Transient water flow in the TOXSWA model (FOCUS) versions): concepts and mathematical description

The TOXSWA model is used in the pesticide registration procedures in the Netherlands and the EU. This report documents the transient water flow module of TOXSWA, which simulates variable discharges and water depths in the edge-of-field ponds, ditches and streams of the EU FOCUS Surface Water Scenarios at an hourly resolution. It combines water conservation equations with water depth-discharge relations based upon weirs located downstream. In watercourses, backwater curves describe water depths as a function of distance to the weir. The water conservation equations consist of a base flow, excess water fluxes from drainage or runoff and an outflow. The conservation equations have been solved numerically using the finite difference method. A limited verification of the numerical solution has been undertaken. Example runs present model input and outpu

Modelling water temperature in TOXSWA

A reasonably accurate estimate of the water temperature is necessary for a good description of the degradation of plant protection products in water which is used in the surface water model TOXSWA. Based on a consideration of basic physical processes that describe the influence of weather on the energy balance of natural water bodies, we propose to extend TOXSWA with a 1D bulk approach to estimate water temperature. Evaluation of such a system confirmed that it is physically realistic and yet simple, with limited data requirements. It is expected to perform reasonably well in most conditions, and fits well into the present structure of the TOXSWA model. In particular the estimation of degradation rates in shallow and turbid water will benefit from introducing the proposed system

Quotas to accelerate gender equity in sport leadership: do they work?

This chapter explores the use of gender quotas as a strategy to accelerate the growth of women in sport leadership, particularly in the governance of national sport organisations (NSOs) and international federations (IFs). First, I present an overview of the current global status of women’s participation in sport governance based on the Sydney Scoreboard, a global index for women in sport leadership. This provides compelling evidence that only limited progress has been made to date and gender equity in sport governance remains elusive. Second, I discuss several strategies for disrupting the status quo at an international level, including the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and an important initiative by the United Nations (Adriaanse & Claringbould, 2016) as well as the introduction of gender quotas. The latter is controversial

Fetal echocardiography from a new perspective

Vugt, J.M.G. van [Promotor]Haak, M.C. [Copromotor

Fate of pesticides in field ditches: the TOXSWA simulation model

The TOXSWA model describes the fate of pesticides entering field ditches by spray drift, atmospheric deposition, surface run-off, drainage or leaching. It considers four processes: transport, transformation, sorption and volatilization. Analytical andnumerical solutions corresponded well. A sample simulation showed that sorption to macrophytes can considerably reduce the concentration in the water phase. However, sorption to macrophytes leads to a slower transport and thus to longer residence times for the pesticide in the water layer. Sedimentation and resuspension of suspended solids were not considered, so that the model can only be applied for periods shorter than one month

On Measuring and Explaining Neighbourhood Success:

This study combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to explain which factors contribute to a problem-free or problematic functioning of neighbourhoods in general and especially of Dutch neighbourhoods that were built in the first years after World War II. An important part of the book is about the development of measuring instruments. Special attention is given to the development of a risk scale that offers researchers and policymakers the opportunity to distinguish on a metric level between problematic and successful neighbourhoods.  This book brings together key insights from Urban Studies and central elements of Behavioural Game Theory. The author applies the notions of strong reciprocity and altruistic punishment in Prisoner’s Dilemmas and Assurance Games to describe and explain the interdependent choices that residents make when they act as producers and maintainers of the social climate in the daily living environment of a problem-free early post-Second World War neighbourhood. &nbsp

Manipulation of Election Methods

Most election methods are subject to manipulation. A group of voters can manipulate an election if by misrepresenting their honest preferences they can secure an outcome they all prefer. We show that when a candidate would win a 1-man-1-vote election with an absolute majority, it is not possible to individually manipulate this election in favour of another candidate. This is because changing only one vote will never change the outcome of the election; hence no individual manipulation will be successful. On the contrary, if a candidate with an absolute majority would win a 1-best-1-worst election, depending on the preferences of the participating voters, it is possible to manipulate. This is proven by giving an example of a manipulable profile with a winner with the absolute majority