Comparing geomorphological maps made manually and by deep learning

Geomorphological maps provide information on the relief, genesis and shape of the earth's surface and are widely used in sustainable spatial developments. The quality of geomorphological maps is however rarely assessed or reported, which limits their applicability. Moreover, older geomorphological maps often do not meet current quality requirements and require updating. This updating is time-consuming and because of its qualitative nature difficult to reproduce, but can be supported by novel computational methods. In this paper, we address these issues by (1) quantifying the uncertainty associated with manual geomorphological mapping, (2) exploring the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for semi-automated geomorphological mapping and (3) testing the sensitivity of CNNs to uncertainties in manually created evaluation data. We selected a test area in the Dutch push-moraine district with a pronounced relief and a high variety of landforms. For this test area we developed five manually created geomorphological maps and 27 automatically created landform maps using CNNs. The resulting manual maps are similar on a regional level. We could identify the causes of disagreement between the maps on a local level, which often related to differences in mapping experience, choices in delineation and different interpretations of the legend. Coordination of mapping efforts and field validation are necessary to create accurate and precise maps. CNNs perform well in identifying landforms and geomorphological units, but fail at correct delineation. The human geomorphologist remains necessary to correct the delineation and classification of the computed maps. The uncertainty in the manually created data that are used to train and evaluate CNNs have a large effect on the model performance and evaluation. This also advocates for coordinated mapping efforts to ensure the quality of manually created training and test data. Further model development and data processing are required before CNNs can act as standalone mapping techniques

Habitatrichtlijnrapportage 2019: Annex D Habitattypen : Achtergronddocument

This document describes the concepts, data and methods used in the 2019 report (under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive) on the conservation status of habitat types for the parameters range, area, structure and functions, and future prospects. The ranges of nearly all habitat types have not changed. No reliable, updated data on area were available for most habitat types. The methodology for assessing structure and functions has been thoroughly revised to accommodate long-term monitoring data and meet the new reporting formats. The European Commission has also introduced a new method for assessing future prospects. The report presents the results and indicates where the methods and data can be improved

Long-term and large-scale multispecies dataset tracking population changes of common European breeding birds

Around fifteen thousand fieldworkers annually count breeding birds using standardized protocols in 28 European countries. The observations are collected by using country-specific and standardized protocols, validated, summarized and finally used for the production of continent-wide annual and long-term indices of population size changes of 170 species. Here, we present the database and provide a detailed summary of the methodology used for fieldwork and calculation of the relative population size change estimates. We also provide a brief overview of how the data are used in research, conservation and policy. We believe this unique database, based on decades of bird monitoring alongside the comprehensive summary of its methodology, will facilitate and encourage further use of the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme results.publishedVersio

Echium oil is not protective against weight loss in head and neck cancer patients undergoing curative radio(chemo)therapy: a randomised-controlled trial

Background: Therapy-induced mucositis and dysphagia puts head and neck (H&N) cancer patients at increased risk for developing cachexia. Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have been suggested to protect against cachexia. We aimed to examine if echium oil, a plant source of n-3 FA, could reduce weight loss in H&N cancer patients undergoing radio(chemo)therapy with curative intent. Methods: In a double-blind trial, patients were randomly assigned to echium oil (intervention (I) group; 7.5 ml bis in die (b.i.d.), 235 mg/ml α-linolenic acid (ALA) + 95 mg/ml stearidonic acid (SDA) + 79 mg/ml γ-linolenic acid (GLA)) or n-3 FA deficient sunflower oil high oleic (control (C) group; 7.5 ml b.i.d.) additional to standard nutritional support during treatment. Differences in percentage weight loss between both groups were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Erythrocyte FA profile, body composition, nutritional status and quality of life were collected. Results: Ninety-one eligible patients were randomised, of whom 83 were evaluable. Dietary supplement adherence was comparable in both groups (median, I: 87%, C: 81%). At week 4, the I group showed significantly increased values of erythrocyte n-3 eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 14% vs −5%) and n-6 GLA (42% vs −20%) compared to the C group, without a significant change in n-6 arachidonic acid (AA, 2% vs −1%). Intention-to-treat analysis could not reveal a significant reduction in weight loss related to echium oil consumption (median weight loss, I: 8.9%, C: 7.6%). Also, no significant improvement was observed in the other evaluated anthropometric parameters. Conclusions: Echium oil effectively increased erythrocyte EPA and GLA FAs in H&N cancer patients. It failed however to protect against weight loss, or improve nutritional parameters. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01596933

Rapid enigmatic decline drives the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) to the edge of extinction in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is at the edge of its geographic range and is restricted to three small populations in the extreme south of the country. Despite the species being listed as 'Endangered' on the national Red List, the situation was considered to be stable. However, from 2008 onwards dead individuals were seen on more than one occasion. A sharp decline in numbers has been observed since 2010 (96%; P < 0.01), but we were unable to attribute this to any known cause of amphibian decline, such as chytridiomycosis, ranavirus or habitat degradation. The present work describes this enigmatic decline, and we discuss these results in the context of possible causes

