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Since the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 pandemic, indoor airflows became a synonym for virus super-spreaders and the focus point for the scientific community and professional associations across the globe, disrupting all daily life dimensions. Europe's quick response to control the disease led the REHVA board to address mitigation guidelines, reassessed by each member association's following national specifics. The present study aims to quantify the energy consumption and CO 2 emissions of "large office" buildings in top-five European economies under the COVID-19 guidelines under the post-pandemic telework forecast. Methodology resorted to a standard model under Building Energy Simulation assessment to compare prior and posterior scenarios. The latter displays a tendency to increase energy and CO 2 emissions in all locations, in the first form 10.18% (Rome) to 69.48% (Paris); and second 5.80% (Rome) and 120.61% (Paris), which will affect national energy production and imports, urban pollution and business competitiveness. On a different scope, future HVAC guidelines need to address the incoming figures, particularly in highly dense urban areas. Also, to comply with the goals set by the Paris Accord. • Europe promptly reacts to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 in indoor spaces. • REHVA publishes the COVID-19 guidelines although these are understood differently in the community. • COVID-19 guidelines under BES reveal the impact on European large office building. • COVID-19 guidelines tend to an overall increase energy consumption and CO2 emissions. • Warm to hot locations show energy and CO2 savings under COVID-19 guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of abundant Earth observation data enables the development of novel predictive methods for forecasting climate impacts on the state and health of terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we predict the spatial and temporal variations of land surface reflectance and vegetation greenness, measuring the density of green vegetation and active foliage area, conditioned on current and past weather and the local topography. We train two alternative recurrent deep learning models that combine Long Short-Term Memory cells with convolutional layers (ConvLSTM) for forecasting the spatially resolved deviation of surface reflectance across a heterogeneous landscape from a specified initial state. Using data from diverse ecosystems and land cover types across Europe and following a standardized model evaluation framework (EarthNet2021 Challenge), our results indicate increased performance in predicting surface greenness during extreme drought events of the models presented here, compared to currently published benchmarks. This demonstrates how deep learning methods for optical Earth observation time series enable an early-warning of vegetation responses to the impacts of climatic extreme events, such as the drought-related loss of green foliage. • ConvLSTM models can forecast vegetation, conditioned on climate and topography. • Our models outperform published benchmarks for drought impact predictions. • This enables weather forecast-informed early warning of vegetation water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is increasingly accepted that survival alone is an inadequate measure of the success of childhood brain tumour treatments. Consequently, there is growing emphasis on capturing quality of survival. Ependymomas are the third most frequently occurring brain tumours in childhood and present significant clinical challenges. European Society of Paediatric Oncology Ependymoma II is a comprehensive international program aiming to evaluate outcomes under different treatment regimens and improve diagnostic accuracy. Importantly, there has been agreement to lower the age at which children with posterior fossa ependymoma undergo focal irradiation from three years to either eighteen months or one year of age. Hitherto radiotherapy in Europe had been reserved for children over three years due to concerns over adverse cognitive outcomes following irradiation of the developing brain. There is therefore a duty of care to include longitudinal cognitive follow-up and this has been agreed as an essential trial outcome. Discussions between representatives of 18 participating European countries over 10 years have yielded European consensus for an internationally accepted test battery for follow-up of childhood ependymoma survivors. The 'Core-Plus' model incorporates a two-tier approach to assessment by specifying core tests to establish a minimum dataset where resources are limited, whilst maintaining scope for comprehensive assessment where feasible. The challenges leading to the development of the Core-Plus model are presented alongside learning from the initial stages of the trial. We propose that this model could provide a solution for future international trials addressing both childhood brain tumours and other conditions associated with cognitive morbidity. • Quality of survival is an important consideration in childhood brain tumour trials. • We present European consensus for a cognitive follow-up model in a clinical trial. • The Core-Plus battery incorporates a minimum dataset and comprehensive assessment. • Challenges encountered during development and implementation are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, the setting of Operational Groups (OG) is supported by the European Innovation Partnership to tackle specific problems and favor innovation in agriculture. They constitute an important aspect of the current Common Agricultural Policy. Increasing or maintaining soil organic carbon (SOC) content under arable farming has been acknowledged as a primary target of European agriculture. SOC-preserving agriculture needs its techniques to be tailored to local conditions, namely, the combination of factors related to the environment (climate and soil characteristics), to the farming system (land use type, farm specialization, crop management), but also to the social and cultural context (market and availability of production means, subsidies, farmers' education, propensity for innovation and change). In this paper we present inspirational ideas and show success examples of local adaptations strategies to increase or maintain SOC content in soils under arable farming in Europe. They include: · Adoption of soil management strategies to improve SOC storage in irrigated systems. · Precision farming and other high-tech solutions able to generate local diagnosis and adaptive strategies for increasing SOC and reducing greenhouse gasses emissions. · Innovative strategies for extending soil cover periods and introducing cover crops in rotations in areas with limited water availability or prone to harsh weather conditions. · Management of rainfed and low input crops to maintain and increase SOC in dry climates and erosive prone soils. These case studies could facilitate the setting up of OGs and the application of innovative practices in different European countries. • Rationale is given for considering local soil and climate in farming strategies. • Limitations to increase SOC in arable land are described. • Case studies illustrate possible references for Operational Groups. • Diversification of cropping system as key factor to increase SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between anthropometric variables and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Africans is unclear. We examined the discriminative ability of anthropometric variables and estimate cutoffs for predicting CVD risk among Africans. The Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study was a multisite cross-sectional study of Africans in Ghana and Europe. We calculated AHA/ACC Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE) scores for 3661 participants to ascertain CVD risk, and compared a body shape index (ABSI), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), Relative Fat Mass (RFM), and Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR). Logistic regression and receiver operating curve analyses were performed to derive cutoffs for identifying high predicted CVD risk (PCE score ≥7.5%). Among men, WC (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.25, 95% CI; 1:50–3:37) was strongly associated with CVD risk. Among women, WC (aOR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1:33–2:14) also displayed the strongest association with CVD risk in the BMI-adjusted model but WHR displayed the strongest fit. All variables were superior discriminators of high CVD risk in men (c-statistic range: 0.887–0.891) than women (c-statistic range: 0.677–0.707). The optimal WC cutoff for identifying participants at high CVD risk was 89 cm among men and identified the most cases (64%). Among women, the recommended WC cutoff of 94 cm or WHR cutoff of 0.90 identified the most cases (92%). Anthropometric variables were stronger discriminators of high CVD risk in African men than women. Greater WC was associated with high CVD risk in men while WHR and WC were associated with high CVD risk in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural employment, in sharp decline in Europe, is the subject of little recent scientific work, and few studies focus specifically on livestock farming. Labour and employment factors must be considered to respond appropriately to the livestock farming "crisis" in Europe and to assess the room to manoeuvre of public policies to adapt this sector to the diverse challenges facing it. We