Building resilience to water scarcity in Southern Spain: A case study of rice farming in Do��ana protected wetlands

Agricultural water management needs to evolve in view of increased water scarcity, especially when farming and natural protected areas are closely linked. In the study site of Don?ana (southern Spain), water is shared by rice producers and a world heritage biodiversity ecosystem. Our aim is to contribute to defining adaptation strategies that may build resilience to increasing water scarcity and minimize water conflicts among agricultural and natural systems. The analytical framework links a participatory process with quantitative methods to prioritize the adaptation options. Bottom-up proposed adaptation measures are evaluated by a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) that includes both socioeconomic criteria and criteria of the ecosystem services affected by the adaptation options. Criteria weights are estimated by three different methods?analytic hierarchy process, Likert scale and equal weights?that are then compared. Finally, scores from an MCA are input into an optimization model used to determine the optimal land-use distribution in order to maximize utility and land-use diversification according to different scenarios of funds and water availability. While our results show a spectrum of perceptions of priorities among stakeholders, there is one overriding theme that is to define a way to restore part of the rice fields to natural wetlands. These results hold true under the current climate scenario and evenmore so under an increased water scarcity scenario.

Towards mitigation of greenhouse gases by small changes in farming practices: understanding local barriers in Spain.

Small changes in agricultural practices have a large potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the implementation of such practices at the local level is often limited by a range of barriers. Understanding the barriers is essential for defining effective measures, the actual mitigation potential of the measures, and the policy needs to ensure implementation. Here we evaluate behavioural, cultural, and policy barriers for implementation of mitigation practices at the local level that imply small changes to farmers. The choice of potential mitigation practices relevant to the case study is based on a literature review of previous empirical studies. Two methods that include the stakeholders? involvement (experts and farmers) are undertaken for the prioritization of these potential practices: (a) Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) of the choices of an expert panel and (b) Analysis of barriers to implementation based on a survey of farmers. The MCA considers two future climate scenarios ? current climate and a drier and warmer climate scenario. Results suggest that all potential selected practices are suitable for mitigation considering multiple criteria in both scenarios. Nevertheless, if all the barriers for implementation had the same influence, the preferred mitigation practices in the case study would be changes in fertilization management and use of cover crops. The identification of barriers for the implementation of the practices is based on the econometric analysis of surveys given to farmers. Results show that farmers? environmental concerns, financial incentives and access to technical advice are the main factors that define their barriers to implementation. These results may contribute to develop effective mitigation policy to be included in the 2020 review of the European Union Common Agricultural Policy.

Exploring strategic farming choices to respond to mitigation and adaptation to climate change