Severe Fatigue in the First Year Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Severe fatigue can persist for months after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) onset. This longitudinal study describes fatigue severity and its determinants up to 12 months after illness onset across the full spectrum of COVID-19 severity. Methods: RECoVERED, a prospective cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, enrolled participants aged≥16 years after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis. Fatigue was measured using the validated Short Fatigue Questionnaire (SFQ; range 4-28) at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 of follow-up. Fatigue severity was modeled over time using mixed-effects linear regression. Determinants of severe fatigue (SFQ≥18) at 6 months since illness onset (ie, persistent fatigue) were identified using logistic regression. Results: Between May 2020 and July 2021, 303 participants completed at least 1 fatigue questionnaire. Twelve months after illness onset, 17.4% (95% CI, 6.7% to 38.3%), 21.6% (95% CI, 11.2% to 37.7%), and 44.8% (95% CI, 28.0% to 62.9%) of participants with mild, moderate, and severe/critical COVID-19 (World Health Organization definition), respectively, experienced severe fatigue. When adjusting for age and sex, having≥3 comorbidities (P=.007), severe/critical COVID-19 (P=.002), low mood (P<.001), and dyspnea in the first 2 weeks of illness (P=.001) were associated with more severe fatigue over time. Severe/critical COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.37; 95% CI, 1.28 to 8.93) and low mood at enrollment (aOR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.11 to 5.29) were associated with persistent fatigue. Recovery rarely occurred beyond 6 months after illness onset, regardless of COVID-19 severity. Conclusions: The occurrence of severe fatigue in our cohort was high, especially among those with initially severe/critical COVID-19, with little recovery beyond 6 months after illness onset. Our findings highlight an urgent need for improved understanding of persistent severe fatigue following COVID-19 to help inform prevention and intervention

Severe Fatigue in the First Year Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Severe fatigue can persist for months after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) onset. This longitudinal study describes fatigue severity and its determinants up to 12 months after illness onset across the full spectrum of COVID-19 severity. Methods: RECoVERED, a prospective cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, enrolled participants aged≥16 years after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis. Fatigue was measured using the validated Short Fatigue Questionnaire (SFQ; range 4-28) at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 of follow-up. Fatigue severity was modeled over time using mixed-effects linear regression. Determinants of severe fatigue (SFQ≥18) at 6 months since illness onset (ie, persistent fatigue) were identified using logistic regression. Results: Between May 2020 and July 2021, 303 participants completed at least 1 fatigue questionnaire. Twelve months after illness onset, 17.4% (95% CI, 6.7% to 38.3%), 21.6% (95% CI, 11.2% to 37.7%), and 44.8% (95% CI, 28.0% to 62.9%) of participants with mild, moderate, and severe/critical COVID-19 (World Health Organization definition), respectively, experienced severe fatigue. When adjusting for age and sex, having≥3 comorbidities (P=.007), severe/critical COVID-19 (P=.002), low mood (P<.001), and dyspnea in the first 2 weeks of illness (P=.001) were associated with more severe fatigue over time. Severe/critical COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.37; 95% CI, 1.28 to 8.93) and low mood at enrollment (aOR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.11 to 5.29) were associated with persistent fatigue. Recovery rarely occurred beyond 6 months after illness onset, regardless of COVID-19 severity. Conclusions: The occurrence of severe fatigue in our cohort was high, especially among those with initially severe/critical COVID-19, with little recovery beyond 6 months after illness onset. Our findings highlight an urgent need for improved understanding of persistent severe fatigue following COVID-19 to help inform prevention and intervention

Health-related quality of life among persons with initial mild, moderate, and severe or critical COVID-19 at 1 and 12 months after infection: a prospective cohort study

Background: Currently, there is limited evidence about the long-term impact on physical, social and emotional functioning, i.e. health-related quality of life (HRQL) after mild or moderate COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization. We compared HRQL among persons with initial mild, moderate or severe/critical COVID-19 at 1 and 12 months following illness onset with Dutch population norms and investigated the impact of restrictive public health control measures on HRQL. Methods: RECoVERED, a prospective cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, enrolled adult participants after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. HRQL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item health survey (SF-36). SF-36 scores were converted to standard scores based on an age- and sex-matched representative reference sample of the Dutch population. Differences in HRQL over time were compared among persons with initial mild, moderate or severe/critical COVID-19 using mixed linear models adjusted for potential confounders. Results: By December 2021, 349 persons were enrolled of whom 269 completed at least one SF-36 form (77%). One month after illness onset, HRQL was significantly below population norms on all SF-36 domains except general health and bodily pain among persons with mild COVID-19. After 12 months, persons with mild COVID-19 had HRQL within population norms, whereas persons with moderate or severe/critical COVID-19 had HRQL below population norms on more than half of the SF-36 domains. Dutch-origin participants had significantly better HRQL than participants with a migration background. Participants with three or more COVID-19 high-risk comorbidities had worse HRQL than part participants with fewer comorbidities. Participants who completed the SF-36 when restrictive public health control measures applied reported less limitations in social and physical functioning and less impaired mental health than participants who completed the SF-36 when no restrictive measures applied. Conclusions: Twelve months after illness onset, persons with initial mild COVID-19 had HRQL within population norms, whereas persons with initial moderate or severe/critical COVID-19 still had impaired HRQL. Having a migration background and a higher number of COVID-19 high-risk comorbidities were associated with worse HRQL. Interestingly, HRQL was less impaired during periods when restrictive public health control measures were in place compared to periods without