have conducted a review to assess the combined effects on ruminant livestock employment and famers' work at the European level. In the first section, employment in ruminant livestock farms is quantified and the main differences between livestock sectors and regions are identified. We have showed that in France, livestock activities mobilize 41% of the French agricultural workforce at the national level, but due to territorial diversity, there are significant variations across the country. In Europe, while all countries are affected by a reduction in the livestock workforce, employment trends also vary depending on the animal sector. In the second section, we analyse trends in farmers' work that could explain the evolution of agricultural employment in terms of slowing or accelerating the reduction in the livestock workforce. Our results highlighted supply-driven factors and demand-driven factors tend to increase the number of livestock workers. Some structural and institutional changes play a greater role as both an accelerator and moderator of the decline in livestock workers. The third section focuses on the effects of livestock employment on other industries. We show that the indirect and induced effects of livestock farming vary according to activity sector. Dairy farms have higher induced effects, especially at the national level. The development of processing activities can be limited locally by the low appeal of most of the jobs. In the conclusion, we highlight four major issues concerning employment and work in the livestock sector at the European level. • In Europe, mixed livestock and mixed crop-livestock farms have the largest employment decline. • In Europe, the number of livestock farmers fell, except in Spain and the Netherlands. • Supply-driven factors and demand-driven factors tend to increase the number of livestock workers. • Some structural and institutional changes play a greater role for the decline in livestock workers. • The indirect and induced effects of livestock farming vary according to activity sector : dairy farms have higher induced effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the ventilated facades as an intervention for efficient energy upgrade of new and, mainly, existing buildings. It focuses on the requirements that this specific building element should fulfill, with regard to legal, technical, social and financial aspects. More specifically, legal aspects concern mainly the regulations that determine the element's behaviour with respect to the hygrothermal, energy, sound and fire performance, as well as other legal restrictions (i.e. urbanism/planning rules or listed buildings). The technical aspects involve structural issues, architectural concerns and aesthetics, as well as functional matters. Finally, the social aspects refer to the acceptance of the element by building users and architects/engineers, while the financial aspects interrelate the ownership with the economic incentives and the investment feasibility. All the above are presented and discussed in the paper in order to highlight the applicability of ventilated façade systems in residential buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross-sectional observational International ChoLesterol management Practice Study study assessed achievement of European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets in patients outside Western Europe. The aim of the study was to assess LDL-C goal achievement in International ChoLesterol management Practice Study participants with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). A total of 334 patients (aged ≥18 years) with definite or probable FH (Dutch Lipid Clinic Network score ≥6; 43.1% genetically confirmed) who had been receiving stable lipid-modifying therapy (LMT) for ≥3 months were enrolled. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 58.5 ± 13.1 years, 49.1% were male, and 48.2% had coronary artery disease. Most were receiving statin (∼99%). Of these, 57.6% were on high-intensity statin therapy, 49.1% on the highest dose available, and 13.0% used a statin together with a cholesterol absorption inhibitor (CAI). Mean ± standard deviation LDL-C level was 5.6 ± 3.0 mmol/L before LMT and 3.3 ± 2.0 mmol/L at enrollment. Overall, 32.0% of patients achieved their LDL-C target. Target achievement rates were 36.6% for patients with coronary artery disease, and 27.5% for those without, and 27.9%, 28.0%, and 37.5% for patients treated with a statin plus CAI, highest-dose statin (no CAI), and lower-dose statin (no CAI), respectively. LDL-C target achievement rates were low in patients with FH, even in those receiving intensive LMT. Factors that are likely to have contributed to the low LDL-C target achievement rates include high baseline LDL-C, inadequate statin dosages, and low use of CAI. Many patients would have been eligible for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor therapy. • Cholesterol goal attainment in familial hypercholesterolemia was low at 32%. • Statin doses were often inadequate. • Cholesterol absorption inhibitor use was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The MDACC group recommends to extend the current borderline classification for pancreatic cancer into three groups: type A patients with resectable/borderline tumor anatomy, type B with resectable/borderline resectable tumor anatomy and clinical findings suspicious for extrapancreatic disease and type C with borderline resectable and marginal performance status/severe pre-existing comorbidity profile or age>80. This study intents to evaluate the proposed borderline classification system in a multicenter patient cohort without neoadjuvant treatment. Methods Evaluation was based on a multicenter database of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery from 2005 to 2016 (n = 1020). Complications were classified based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. χ2-test, Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox regression hazard model were used for statistical analysis. Results Most patients (55.1%) were assigned as type A patients, followed by type C (35.8%) and type B patients (9.1%). Neither the complication rate, nor the mortality rate revealed a correlation to any subgroup. Type B patients had a significant worse progression free (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.005). Type B classification was identified as an independent prognostic marker for progression free survival (p = 0.005, HR 1.47). Conclusion The evaluation of the proposed classification in a cohort without neoadjuvant treatment did not justify an additional medical borderline subgroup. A new subgroup based on prognostic borderline patients might be the main target group for neoadjuvant protocols in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Snow penetration resistance was measured repeatedly below bark beetle killed trees. • Variability in snow stratigraphy was quantified with a new layer matching algorithm. • Spatial variability in snow stratigraphy is driven by percentage of canopy cover. • Leaving dead trees in protection forests contributes to avalanche protection. • Salvage logging can result in snow stratigraphy more prone to avalanche release. Abstract Healthy, dense forests growing in avalanche terrain reduce the likelihood of slab avalanche release by inhibiting the formation of continuous snow layers and weaknesses in the snowpack. Driven by climate change, trends towards more frequent and severe bark beetle disturbances have already resulted in the death of millions of hectares of forest in North America and central Europe, affecting snowpack in mountain forests and potentially reducing their protective capacity against avalanches. We examined the spatial variability in snow stratigraphy, i.e., the characteristic layering of the snowpack, by repeatedly measuring vertical profiles of snow penetration resistance with a digital snow micro penetrometer (SMP) along 10- and 20-m transects in a spruce beetle-infested Engelmann spruce forest in Utah, USA. Three study plots were selected characterizing different stages within a spruce beetle outbreak cycle: non-infested/green, infested > 3 years ago/gray stage, and salvage-logged. A fourth plot was installed in a non-forested meadow as the control. Based on our SMP measurements and a layer matching algorithm, we quantified the spatial variability in snow stratigraphy, and tested which forest, snow and/or meteorological conditions influenced differences between our plots using linear mixed effects models. Our results showed that spatial variability in snow stratigraphy was best explained by the percentage of canopy covering a transect (R2 = 0.71, p < 0.001), and that only 14% of the variance was explained by the stage within the outbreak cycle. That is, differences between green and gray stage stands did not depend much on the reduction in needle mass, but spatial variability in snow stratigraphy increased significantly with increasing forest canopy cover. At both study plots, a more heterogeneous snow stratigraphy developed, which translates to disrupted and discontinuous snow layers and, therefore, reduced avalanche formation. We attribute this to the effect that small fine branches and twigs still present in the canopy of gray stage trees have on snow interception and unloading, and especially on canopy drip. In contrast, salvage logging that reduced the canopy cover to ∼25%, led to a spatially less variable and similar snow stratigraphy as observed in the meadow. At these two study plots, a homogeneous snow stratigraphy consisting of