Las alteraciones del sistema clim��tico debido al aumento de concentraciones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) en la atm��sfera, tendr��n implicaciones importantes para la agricultura, el medio ambiente y la sociedad. La agricultura es una fuente importante de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (globalmente contribuye al 12% del total de GEI), y al mismo tiempo puede ser parte de la soluci��n para mitigar las emisiones y adaptarse al cambio clim��tico. Las acciones frente al desaf��o del cambio clim��tico deben priorizar estrategias de adaptaci��n y mitigaci��n en la agricultura dentro de la agenda para el desarrollo de pol��ticas. La agricultura es por tanto crucial para la conservaci��n y el uso sostenible de los recursos naturales, que ya est��n sometidos a impactos del cambio clim��tico, al mismo tiempo que debe suministrar alimentos para una poblaci��n creciente. Por tanto, es necesaria una coordinaci��n entre las actuales estrategias de pol��tica clim��tica y agr��cola. El concepto de agricultura clim��ticamente inteligente ha surgido para integrar todos estos servicios de la producci��n agraria. Al evaluar opciones para reducir las amenazas del cambio clim��tico para la agricultura y el medio ambiente, surgen dos preguntas de investigaci��n: ��� ��Qu�� informaci��n es necesaria para definir pr��cticas agrarias inteligentes? ��� ��Qu�� factores influyen en la implementaci��n de las pr��cticas agrarias inteligentes? Esta Tesis trata de proporcionar informaci��n relevante sobre estas cuestiones generales con el fin de apoyar el desarrollo de la pol��tica clim��tica. Se centra en sistemas agr��colas Mediterr��neos. Esta Tesis integra diferentes m��todos y herramientas para evaluar las alternativas de gesti��n agr��cola y pol��ticas con potencial para responder a las necesidades de mitigaci��n y adaptaci��n al cambio clim��tico. La investigaci��n incluye enfoques cuantitativos y cualitativos e integra variables agron��micas, de clima y socioecon��micas a escala local y regional. La investigaci��n aporta una recopilaci��n de datos sobre evidencia experimental existente, y un estudio integrado sobre el comportamiento de los agricultores y las posibles alternativas de cambio (por ejemplo, la tecnolog��a, la gesti��n agr��cola y la pol��tica clim��tica). Los casos de estudio de esta Tesis - el humedal de Do��ana (S Espa��a) y la regi��n de Arag��n (NE Espa��a) - permiten ilustrar dos sistemas Mediterr��neos representativos, donde el uso intensivo de la agricultura y las condiciones semi��ridas son ya una preocupaci��n. Por este motivo, la adopci��n de estrategias de mitigaci��n y adaptaci��n puede desempe��ar un papel muy importante a la hora de encontrar un equilibrio entre la equidad, la seguridad econ��mica y el medio ambiente en los escenarios de cambio clim��tico. La metodolog��a multidisciplinar de esta tesis incluye una amplia gama de enfoques y m��todos para la recopilaci��n y el an��lisis de datos. La toma de datos se apoya en la revisi��n bibliogr��fica de evidencia experimental, bases de datos p��blicas nacionales e internacionales y datos primarios recopilados mediante entrevistas semi-estructuradas con los grupos de inter��s (administraciones p��blicas, responsables pol��ticos, asesores agr��colas, cient��ficos y agricultores) y encuestas con agricultores. Los m��todos de an��lisis incluyen: meta-an��lisis, modelos de gesti��n de recursos h��dricos (modelo WAAPA), an��lisis multicriterio para la toma de decisiones, m��todos estad��sticos (modelos de regresi��n log��stica y de Poisson) y herramientas para el desarrollo de pol��ticas basadas en la ciencia. El meta-an��lisis identifica los umbrales cr��ticos de temperatura que repercuten en el crecimiento y el desarrollo de los tres cultivos principales para la seguridad alimentaria (arroz, ma��z y trigo). El modelo WAAPA eval��a el efecto del cambio clim��tico en la gesti��n del agua para la agricultura de acuerdo a diferentes alternativas pol��ticas y escenarios clim��ticos. El an��lisis multicriterio eval��a la viabilidad de las pr��cticas agr��colas de mitigaci��n en dos escenarios clim��ticos de acuerdo a la percepci��n de diferentes expertos. Los m��todos estad��sticos analizan los determinantes y las barreras para la adopci��n de pr��cticas agr��colas de mitigaci��n. Las herramientas para el desarrollo de pol��ticas basadas en la ciencia muestran el potencial y el coste para reducir GEI mediante las pr��cticas agr��colas. En general, los resultados de esta Tesis proporcionan informaci��n sobre la adaptaci��n y la mitigaci��n del cambio clim��tico a nivel de explotaci��n para desarrollar una pol��tica clim��tica m��s integrada y ayudar a los agricultores en la toma de decisiones. Los resultados muestran las temperaturas umbral y la respuesta del arroz, el ma��z y el trigo a temperaturas extremas, siendo estos valores de gran utilidad para futuros estudios de impacto y adaptaci��n. Los resultados obtenidos tambi��n aportan una serie de estrategias flexibles para la adaptaci��n y la mitigaci��n a escala local, proporcionando a su vez una mejor comprensi��n sobre las barreras y los incentivos para su adopci��n. La capacidad de mejorar la disponibilidad de agua y el potencial y el coste de reducci��n de GEI se han estimado para estas estrategias en los casos de estudio. Estos resultados podr��an ayudar en el desarrollo de planes locales de adaptaci��n y pol��ticas regionales de mitigaci��n, especialmente en las regiones Mediterr��neas. ABSTRACT Alterations in the climatic system due to increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are expected to have important implications for agriculture, the environment and society. Agriculture is an important source of GHG emissions (12 % of global anthropogenic GHG), but it is also part of the solution to mitigate emissions and to adapt to climate change. Responses to face the challenge of climate change should place agricultural adaptation and mitigation strategies at the heart of the climate change agenda. Agriculture is crucial for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, which already stand under pressure due to climate change impacts, increased population, pollution and fragmented and uncoordinated climate policy strategies. The concept of climate smart agriculture has emerged to encompass all these issues as a whole. When assessing choices aimed at reducing threats to agriculture and the environment under climate change, two research questions arise: ��� What information defines smart farming choices? ��� What drives the implementation of smart farming choices? This Thesis aims to provide information on these broad questions in order to support climate policy development focusing in some Mediterranean agricultural systems. This Thesis integrates methods and tools to evaluate potential farming and policy choices to respond to mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The assessment involves both quantitative and qualitative approaches and integrates agronomic, climate and socioeconomic variables at local and regional scale. The assessment includes the collection of data on previous experimental evidence, and the integration of farmer behaviour and policy choices (e.g., technology, agricultural management and climate policy). The case study areas -- the Do��ana coastal wetland (S Spain) and the Arag��n region (NE Spain) ��� illustrate two representative Mediterranean regions where the intensive use of agriculture and the semi-arid conditions are already a concern. Thus the adoption of mitigation and adaptation measures can play a significant role for reaching a balance among equity, economic security and the environment under climate change scenarios. The multidisciplinary methodology of this Thesis includes a wide range of approaches for collecting and analysing data. The data collection process include revision of existing experimental evidence, public databases and the contribution of primary data gathering by semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders (i.e., public administrations, policy makers, agricultural advisors, scientist and farmers among others) and surveys given to farmers. The analytical methods include meta-analysis, water availability models (WAAPA model), decision making analysis (MCA, multi-criteria analysis), statistical approaches (Logistic and Poisson regression models) and science-base policy tools (MACC, marginal abatement cost curves and SOC abatement wedges). The meta-analysis identifies the critical temperature thresholds which impact on the growth and development of three major crops (i.e., rice, maize and wheat). The WAAPA model assesses the effect of climate change for agricultural water management under different policy choices and climate scenarios. The multi-criteria analysis evaluates the feasibility of mitigation farming practices under two climate scenarios according to the expert views. The statistical approaches analyses the drivers and the barriers for the adoption of mitigation farming practices. The science-base policy tools illustrate the mitigation potential and cost effectiveness of the farming practices. Overall, the results of this Thesis provide information to adapt to, and mitigate of, climate change at farm level to support the development of a comprehensive climate policy and to assist farmers. The findings show the key temperature thresholds and response to extreme temperature effects for rice, maize and wheat, so such responses can be included into crop impact and adaptation models. A portfolio of flexible adaptation and mitigation choices at local scale are identified. The results also provide a better understanding of the stakeholders oppose or support to adopt the choices which could be used to incorporate in local adaptation plans and mitigation regional policy. The findings include estimations for the farming and policy choices on the capacity to improve water supply reliability, abatement potential and cost-effective in Mediterranean regions.

A multidisciplinary reference framework to support innovative design, implementation and assessment of chronic care models

Hoy en d��a, por primera vez en la historia, la mayor parte de la poblaci��n podr�� vivir hasta los sesenta a��os y m��s (United Nations, 2015). Sin embargo, todav��a existe poca evidencia que demuestre que las personas mayores, est��n viviendo con mejor salud que sus padres, a la misma edad, ya que la mayor��a de los problemas de salud en edades avanzadas est��n asociados a las enfermedades cr��nicas (WHO, 2015). Los sistemas sanitarios de los pa��ses desarrollados funcionan adecuadamente cuando se trata del cuidado de enfermedades agudas, pero no son lo suficientemente eficaces en la gesti��n de las enfermedades cr��nicas. Durante la ��ltima d��cada, se han realizado esfuerzos para mejorar esta gesti��n, por medio de la utilizaci��n de estrategias de prevenci��n y de reenfoque de la provisi��n de los servicios de atenci��n para la salud (Kane et al. 2005). Seg��n una revisi��n sistem��tica de modelos de cuidado de salud, comisionada por el sistema nacional de salud Brit��nico, pocos modelos han conceptualizado cu��les son los componentes que hay que utilizar para proporcionar un cuidado cr��nico efectivo, y estos componentes no han sido suficientemente estructurados y articulados. Por lo tanto, no hay suficiente evidencia sobre el impacto real de cualquier modelo existente en la actualidad (Ham, 2006). Las innovaciones podr��an ayudar a conseguir mejores diagn��sticos, tratamientos y gesti��n de pacientes cr��nicos, as�� como a dar soporte a los profesionales y a los pacientes en el cuidado. Sin embargo, la forma en las que estas innovaciones se proporcionan no es lo suficientemente eficiente, efectiva y amigable para el usuario. Para mejorar esto, hace falta crear equipos de trabajo y estrategias multidisciplinares. En conclusi��n, hacen falta actividades que permitan conseguir que las innovaciones sean utilizadas en los sistemas de salud que quieren mejorar la gesti��n del cuidado cr��nico, para que sea posible: 1) traducir la ���atenci��n sanitaria basada en la evidencia��� en ���conocimiento factible���; 2) hacer frente a la complejidad de la atenci��n sanitaria a trav��s de una investigaci��n multidisciplinaria; 3) identificar una aproximaci��n sistem��tica para que se establezcan intervenciones innovadoras en el cuidado de salud. El marco de referencia desarrollado en este trabajo de investigaci��n es un intento de aportar estas mejoras. Las siguientes hip��tesis han sido propuestas: Hip��tesis 1: es posible definir un proceso de traducci��n que convierta un modelo de cuidado cr��nico en una descripci��n estructurada de objetivos, requisitos e indicadores clave de rendimiento. Hip��tesis 2: el proceso de traducci��n, si se ejecuta a trav��s de elementos basados en la evidencia, multidisciplinares y de orientaci��n econ��mica, puede convertir un modelo de cuidado cr��nico en un marco descriptivo, que define el ciclo de vida de soluciones innovadoras para el cuidado de enfermedades cr��nicas. Hip��tesis 3: es posible definir un m��todo para evaluar procesos, resultados y capacidad de desarrollar habilidades, y asistir equipos multidisciplinares en la creaci��n de soluciones innovadoras para el cuidado cr��nico. Hip��tesis 4: es posible dar soporte al desarrollo de soluciones innovadoras para el cuidado cr��nico a trav��s de un marco de referencia y conseguir efectos positivos, medidos en indicadores clave de rendimiento. Para verificar las hip��tesis, se ha definido una aproximaci��n metodol��gica compuesta de cuatro Fases, cada una asociada a una hip��tesis. Antes de esto, se ha llevado a cabo una ���Fase 0���, donde se han analizado los antecedentes sobre el problema (i.e. adopci��n sistem��tica de la innovaci��n en el cuidado cr��nico) desde una perspectiva multi-dominio y multi-disciplinar. Durante la fase 1, se ha desarrollado un Proceso de Traducci��n del Conocimiento, elaborado a partir del JBI Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) model of evidence-based healthcare (Pearson, 2005), y sobre el cual se han definido cuatro Bloques de Innovaci��n. Estos bloques consisten en una descripci��n de elementos innovadores, definidos en la fase 0, que han sido a��adidos a los cuatros elementos que componen el modelo JBI. El trabajo llevado a cabo en esta fase ha servido tambi��n para definir los materiales que el proceso de traducci��n tiene que ejecutar. La traducci��n que se ha llevado a cabo en la fase 2, y que traduce la mejor evidencia disponible de cuidado cr��nico en acci��n: resultado de este proceso de traducci��n es la parte descriptiva del marco de referencia, que consiste en una descripci��n de un modelo de cuidado cr��nico (se ha elegido el Chronic Care Model, Wagner, 1996) en t��rminos de objetivos, especificaciones e indicadores clave de rendimiento y organizada en tres ciclos de innovaci��n (dise��o, implementaci��n y evaluaci��n). Este resultado ha permitido verificar la segunda hip��tesis. Durante la fase 3, para demostrar la tercera hip��tesis, se ha desarrollado un m��todo-mixto de evaluaci��n de equipos multidisciplinares que trabajan en innovaciones para el cuidado cr��nico. Este m��todo se ha creado a partir del m��todo mixto usado para la evaluaci��n de equipo multidisciplinares translacionales (Wooden, 2013). El m��todo creado a��ade una dimensi��n procedural al marco. El resultado de esta fase consiste, por lo tanto, en una primera versi��n del marco de referencia, lista para ser experimentada. En la fase 4, se ha validado el marco a trav��s de un caso de estudio multinivel y con t��cnicas de observaci��n-participante como m��todo de recolecci��n de datos. Como caso de estudio se han elegido las actividades de investigaci��n que el grupo de investigaci��n LifeStech ha desarrollado desde el 2008 para mejorar la gesti��n de la diabetes, actividades realizadas en un contexto internacional. Los resultados demuestran que el marco ha permitido mejorar las actividades de trabajo en distintos niveles: 1) la calidad y cantidad de las publicaciones; 2) se han conseguido dos contratos de investigaci��n sobre diabetes: el primero es un proyecto de investigaci��n aplicada, el segundo es un proyecto financiado para acelerar las innovaciones en el mercado; 3) a trav��s de los indicadores claves de rendimiento propuestos en el marco, una prueba de concepto de un prototipo desarrollado en un proyecto de investigaci��n ha sido transformada en una evaluaci��n temprana de una intervenci��n eHealth para el manejo de la diabetes, que ha sido recientemente incluida en Repositorio de pr��cticas innovadoras del Partenariado de Innovaci��n Europeo en Envejecimiento saludable y activo. La verificaci��n de las 4 hip��tesis ha permitido demonstrar la hip��tesis principal de este trabajo de investigaci��n: es posible contribuir a crear un puente entre la atenci��n sanitaria y la innovaci��n y, por lo tanto, mejorar la manera en que el cuidado cr��nico sea procurado en los sistemas sanitarios. ABSTRACT Nowadays, for the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their sixties and beyond (United Nations, 2015). However, little evidence suggests that older people are experiencing better health than their parents, and most of the health problems of older age are linked to Chronic Diseases (WHO, 2015). The established health care systems in developed countries are well suited to the treatment of acute diseases but are mostly inadequate for dealing with CDs. Healthcare systems are challenging the burden of chronic diseases by putting more emphasis on the prevention of disease and by looking for new ways to reorient the provision of care (Kane et al., 2005). According to an evidence-based review commissioned by the British NHS Institute, few models have conceptualized effective components of care for CDs and these components have been not structured and articulated. ���Consequently, there is limited evidence about the real impact of any of the existing models��� (Ham, 2006). Innovations could support to achieve better diagnosis, treatment and management for patients across the continuum of care, by supporting health professionals and empowering patients to take responsibility. However, the way they are delivered is not sufficiently efficient, effective and consumer friendly. The improvement of innovation delivery, involves the creation of multidisciplinary research teams and taskforces, rather than just working teams. There are several actions to improve the adoption of innovations from healthcare systems that are tackling the epidemics of CDs: 1) Translate Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBH) into actionable knowledge; 2) Face the complexity of healthcare through multidisciplinary research; 3) Identify a systematic approach to support effective implementation of healthcare interventions through innovation. The framework proposed in this research work is an attempt to provide these improvements. The following hypotheses have been drafted: ������Hypothesis 1: it is possible to define a translation process to convert a model of chronic care into a structured description of goals, requirements and key performance indicators. ������Hypothesis 2: a translation process, if executed through evidence-based, multidisciplinary, holistic and business-oriented elements, can convert a model of chronic care in a descriptive framework, which defines the whole development cycle of innovative solutions for chronic disease management. ������Hypothesis 3: it is possible to design a method to evaluate processes, outcomes and skill acquisition capacities, and assist multidisciplinary research teams in the creation of innovative solutions for chronic disease management. ������Hypothesis 4: it is possible to assist the development of innovative solutions for chronic disease management through a reference framework and produce positive effects, measured through key performance indicators. In order to verify the hypotheses, a methodological approach, composed of four Phases that correspond to each one of the stated hypothesis, was defined. Prior to this, a ���Phase 0���, consisting in a multi-domain and multi-disciplinary background analysis of the problem (i.e.: systematic adoption of innovation to chronic care), was carried out. During phase 1, in order to verify the first hypothesis, a Knowledge Translation Process (KTP) was developed, starting from the JBI Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) model of evidence-based healthcare was used (Pearson, 2005) and adding Four Innovation Blocks. These blocks represent an enriched description, added to the JBI model, to accelerate the transformation of evidence-healthcare through innovation; the innovation blocks are built on top of the conclusions drawn after Phase 0. The background analysis gave also indication on the materials and methods to be used for the execution of the KTP, carried out during phase 2, that translates the actual best available evidence for chronic care into action: this resulted in a descriptive Framework, which is a description of a model of chronic care (the Chronic Care Model was chosen, Wagner, 1996) in terms of goals, specified requirements and Key Performance Indicators, and articulated in the three development cycles of innovation (i.e. design, implementation and evaluation). Thanks to this result the second hypothesis was verified. During phase 3, in order to verify the third hypothesis, a mixed-method to evaluate multidisciplinary teams working on innovations for chronic care, was created, based on a mixed-method used for the evaluation of Multidisciplinary Translational Teams (Wooden, 2013). This method adds a procedural dimension to the descriptive component of the Framework, The result of this phase consisted in a draft version of the framework, ready to be tested in a real scenario. During phase 4, a single and multilevel case study, with participant-observation data collection, was carried out, in order to have a complete but at the same time multi-sectorial evaluation of the framework. The activities that the LifeStech research group carried out since 2008 to improve the management of diabetes have been selected as case study. The results achieved showed that the framework allowed to improve the research activities in different directions: the quality and quantity of the research publications that LifeStech has issued, have increased substantially; 2 project grants to improve the management of diabetes, have been assigned: the first is a grant funding applied research while the second is about accelerating innovations into the market; by using the assessment KPIs of the framework, the proof of concept validation of a prototype developed in a research project was transformed into an early stage assessment of innovative eHealth intervention for Diabetes Management, which has been recently included in the repository of innovative practice of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Health Ageing initiative. The verification of the 4 hypotheses lead to verify the main hypothesis of this research work: it is possible to contribute to bridge the gap between healthcare and innovation and, in turn, improve the way chronic care is delivered by healthcare systems.

