical degree students' performance as regards anatomy of the locomotor system. The knowledge state diagrams representing students' behavior allow instructors to study their progress so as to identify what they still need to learn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of a set of amphetamines and cannabinoids tests performed on head hair samples from the Medico-Legal sector at the Madrid Department of the Spanish National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences during the years 2013 and 2014. The hair samples were tested for five stimulant phenylalkylamine derivatives -amphetamine (AP), methamphetamine (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4-methylenedioxy-amphetamine (MDA), and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine (MDEA)- and/or two cannabinoids-Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN)- by gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry detection in selected-ion monitoring mode, applying a method accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards. The test results were interpreted according to the confirmation cut-offs proposed by the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) to identify chronic drug use. The ratios of positive results were studied in relation to gender, age, hair colour, dyeing and length of the tested samples to assess the independence from these variables or the association with them. Low, medium and high ranges of concentration were also estimated for each drug. 21.94% of the 2954 hair samples tested for phenylalkylamine derivatives were positive for one or more substances. 16.38% of the samples were positive for AP, 12.09% for MDMA and only 0.44% for MA. 6.60% of the tested samples were positive for AP/MDMA combination. A total of 3178 samples were tested for cannabinoids, resulting in 53.40% positive for THC and CBN. Simultaneous tests for phenylalkylamine derivatives and cannabinoids were performed in 2931 of the samples; 14.94% of them were positive for THC, CBN, and one or more amphetamines. According to the results from the statistical analysis, the use of THC and MDMA vary with age and gender among the Medico-Legal sector in an extended area of Spain, while the use of AP appears to be independent of these variables. On the other hand, the results of THC in hair could be influenced by the length of the tested segment; therefore, a consensus regarding the hair length between 3.0 and 5.5cm for THC testing should be reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of a common property regime can be partially judged on the basis of its ability to handle extreme events that stress its capacity for cooperation. This paper compares the performance of 38 irrigation associations in a large irrigation area in Spain during a severe drought as a test of hypotheses derived from property right theories. The case is particularly interesting because it contains a transferable quota institution that can potentially strengthen the effectiveness of common property regimes in scarcity conditions. According to the results the use of transferable quotas across associations can contribute to cooperation and drought performance. In this context, performance is higher when the associations enjoy (1) effective monitoring systems, (2) experience and legitimate leaders, and (3) facilitative biophysical conditions like soil water holding capacity. The analysis also suggests that biophysical properties like soil water holding capacity may compensate for weaker monitoring or leadership, and vice-versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a research study whose main objectives were to analyze and compare internal and external management system audits regarding their implementation and integration in Spanish companies. Nine variables were investigated, namely the audit team, schedule, strategy, plan, report, methodology, guidelines, frequency and outputs. The results show that there are some significant differences regarding the audit team formation, the auditing guidelines used and the frequency of conducting the audits. The rest of the variables did not exhibit significant differences between internal and external audits. In addition, the integration level of both these categories of audits is very high for all the audit elements analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Scandinavian countries such as Sweden implemented the occupational health and safety (OHS) measures in the European Directive 89/391/EEC earlier than other European counties, including Spain. In fact, statistics on workplace accident rates reveal that between 2004 and 2009, there were considerably fewer accidents in Sweden than in Spain. Method: The objective of the research described in this paper was to reduce workplace accidents and to improve OHS management in Spain by exploring the OHS practices in Sweden. For this purpose, an exploratory comparative study was conducted, which focused on the effectiveness of the EU directive in both countries. The study included a cross-sectional analysis of workplace accident rates and other contextual indicators in both national contexts. A case study of 14 Swedish and Spanish companies identified 14 differences in the preventive practices implemented. These differences were then assessed with a Delphi study to evaluate their contribution to the reduction of workplace accidents and their potential for improving health and safety management in Spain. Results: The results showed that there was agreement concerning 12 of the 14 practices. Finally, we discuss opportunities of improvement in Spanish companies so that they can make their risk management practices more effective. Practical Applications: The findings of this comparative study on the implementation of the European Directive 89/391/EEC in both Sweden and Spain have revealed health and safety managerial practices which, if properly implemented, could contribute to improved work conditions and accident statistics of Spanish companies. In particular, the results suggest that Spanish employers, safety managers, external prevention services, safety deputies and Labour Inspectorates should consider implementing streamlined internal preventive management, promoting the integration of prevention responsibilities to the chain of command, and preventing health and safety management from becoming a mere exchange of documents. The authors also encourage future research studies to use the methodology presented to compare and assess the European Directive 89/391/EEC implementation in other European countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to explore the relevance of institutional influences on corporate environmental reporting practices. The wind energy sector in Spain was chosen for analysis because of its rapid growth and significant impact on moves towards cleaner energy production. A content analysis of recent sustainability reports (2005–2009) from seven main wind energy companies facilitated a longitudinal comparison of the levels of compliance with Global Reporting Initiative indicators of sustainability. Results show that initial institutional pressures for reporting have been replaced by imitation by companies of each other''s practices leading to a reduction in the differences between environmental disclosures. Results confirm the importance of examining different institutional pressures on disclosure practices to development of policy. However, a key finding is that the disclosures have been minimal and their lack of effectiveness and unreliability mean they are not conducive to the notion of increasing transparency in the wind generated clean energy electricity sector. As a result the credibility of relying on a voluntary sustainability standard, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), as an incentive for informative environmental reporting is challenged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Due to its environmental impact, pig slurry