distinct vertical and continuous slope-parallel soft and hard snow layers including weak layers had formed, a condition which is generally more prone to avalanche release. Our findings therefore emphasize advantages of leaving dead trees in place, especially in protection forests where bark beetle populations have reached epidemic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocultural diversity is an evolving perspective for studying the interrelatedness between people and their natural environment, not only in ecoregional hotspots and cultural landscapes, but also in urban green spaces. Developed in the 1990s in order to denote the diversity of life in all its manifestations―biological, cultural and linguistic―co-evolving within complex socio-ecological systems such as cities, biocultural diversity was identified in the GREEN SURGE project as a response to recent challenges cities face. Most important challenges are the loss of nature and degradation of ecosystems in and around cities as well as an alienation of urban residents from and loss of interaction with nature. The notion of biocultural diversity is dynamic in nature and takes local values and practices of relating to biodiversity of different cultural groups as a starting point for sustainable living with biodiversity. The issue is not only how to preserve or restore biocultural practices and values, but also how to modify, adapt and create biocultural diversity in ways that resonate with urban transformations. As future societies will largely diverge from today's societies, the cultural perspective on living with (urban) nature needs careful reconsideration. Biocultural diversity is not conceived as a definite concept providing prescriptions of what to see and study, but as a reflexive and sensitising concept that can be used to assess the different values and knowledge of people that reflect how they live with biodiversity. This short communication paper introduces a conceptual framework for studying the multi-dimensional features of biocultural diversity in cities along the three key dimensions of materialized, lived and stewardship, being departure points from which biocultural diversity can be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses a major challenge for global marine ecosystems and species, leading to a wide range of biological and social-ecological impacts. Fisheries are among the well-known sectors influenced by multiple effects of climate change, with associated impacts highly variable among species and regions. To successfully manage fisheries, scientific evidence about the potential direct and indirect impacts of climate change on the species targeted by fisheries is needed to inform decision-making processes. This is particularly pertinent for fisheries within European seas, as they include some of the fastest warming water bodies globally, and are thus experiencing some of the greatest impacts. Here, we systematically examine the existing scientific climate-related literature of 68 species that are both commercially important in European seas and considered threatened according to the IUCN Red List to understand the extent of information that is available to inform fisheries management and identify critical knowledge gaps that can help to direct future research effort. We also explore the climate and fishing vulnerability indices of species as potential drivers of current scientific attention. We found no literature for most of these species (n = 45), and for many others (n = 19) we found fewer than five papers studying them. Climate change related research was dominated by a few species (i.e., Atlantic salmon, European pilchard, and Atlantic bluefin tuna) and regions, such as the Northeast Atlantic, revealing a highly uneven distribution of research efforts across European seas. Most studies were biologically focused and included how abundance, distribution, and physiology may be affected by warming. Few studies incorporated some level of social-ecological information. Moreover, it appears that research on species with high climate and fishing vulnerabilities is not currently prioritized. These results highlight a gap in our understanding of how climate change can impact already threatened species and the people who depend on them for food and income. Our findings also suggest that future climate-specific adaptation measures will likely suffer from a lack of robust information. More research is needed to include all the species from our list, their relevant geographic regions, and subsequent biological and social-ecological implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this paper is to derive a method for a daily gross primary production (GPP) product over Europe and Africa taking the full advantage of the SEVIRI/MSG satellite products from the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) sensors delivered from the Satellite Application Facility for Land Surface Analysis (LSA SAF) system. Special attention is paid to model the daily GPP response from an optimized Montheith's light use efficiency model under dry conditions by controlling water shortage limitations from the actual evapotranspiration and the potential evapotranspiration (PET). The PET was parameterized using the mean daily air temperature at 2 m ( T a ) from ERA-Interim data. The GPP product (MSG GPP) was produced for 2012 and assessed by direct site-level comparison with GPP from eddy covariance data (EC GPP). MSG GPP presents relative bias errors lower than 40% for the most forest vegetation types with a high agreement ( r > 0.7) when compared with EC GPP. For drylands, MSG GPP reproduces the seasonal variations related to water limitation in a good agreement with site level GPP estimates (RMSE = 2.11 g m −2 day −1 ; MBE = −0.63 g m −2 day −1 ), especially for the dry season. A consistency analysis against other GPP satellite products (MOD17A2 and FLUXCOM) reveals a high consistency among products (RMSD < 1.5 g m −2 day −1 ) over Europe, North and South Africa. The major GPP disagreement arises over moist biomes in central Africa (RMSD > 3.0 g m −2 day −1 ) and over dry biomes with MSG GPP estimates lower than FLUXCOM (MBD up to −3.0 g m −2 day −1 ). This newly derived product has the potential for analysing spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of GPP at the MSG spatial resolutions on a daily basis allowing to better capture the GPP dynamics and magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the consequences of climate change is the increase in the frequency and entity of extreme weather events, including floods. Any strategy dealing with the various impacts of climate change must focus not only on mitigation aspects, but also on improving on the level of adaptive capacity. Over the past decades there has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of floods in Europe, a fact which has prompted the European Union (EU) to put forward the Directive 60/2007 (the ‘Floods Directive’), requiring Member States to produce a comprehensive Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP) by 2015. The purpose of this paper is to assess how the implementation of the ‘Floods Directive’ has contributed to the level of adaptive capacity in Austria, a EU member State hosting an important river basin. By relying on the existing literature, the paper first describes the governance system associated with flood risk management in Austria prior to the elaboration of the FRMP. Subsequently, based on collected primary data, the paper studies the governance structure associated with the elaboration of the FRMP in Austria by using descriptive social network analysis (SNA) and discusses the implications in terms of adaptive capacity of flood governance. The elaboration of the FRMP has had the merit of coordinating the pre-existing regional legislation into a coherent national framework, under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. A limited number of other public administration stakeholders act as brokers, but the overall governance structure appears centralized and exhibits low modularity. Such a structure, moreover, is exclusively composed of public administration actors with no de facto participation of other stakeholders (e.g., NGOs and private companies). The incorporation of a wider set of organizations in the earlier phases of the policy cycle is welcomed, in order to make the whole process less technocratic and effectively improve the overall level of adaptive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As we are nowadays experiencing a transition period for the energy demand, there is a clear movement of the European energy market towards a new field of efficiency including reliable and smart systems that will upgrade the improvement of Europe's economic and environmental health. To this end smart systems introduce innovative applications with multiple and interdisciplinary characteristics: safe integration of additional renewables, distribution to the network, efficient delivery systems and monitoring control through demand response in order to achieve zero energy targets. The integration of smart technologies requires a holistic approach that takes into account all aspects of sustainability. The implementation of highly efficient smart buildings is feasible through the integration of smart metering, renewable systems acting as generators/storage and energy management. The holistic system supports and fulfils demand load management and distribution network of future grids.. Moreover, the benefits of effective thermal and electrical storage are underlined as a crucial