An environmental assessment of risk in achieving good environmental status to support regional prioritisation of management in Europe

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in Europe's Seas. The requirement for regional sea authorities to identify and prioritise issues for management has meant that standardized methods to assess the current level of departure from GES are needed. The methodology presented here provides a means by which existing information describing the status of ecosystem components of a regional sea can be used to determine the effort required to achieve GES. A risk assessment framework was developed to score departure from GES for 10 out of the 11 GES descriptors, based on proposed definitions of 'good' status, and current knowledge of environmental status in each of the four regional seas (North-East Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea and Black Sea). This provides an approach for regional evaluation of environmental issues and national prioritisation of conservation objectives. Departure from GES definitions is described as 'high', 'moderate' or low' and the implications for management options and national policy decisions are discussed. While the criteria used in this study were developed specifically for application toward MSFD objectives, with modification the approach could be applied to evaluate other high-level social, economic or environmental objectives. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

An exposure-effect approach for evaluating ecosystem-wide risks from human activities

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) is promoted as the solution for sustainable use. An ecosystem-wide assessment methodology is therefore required. In this paper, we present an approach to assess the risk to ecosystem components from human activities common to marine and coastal ecosystems. We build on: (i) a linkage framework that describes how human activities can impact the ecosystem through pressures, and (ii) a qualitative expert judgement assessment of impact chains describing the exposure and sensitivity of ecological components to those activities. Using case study examples applied at European regional sea scale, we evaluate the risk of an adverse ecological impact from current human activities to a suite of ecological components and, once impacted, the time required for recovery to pre-impact conditions should those activities subside. Grouping impact chains by sectors, pressure type, or ecological components enabled impact risks and recovery times to be identified, supporting resource managers in their efforts to prioritize threats for management, identify most at-risk components, and generate time frames for ecosystem recovery

Using ecological models to assess ecosystem status in support of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive

© 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. The European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) seeks to achieve, for all European seas, "Good Environmental Status" (GEnS), by 2020. Ecological models are currently one of the strongest approaches used to predicting and understanding the consequences of anthropogenic and climate-driven changes in the natural environment. We assess the most commonly used capabilities of the modelling community to provide information about indicators outlined in the MSFD, particularly on biodiversity, food webs, non-indigenous species and seafloor integrity descriptors. We built a catalogue of models and their derived indicators to assess which models were able to demonstrate: (1) the linkages between indicators and ecosystem structure and function and (2) the impact of pressures on ecosystem state through indicators. Our survey identified 44 ecological models being implemented in Europe, with a high prevalence of those that focus on links between hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry, followed by end-to-end, species distribution/habitat suitability, bio-opt ical (remote sensing) and multispecies models. Approximately 200 indicators could be derived from these models, the majority of which were biomass and physical/hydrological/chemical indicators. Biodiversity and food webs descriptors, with ∼49% and ∼43% respectively, were better addressed in the reviewed modelling approaches than the non-indigenous species (0.3%) and sea floor integrity (∼8%) descriptors. Out of 12 criteria and 21 MSFD indicators relevant to the abovementioned descriptors, currently only three indicators were not addressed by the 44 models reviewed. Modelling approaches showed also the potential to inform on the complex, integrative ecosystem dimensions while addressing ecosystem fundamental properties, such as interactions between structural components and ecosystems services provided, despite the fact that they are not part of the MSFD indicators set. The cataloguing of models and their derived indicators presented in this study, aim at helping the planning and integration of policies like the MSFD which require the assessment of all European Seas in relation to their ecosystem status and pressures associated and the establishment of environmental targets (through the use of indicators) to achieve GEnS by 2020

Report on identification of keystone species and processes across regional seas. DEVOTES FP7 Project