management is of great importance in the Region of Murcia, Spain, where pig production is considerable. The current slurry management system consists in its direct use in agricultural land, yet this entails an important associated problem, i.e., the limits of nitrogen imposed by legislation (<170 kg N ha−1 yr−1). The use of constructed wetlands affords another possibility, achieving a reduction of physicochemical parameters of up to 80%. This paper presents the comparison of both the alternatives by means of life cycle assessment, and reports a major impact in the categories of acidification and eutrophication potential. However, the abiotic depletion potential could be minimized by avoiding the application of fertilizers and irrigation water. For the category of global warming potential, the wetland building displayed a negative role as compared to direct use. After normalization of the data, the main environmental problem for both management alternatives proved to be eutrophication, followed by acidification and global warming potential. The use of the great amounts of pig slurry produced in the Region of Murcia generates a problem of eutrophication in the Valle del Guadalentín, the Campo de Cartagena and the Mar Menor lagoon. For the purposes of normalizing, a database is needed to take all the inputs and outputs into account, in order to establish more realistic scenarios for the use and management of pig slurries in different geographical areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Urban growth models developed in the second half of the 20th century have allowed for a better understanding of the dynamics of urban growth. Among these models, cellular automata (CA) have become particularly relevant because of their ability to reproduce complex spatial and temporal dynamics at a global scale using local and simple rules. In the last three decades, many urban CA models that proved useful in the simulation of urban growth in large cities have been implemented. This paper analyzes the ability of some of the main urban CA models to simulate growth in a study area with different characteristics from those in which these models have been commonly applied, such as slow and low urban growth. The comparison of simulation results has allowed us to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each model and to identify the models that are best suited to the characteristics of the study area. Results suggest that models which simulate several land uses can capture better land use dynamics in the study area but need more objective and reliable calibration methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper compares the accuracy and stability of implicit and explicit stress integration schemes applied to the Barcelona Basic Model. In addition, the effect of the integration scheme on the convergence of Newton–Raphson algorithm is studied. By running a Newton–Raphson algorithm for a single stress point, the number of iterations required to reach convergence gives some insight on the convergence of the finite element solution at the global level. The explicit algorithms tested incorporate substepping with error control and are based on Runge–Kutta methods of different orders or on the Richardson extrapolation method. The implicit return-mapping algorithms follow the procedures of Simo and Hughes and Hofmann . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many urban areas suffer water scarcity but paradoxically, a local source of water such as rainwater is mostly treated as a risk rather than as a valuable resource. Scepticism regarding the use of rainwater harvesting technologies still prevails today, particularly in low precipitation areas. However, some regions such as the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (MAB) have started to promote the use of rainwater through specific regulations and incentives. This paper aims to examine the use of rainwater harvesting in the two main types of buildings prevalent in the MAB by analysing users’ practices and perceptions, drinking water savings and economic costs. Despite low precipitation inputs and a high variability of precipitation, daily balances show that toilet flushing demand of a single family house can be practically met with a relatively small tank. Rooftop rainwater can also meet more than 60% of the landscape irrigation demand in both single and multi-family buildings. The main drawback is the long pay-back period that rainwater harvesting systems present today. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that in multi-family buildings residents usually take no notice of the costs associated with the system. In contrast, benefits for the whole society are usually much more appreciated. Users’ reactions and their level of satisfaction towards rainwater harvesting systems suggest that both regulations and subsidies are good strategies to advocate and expand rainwater harvesting technologies in residential areas. However, a multidirectional learning environment needs to be promoted to ensure a proper use of rainwater harvesting systems and risk minimisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Participatory methods provide an increasingly accepted path to integrated assessment. This paper reflects on the role of two participatory modelling initiatives implemented in a highly conflictive setting: the Mancha Occidental aquifer, Spain. The methodologies are described within the context of the case study, examining their potential relevance to integrated assessment from a conceptual standpoint. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are analysed in absolute and relative terms, attending to the different stages of the modelling process. The focus then shifts to explore the implications of this work within the context of participatory integrated assessment and scenario analysis. This serves the purpose of establishing the reasons why the tools have been useful in the eyes of stakeholders, and how the case-specific findings of this project may be relevant to other settings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper introduces an indicator system to evaluate sustainability in established coastal tourism destinations, applying the recommendations and definitions of the World Tourism Organization (WTO). We also develop a new synthetic indicator to simplify the measurement of sustainability and facilitate the comparative analysis of destination ranking. This measurement was obtained by applying a procedure to reduce the number of subjective decisions made by the analyst, using a novel two-stage aggregation methodology based on principal component analysis and on the distance to a reference point. The synthetic indicator obtained was applied to Spanish coastal destinations, and the results serve as a guideline for tourism planning. The conclusions of this research can be extrapolated to the study of other tourism destinations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a recent paper, García-Mainar and Montuenga-Gómez [García-Mainar, I. & Montuenga-Gómez, V. M. (2005). Education returns of wage earners and self-employed workers: Portugal vs. Spain. Economics of Education Review, 24(2), 161−170] apply the generalized IV model of Hausman and Taylor to estimate education returns of wage earners and the self-employed in Portugal and in Spain. Our examination reveals several problems which relate to the validity and documentation of the instrumental variables, as well as the robustness of the results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of population subdivision on the determination of kinship of any two persons is investigated in this paper. Expressions of the joint genotype probabilities and likelihood ratios on kinship testing are reported. Two real cases are analysed using the Hong Kong Chinese population data and the Spanish data. Various kinds of relationships are investigated for illustration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]