factor of smart systems and smart buildings. This paper highlights the principles of integrated design procedure and links the process with smart building technologies. Energy efficiency methodologies and innovative techniques applied at building level are presented. To this context current EU policy framework, trends and perspectives concerning integrated design as a supportive tool for zero energy concept are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Local co-creation processes prove useful to produce legitimate and viable CCA plans. • Representative networks can effectively support CCA planning and social learning. • Identifiable factors connect local networks, co-creation processes and CCA planning. • Landscape is an effective systemic and integrative platform for CCA. • 15 pilots across Europe promote governance innovation and increased transferability. The development of legitimate, operative, and feasible landscape adaptation planning for climate change is dependent on the specific characteristics of the landscape and its inhabitants. Spatial patterns, culture, governance systems, socio-economic structures, planning methods, history, and collectively envisioned futures need to be accommodated. The literature suggests that landscape is a complex and dynamic socio-ecological system, the management and adaptation of which requires systemic and integrative approaches to respond to a wide variety of drivers of change, challenges, and interests. Based on activities developed in 15 European pilot landscapes, we identify some of the key factors and conditions affecting the generation of representative local networks for landscape adaptation to climate change. We illustrate how social learning and co-creation processes can be implemented in them and how their co-produced outcomes can help local communities overcome barriers and address critical issues in adaptive planning. Our results provide a framework for the creation of similar networks in other landscapes, exploring at the same time the interactions between the composition of networks, social learning, and the quality of the co-produced outputs as a fundamental step for the development of Landscape Adaptation Plans to Climate Change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latitudinal patterns have been widely studied in many organism groups, such as terrestrial vertebrates or plants, along with a suite of other large-scale biodiversity-environment gradients. Much less is known about these patterns for freshwater organisms, particularly stream insects. We evaluated European stream insect richness along a latitudinal gradient (39°–68° N) and estimated how much of the variation in taxon richness patterns could be explained by natural drivers: current climate, geographic location and topography. We assessed richness patterns using two datasets. First, based on 1318 sampling sites, we calculated taxon richness of juveniles stages of aquatic insects in 1° × 1° grid cells and converted these into latitudinal bands. Second, we calculated taxonomic richness using species lists from www.freshwaterecology.info for the ecoregions of European freshwaters. We evaluated Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) richness patterns for both latitudinal band and ecoregion data using linear regression, comparing list-based with grid-based data compiled for each region. We then estimated both pure and combined effects of each group of environmental variables using variance partitioning. Both individually and combined, EPT taxon richness declined with increasing latitude. Taxon richness was high between 42° and 46° N, geographically representing the Alps, and a threshold was detected at 48° N for all three groups and combined EPT using the grid data. Current climate, geographic location, and topographic predictors explained over 50% of the variation in taxonomic richness (E – 52%; P – 59%; T – 57%; overall EPT – 57%). A greater pure effect was observed for current climate than geographic locations and topographic predictors. We discuss other potential factors such as past glaciation, dispersal and anthropogenic stressors such as land use, river engineering, or pollution that might have shaped the present distribution of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Climate Data Records (CDRs) of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that are based on satellite observations need to be precisely described. In particular, when these products are delivered to end-users, the error characteristics information and how this information is obtained (e.g., through a validation process) need to be documented. Such validation information is intended to help end-users understanding to what extent the product is suitable for their specific applications. Based on how different European initiatives approached the validation of CDR and ECV products, we reviewed several aspects of the current validation practices. Based on the analysis of current practices, essentials of validation are discussed. A generic validation process is subsequently proposed, together with a quality indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Sea and its coastal zones are heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities, which has resulted in significant chemical pollution ever since the beginning of the industrialization in Europe during the 19th century. In order to assess the chemical Anthropocene, natural archives, such as sediment cores, can serve as a valuable data source to reconstruct historical emission trends and to verify the effectiveness of changing environmental legislation. In this study, we investigated 90 contaminants covering inorganic and organic pollutant groups analyzed in a set of sediment cores taken in the North Seas' main sedimentation area (Skagerrak). We thereby develop a chemical pollution fingerprint that records the constant input of pollutants over time and illustrates their continued great relevance for the present. Additionally, samples were radiometrically dated and PAH and PCB levels in porewater were determined using equilibrium passive sampling. Furthermore, we elucidated the origin of lead (Pb) contamination utilizing non-traditional stable isotopic analysis. Our results reveal three main findings: 1. for all organic contaminant groups covered (PAHs, OCPs, PCBs, PBDEs and PFASs) as well as the elements lead (Pb) and titanium (Ti), determined concentrations decreased towards more recent deposited sediment. These decreasing trends could be linked to the time of introductions of restrictions and bans and therefor our results confirm, amongst possible other factors, the effectiveness of environmental legislation by revealing a successive change in contamination levels over the decades. 2. concentration trends for ΣPAH and ΣPCB measured in porewater correspond well with the ones found in sediment which suggests that this method can be a useful expansion to traditional bulk sediment analysis to determine the biologically available pollutant fraction. 3. Arsenic (As) concentrations were higher in younger sediment layers, potentially caused by emissions of corroded warfare material disposed in the study area after WW II. [Display omitted] • Comprehensive pollution fingerprint for the North Sea covering the last 100 years. • Quantification of 90 contaminants in sediment cores covering 6 contaminant groups. • Concentration declines of pollutants could be linked to restrictions and bans. • As levels observed in recent years were linked to discarded ammunition from WW II. • Concentration trends in sediment and porewater were comparable for PAHs and PCBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although beachrocks may have undesirable consequences on coastal tourism, they have received relatively little attention in literature. Beachrocks are hard coastal sedimentary formations consisting of various beach sediments, lithified through the precipitation of carbonate cements. Beachrock as a phenomenon of increasing and remarkably obvious coastal erosion succeeds in making perceivable the meaning of "coastal erosion" by tourists, a phenomenon which otherwise would pass unnoticed by occasional visitors. This research aims at exploring beach users' perceptions regarding the impacts of beachrocks on their recreational activities and their willingness to pay in order to preserve beaches from further deterioration due to this phenomenon. Towards this aim, a contingent valuation study was implemented among European tourists in two resort beaches on the island of Lesvos (Greece). The results indicate that although the majority of tourists were not previously aware of beachrock phenomenon, half of them paid notice to the hard coastal sedimentary formations. Survey respondents believe that the authorities should undertake precautionary measures and that European Union should increase research funding in order to avoid further beachrock expansion. Actually, almost half of the respondents would be willing to pay an annual tax in the range of 13.2-16.4 € per household in order to contribute to this effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant penetration of electrical drive vehicles (EDVs) in the fleet is possible only if their use is compatible with mobility patterns of individuals. Building on the analysis of car mobility patterns by means of web-based car trips diaries filled in by a sample of individuals in six European countries, this paper provides insights on how EDVs could fit mobility habits. Critical aspects related to driving behaviour, which should be considered to allow the