Evaluation des Bereichs Forschung und Entwicklung im Bundesprogramm Ökologischer Landbau

In 2010, the BLE commissioned an evaluation of the Federal Organic Farming Scheme (BÖL), running since 2001. This paper reports on the approach taken in the evaluation of its research component, selected findings, and recommendations. An impact model of the BÖL scheme was developed to analyse how the various measures could contribute to the scheme’s overall aims and objectives. Data from the BLE research project database were analysed to assess the distribution of resources over time by topic and by research provider. At project level, a random selection of 83 projects was reviewed by external experts, including both scientists and other stakeholders to assess their quality and relevance. An online survey of 104 project leaders and interviews with 30 sector stakeholders and 12 BLE employees were carried out and the theme identification and project selection processes were analysed to evaluate whether the programme management contribute was in line with programme goals. The overall conclusions of the evaluation were then reviewed by external experts. The evaluation concludes that financed projects resulted in a compendium of easily accessible results. The research is relevant to the sector and this is one of the greatest strengths of the programme. However, the consistently high allocation of resources to crops and soil themes is noted as a weakness. A more strategic approach to the identification of research targets and to the development of impact from research outputs with appropriate measures at both programme and project level is recommended

D6.7 Report on the experience of conducting the case studies

One of the main aims of the case studies was to publish improved market reports. The data collected as part of the six case studies have been, or will shortly be, published in the five improved national organic market reports and one first regional market report (MOAN case study). This will make a contribution towards filling the many gaps that continue to exist in organic market data collection in Europe

Development of metal supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) for future energy supply

Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are considered to have a high potential for use in future energy supply. The introduction of the metallic substrate, preferentially manufactured by prospective P/M technologies like tape casting, eases handling and joining. The cell design features high potential for auxiliary power units (APU), where the integration of SOFC units into lightweight stack designs is a challenging task. However, there are still technical problems to be solved for long-term operation of metal-supported cells. Especially the interdiffusion of iron, chromium and nickel at the interface between ferritic FeCr substrates and nickel-containing anode materials is known to be a key factor for rapid cell degradation. In this work, diffusion barrier layers on the basis of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2 and CeO2 were developed, avoiding interdiffusion phenomena between the ferritic FeCr substrate and the Ni/YSZ anode during cell fabrication as well as during electrochemical operation. After applying these layers, electrochemical performance could be demonstrated

Dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy: Gadofluorine M suitability at MR imaging in a mouse model

Purpose: To compare the usefulness of gadofluorine M with that of Gadomer in assessment of dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy at 7.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods: All experiments were approved by local review boards. SJL/J mice (n = 24) with dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy and C57BL/6 control mice (n = 24) were imaged at 12-15 weeks (young) or older than 30 weeks (old) by using dynamic contrast material-enhanced imaging with inversion-prepared steady-state free-precession sequence before, during, and after administration of gadofluorine M at 2 mumol or Gadomer at 4 mumol intravenously. After imaging, regions of interest were determined from the upper extremity and left ventricular chamber; fractional extravascular extracellular volume, v(e), and permeability surface tissue density product, PSrho, were measured by using a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The natural history of muscular dystrophy was assessed histologically in 70 mice (seven five-mouse groups each of SJL/J mice and of control mice) at 4-week intervals from 8 to 32 weeks. In addition, three SJL/J mice and three control mice at age 33 weeks were sacrificed, and fluorescence microscopy was performed for visualization of intravenously administered carbocyanine-labeled gadofluorine M in muscle cells. Statistical analysis was performed by using the t test. Results: Gadofluorine M enhancement was significantly greater in skeletal muscle of 30-week-old mice with dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy, compared with control mice. Gadofluorine M demonstrated both increased rate of enhancement (PSrho sec(-1) +/- standard error of the mean: 0.004e(-)(4) +/- 3 vs 0.002e(-)(4) +/- 3; P < .05) and increased level of enhancement (v(e) +/- standard error of the mean: 0.035 +/- 0.004 vs 0.019 +/- 0.004; P < .05). Gadomer showed no differential enhancement in the two mouse groups. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of labeled gadofluorine M in muscle cells. Conclusion: Gadofluorine M-enhanced MR imaging may be of value in monitoring dysferlin-deficient muscular dystrophy disease progression in this animal model and could prove to be a useful tool in following the course of chronic muscle diseases in humans

The role of agroecology in sustainable intensification

‘Sustainable intensification’ is now often used to describe the future direction for agriculture and food production as a way to address the challenges of increasing global population, food security, climate change and resource conservation. While sustainable intensification is interpreted by some to relate to increasing production, with more efficient but potentially increased use of inputs and technology, there is also a need to consider environmental protection, including the conservation and renewal of natural capital and the output of ecosystem services. There is a growing consensus that sustainable intensification should not only avoid further environmental damage, but actively encourage environmental benefits. This includes addressing issues of consumption (including diets), waste, biodiversity conservation and resource use, while ensuring sufficient overall levels of production to meet human needs. ‘Agroecology’ is also now receiving increasing attention as an approach to agriculture that attempts to reconcile environmental, sustainability and production goals by emphasising the application of ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of agricultural systems. Agroecology can be seen as part of a broader approach to sustainable intensification focusing on ecological (or eco-functional) and knowledge intensification alongside technological intensification. This report explores how agroecological approaches can contribute to sustainable intensification in the UK and European contexts by: - exploring the concepts of ‘sustainable intensification’ and ‘agroecology’ (Chapter 2); - reviewing the range of individual practices and systematic approaches that are typically defined as agroecological (Chapter 3); - assessing the extent to which different agroecological approaches can contribute considering the policy drivers and constraints that may affect the adoption of agroecological approaches (Chapter 5); - presenting some conclusions (Chapter 6)