Engaging Stakeholders to Solve Complex Environmental Problems Using the Example of Micropollutants

Current and future challenges such as the climate crisis, demographic change and achieving the objectives of the Water Framework Directive require holistic and precautionary approaches within the framework of national and supranational strategies. Specific measures and projects resulting from these strategic activities are required to successfully meet the challenges. In 2016, the German Environment Agency (UBA) and the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) commissioned the process for the development of the Federal Government’s micropollutants strategy, which was later named the Trace Substance Strategy. The essential core instrument herein was a multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at giving sufficient consideration to the different interests of the various stakeholders. The goal was to develop a balanced mix of measures and to initiate implementations in order to reduce emissions of micropollutants as effectively and efficiently as possible, at the source, in their application and in the downstream areas. The various measures were tested in a pilot phase, and the activities were evaluated before being transferred into the subsequent consolidation phase. This article describes the outcomes of the stakeholder dialogue as an instrument. This is complemented by the results of a stakeholder evaluation of the process itself and the results achieved. Important outcomes of the stakeholder dialogue are a Committee for the Identification of Relevant Micropollutants and the use of roundtables as an important instrument in which the manufacturers and the users of the substances can make an important contribution to reducing emissions. To address the opportunities and necessities of additional wastewater treatment, an “orientation framework” for municipal wastewater treatment plants was also established. Additionally, the German Centre for Micropollutants (SZB) was founded to continuously organize, support and accompany the various outcomes that became relevant pillars of the German government’s Trace Substance Strategy. The evaluation has shown that new approaches and new instruments have been created within the framework of the stakeholder dialogue, which enable flexible and short-term options for action and allow for the involvement of stakeholders in a manner appropriate to the polluter-pays principle. Specific emission reductions could not be expected within the time frame of the dialogue. However, stakeholders agreed that the strategic process chosen is preferable to purely regulatory steps due to the holistic approach involving all stakeholders concerned in this complex matter. It is expected that in the future, if implemented consistently, the approach could achieve a lasting and sustainable impact on a broad scale

Düsseldorf Art Scene

Box containing book and prints by nine Düsseldorf artist: Beuys, Gerstner, Graubner, Heerich, Klapheck, Kriwet, Luther, Mack, and Palermo. A partial edition of the 150 plastic bags was later published in altered form. Book edited by Lothar Wolleh and published by Besler Verlag, Stuttgart, 1970.page, Black and white reproduction, bound into book of photographs by Lothar Wolle

Le noir dans le sculptural = Black in Sculptural Art = Het Zwart in de Beeldhouwkunst = Schwarz im Skulturalen Bereich

The authors reflect on the physical and conceptual properties of the colour black, questioning such notions as density, light, nothingness, and mystery. The etymology of the word "black" and its manifestations in 20th century art are evoked. Includes comments by most of the 24 exhibiting artists, as well as many excerpts from critical essays and artist's statements. Biographical notes. 29 bibl. ref

Luther and the Reformation as Perceived in Rome : Methods of Spiritual Reform and Sustaining Catholic Orthodoxy

akzeptierte Manuskriptversio

Primary aldosteronism is associated with decreased low-density and high-density lipoprotein particle concentrations and increased GlycA, a pro-inflammatory glycoprotein biomarker

Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) may confer increased cardiovascular risk beyond effects on systemic blood pressure, but contributing mechanisms remain incompletely understood. We compared plasma (apo)lipoproteins and lipoprotein particle characteristics, GlycA, a pro-inflammatory glycoprotein biomarker of enhanced chronic inflammation, and plasma total branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), measured using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, between patients with PA, control subjects without hypertension, subjects with untreated hypertension and subjects with treated hypertension.  Methods: Twenty PA patients were individually matched with 2819 control subjects without hypertension, 501 subjects with untreated hypertension and 878 subjects with treated hypertension participating in the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease) cohort study with respect to age, sex, body mass index, smoking and statin use. The Vantera (R) Clinical Analyzer was used to determine NMR-based laboratory parameters.  Results: Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo) B, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), LDL particle and HDL particle concentrations were all decreased in PA subjects vs control subjects and subjects with untreated hypertension (P <0.016). Triglycerides (TG) and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) concentrations were lower in PA subjects vs subjects with (untreated) hypertension. GlycA was increased in PA vs the three comparator groups (P <0.016). Total BCAA concentrations were unaltered in PA.  Conclusions: Primary aldosteronism is associated with lower concentrations of LDL and HDL particles and to some extent also with lower TG and TRL particle concentrations. PA is also characterized by increased GlycA levels, indicating enhanced low-grade chronic inflammation. Low HDL particle concentrations and increased GlycA could contribute to accelerated cardiovascular disease development in PA