penetration of electric cars in the market, are identified. Among others results, we show that average daily driven distance in 6 countries ranges from an average of 40km (UK) to an average of 80km (Poland) and the parking time after the last trip of a day amounts to more than 16h per day. These findings show that the current drive and parking behaviours are in line with the range limitation of current EDVs and the potential need for a full slow recharge of an average EDV battery. Our results are a starting point for the estimation on energy demand profiles to assess how electrical energy supply can meet demand under the assumptions of a wide market share of EDVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is gaining importance as a new process for the governance of seas and oceans, as maritime nations exercise greater management over their territorial waters and, in many cases, over exclusive economic zones that span a larger area. The purpose of this planning is to reverse the environmental degradation of the seas and facilitate the sustainable use of marine resources, both for mature uses such as fishing and navigation, and for emergent uses, including renewable energies and mariculture. In Europe, the Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning oblige coastal Member States to develop maritime spatial plans at the latest by 31st March 2021. To help in that process, countries have at their disposal a set of existing instruments, including research projects, supporting guidelines, recommendations and sets of tools and data, as the SIMNORAT project, co-funded by the EC – DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). This paper presents best practices developed in this project on technical, scientific, and social aspects of MSP to overcome barriers of MSPD implementation testing effective cooperation on transboundary areas and providing a set of cross-cutting MSP related recommendations to foster collaborative efforts and to improve the overall transboundary dimension of the MSP Directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative sustainable food systems should be defined to meet the future food demand (both in terms of quality and quantity) and to overcome the threats that current food systems are posing to the natural capital. To achieve this ambitious goal, the transition to sustainable food habits should be supported by methodological frameworks and modelling tools promoting human and environmental health. The proposed framework provided a standardized system-based approach for the analysis of environmental impacts of food systems, assessed in terms of use of natural resources (water and ecological footprint) and GHG emissions (carbon footprint). The framework is applied to the assessment of water footprint of cradle-to-gate European food consumption, resulting in an average water footprint consumption of 3291 (±557) litre (per day per person). The case study showed the potentiality of our framework as a support tool for policy making in designing specific incentives for the reduction of environmental impacts related to the agri-food sector, as well as in the evaluation of agronomic strategies in the light of pursuing the environmental sustainability of food commodities production. The main novelty presented in the case study is to use food consumption data coming from surveys harmonized across European countries to assess the real food demand. [Display omitted] • Transition towards sustainable food system requires system-based standardized assessment tool. • Sustainability assessment of food systems should follow a multidimensional approach. • Large-scale assessment at country, consumer or food category level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psycho-oncology addresses the psychological, social, behavioural, and ethical aspects of cancer. Identification and proper management of the patients' psychosocial needs, as well as the needs of their caregivers and family are essential for a person-centred concept of breast cancer care. The aim of this overview is to describe how psychosocial support in breast cancer is incorporated in cancer-related policy documents, such as national cancer plans and breast cancer care certification schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estimated natural background levels (NBLs) are needed to assess groundwater chemical status according to the EU Groundwater Directive. They are commonly derived for different substances by applying statistical methodologies. Due to the complexity of the sea water intrusion process, some of those methods do not always provide appropriate assessment of chloride NBLs. This paper analyzes the applicability of different NBL estimation methods in five EU coastal aquifers with significant differences in available datasets and hydrogeological settings. A sensitivity analysis of results to different constraints was performed to remove samples with anthropogenic impacts. A novel statistical approach combining different methods to identify the range of chloride NBLs is proposed. In all pilots the estimated NBLs were below 85 mg/L and fitted well with previous studies and expert judgment, except Campina del Faro aquifer (the maximum being 167.5 mg/L). Although this approach is more time consuming, it provides a more robust solution. • Natural background levels (NBL) is used for assessing groundwater chemical status. • Estimating Cl-NBL is difficult due to the complexity of sea water intrusion process. • Existing statistical approaches & hypothesis to assess Cl- NBL are not always valid. • A novel statistical approach to identify range of Cl- NBL is proposed and tested. • The solution provides more robust results in coastal aquifers across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Imposition of lockdown has reduced aerosols and land surface temperature by 1–2 °C over Europe and North America. • Reduced LST during the lockdown was corroborated with the negative anomaly of air temperature at selected ground stations. • A large drop in LST was found in urban areas (by ∼1–2 °C) compared to rural landscapes. • The lockdown has temporary implications in minimizing the UHI effect over selected cities. The outbreak of SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) has posed a serious threat to human beings, society, and economic activities all over the world. Worldwide rigorous containment measures for limiting the spread of the virus have several beneficial environmental implications due to decreased anthropogenic emissions and air pollutants, which provide a unique opportunity to understand and quantify the human impact on atmospheric environment. In the present study, the associated changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST), aerosol, and atmospheric water vapor content were investigated over highly COVID-19 impacted areas, namely, Europe and North America. The key findings revealed a large-scale negative standardized LST anomaly during nighttime across Europe (–0.11 °C to –2.6 °C), USA (–0.70 °C) and Canada (–0.27 °C) in March–May of the pandemic year 2020 compared to the mean of 2015–2019, which can be partly ascribed to the lockdown effect. The reduced LST was corroborated with the negative anomaly of air temperature measured at meteorological stations (i.e. –0.46 °C to –0.96 °C). A larger decrease in nighttime LST was also seen in urban areas (by ∼1–2 °C) compared to rural landscapes, which suggests a weakness of the urban heat island effect during the lockdown period due to large decrease in absorbing aerosols and air pollutants. On the contrary, daytime LST increased over most parts of Europe due to less attenuation of solar radiation by atmospheric aerosols. Synoptic meteorological variability and several surface-related factors may mask these changes and significantly affect the variations in LST, aerosols and water vapor content. The changes in LST may be a temporary phenomenon during the lockdown but provides an excellent opportunity to investigate the effects of various forcing controlling factors in urban microclimate and a strong evidence base for potential environmental benefits through urban planning and policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emission from road traffic has become the most important source of local air pollution in numerous European cities. Epidemiological research community has established consistent associations between traffic-related substances and various health outcomes. Nevertheless, the vast majority of urban areas are characterised by infrastructure''s absence to routinely monitor chemical health stressors, such as ethylbenzene. This paper aims at developing and presenting a tractable approach to reliably – and inexpensively – predict ethylbenzene trends in EU urban environments. The establishment of empirical relationships between rarely monitored pollutants such as ethylbenzene and more frequently or usually monitored, such as benzene and CO respectively, may cover the infrastructure's absence and support decision-making. Multiple regression analysis is adopted and the resulting statistical associations are applied to EU cities with available data for validation purposes. The results demonstrate that this approach is capable of capturing ethylbenzene concentration trends and should be considered as complementary to air quality monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The emergence of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) has been recognised with many initiatives during the last 20 years. In Europe, the “ITS Action Plan” identifies a number of