Estudio de un modelo multicriterio para estudiar la viabilidad de un cultivo energ��tico en la Pen��nsula Ib��rica. Aplicaci��n a la comarca de Navalmoral de la Mata

En el presente estudio se propone una metodolog��a para la evaluaci��n de proyectos de implantaci��n de cultivos energ��ticos, integrando una serie de factores de inter��s en un modelo de decisi��n, basado en un enfoque multicriterio. Mediante este modelo se pretende evaluar tanto los territorios m��s adecuados para la introducci��n un cultivo energ��tico, como la especie m��s apropiada a los condicionantes que presenta el lugar elegido. Para este estudio se ha realizado una selecci��n previa de cuatro especies forestales, cuyas caracter��sticas de crecimiento y producci��n las hace adecuadas para su aplicaci��n en un proyecto de este tipo. Las cuatro especies escogidas han sido chopo, sauce, eucalipto y paulonia. La metodolog��a propuesta ha consistido primero en un estudio ecol��gico en el ��mbito de la Pen��nsula Ib��rica y Baleares, con el fin de identificar aquellas regiones ��ptimas para cada una de las cuatro especies estudiadas. En este proceso se han seleccionado una serie de factores clim��ticos, que vendr��n definidos a partir de los condicionantes ecol��gicos de dichas especies. Posteriormente se ha propuesto un modelo multicriterio, basado en t��cnicas conocidas y de aplicaci��n sencilla, donde se integran aspectos ambientales, econ��micos y sociales, que vendr��n a completar la informaci��n ecol��gica trabajada previamente. Este modelo incluye la t��cnica de comparaci��n por pares propuesta por el Dr. Saaty en el a��o 1980, para la ponderaci��n de los factores o criterios seleccionados. Posteriormente, y tras su valoraci��n, se utiliza la suma lineal ponderada como t��cnica de decisi��n final. Una vez definido el modelo, se ha aplicado a una comarca en particular, la comarca agraria de Navalmoral de la Mata. A partir de la informaci��n recopilada referente a todos los criterios seleccionados previamente en el modelo, se ha procedido a valorar cada uno de ellos. Con estos valores y tras la ponderaci��n de criterios, se ha aplicado el modelo, para obtener finalmente los territorios dentro de la comarca, y las especies forestales con mayor aptitud para el desarrollo de un proyecto de implantaci��n de cultivos energ��ticos. ABSTRACT A methodology has been proposed for the evaluation of projects to implement energy crops; this includes a number of factors of interest in a decision model based on a multi-criteria approach. This model is to evaluate both the most suitable territories for introducing an energy crop, as the most appropriate species to the conditions presented by the place chosen For this study has made a preliminary selection of four species, with characteristics of growth and production, what making them suitable for use in a project of this type. The four species selected were poplar, willow, eucalyptus and paulownia. The proposed methodology consists first in an ecological study in the context of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, in order to identify those best regions for each of the four species studied. In this process has selected a series of climatic factors, which will be defined from the ecological conditions of these species. Then we have proposed a multi-criteria model based on known techniques and simple application where are integrated environmental, economic and social aspects, which will complement the ecological information previous. This model includes the technique proposed by Dr. Saaty in 1980, the weighting by pairs of factors or criteria selected. Then, after valuation, the weighted linear sum as final decision technique is used. After defining the model has been applied to a particular region, the agrarian region of Navalmoral de la Mata. From the information collected concerning to the criteria previously selected in the model, we proceeded to value each. With these values and assigned weights, the model has been applied to finally get the territories and forest species with greater aptitude for the development of a project to implement energy crops.

