Naar een Heideboerderij en een nieuwe marke voor de Sallandse Heuvelrug

Stichting Heideboerderij Nederland werkt aan de ontwikkeling van het concept van de Heideboerderij. Op een vijftiental locaties in Nederland wordt samen met boeren, schaapherders, natuurorganisaties, burgers, ondernemers en lokale en provinciale overheden gewerkt aan de realisatie van Heideboerderijen. De stichting Heideboerderij Nederland (SHN) heeft de Wetenschapswinkel gevraagd om Wageningen University & Research een verkenning te laten doen naar de mogelijkheden voor realisatie van het door hen ontwikkelde concept van de Heideboerderij op diverse plaatsen in Nederland. In het concept van de Heideboerderij wordt de samenwerking vormgegeven tussen natuurbeheerders, schaapherders, boeren, streekgebonden bedrijven en bewoners als onderdeel van een common en met wortels in een eeuwenoud heidelandbouwsysteem. Het woord ‘commons’ is de gebruikelijke Engelse term voor het gemeenschappelijk bezit van natuurlijke hulpbronnen. Verwante Nederlandse benamingen zijn onder andere Meent, Gemeynt, Boermarke en Marke. De term Marke werd (en wordt) gebruikt in Salland. Op de Sallandse Heuvelrug ging het om bossen en heidevelden (outfields) vanwaar nutriënten werden verzameld in een potstal voor gebruik op de akkers (infields). In de huidige tijd komen daar talrijke nieuwe ‘commons’ bij zoals het korhoen (biodiversiteit) en bijna verloren gegane ambachten (cultuurhistorie). Het antwoord op de gestelde vragen aan de Wetenschapswinkel wordt gegeven door een fictieve samenwerkingsovereenkomst voor de Marke op te stellen met voorwaarden waaraan de business modellen van de diverse samenwerkingspartners moeten voldoen. De acht principes van Elinor Ostrom voor het ontwerp van een ‘common’ zijn daarbij als leidraad genomen. Het concept van de Heideboerderij kan verbetering brengen wat betreft de natuur op en vooral rond de Sallandse Heuvelrug mits aan een aantal randvoorwaarden wordt voldaan. Randvoorwaarden waaraan met prioriteit moet worden gewerkt zijn een samenwerking tussen actoren in het gebied gericht op een gemeenschappelijke business case die aanvullend is op individuele verdienmodellen van ondernemers en de instelling van een Markefonds. Dit Markefonds is noodzakelijk voor het overbruggen van het gat in verdiencapaciteit tussen bedrijven die zich primair richten op productie voor de wereldmarkt en bedrijven met een nadruk op maatschappelijke waarden en ook voor het borgen van een langetermijnzekerheid daarbij---Stichting Heideboerderij Nederland (SHN, The Dutch Heath Farm Foundation) works on the development of the heath farm concept in The Netherlands. At fifteen locations farmers, shepherds, nature organisations, citizens, entrepreneurs and the local and provincial governments work together on the realisation of heath farms. The SHN asked the Wetenschapswinkel (Science Shop) at Wageningen University & Research to explore the possibility of realising the Heath Farm concept at various locations in The Netherlands. The concept of the SHN gives form to the collaboration between nature conservationists, shepherds, farmers, regional businesses and residents, who together make use of the common, this has an historical context. The word “commons” is the English term for the common ownership of natural resources. Related Dutch names are Meent, Gemeynt, Boermarke en Marke. The term Marke is used in Salland. On the Sallandse Heuvelrug it describes the forest and heather fields. These fields were farmers outfields, which were used for grazing animals, who later brought nutrients (manure) back to the stable and this was used to enrich the crop fields. In the present time we find many new ‘commons’, where we find new uses, such as for the conservation of black grouse (and other biodiversity) and almost forgotten crafts (cultural history). The answer to the questions the Science shop received was to draw up a fictitious cooperation agreement for the Marke (commons) with conditions that the various partners must meet. The eight principles of Elinor Ostrom, for the design of a common, were taken as a guideline. The concept of the Heathfarm can provide improvements to nature, both on and around the Sallandse Heuvelrug, provided that certain preconditions are met. The precondition with the highest priority is that the different actors cooperate and develop a common business case, that is complementary to the individual business models of the entrepreneurs. Additionally, they have to establish a Markefund (common fund). This is necessary to bridge the gap between the earning capacity of companies focused primarily on production for the world market and companies which focus on social values and long term sustainabilit

Distribution and properties of open magnetic flux outside of coronal holes

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/95519/1/jgra18298.pd

Train unit scheduling guided by historic capacity provisions and passenger count surveys

Train unit scheduling concerns the assignment of train unit vehicles to cover all the journeys in a fixed timetable. Coupling and decoupling activities are allowed in order to achieve optimal utilization while satisfying passenger demands. While the scheduling methods usually assume unique and well-defined train capacity requirements, in practice most UK train operators consider different levels of capacity provisions. Those capacity provisions are normally influenced by information such as passenger count surveys, historic provisions and absolute minimums required by the authorities. In this paper, we study the problem of train unit scheduling with bi-level capacity requirements and propose a new integer multicommodity flow model based on previous research. Computational experiments on real-world data show the effectiveness of our proposed methodology

On Solving the Coronal Heating Problem

This article assesses the current state of understanding of coronal heating, outlines the key elements of a comprehensive strategy for solving the problem, and warns of obstacles that must be overcome along the way.Comment: Accepted by Solar Physics; Published by Solar Physic

Signatures of the slow solar wind streams from active regions in the inner corona

Some of local sources of the slow solar wind can be associated with spectroscopically detected plasma outflows at edges of active regions accompanied with specific signatures in the inner corona. The EUV telescopes (e.g. SPIRIT/CORONAS-F, TESIS/CORONAS-Photon and SWAP/PROBA2) sometimes observed extended ray-like structures seen at the limb above active regions in 1MK iron emission lines and described as "coronal rays". To verify the relationship between coronal rays and plasma outflows, we analyze an isolated active region (AR) adjacent to small coronal hole (CH) observed by different EUV instruments in the end of July - beginning of August 2009. On August 1 EIS revealed in the AR two compact outflows with the Doppler velocities V =10-30 km/s accompanied with fan loops diverging from their regions. At the limb the ARCH interface region produced coronal rays observed by EUVI/STEREO-A on July 31 as well as by TESIS on August 7. The rays were co-aligned with open magnetic field lines expanded to the streamer stalks. Using the DEM analysis, it was found that the fan loops diverged from the outflow regions had the dominant temperature of ~1 MK, which is similar to that of the outgoing plasma streams. Parameters of the solar wind measured by STEREO-B, ACE, WIND, STEREO-A were conformed with identification of the ARCH as a source region at the Wang-Sheeley-Arge map of derived coronal holes for CR 2086. The results of the study support the suggestion that coronal rays can represent signatures of outflows from ARs propagating in the inner corona along open field lines into the heliosphere.Comment: Accepted for publication in Solar Physics; 31 Pages; 13 Figure

A branch-and-price approach for solving the train unit scheduling problem

We propose a branch-and-price approach for solving the integer multicommodity flow model for the network-level train unit scheduling problem (TUSP). Given a train operator’s fixed timetable and a fleet of train units of different types, the TUSP aims at determining an assignment plan such that each train trip in the timetable is appropriately covered by a single or coupled train units. The TUSP is challenging due to its complex nature. Our branch-and-price approach includes a branching system with multiple branching rules for satisfying real-world requirements that are difficult to realize by linear constraints, such as unit type coupling compatibility relations and locations banned for coupling/decoupling. The approach also benefits from an adaptive node selection method, a column inheritance strategy and a feature of estimated upper bounds with node reservation functions. The branch-and-price solver designed for TUSP is capable of handling instances of up to about 500 train trips. Computational experiments were conducted based on real-world problem instances from First ScotRail. The results are satisfied by rail practitioners and are generally competitive or better than the manual ones

The Science of Sungrazers, Sunskirters, and Other Near-Sun Comets

This review addresses our current understanding of comets that venture close to the Sun, and are hence exposed to much more extreme conditions than comets that are typically studied from Earth. The extreme solar heating and plasma environments that these objects encounter change many aspects of their behaviour, thus yielding valuable information on both the comets themselves that complements other data we have on primitive solar system bodies, as well as on the near-solar environment which they traverse. We propose clear definitions for these comets: We use the term near-Sun comets to encompass all objects that pass sunward of the perihelion distance of planet Mercury (0.307 AU). Sunskirters are defined as objects that pass within 33 solar radii of the Sun’s centre, equal to half of Mercury’s perihelion distance, and the commonly-used phrase sungrazers to be objects that reach perihelion within 3.45 solar radii, i.e. the fluid Roche limit. Finally, comets with orbits that intersect the solar photosphere are termed sundivers. We summarize past studies of these objects, as well as the instruments and facilities used to study them, including space-based platforms that have led to a recent revolution in the quantity and quality of relevant observations. Relevant comet populations are described, including the Kreutz, Marsden, Kracht, and Meyer groups, near-Sun asteroids, and a brief discussion of their origins. The importance of light curves and the clues they provide on cometary composition are emphasized, together with what information has been gleaned about nucleus parameters, including the sizes and masses of objects and their families, and their tensile strengths. The physical processes occurring at these objects are considered in some detail, including the disruption of nuclei, sublimation, and ionisation, and we consider the mass, momentum, and energy loss of comets in the corona and those that venture to lower altitudes. The different components of comae and tails are described, including dust, neutral and ionised gases, their chemical reactions, and their contributions to the near-Sun environment. Comet-solar wind interactions are discussed, including the use of comets as probes of solar wind and coronal conditions in their vicinities. We address the relevance of work on comets near the Sun to similar objects orbiting other stars, and conclude with a discussion of future directions for the field and the planned ground- and space-based facilities that will allow us to address those science topics

Effect of natalizumab on disease progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (ASCEND). a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with an open-label extension

Background: Although several disease-modifying treatments are available for relapsing multiple sclerosis, treatment effects have been more modest in progressive multiple sclerosis and have been observed particularly in actively relapsing subgroups or those with lesion activity on imaging. We sought to assess whether natalizumab slows disease progression in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, independent of relapses. Methods: ASCEND was a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (part 1) with an optional 2 year open-label extension (part 2). Enrolled patients aged 18–58 years were natalizumab-naive and had secondary progressive multiple sclerosis for 2 years or more, disability progression unrelated to relapses in the previous year, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 3·0–6·5. In part 1, patients from 163 sites in 17 countries were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 300 mg intravenous natalizumab or placebo every 4 weeks for 2 years. Patients were stratified by site and by EDSS score (3·0–5·5 vs 6·0–6·5). Patients completing part 1 could enrol in part 2, in which all patients received natalizumab every 4 weeks until the end of the study. Throughout both parts, patients and staff were masked to the treatment received in part 1. The primary outcome in part 1 was the proportion of patients with sustained disability progression, assessed by one or more of three measures: the EDSS, Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), and 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). The primary outcome in part 2 was the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events. Efficacy and safety analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01416181. Findings: Between Sept 13, 2011, and July 16, 2015, 889 patients were randomly assigned (n=440 to the natalizumab group, n=449 to the placebo group). In part 1, 195 (44%) of 439 natalizumab-treated patients and 214 (48%) of 448 placebo-treated patients had confirmed disability progression (odds ratio [OR] 0·86; 95% CI 0·66–1·13; p=0·287). No treatment effect was observed on the EDSS (OR 1·06, 95% CI 0·74–1·53; nominal p=0·753) or the T25FW (0·98, 0·74–1·30; nominal p=0·914) components of the primary outcome. However, natalizumab treatment reduced 9HPT progression (OR 0·56, 95% CI 0·40–0·80; nominal p=0·001). In part 1, 100 (22%) placebo-treated and 90 (20%) natalizumab-treated patients had serious adverse events. In part 2, 291 natalizumab-continuing patients and 274 natalizumab-naive patients received natalizumab (median follow-up 160 weeks [range 108–221]). Serious adverse events occurred in 39 (13%) patients continuing natalizumab and in 24 (9%) patients initiating natalizumab. Two deaths occurred in part 1, neither of which was considered related to study treatment. No progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy occurred. Interpretation: Natalizumab treatment for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis did not reduce progression on the primary multicomponent disability endpoint in part 1, but it did reduce progression on its upper-limb component. Longer-term trials are needed to assess whether treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis might produce benefits on additional disability components. Funding: Biogen