applications as key elements contributing to the efficient co-ordination of the overall transport chain. The context and experience surrounding the recent widespread development of technological tools and ICT platforms to support the emergence of ITS are notable for the way in which they permeate the transport and logistics chain. But a key question remains: to what extent is the public transport sector able to exploit the wider benefits of ITS? This paper provides a comparative analysis of ITS policy between Europe and Australia. With a focus on the applications and methods adopted in the use of ITS in the public transport sector in Australia the paper critiques their effectiveness in enhancing passenger experience, operator effectiveness and the likely effect on patronage. The relatively low incidence of the use of ITS in the public transport system in Australia, as compared to Europe, is discussed in the context of technology trends/pathways and impediments to deployment in the public transport sector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we highlight several instances in which there is potential for novel utilization in the near future of relatively recently licenced vaccines, vaccines approaching licensure or vaccines already in established use. Specifically we discuss the potential for universal seasonal influenza immunization and the arrival of live attenuated intranasal vaccine which was licenced for use in children aged 2–17 years in Europe in 2010, the potential use of live oral rotavirus vaccines for infants, two of which have been available in Europe since 2006, pertussis, which despite availability and widespread use throughout Europe of acellular vaccines for many years is causing, if anything, worsening problems in many countries so that novel strategies and solutions are needed and finally endemic meningococcal disease, for which in Europe, conjugate group C vaccines have been in use for 10 years but may now require revised schedules. Novel protein-based vaccines designed to prevent much of this disease caused by the main remaining European serogroup, namely B, are expected to be licenced and available for use imminently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Waders breeding on lowland wet grassland have undergone dramatic declines across Europe in recent decades. Few species now achieve the levels of breeding success required for population stability and recovery, with predation from large mammals acting as a key compounding factor limiting nest survival and productivity. Predator management through lethal control is often controversial, yet alternative non-lethal methods are little tested in the context of grassland breeding waders. Excluding predators through the use of electric fences has led to improvements in nest and chick survival in other habitats. To test the applicability of this method to lowland wet grassland we constructed predator-exclusion fences on sites across the UK and, with Lapwing Vanellus vanellus as a study species, used historical and contemporary data to test whether excluding large mammalian predators leads to an increase in wader nest survival and productivity, and whether effects differ between fence designs. Lapwing nest survival was significantly higher in the presence of any type of predator-exclusion fence, with significantly fewer nests predated each day. Overall productivity also improved, with significantly higher numbers of chicks fledged per pair in years when fences were operational. Different designs and methods of powering fences resulted in different levels of success, with combination design fences and those powered by mains electricity performing best. Excluding large mammalian predators from areas of lowland wet grassland with predator-exclusion fencing successfully improves Lapwing nest survival and productivity, allowing breeding success to exceed the levels required for population recovery. Other wader species breeding in the same habitat are also likely to benefit from the increased protection from predation provided by fences. Predator-exclusion fencing is therefore an effective management tool for protecting restricted and declining populations of breeding waders on lowland wet grassland. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Land abandonment and the cessation of traditional management practices is favouring scrubland and forest expansion throughout Europe, reducing the extent of many semi-natural open habitats of a high ecological value. Tree encroachment is threatening several Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull heathlands. The objective of this study was to analyze vegetation dynamics resulting from an experiment designed to test management options aiming at controlling the encroachment of Populus tremula (aspen) and favouring heathland recovery. The research was conducted at Vauda Heath, North-western Italy, from 2005 till 2009. We studied prescribed burning and goat browsing, both alone or in combination, assessing their effects on structure and density of encroaching trees, as well as on heathland main species, C. vulgaris and Molinia arundinacea. Treatments were applied to 42 experimental units (300–650m2 each), with each treatment combination replicated from six to twelve times (including untreated controls). Prescribed burning and browsing showed complementary effects on post-fire vegetation development. Both back and head fire behaviors were effective in inducing stem mortality of aspen and rejuvenating the heathland, but in the absence of measures to control post-fire suckering, aspen tended to recover the pre-treatment stand structure. A higher fire frequency (annual winter fire) controlled tree encroachment, but hindered Calluna recovery, whilst favouring competing grass species. Goat browsing alone was initially able to reduce tree growth and slow down woodland expansion, until aspen individuals reached an escape size of 1.5m in height. Prescribed burning followed by yearly goat browsing effectively contained tree encroachment while maximizing post-fire heathland regeneration. This integrated approach thus proved its efficacy also at the southern limits of Calluna distributional area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This is the third of a series of articles targeted at biomedical physicists providing educational services to other healthcare professions, whether in a university faculty of medicine/health sciences or otherwise (e.g., faculty of science, hospital-based medical physics department). The first paper identified the past and present role of the biomedical physicist in the education of the healthcare professions and highlighted issues of concern. The second paper reported the results of a comprehensive SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) audit of that role. In this paper we present a strategy for the development of the role based on the outcomes of the SWOT audit. The research methods adopted focus on the importance of strategic planning at all levels in the provision of educational services. The analytical process used in the study was a pragmatic blend of the various theoretical frameworks described in the literature on strategic planning research as adapted for use in academic role development. Important results included identification of the core competences of the biomedical physicist in this context; specification of benchmarking schemes based on experiences of other biomedical disciplines; formulation of detailed mission and vision statements; gap analysis for the role. The paper concludes with a set of strategies and specific actions for gap reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Marine plastic debris is a global issue, which highlights the need for internationally standardized methods of monitoring plastic pollution. The stomach contents of beached northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) have proven a cost-effective biomonitor in Europe. However, recent information on northern fulmar plastic ingestion is lacking in the North Pacific. We quantified the stomach contents of 67 fulmars from beaches in the eastern North Pacific in 2009–2010 and found that 92.5% of fulmars had ingested an average of 36.8 pieces, or 0.385g of plastic. Plastic ingestion in these fulmars is among the highest recorded globally. Compared to earlier studies in the North Pacific, our findings indicate an increase in plastic ingestion over the past 40years. This study substantiates the use of northern fulmar as biomonitors of plastic pollution in the North Pacific and suggests that the high levels of plastic pollution in this region warrant further monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ecologically and socio-economically important marine ecosystems of Europe are facing severe threats from a variety of human impacts. To mitigate and potentially reverse some of these impacts, the European Union (EU) has mandated the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in order to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in EU waters by 2020. The primary initiative for achieving GES is the implementation of coherent networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). Marine reserves are an important type of MPA in which no extraction is allowed, but their usefulness depends upon a number of ecological, management, and political factors. This paper provides a synthesis of the ecological effects of existing European marine reserves and the factors (social and ecological) underlying their effectiveness. Results show that existing European marine reserves foster significant positive increases in key biological variables (density, biomass, body size, and species richness) compared with areas receiving less protection, a pattern mirrored by marine reserves around the globe. For marine reserves to achieve their ecological and social goals, however, they must be designed, managed, and enforced properly. In addition, identifying whether protected areas are ecologically connected as a network, as well as where new MPAs should be established according to the MSFD, requires information on the connectivity of populations across large areas. The adoption of the MSFD demonstrates willingness to achieve the long-term protection of Europe''s marine ecosystems, but whether the political will (local, regional, and continent wide) is strong enough to see its mandates through remains to be seen. Although the MSFD does not explicitly require marine reserves, an important step towards the protection of Europe''s marine ecosystems is the establishment of marine reserves within wider-use MPAs as connected networks across large spatial scales. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aims: The EURECCA (European Registration of Cancer Care) consortium is currently formed by nine independently founded national colorectal audit registrations, of which most already run for many years. The cumulative experience of EURECCA’s participants could be used to identify a ‘core dataset’ that covers all important aspects needed for high quality auditing and at the same time lacking needless data items that only consumes administrative effort. The aim of this study is to compare the data items used by the nine registries participating in EURECCA to identify a core dataset and explore options for future research. Methods: All colorectal outcome registrations participating in the EURECCA project were asked to supply a list with all the data items they score. Items were scored ‘present’ if they appeared literally in a registration or in case they could be calculated using other items in the same registration. The definition of a ‘shared data item’ was that at least eight of the nine participating registries scored the item. Results: The number of registered data items varied between 254 (Belgium) and 83 (Norway). Among the 45 variables were patient data, data about preoperative staging, surgical treatment, pre- or postoperative radio- and/or chemotherapy, and follow-up. Items about tumour recurrence or quality of life were scored too little to become shared data items. Conclusions: A total of 45 items were collected by 8 or more of the participating registries and subsequently met the criteria for a shared data item. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Psoriasis is a genetically determined, almost worldwide-distributed inflammatory skin disease with overall higher prevalence among people of northern European ancestry. Since enhanced innate immunity is an important feature of the pathophysiology of this disease, it has been proposed that differences in the prevalence of psoriasis in different populations mainly result from differences in natural selection for gene polymorphisms associated with more vigorous immunity against infectious agents. However the infectious agent(s) that could have acted upon human population as selection pressure for psoriasis is still obscure. Based on the remarkable clinical observation that psoriasis and leprosy are almost mutually exclusive, a fact that is further supported by divergent HLA patterns in patients with psoriasis and leprosy we propose that “resisting leprosy” may have been the evolutionary advantage that favoured the expansion of some psoriasis-associated genotypes especially in the progenitors of modern Europeans. Moreover, we suggest that the spreading out of a certain genetic resistance trait may offer a supplementary explanation for the better understanding of the relatively rapid decline of leprosy in the late medieval epoch in Europe. Both genetic and paleoepidemiologic methods could be employed in order to challenge the present hypothesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Trapezial-metacarpal (TM) joint surfaces appear to be shallower in Asian than in white postmortem specimens, and the frequency of TM osteoarthritis seems to be substantially lower in Asian TM joints. This study tested the hypothesis that there are significant differences among human populations in TM joint surface curvature and that populations of Asian descent have less curvature than those of recent European descent. Methods: The sample included trapeziums and first metacarpals from skeletons of 80 individuals of recent European and Asian descent and from skeletons of 34 African and 9 Australian aboriginal individuals. We scanned the surfaces using a laser digitizer to generate 3-dimensional models of each articular surface. We calculated dorsovolar, radioulnar, and root mean square curvatures by fitting modeled quadric surfaces to the TM joint surfaces. We tested pairwise comparisons of mean curvatures between populations for statistical significance using a standard resampling method (ie, bootstrapping). We also made pairwise comparisons of mean curvatures between males and females for a combined African and European sample. Results: Mean dorsovolar metacarpal curvature was significantly higher in the European sample than in the Asian, African, and Australian samples. Mean root mean square curvature of the trapezial surface was significantly higher in the European sample than in the Asian sample. The European sample had the highest root mean square and dorsovolar trapezial curvatures of all the populations. We found no significant differences between male and female specimens. Conclusions: A tendency toward higher mean dorsovolar curvature of both the metacarpal and trapezial surface in the European sample may help to explain the higher frequency of TM osteoarthritis reported in Europeans. Clinical relevance: The greater TM curvatures affect basal thumb joint mechanics in thumb opposition and therefore may be a factor in the development of osteoarthritis at this joint in Europeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change is thought to assist spreading vector-borne diseases. During the last years, ecological niche modelling has been increasingly applied to predict the current distribution of disease vectors and their potential responses to climate change. However, sandflies and their transmitted diseases are only scarcely investigated via niche modelling. Here, we propose a methodological approach to combine specific dispersal pathways for a sandfly species (Phlebotomus perniciosus) with the shifting climatic niche in the face of climate change. Current climatic suitability for the species was determined. Future projection is based on data of a regional climate change model. We defined a cost-surface assigned by the changing climatic suitability and expert knowledge on species dispersal ability. The derived travel costs correspond to the effort for the species to move across the landscape to climatically suitable habitats. In future steps, least-cost paths will be calculated for this and further sandfly species with assumed spreading tendencies to Central Europe in the 21st century. Challenges are the integration of wind speed and biotic interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The FLASH project was implemented from 2006 to 2010 under the EU FP6 framework. The project focused on using lightning observations to better understand and predict convective storms that result in flash floods. As part of the project 23 case studies of flash floods in the Mediterranean region were examined. For the analysis of these storms lightning data from the ZEUS network were used together with satellite derived rainfall estimates in order to understand the storm development and electrification. In addition, these case studies were simulated using mesoscale meteorological models to better understand the meteorological and synoptic conditions leading up to these intense storms. As part of this project tools for short term predictions (nowcasts) of intense convection across the Mediterranean and Europe, and long term forecasts (a few days) of the likelihood of intense convection were developed. The project also focused on educational outreach through our website http://flashproject.org supplying real time lightning observations, real time experimental nowcasts, forecasts and educational materials. While flash floods and intense thunderstorms cannot be prevented as the climate changes, long-range regional lightning networks can supply valuable data, in real time, for warning end-users and stakeholders of imminent intense rainfall and possible flash floods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The management of flash flood hazards and risks is a critical component of public safety and quality of life. Flash-floods develop at space and time scales that conventional observation systems are not able to monitor for rainfall and river discharge. Consequently, the atmospheric and hydrological generating mechanisms of flash-floods are poorly understood, leading to highly uncertain forecasts of these events. The objective of the HYDRATE project has been to improve the scientific basis of flash flood forecasting by advancing and harmonising a European-wide innovative flash flood observation strategy and developing a coherent set of technologies and tools for effective early warning systems. To this end, the project included actions on the organization of the existing flash flood data patrimony across Europe. The