ERP Software Selection Processes: A Case Study in the Metal Transformation Sector

When a firm decides to implement ERP softwares, the resulting consequences can pervade all levels, includ- ing organization, process, control and available information. Therefore, the first decision to be made is which ERP solution must be adopted from a wide range of offers and vendors. To this end, this paper describes a methodology based on multi-criteria factors that directly affects the process to help managers make this de- cision. This methodology has been applied to a medium-size company in the Spanish metal transformation sector which is interested in updating its IT capabilities in order to obtain greater control of and better infor- mation about business, thus achieving a competitive advantage. The paper proposes a decision matrix which takes into account all critical factors in ERP selection.

Survey and brain storming studies about machines, constructions, human and environmental risk consideration in the careers of the Universidad Polit��cnica of Madrid

The Universidad Polit��cnica of Madrid (UPM) includes schools and faculties that were for engineering degrees, architecture and computer science, that are now in a quick EEES Bolonia Plan metamorphosis getting into degrees, masters and doctorate structures. They are focused towards action in machines, constructions, enterprises, that are subjected to machines, human and environment created risks. These are present in actions such as use loads, wind, snow, waves, flows, earthquakes, forces and effects in machines, vehicles behavior, chemical effects, and other environmental factors including effects of crops, cattle and beasts, forests, and varied essential economic and social disturbances. Emphasis is for authors in this session more about risks of natural origin, such as for hail, winds, snow or waves that are not exactly known a priori, but that are often considered with statistical expected distributions giving extreme values for convenient return periods. These distributions are known from measures in time, statistic of extremes and models about hazard scenarios and about responses of man made constructions or devices. In each engineering field theories were built about hazards scenarios and how to cover for important risks. Engineers must get that the systems they handle, such as vehicles, machines, firms or agro lands or forests, obtain production with enough safety for persons and with decent economic results in spite of risks. For that risks must be considered in planning, in realization and in operation, and safety margins must be taken but at a reasonable cost. That is a small level of risks will often remain, due to limitations in costs or because of due to strange hazards, and maybe they will be covered by insurance in cases such as in transport with cars, ships or aircrafts, in agro for hail, or for fire in houses or in forests. These and other decisions about quality, security for men or about business financial risks are sometimes considered with Decision Theories models, using often tools from Statistics or operational Research. The authors have done and are following field surveys about risk consideration in the careers in UPM, making deep analysis of curricula taking into account the new structures of degrees in the EEES Bolonia Plan, and they have considered the risk structures offered by diverse schools of Decision theories. That gives an aspect of the needs and uses, and recommendations about improving in the teaching about risk, that may include special subjects especially oriented for each career, school or faculty, so as to be recommended to be included into the curricula, including an elaboration and presentation format using a multi-criteria decision model.

Metodolog��a de evaluaci��n de la eficiencia de los servicios de autob��s urbano : aplicaci��n a las grandes ciudades espa��olas en el per��odo 2004-2009

En estos tiempos de crisis se hace imperativo lograr un consumo de recursos p��blicos lo m��s racional posible. El transporte p��blico urbano es un sector al que se dedican grandes inversiones y cuya prestaci��n de servicios est�� fuertemente subvencionada. El incremento de la eficiencia t��cnica del sector, entendida como la relaci��n entre producci��n de servicios y consumo de recursos, puede ayudar a conseguir una mejor gesti��n de los fondos p��blicos. Un primer paso para que se produzca una mejora es el desarrollo de una metodolog��a de evaluaci��n de la eficiencia t��cnica de las compa����as de transporte p��blico. Existen diferentes m��todos para la evaluaci��n t��cnica de un conjunto de compa����as pertenecientes a un sector. Uno de los m��s utilizados es el m��todo frontera, en el que se encuentra el an��lisis envolvente de datos (Data Envelopment Analysis, DEA, por sus siglas en ingl��s). Este m��todo permite establecer una frontera de eficiencia t��cnica relativa a un determinado grupo de compa����as, en funci��n de un n��mero limitado de variables. Las variables deben cuantificar, por un lado, la prestaci��n de servicios de las distintas compa����as (outputs), y por el otro, los recursos consumidos en la producci��n de dichos servicios (inputs). El objetivo de esta tesis es analizar, mediante el uso del m��todo DEA, la eficiencia t��cnica de los servicios de autobuses urbanos en Espa��a. Para ello, se estudia el n��mero de variables m��s adecuado para conformar los modelos con los que se obtienen las fronteras de eficiencia. En el desarrollo de la metodolog��a se utilizan indicadores de los servicios de autob��s urbano de las principales ciudades de las ��reas metropolitanas espa��olas, para el periodo 2004-2009. In times of crisis it is imperative achieve a consumption of public resources as rational as possible. Urban public transport is a sector devoted to large investments and whose services are heavily subsidized. Increase the technical efficiency of the sector, defined as the ratio of service output and resource consumption, can help achieve a better management of public funds. One step to produce an improvement is the development of a methodology for evaluating the technical efficiency of the public transport companies. There are different methods for the technical evaluation of a set of companies within an industry. One of the most widely used methods is the frontier method, in particular the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This method allows the calculation of a technical efficiency frontier on a specific group of companies, based on a limited number of variables. Variables must quantify, on the one hand, the provision of services of different companies (outputs), and on the other hand, the resources consumed in the production of such services (inputs). The objective of this thesis is to analyze, using the DEA method, the technical efficiency of urban bus services in Spain. For this purpose, it is studied the more suitable variables that can be used in the models to obtain the efficiency frontiers. In developing the methodology are used indicators of urban bus services in major cities of the Spanish metropolitan areas for the period 2004-2009.

Advances in the Simultaneous Multiple Surface optical design method for imaging and non-imaging applications

Classical imaging optics has been developed over centuries in many areas, such as its paraxial imaging theory and practical design methods like multi-parametric optimization techniques. Although these imaging optical design methods can provide elegant solutions to many traditional optical problems, there are more and more new design problems, like solar concentrator, illumination system, ultra-compact camera, etc., that require maximum energy transfer efficiency, or ultra-compact optical structure. These problems do not have simple solutions from classical imaging design methods, because not only paraxial rays, but also non-paraxial rays should be well considered in the design process. Non-imaging optics is a newly developed optical discipline, which does not aim to form images, but to maximize energy transfer efficiency. One important concept developed from non-imaging optics is the ���edge-ray principle���, which states that the energy flow contained in a bundle of rays will be transferred to the target, if all its edge rays are transferred to the target. Based on that concept, many CPC solar concentrators have been developed with efficiency close to the thermodynamic limit. When more than one bundle of edge-rays needs to be considered in the design, one way to obtain solutions is to use SMS method. SMS stands for Simultaneous Multiple Surface, which means several optical surfaces are constructed simultaneously. The SMS method was developed as a design method in Non-imaging optics during the 90s. The method can be considered as an extension to the Cartesian Oval calculation. In the traditional Cartesian Oval calculation, one optical surface is built to transform an input wave-front to an out-put wave-front. The SMS method however, is dedicated to solve more than 1 wave-fronts transformation problem. In the beginning, only 2 input wave-fronts and 2 output wave-fronts transformation problem was considered in the SMS design process for rotational optical systems or free-form optical systems. Usually ���SMS 2D��� method stands for the SMS procedure developed for rotational optical system, and ���SMS 3D��� method for the procedure for free-form optical system. Although the SMS method was originally employed in non-imaging optical system designs, it has been found during this thesis that with the improved capability to design more surfaces and control more input and output wave-fronts, the SMS method can also be applied to imaging system designs and possesses great advantage over traditional design methods. In this thesis, one of the main goals to achieve is to further develop the existing SMS-2D method to design with more surfaces and improve the stability of the SMS-2D and SMS-3D algorithms, so that further optimization process can be combined with SMS algorithms. The benefits of SMS plus optimization strategy over traditional optimization strategy will be explained in details for both rotational and free-form imaging optical system designs. Another main goal is to develop novel design concepts and methods suitable for challenging non-imaging applications, e.g. solar concentrator and solar tracker. This thesis comprises 9 chapters and can be grouped into two parts: the first part (chapter 2-5) contains research works in the imaging field, and the second part (chapter 6-8) contains works in the non-imaging field. In the first chapter, an introduction to basic imaging and non-imaging design concepts and theories is given. Chapter 2 presents a basic SMS-2D imaging design procedure using meridian rays. In this chapter, we will set the imaging design problem from the SMS point of view, and try to solve the problem numerically. The stability of this SMS-2D design procedure will also be discussed. The design concepts and procedures developed in this chapter lay the path for further improvement. Chapter 3 presents two improved SMS 3 surfaces��� design procedures using meridian rays (SMS-3M) and skew rays (SMS-1M2S) respectively. The major improvement has been made to the central segments selections, so that the whole SMS procedures become more stable compared to procedures described in Chapter 2. Since these two algorithms represent two types of phase space sampling, their image forming capabilities are compared in a simple objective design. Chapter 4 deals with an ultra-compact SWIR camera design with the SMS-3M method. The difficulties in this wide band camera design is how to maintain high image quality meanwhile reduce the overall system length. This interesting camera design provides a playground for the classical design method and SMS design methods. We will show designs and optical performance from both classical design method and the SMS design method. Tolerance study is also given as the end of the chapter. Chapter 5 develops a two-stage SMS-3D based optimization strategy for a 2 freeform mirrors imaging system. In the first optimization phase, the SMS-3D method is integrated into the optimization process to construct the two mirrors in an accurate way, drastically reducing the unknown parameters to only few system configuration parameters. In the second optimization phase, previous optimized mirrors are parameterized into Qbfs type polynomials and set up in code V. Code V optimization results demonstrates the effectiveness of this design strategy in this 2-mirror system design. Chapter 6 shows an etendue-squeezing condenser optics, which were prepared for the 2010 IODC illumination contest. This interesting design employs many non-imaging techniques such as the SMS method, etendue-squeezing tessellation, and groove surface design. This device has theoretical efficiency limit as high as 91.9%. Chapter 7 presents a freeform mirror-type solar concentrator with uniform irradiance on the solar cell. Traditional parabolic mirror concentrator has many drawbacks like hot-pot irradiance on the center of the cell, insufficient use of active cell area due to its rotational irradiance pattern and small acceptance angle. In order to conquer these limitations, a novel irradiance homogenization concept is developed, which lead to a free-form mirror design. Simulation results show that the free-form mirror reflector has rectangular irradiance pattern, uniform irradiance distribution and large acceptance angle, which confirm the viability of the design concept. Chapter 8 presents a novel beam-steering array optics design strategy. The goal of the design is to track large angle parallel rays by only moving optical arrays laterally, and convert it to small angle parallel output rays. The design concept is developed as an extended SMS method. Potential applications of this beam-steering device are: skylights to provide steerable natural illumination, building integrated CPV systems, and steerable LED illumination. Conclusion and future lines of work are given in Chapter 9. Resumen La ��ptica de formaci��n de imagen cl��sica se ha ido desarrollando durante siglos, dando lugar tanto a la teor��a de ��ptica paraxial y los m��todos de dise��o pr��cticos como a t��cnicas de optimizaci��n multiparam��tricas. Aunque estos m��todos de dise��o ��ptico para formaci��n de imagen puede aportar soluciones elegantes a muchos