WP6, Deliverable 6.1, DEVOTES ProjectIn managing for marine biodiversity, it is worth recognising that, whilst every species contributes to biodiversity, each contribution is not of equal importance. Some have important effects and interactions, both primary and secondary, on other components in the community and therefore by their presence or absence directly affect the biodiversity of the community as a whole. Keystone species have been defined as species that have a disproportionate effect on their environment relative to their abundance. As such, keystone species might be of particular relevance for the marine biodiversity characterisation within the assessment of Good Environmental Status (GEnS), for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).The DEVOTES Keystone Catalogue and associated deliverable document is a review of potential keystone species of the different European marine habitats. The catalogue has 844 individual entries, which includes 210 distinct species and 19 groups classified by major habitat in the Baltic Sea, North East Atlantic, Mediterranean, Black Sea (EU Regional Seas) and Norwegian Sea (Non-­‐EU Sea). The catalogue and the report make use/cite 164 and 204 sources respectively. The keystones in the catalogue are indicated by models, by use as indicators, by published work (e.g. on traits and interactions with other species), and by expert opinion based on understanding of systems and roles of species/groups. A total of 74 species were considered to act as keystone predators, 79 as keystone engineers, 66 as keystone habitat forming species, while a few were thought of having multiple roles in their marine ecosystems. Benthic invertebrates accounted for 50% of the reported keystone species/groups, while macroalgae contributed 17% and fish12%. Angiosperms were consistently put forward as keystone habitat forming and engineering species in all areas. A significant number of keystones were invasive alien species.Only one keystone, the bivalve Mya arenaria, was common to all four EU regional seas. The Mediterranean Sea had the largest number of potential keystones (56% of the entries) with the least in the Norwegian Sea. There were very few keystones in deep waters (Bathyal-­‐Abyssal, 200+ m), with most reported in sublittoral shallow and shelf seabeds or for pelagic species in marine waters with few in reduced/variable salinity waters. The gaps in coverage and expertise in the catalogue are analysed at the habitat and sea level, within the MSFD biodiversity component groups and in light of knowledge and outputs from ecosystem models (Ecopath with Ecosim).The understanding of keystones is discussed as to when a species may be a dominant or keystone with respect to the definition term concerning ‘disproportionate abundance’, how important are the ‘disproportionate effects’ in relation to habitat formers and engineers, what separates a key predator and key prey for mid-­‐trophic range species and how context dependency makes a species a keystone. Keystone alien invasive species are reviewed and the use of keystone species model outputs investigated. In the penultimate sections of the review the current level of protection on keystone species and the possibilities for a keystone operational metric and their use in management and in GEnS assessments for the MSFD are discussed. The final section highlights the one keystone species and its interactions not covered in the catalogue but with the greatest impact on almost all marine ecosystems, Homo sapiens

Design of Slag Cement, Activated by Na (K) Salts of Strong Acids, for Concrete Reinforced with Steel Fittings

This paper proposes a technique to prevent the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete based on slag cement (SC) activated by Na(K) salts of strong acids (SSA) in the composition of by-pass cement kiln dust (BP). The technique implies using additional modifiers in the form of the Portland cement CEM I 42,5 R and the calcium-aluminate admixture (CAA) С3А∙6H2O.It is shown that adding the Portland cement contributes to enhancing the intensifying influence of BP on the SC hydration, accompanied by an increase in the strength of artificial stone. This effect is predetermined by the formation of hydrosilicates in hydration products with an increased crystallization degree in the form of CSH(I) and C2SH(A).Modifying SC with CAA ensures the intensive formation of low-soluble AFm phases in the composition of hydration products, aimed at reliable binding the SSA anions (Cl-, SO42-) that are aggressive to steel reinforcement.The study result has established the possibility to produce SC, activated by SSA, when using BP, the Portland cement, and CAA. Mathematical methods to plan the experiment were applied to produce an SC composition of "granulated blast furnace slag – BP – Portland cement – CAA", characterized by a strength class of 42.5 and a molar ratio of Cl-/OH- in a porous solution not exceeding 0.6. The resulting properties predetermine the feasibility of using SC in steel-reinforced concrete.The relevance of this work is due to the modern trends in the development of the construction industry. The introduction of cement that contains mineral additives, in particular granulated blast furnace slag, contributes to improving the environment by reducing СО2 emission. The use of such cement as a base of steel-reinforced concrete ensures the increase in their functionality and durabilit

Influence of the Ratio of Oxides and Temperature on the Structure Formation of Alkaline Hydro-aluminosilicates

In the course of optimization of compositions of alkaline hydro-aluminosilicates of general structural formula – (0,7÷1Na2O+0÷0,3K2O)·Al2O3·(2÷7)SiO2·nH2O, it is established that the phase composition of artificial stone depends more on the ratio of basic oxides; the temperature of hardening in the range of 20÷80 °С increases the speed of structure formation of zeolite-like phases.A determining factor of influence on the type of hydrated new formations is the ratio of SiO2/Al2O3; its increase leads to the creation of zeolite-like phases with high content of silica in its composition. At hardening of alkaline hydro-aluminosilicate of the given structural forms under standard conditions of hardening, providing for a high degree of crystallinity of structure, optimal is the ratio SiO2/Al2O3=4÷5.Introduction of potassium ions into the composition of hydro-aluminosilicate contributes to obtaining potassium and sodium–potassium zeolite–like new formations and to increasing the degree of crystallinity of the indicated phases. To accelerate the structure formation of alkaline hydro-aluminosilicate under standard conditions of hardening, it is necessary to introduce potassium oxide at K2O/R2O=0,15÷0,3.With an increase in the temperature of hardening of alkaline hydro-aluminosilicate from 20 to 80 °, the phase composition of artificial stone remains practically unchanged; however, this leads to an increase in the velocity of structure formation and the degree of crystallinity of artificial stone.As a result of optimization, we determined optimum structural formula of hydro-aluminosilicate (0,8Na2O+0,2K2O)·Al2O3·4,5SiO2·nH2O, which makes it possible under standard conditions of hardening to obtain water-resistant artificial stone by the synthesis in the composition of hydrated new formations of zeolite-like minerals of the type of zeolite Na–A; sodium and potassium heulandite, as well as sodium potassium phillipsite