final aim of HYDRATE was to enhance the capability of flash flood forecasting in ungauged basins by exploiting the extended availability of flash flood data and the improved process understanding. This paper provides a review of the work conducted in HYDRATE with a special emphasis on how this body of research can contribute to guide the policy-life cycle concerning flash flood risk management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) has failed to deliver on social, economic and ecological goals. This failure is in part the result of a number of social–ecological feedback mechanisms. The policy is currently undergoing reform, with unknown practical outcomes. Here, relatively successful fisheries policies outside the European Union are reviewed. Through interviews and workshops with scientists, managers and other stakeholders, complemented with literature reviews, practices that can create incentives for long-term sustainability are investigated. The focus is on how the provision of clear and trusted scientific evidence can stimulate defensible decisions, in turn creating incentives for compliance, leading to positive social–ecological outcomes. Despite differences between Europe and the investigated case studies, the prospects of an increased regionalization within the European CFP provides the best starting point for implementing best practice identified in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fuels to be used in Accelerator Driven Systems dedicated to Minor Actinides transmutation can be described as highly innovative in comparison with those used in critical cores. Indeed, ADS fuels are not fertile, so as to improve the transmutation performance and they contain high volumetric concentrations (∼50%) of minor actinides and plutonium compounds. This unusual fuel composition results in high gamma and neutron emissions during its fabrication, as well as degraded performances under irradiation. Ceramic-Ceramic and Ceramic Metallic composite fuels consisting of particles of (Pu,MA)O2 phases dispersed in a magnesia or molybdenum matrix were investigated within the European Research programme for Transmutation, as driver fuels for a prospective 400MWth transmuter: the European Facility for Industrial Transmutation. Fuel performances and safety of preliminary core designs were evaluated to support the project. Out-of-pile as well as in-pile experiments were carried out to gain essential knowledge on properties and behaviour under irradiation of these types of fuel. This paper gives an overview of experimental results within the project. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Journal of Medical Mycology / Journal de Mycologie Médicale is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Although biomedical physicists provide educational services to the healthcare professions in the majority of universities in Europe, their precise role with respect to the education of the healthcare professions has not been studied systematically. To address this issue we are conducting a research project to produce a strategic development model for the role using the well-established SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) methodology. SWOT based strategic planning is a two-step process: one first carries out a SWOT position audit and then uses the identified SWOT themes to construct the strategic development model. This paper reports the results of a SWOT audit for the role of the biomedical physicist in the education of the healthcare professions in Europe. Internal Strengths and Weaknesses of the role were identified through a qualitative survey of biomedical physics departments and biomedical physics curricula delivered to healthcare professionals across Europe. External environmental Opportunities and Threats were identified through a systematic survey of the healthcare, healthcare professional education and higher education literature and categorized under standard PEST (Political, Economic, Social-Psychological, Technological-Scientific) categories. The paper includes an appendix of terminology. Defined terms are marked with an asterisk in the text. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Transport of pesticides from point of application via sub-surface drains can contribute significantly to contamination of surface waters. Results of 23 field drainage experiments undertaken at sites across Europe were collated and analysed by residual maximum likelihood. Both maximum concentration of pesticide in drainflow (n = 167) and seasonal loss of pesticide to drains (n = 97) were significantly related to strength of pesticide sorption to soil, half-life of the pesticide in soil, the interval between application and first drainflow and the clay content of the soil. The statistical models accounted for 71% of the variability in both maximum concentration and seasonal load. Next, the dataset was used to evaluate the current methodology for assessment of aquatic exposure used in pesticide registration in Europe. Simulations for seven compounds with contrasting properties showed a good correspondence with field measurements. Finally, the review examines management approaches to reduce pesticide transport via sub-surface drains. Despite a large amount of work in this area, there are few dependable mitigation options other than to change application rate or timing or to restrict use of a compound in the most vulnerable situations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, we present estimated ranges in carbon (C) sequestration per kg nitrogen (N) addition in above-ground biomass and in soil organic matter for forests and heathlands, based on: (i) empirical relations between spatial patterns of carbon uptake and influencing environmental factors including nitrogen deposition (forests only), (ii) 15N field experiments, (iii) long-term low-dose N fertilizer experiments and (iv) results from ecosystem models. The results of the various studies are in close agreement and show that above-ground accumulation of carbon in forests is generally within the range 15–40kgC/kgN. For heathlands, a range of 5–15kgC/kgN has been observed based on low-dose N fertilizer experiments. The uncertainty in C sequestration per kgN addition in soils is larger than for above-ground biomass and varies on average between 5 and 35kgC/kgN for both forests and heathlands. All together these data indicate a total carbon sequestration range of 5–75kgC/kgN deposition for forest and heathlands, with a most common range of 20–40kgC/kgN. Results cannot be extrapolated to systems with very high N inputs, nor to other ecosystems, such as peatlands, where the impact of N is much more variable, and may range from C sequestration to C losses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Pratique Medicale et Chirurgicale de l'Animal de Compagnie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: The European Society for Vascular Surgery brought together a group of experts in the field of carotid artery disease to produce updated guidelines for the invasive treatment of carotid disease. The recommendations were rated according to the level of evidence. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is recommended in symptomatic patients with >50% stenosis if the perioperative stroke/death rate is <6% [A], preferably within 2 weeks of the patient''s last symptoms [A]. CEA is also recommended in asymptomatic men <75 years old with 70–99% stenosis if the perioperative stroke/death risk is <3% [A]. The benefit from CEA in asymptomatic women is significantly less than in men [A]. CEA should therefore be considered only in younger, fit women [A]. Carotid patch angioplasty is preferable to primary closure [A]. Aspirin at a dose of 75–325 mg daily and statins should be given before, during and following CEA. [A] Carotid artery stenting (CAS) should be performed only in high-risk for CEA patients, in high-volume centres with documented low peri-operative stroke and death rates or inside a randomized controlled trial [C]. CAS should be performed under dual antiplatelet treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel [A]. Carotid protection devices are probably of benefit [C]. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As part of the sixth European framework project on enhanced capture of CO2 (ENCAP), several novel power generation cycles with CO2 pre-capture methods are identified and the promising technologies are selected for a techno-economic assessment. For this analysis, the chemical process simulation package ECLIPSE is utilised. Following a detailed mass and energy balance calculation, the economic assessments of the Semi-close Oxygen Combustion (SCOC), Water Cycle and Graz as well as S-Graz Cycles is performed in reference to year 2004. The total capital cost estimation of the studied cycles is implemented in a bottom-up approach. Subsequently, the breakeven electricity selling price (BESP) is determined according to the net present value. Through the modification of parameters such as fuel price or capacity factor, the sensitivity analysis is carried out to assess the effect of endogenous or exogenous changes on the economic viability of the cycles. Among the systems, the S-Graz Cycle is the most cost intensive process. Yet, due to its high plant efficiency, it delivers the lowest electricity price and the lowest CO2-avoidance costs. The Water Cycle is the least capital intensive technology in this study. Due to its poorer plant efficiency however, the economics of this cycle scored third on the list. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]