Spatial imperatives for solar Potential : resultant outcomes

The conference presentation focused on the process and outcomes employed in building polygon extraction in order to finalise the DSM/DTM generation, data cleaning and Building Polygon extraction. This resulted in the building of a GIS-Based model through the a process of: creation of the spatial layers, overlays of the layers in a workspace linked to the different datasets provided by EWA, the creation of the aligned solar panels and the resultant estimation of the output. The Solar Potential Determination was targeted to determine the technical potential, in terms of energy (capacity and generation), separately of rooftop and facade solar PV in Malta using tools (moved from QGIS and the UMEP tool) to ArcGISPro and in-house python coding.peer-reviewe

Towards a quality education for all

This document summarises the recommendations being proposed in the NCF and examines the implications of such recommendations. There can only be a meaningful strategy for the implementation of the NCF once the recommendations are debated and the full impact of their implications understood. This process of consultation needs to include all stakeholders in a professionally engaging manner. Moreover, the consultation and implementation strategies need to be based on the full understanding of a change management process. This document will therefore map out the way forward by presenting: • a summary of the recommendations being proposed by the NCF; • implications of these recommendations for implementation; • ideas about the management of change which underpin the consultation and implementation strategies the NCF would like to promote; • a strategy for the consultation process following the publication of the draft NCF; and • a proposed timeline for the implementation process of the NCF, following consultation and agreement with the wider educational community about the way forward.peer-reviewe

The effect of sex and laterality on the phenotype of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Background: To assess the effect of sex and laterality on clinical features of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Method: This study is a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected. We extracted data from two online datasets over a 7-year period of patients older than 16 years who had undergone surgery for primary RRD. Data on baseline characteristics were analyzed to compare males versus females, and right versus left eyes. Results: Of 8133 eyes analyzed, 4342 (53.4%) were right. The overall male predominance (63.7%) was more marked in the age range 50–69 years. Men were more commonly pseudophakic and presented more frequently with baseline posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Female sex was significantly associated with baseline myopia, retinal holes as causative retinal break, and isolated inferior RD. Men had more frequent foveal involvement, greater RRD extent, greater numbers and larger sized retinal tears including dialysis and giant retinal tears. Regarding laterality, foveal involvement, larger retinal breaks, isolated temporal RD and temporal retinal breaks were more common in right eyes, whereas left eyes were more myopic at baseline and presented more frequently with isolated nasal RD and nasal retinal breaks. Conclusions: This study confirmed the predominance of male sex and right laterality in RRD. Sex and laterality were associated with multiple presenting features of RRD including extent, break distribution, number, size and type, as well as RD distribution.</p

The effect of age on phenotype of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Background: To evaluate the influence of age on the clinical characteristics of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected dataset. Data regarding adult patients (aged 16–100 years) who had undergone primary RRD repair, were extracted from two online databases. Baseline demographics, preoperative clinical characteristics and surgical management details were collected. Age-based groups (16–30, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, ≥80) were compared using univariate analysis, with multivariate testing for interaction of age with sex, laterality and pseudophakia. Results: In total, 8,133 eyes were analysed, of which the majority (59%) were in the 50–69 age-range peaking at 60, with a male predominance (64%). Myopia was significantly more frequent in patients aged 95%. Foveal involvement, grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy, total RD and greater RD extent were more common and progressively increased after 60 years, with worsening visual acuity. Isolated superior RRDs became more prevalent with age reaching a plateau in the age-range 50–69, before reducing again; conversely, isolated inferior RRDs were commoner in those <30, with a minimum in the 70–79 age-range. The incidence of fellow-eye RRD decreased linearly with age. Conclusions: Age appeared a key variable in RRD phenotype influencing a wide range of RRD characteristics. The higher incidence of myopia, PVD absent and bilateral RRD in patients <40 years and the significant phenotypical differences in the under 40 and over 50 age-groups highlight that there are several discrete forms of RRD

EMA and EFSA Joint Scientific Opinion on measures to reduce the need to use antimicrobial agents in animal husbandry in the European Union, and the resulting impacts on food safety (RONAFA)

EFSA and EMA have jointly reviewed measures taken in the EU to reduce the need for and use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals, and the resultant impacts on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Reduction strategies have been implemented successfully in some Member States. Such strategies include national reduction targets, benchmarking of antimicrobial use, controls on prescribing and restrictions on use of specific critically important antimicrobials, together with improvements to animal husbandry and disease prevention and control measures. Due to the multiplicity of factors contributing to AMR, the impact of any single measure is difficult to quantify, although there is evidence of an association between reduction in antimicrobial use and reduced AMR. To minimise antimicrobial use, a multifaceted integrated approach should be implemented, adapted to local circumstances. Recommended options (non-prioritised) include: development of national strategies; harmonised systems for monitoring antimicrobial use and AMR development; establishing national targets for antimicrobial use reduction; use of on-farm health plans; increasing the responsibility of veterinarians for antimicrobial prescribing; training, education and raising public awareness; increasing the availability of rapid and reliable diagnostics; improving husbandry and management procedures for disease prevention and control; rethinking livestock production systems to reduce inherent disease risk. A limited number of studies provide robust evidence of alternatives to antimicrobials that positively influence health parameters. Possible alternatives include probiotics and prebiotics, competitive exclusion, bacteriophages, immunomodulators, organic acids and teat sealants. Development of a legislative framework that permits the use of specific products as alternatives should be considered. Further research to evaluate the potential of alternative farming systems on reducing AMR is also recommended. Animals suffering from bacterial infections should only be treated with antimicrobials based on veterinary diagnosis and prescription. Options should be reviewed to phase out most preventive use of antimicrobials and to reduce and refine metaphylaxis by applying recognised alternative measure