Influence of the CaO-containing Modifiers on the Properties of Alkaline Alyumosilicate Binders

The basis for ensuring the resistance of artificial stone based on alkaline aluminosilicate binders to variable environmental conditions is the formation of zeolite- and mica-like hydrate neo-formations.It is possible to control the structure forming processes and, as a result, the operational properties of alkaline hydro aluminum silicates using the variation of the ratio of basic oxides of the binder, dispersiveness of particles and hardening conditions. It was noted that in order to obtain high operational characteristics of a stone based on alkali aluminosilicate binders, there is a need for elevated temperature of their hardening.The research shows that it is possible to ensure water resistance of artificial stone at hardening under normal conditions at the expense of the modification of the binder by Ca-containing additives.The influence of CaO-containing modifiers of different phase composition on physical and mechanical properties of artificial stone based on alkali aluminosilicate binders was explored. Ensuring water resistance of artificial stone at its hardening under conditions of normal temperatures was proved by experimental research and its phase composition was studied. The kind and the optimal amount of CaO-containing modifiers to provide for operational properties of artificial stone were determined. The use of CaO-containing modifiers of alkaline aluminosilicate binders ensures the acceleration of their structure formation and contributes to an increase in water resistance and strength under normal conditions.The influence of CaO-containing modifiers of various morphological type on physical and mechanical properties of artificial stone based on alkaline aluminosilicate binders was studied. It was established that on day 28of hardening at ambient temperature of 20±2 °С regardless of the type of introduction of Ca-containing modifiers, artificial stone is characterized by strength at compression from 14.2 to 42.8 MPa with a coefficient of water resistance from 0.81 to 1.05 due to the formation in combustion products of the mixture of high- and low-base calcium hydro silicates and zeolite-like neo-formations of the hybrid type – calcium-sodium hydroaluminosilicates with an insignificant content of Na- and K-heulandite. It was shown that water resistance of artificial stone in the early periods of hardening at ambient temperature of 20±2 °С is ensured due to the formation in hydration products of the binder of high- and low-base calcium hydro silicates, formed due to hydration of Portland cement, ground slag and slaked lime. It is possible to accelerate the kinetics of strength gaining with ensuring the water resistance of artificial stone using liquid glass with silicate module of 2.0–2.6 and lime content in the amount of 2.0–3.0 % percent of the weight of alkaline aluminosilicate binder as an alkaline component. It was noted that hydraulic activity of Ca-containing modifiers decreases in the series Slag>Са(ОН)2>СаСО3>Portland cement>Alumina cemen

Pathological characteristics of low risk prostate cancer based on totally embedded prostatectomy specimens

Background Surveillance and focal therapy are increasingly considered for low risk prostate cancer (PC). We describe pathological characteristics of low risk PC at radical prostatectomy in contemporary patients. Methods Five‐hundred‐fifty‐two men from 2008 to 2012 with low risk (stage T1c/T2a, PSA ≤ 10 ng/ml, Gleason score ≤6) PC underwent radical prostatectomy. Slides were re‐reviewed to grade and stage the tumor, map separate tumor nodules, and calculate their volumes. Results Ninety‐three (16.9%) men had prostatectomy Gleason score 3 + 4 = 7 or higher and were excluded. Five (0.9%) men had no residual carcinoma. Remaining 454 patients composed the study cohort. The median age was 57 years (36–73) and median PSA 4.4 ng/ml (0.4–9.9). Racial distribution was 77.5% Caucasian, 15.5% African American, and 7% other. The median total tumor volume was 0.38 cm3 (0.003–7.22). Seventy percent of the patients had bilateral tumor and 34% had a tumor nodule >0.5 cm3. The index lesion represented 89% (median) of the total tumor volume. Extraprostatic extension and positive margin were present in 5.7% and 9% of cases, respectively. The tumor nodules measuring >0.5 cm3 were located almost equally between the anterior (53%) and peripheral (47%) gland. The relationship between PSA and total tumor volume was weak (r = 0.13, P = 0.005). The relationship between PSA density and total tumor volume was slightly better (r = 0.26, P < 0.001). Conclusions Low risk prostate cancer is generally a low volume disease. Gleason score upgrade is seen in 16.9% of cases at radical prostatectomy. While the index lesion accounts for the bulk of the disease, the cancer is usually multifocal and bilateral. Neither PSA nor PSA density correlates well with the total tumor volume. Prostate size has a significant contribution to PSA level. These factors need to be considered in treatment planning for low risk prostate cancer. Prostate 75:424–429, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc