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To understand how variation in warning displays evolves and is maintained, we need to understand not only how perceivers of these traits select color and toxicity but also the sources of the genetic and phenotypic variation exposed to selection by them. We studied these aspects in the wood tiger moth Arctia plantaginis, which has two locally co-occurring male color morphs in Europe: yellow and white. When threatened, both morphs produce defensive secretions from their abdomen and from thoracic glands. Abdominal fluid has shown to be more important against invertebrate predators than avian predators, and the defensive secretion of the yellow morph is more effective against ants. Here, we focused on the morph-linked reproductive costs of secretion of the abdominal fluid and quantified the proportion of phenotypic and genetic variation in it. We hypothesized that, if yellow males pay higher reproductive costs for their more effective aposematic display, the subsequent higher mating success of white males could offer one explanation for the maintenance of the polymorphism. We first found that the heritable variation in the quantity of abdominal secretion was very low (h 2 = 0.006) and the quantity of defensive secretion was not dependent on the male morph. Second, deploying the abdominal defensive secretion decreased the reproductive output of both color morphs equally. This suggests that potential costs of pigment production and chemical defense against invertebrates are not linked in A. plantaginis. Furthermore, our results indicate that environmentally induced variation in chemical defense can alter an individual's fitness significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventeen years ago the European Commission funded HEART (Line C) project released a report on rehabilitation technology service delivery, describing the processes from 16 countries and making recommendations for improvement by market stimulation and quality assurance. Service delivery of rehabilitation technology, now more commonly referred to as Assistive Technology (AT), has advanced since the 1994 report. Highlights include the establishment of the EASTIN network of AT databases, expansion of systems that facilitate user choice, and a stronger sector identity promoted through the AAATE. Policies and attitudes toward disability have also changed at a societal level over the intervening years, reflected in key documents such as the UN Standard Rules, the ICF, the UN CRPD and the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020. People with disabilities can expect to be provided with information about and access to technologies and services enabling their participation and integration in society. Yet discussion about issues including the ageing population, keeping up with technological advances and containing costs in health and social care budgets, is not new. The message is the same as it was in 1994; we need to work together to meet the challenges. The difference now is that, with progress slower than expected, the voices are more urgent. Aim: This paper reflects the advances in service delivery since the HEART study, the impact of European policy and strategy on development in the AT field, and the current challenges the sector faces. It is intended to stimulate further collaboration and improvements in European AT service delivery. Methods: National contacts from the AAATE were surveyed about the current status of AT service delivery in their respective countries, and asked to comment on the improvements since 1994 as well as the new and continuing challenges and priorities. Survey responses were analysed and recommendations made for further discussion. Results: 13 responses were received, all reporting improvements in elements of AT service delivery, differing in focus across countries. Users frequently have access to AT information but their involvement in decision-making varies. The seven essential steps and six quality criteria for service delivery from the HEART study retain relevance for most respondents, but their use in practice remains limited. The participation of AT practitioners and services in professional development and networking varies from individually organised activities to requisite programmes, and from local to international involvement. Conclusion: European countries have AT service delivery systems that vary in their structure and sophistication, but share some common challenges in meeting the needs of AT service users. Several recommendations are made to inform further discussion and encourage the various stakeholders in AT policy and practice to work collaboratively in improving service delivery across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: People with disabilities are entitled to access assistive technology (AT) to facilitate their full and effective participation in society and may reasonably expect to be central to the decision-making processes of services that provide these technologies. European projects have improved the knowledge and resources available for AT service delivery in many countries, but the outputs are not consistently implemented or published in scientific literature. This article examines European developments in AT service delivery and the barriers to its effective provision. Specifically, it analyzes the role of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health in service delivery improvement., Design: Published scientific papers, as well as reports from and descriptions of European projects related to AT service delivery, were reviewed. The publications were analyzed in relation to six criteria for AT service delivery described in an earlier, major European project. The findings and recommendations from the publications are synthesized in this article to identify advances and gaps in AT service delivery and to assess the current status and direction of AT service delivery improvement in Europe., Results: Multicountry projects have brought together AT researchers from across Europe to work together and produced promising results that are contextually relevant. Access to AT information and training of practitioners has improved, and efforts are being made to facilitate user involvement., Conclusions: More effort should be put into integrating research and resources from European projects into practice. Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model and terminology may support coordination of service delivery systems. The AT research and practice communities in Europe may be able to learn from developments in North America, while continuing to work together, sharing resources and strategies, and communicating results internationally.