problemas convencionales, siguen apareciendo nuevos problemas de dise��o ��ptico, concentradores solares, sistemas de iluminaci��n, c��maras ultracompactas, etc. que requieren m��xima transferencia de energ��a o dimensiones ultracompactas. Este tipo de problemas no se pueden resolver f��cilmente con m��todos cl��sicos de dise��o porque durante el proceso de dise��o no solamente se deben considerar los rayos paraxiales sino tambi��n los rayos no paraxiales. La ��ptica anid��lica o no formadora de imagen es una disciplina que ha evolucionado en gran medida recientemente. Su objetivo no es formar imagen, es maximazar la eficiencia de transferencia de energ��a. Un concepto importante de la ��ptica anid��lica son los ���rayos marginales���, que se pueden utilizar para el dise��o de sistemas ya que si todos los rayos marginales llegan a nuestra ��rea del receptor, todos los rayos interiores tambi��n llegar��n al receptor. Haciendo uso de este principio, se han dise��ado muchos concentradores solares que funcionan cerca del l��mite te��rico que marca la termodin��mica. Cuando consideramos m��s de un haz de rayos marginales en nuestro dise��o, una posible soluci��n es usar el m��todo SMS (Simultaneous Multiple Surface), el cu��l dise��a simult��neamente varias superficies ��pticas. El SMS naci�� como un m��todo de dise��o para ��ptica anid��lica durante los a��os 90. El m��todo puede ser considerado como una extensi��n del c��lculo del ��valo cartesiano. En el m��todo del ��valo cartesiano convencional, se calcula una superficie para transformar un frente de onda entrante a otro frente de onda saliente. El m��todo SMS permite transformar varios frentes de onda de entrada en frentes de onda de salida. Inicialmente, s��lo era posible transformar dos frentes de onda con dos superficies con simetr��a de rotaci��n y sin simetr��a de rotaci��n, pero esta limitaci��n ha sido superada recientemente. Nos referimos a ���SMS 2D��� como el m��todo orientado a construir superficies con simetr��a de rotaci��n y llamamos ���SMS 3D��� al m��todo para construir superficies sin simetr��a de rotaci��n o free-form. Aunque el m��todo originalmente fue aplicado en el dise��o de sistemas anid��licos, se ha observado que gracias a su capacidad para dise��ar m��s superficies y controlar m��s frentes de onda de entrada y de salida, el SMS tambi��n es posible aplicarlo a sistemas de formaci��n de imagen proporcionando una gran ventaja sobre los m��todos de dise��o tradicionales. Uno de los principales objetivos de la presente tesis es extender el m��todo SMS-2D para permitir el dise��o de sistemas con mayor n��mero de superficies y mejorar la estabilidad de los algoritmos del SMS-2D y SMS-3D, haciendo posible combinar la optimizaci��n con los algoritmos. Los beneficios de combinar SMS y optimizaci��n comparado con el proceso de optimizaci��n tradicional se explican en detalle para sistemas con simetr��a de rotaci��n y sin simetr��a de rotaci��n. Otro objetivo importante de la tesis es el desarrollo de nuevos conceptos de dise��o y nuevos m��todos en el ��rea de la concentraci��n solar fotovoltaica. La tesis est�� estructurada en 9 cap��tulos que est��n agrupados en dos partes: la primera de ellas (cap��tulos 2-5) se centra en la ��ptica formadora de imagen mientras que en la segunda parte (cap��tulos 6-8) se presenta el trabajo del ��rea de la ��ptica anid��lica. El primer cap��tulo consta de una breve introducci��n de los conceptos b��sicos de la ��ptica anid��lica y la ��ptica en formaci��n de imagen. El cap��tulo 2 describe un proceso de dise��o SMS-2D sencillo basado en los rayos meridianos. En este cap��tulo se presenta el problema de dise��ar un sistema formador de imagen desde el punto de vista del SMS y se intenta obtener una soluci��n de manera num��rica. La estabilidad de este proceso se analiza con detalle. Los conceptos de dise��o y los algoritmos desarrollados en este cap��tulo sientan la base sobre la cual se realizar��n mejoras. El cap��tulo 3 presenta dos procedimientos para el dise��o de un sistema con 3 superficies SMS, el primero basado en rayos meridianos (SMS-3M) y el segundo basado en rayos oblicuos (SMS-1M2S). La mejora m��s destacable recae en la selecci��n de los segmentos centrales, que hacen m��s estable todo el proceso de dise��o comparado con el presentado en el cap��tulo 2. Estos dos algoritmos representan dos tipos de muestreo del espacio de fases, su capacidad para formar imagen se compara dise��ando un objetivo simple con cada uno de ellos. En el cap��tulo 4 se presenta un dise��o ultra-compacto de una c��mara SWIR dise��ada usando el m��todo SMS-3M. La dificultad del dise��o de esta c��mara de espectro ancho radica en mantener una alta calidad de imagen y al mismo tiempo reducir dr��sticamente sus dimensiones. Esta c��mara es muy interesante para comparar el m��todo de dise��o cl��sico y el m��todo de SMS. En este cap��tulo se presentan ambos dise��os y se analizan sus caracter��sticas ��pticas. En el cap��tulo 5 se describe la estrategia de optimizaci��n basada en el m��todo SMS-3D. El m��todo SMS-3D calcula las superficies ��pticas de manera precisa, dejando s��lo unos pocos par��metros libres para decidir la configuraci��n del sistema. Modificando el valor de estos par��metros se genera cada vez mediante SMS-3D un sistema completo diferente. La optimizaci��n se lleva a cabo variando los mencionados par��metros y analizando el sistema generado. Los resultados muestran que esta estrategia de dise��o es muy eficaz y eficiente para un sistema formado por dos espejos. En el cap��tulo 6 se describe un sistema de compresi��n de la Etendue, que fue presentado en el concurso de iluminaci��n del IODC en 2010. Este interesante dise��o hace uso de t��cnicas propias de la ��ptica anid��lica, como el m��todo SMS, el teselado de las lentes y el dise��o mediante grooves. Este dispositivo tiene un l��mite te��rica en la eficiencia del 91.9%. El cap��tulo 7 presenta un concentrador solar basado en un espejo free-form con irradiancia uniforme sobre la c��lula. Los concentradores parab��licos tienen numerosas desventajas como los puntos calientes en la zona central de la c��lula, uso no eficiente del ��rea de la c��lula al ser ��sta cuadrada y adem��s tienen ��ngulos de aceptancia de reducido. Para poder superar estas limitaciones se propone un novedoso concepto de homogeneizaci��n de la irrandancia que se materializa en un dise��o con espejo free-form. El an��lisis mediante simulaci��n demuestra que la irradiancia es homog��nea en una regi��n rectangular y con mayor ��ngulo de aceptancia, lo que confirma la viabilidad del concepto de dise��o. En el cap��tulo 8 se presenta un novedoso concepto para el dise��o de sistemas afocales din��micos. El objetivo del dise��o es realizar un sistema cuyo haz de rayos de entrada pueda llegar con ��ngulos entre ��45�� mientras que el haz de rayos a la salida sea siempre perpendicular al sistema, variando ��nicamente la posici��n de los elementos ��pticos lateralmente. Las aplicaciones potenciales de este dispositivo son varias: tragaluces que proporcionan iluminaci��n natural, sistemas de concentraci��n fotovoltaica integrados en los edificios o iluminaci��n direccionable con LEDs. Finalmente, el ��ltimo cap��tulo contiene las conclusiones y las l��neas de investigaci��n futura.