XMM-Newton probes the stellar population in Cha I South

We report on a 30ksec XMM-Newton observation of the central region of the Cha I star forming cloud. Virtually all known T Tauri star members and most of the very-low mass objects including two bona-fide brown dwarfs (spectral types M7.5 and M8) are detected. We identify several new candidate members in the X-ray image. Spectral analysis of the X-ray bright stars shows that previous X-ray studies in Cha I have underestimated the X-ray luminosities, as a result of simplified assumptions on the spectral shape. No dramatic changes in the correlations of X-ray luminosity with age, effective temperature and mass are seen at the substellar boundary, and the lowest-mass objects behave similar to the higher-mass T Tauri stars in terms of variability. Thus the same dynamo mechanism seems to operate in both low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, at least at young ages. On the other hand, the only two A-type stars in the field show very different X-ray properties, suggesting that various emission mechanisms may be at work in intermediate-mass stars.Comment: accepted for publication in A&

Drug adherence and multidisciplinary care in patients with multiple sclerosis: Protocol of a prospective, web-based, patient-centred, nation-wide, Dutch cohort study in glatiramer acetate treated patients (CAIR study)

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, for which no definitive treatment is available. Most patients start with a relapsing-remitting course (RRMS). Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) reduce relapses and disability progression. First line DMDs include glatiramer acetate (GA), interferon-beta (INFb)-1a and INFb-1b, which are all administered via injections. Effectiveness of DMD treatment depends on adequate adherence, meaning year-long continuation of injections with a minimum of missed doses. In real-life practice DMD-treated patients miss 30% of doses. The 6-month discontinuation rate is up to 27% and most patients who discontinue do so in the first 12 months.Treatment adherence is influenced by the socio-economic situation, health care and caregivers, disease, treatment and patient characteristics. Only a few studies have dealt with adherence-related factors in DMD-treated patients. Self-efficacy expectations were found to be related to GA adherence. Patient education and optimal support improve adherence in general. Knowledge of the aspects of care that significantly relate to adherence could lead to adherence-improving measures. Moreover, identification of patients at risk of inadequate adherence could lead to more efficient care.In the near future new drugs will become available for RRMS. Detailed knowledge on factors prognostic of adherence and on care aspects that are associated with adequate adherence will improve the chances of these drugs becoming effective treatments. We investigate in RRMS patients the relationship between drug adherence and multidisciplinary care, as well as factors associated with adherence. Given the differences in the frequency of administration and in the side effects between the DMDs we decided to study patients treated with the same DMD, GA.Methods/design: The Correlative analyses of Adherence In Relapsing remitting MS (CAIR) study is an investigator-initiated, prospective, web-based, patient-centred, nation-wide cohort study in the Netherlands.The primary objective is to investigate whether GA adherence is associated with specific disciplines of care or quantities of specific care. The secondary objective is to investigate whether GA adherence is associated with specific aspects of the socio-economic situation, health care and caregivers, disease, treatment or patient characteristics.All data are acquired on-line via a study website. All RRMS patients in the Netherlands starting GA treatment are eligible. Patients are informed by neurologists, nurses, and websites from national MS patient organisations. All data, except on disability, are obtained by patient self-reports on pre-defined and random time points. The number of missed doses and the number of patients having discontinued GA treatment at 6 and 12 months are measures of adherence. Per care discipline the number of sessions and the total duration of care are measures of received care. The full spectrum of non-experimental care that is available in the Netherlands is assessed. Care includes 'physical' contacts, contacts by telephone or internet, health-promoting activities and community care activities. Care received over the preceding 14 days is assessed by patients at baseline and every other week thereafter up to month 12. Every 3 months neurologists and nurses record care disciplines to which patients have been referred.The Dutch Adherence Questionnaire-90 (DAQ-90) is a 90-item questionnaire based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2003 report on adherence and comprehensively assesses five domains of evidence-based determinants of adherence: socio-economic, health care and caregivers, disease, treatment, and patient-related factors. In addition, self-efficacy is assessed by the MS Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSES), and mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 questionnaire (MSQoL-54). Relapses and adverse events probably or definitively related to GA are also reported.Discussion: In this study data is mainly acquired by patients' self-reporting via the internet. On-line data acquisition by patients does not require study visits to the hospital and can easily be integrated into daily life. The web-based nature of the study is believed to prevent missing data and study drop-outs. Moreover, the automated process of filling in questionnaires ensures completeness and consistency, thus improving data quality. The combination of patient-reported outcomes, fully web-based data capture and nation-wide information to all eligible patients are distinguishing features of the study and contribute to its scientific potential.Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2432