Modal contribution and state space order selection in operational modal analysis

The estimation of modal parameters of a structure from ambient measurements has attracted the attention of many researchers in the last years. The procedure is now well established and the use of state space models, stochastic system identification methods and stabilization diagrams allows to identify the modes of the structure. In this paper the contribution of each identified mode to the measured vibration is discussed. This modal contribution is computed using the Kalman filter and it is an indicator of the importance of the modes. Also the variation of the modal contribution with the order of the model is studied. This analysis suggests selecting the order for the state space model as the order that includes the modes with higher contribution. The order obtained using this method is compared to those obtained using other well known methods, like Akaike criteria for time series or the singular values of the weighted projection matrix in the Stochastic Subspace Identification method. Finally, both simulated and measured vibration data are used to show the practicability of the derived technique. Finally, it is important to remark that the method can be used with any identification method working in the state space model.

Metodolog��a para maximizar la rentabilidad de una terminal mar��tima de contenedores a trav��s de la optimizaci��n de su grado de automatizaci��n

Son generalmente aceptadas las tendencias actuales de maximizaci��n de la automatizaci��n para la adaptaci��n de las terminales mar��timas de contenedores a las cada vez mayores exigencias competitivas del negocio de transporte de contenedores. En esta investigaci��n, se somete a consideraci��n dichas tendencias a trav��s de un an��lisis que tenga en cuenta la realidad global de la terminal pero tambi��n su propia realidad local que le permita aprovechar sus fortalezas y minimizar sus debilidades en un mercado continuamente en crecimiento y cambio. Para lo cual se ha desarrollado un modelo de an��lisis en el que se tengan en cuenta los par��metros t��cnicos, operativos, econ��micos y financieros que influyen en el dise��o de una terminal mar��tima de contenedores, desde su concepci��n como ente dependiente para generar negocio, todos ellos dentro de un per��metro definido por el mercado del tr��fico de contenedores as�� como las limitaciones f��sicas introducidas por la propia terminal. Para la obtenci��n de dicho modelo ha sido necesario llevar a cabo un proceso de estudio del contexto actual del tr��fico de contenedores y su relaci��n con el dise��o de las terminales mar��timas, as�� como de las metodolog��as propuestas hasta ahora por los diferentes autores para abordar el proceso de dimensionamiento y dise��o de la terminal. Una vez definido el modelo que ha de servir de base para el dise��o de una terminal mar��tima de contenedores desde un planteamiento multicriterio, se analiza la influencia de las diversas variables explicativas de dicho modelo y se cuantifica su impacto en los resultados econ��micos, financieros y operativos de la terminal. Un paso siguiente consiste en definir un modelo simplificado que vincule la rentabilidad de una concesi��n de terminal con el tr��fico esperado en funci��n del grado de automatizaci��n y del tipo de terminal. Esta investigaci��n es el fruto del objetivo ambicioso de aportar una metodolog��a que defina la opci��n ��ptima de dise��o de una terminal mar��tima de contenedores apoyada en los pilares de la optimizaci��n del grado de automatizaci��n y de la maximizaci��n de la rentabilidad del negocio que en ella se desarrolla. It is generally accepted current trends in automation to maximize the adaptation of maritime container terminals to the growing competitive demands of the business of container shipping. In this research, is submitted to these trends through an analysis taking into account the global reality of the terminal but also their own local reality it could exploit its strengths and minimize their weaknesses in a market continuously growing and changing. For which we have developed a model analysis that takes into account the technical, operational, financial and economic influence in the design of a container shipping terminal, from its conception as being dependent to generate business, all within a perimeter defined by the market of container traffic and the physical constraints introduced by the terminal. To obtain this model has been necessary to conduct a study process in the current context of container traffic and its relation to the design of marine terminals, as well as the methodologies proposed so far by different authors to address the process sizing and design of the terminal. Having defined the model that will serve as the basis for the design for a container shipping terminal from a multi-criteria approach, we analyze the influence of various explanatory variables of the model and quantify their impact on economic performance, financial and operational of the terminal. A next step is to define a simplified model that links the profitability of a terminal concession with traffic expected on the basis of the degree of automation and the kind of terminal. This research is the result of the ambitious target of providing a methodology to define the optimal choice of designing a container shipping terminal on the pillars of automation optimizing and maximizing the profitability of the business that it develops.

A Multingual Web-based Educational System for Professional Musicians

This paper presents the main results of the eContent HARMOS project. The project has developed a webbased educational system for professional musicians. The main idea of the project consists of recording master classes taught by highly recognised maestros and annotate this multimedia material using an educational musical taxonomy and automatic annotation tools. Users of the system access a multi-criteria search engine that allows them to find and play video segments according to a combination of criteria, which include instrument, teacher, composer, composition, movement and pedagogical concept. In order to preserve teachers and students rights, a DRM and protection system has been developed. The system is being publicly exploited. This model preserves musical heritage, since these valuable master classes are usually not recorded and it also provides a sustainable model for musical institutions.

Learning and Assessing Competencies: New challenges for Mathematics in Engineering Degrees in Spain.

The introduction of new degrees adapted to the European Area of Higher Education (EAHE) has involved a radically different approach to the curriculum. The new programs are structured around competencies that should be acquired. Considering the competencies, teachers must define and develop learning objectives, design teaching methods and establish appropriate evaluation systems. While most Spanish universities have incorporated methodological innovations and evaluation systems different from traditional exams, there is enough confusion about how to teach and assess competencies and learning outcomes, as traditionally the teaching and assessment have focused on knowledge. In this paper we analyze the state-of-the-art in the mathematical courses of the new engineering degrees in some Spanish universities.

The analytic hierarchy process to support decision-making processes in infrastructure projects with social impact

There is an increasing awareness among all kinds of organisations (in business,government and civil society) about the bene���ts of jointly working with stakeholders to satisfy both their goals and the social demands placed upon them. This is particularly the case within corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks. In this regard, multi-criteria tools for decision-making like the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) described in the paper can be useful for the building relationships with stakeholders. Since these tools can reveal decision-maker���s preferences, the integration of opinions from various stakeholders in the decision-making process may result in better and more innovative solutions with signi���cant shared value. This paper is based on ongoing research to assess the feasibility of an AHP-based model to support CSR decisions in large infrastructure projects carried out by Red Electrica de Espa��a, the sole transmission agent and operator of the Spanishelectricity system.

Analyzing climate change adaptation in the agriculture and water sectors: screening risks and opportunities.

As part of the Mediterranean area, the Guadiana basin in Spain is particularly exposed to increasing water stress due to climate change. Future warmer and drier climate will have negative implications for the sustainability of water resources and irrigation agriculture, the main socio- economic sector in the region. This paper illustrates a systematic analysis of climate change impacts and adaptation in the Guadiana basin based on a two-stage modeling approach. First, an integrated hydro-economic modeling framework was used to simulate the potential effects of regional climate change scenarios for the period 2000-2069. Second, a participatory multi-criteria technique, namely the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), was applied to rank potential adaptation measures based on agreed criteria. Results show that, in the middle-long run and under severe climate change, reduced water availability, lower crop yields and increased irrigation demands might lead to water shortages, crop failure, and up to ten percent of income losses to irrigators. AHP results show how private farming adaptation measures, including improving irrigation efficiency and adjusting crop varieties, are preferred to public adaptation measures, such as building new dams. The integrated quantitative and qualitative methodology used in this research can be considered a socially-based valuable tool to support adaptation decision-making.