Giving the green light : analysis of transition management within the Dutch energy transition

Investing in renewable energy sources (RES) is one pivotal way to ensure future energy sustainability that also mitigates climate change. The EU has committed to increase the share of renewable energy (RE), and has tasked member states with targets. The Netherlands has now issued the ‘Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth’ to attain a share of 14% RE by 2020. Coincidentally the theoretical knowledge of transition management (TM) has been part of Dutch policy making since 2001. This thesis sets about analysing how TM has been incorporated in this policy to appraise its probable efficacy in meeting the objective. First the transition typology is assessed. Then, through using the analytical framework of TM as lens, the Energy Agreement is scrutinised. The policy’s strategic, tactical, and operational levels are discerned, as well as their respective objectives, actions and instruments. Co-evolution is furthermore examined. The study finds the energy transition to follow a targeted typology with much governmental interference and an integral approach. Overall, the Energy Agreement follows the theoretical ideas of TM to a large extent, where there is a multi-level and multi-actor approach. Nevertheless, there are some parts within the Energy Agreement that are worrisome and can prove detrimental to its own success. For example, co-evolution is hampered because the strategic level is locked due to supranational influence. The analysis also demonstrates a dominance of incumbent regime actors, as well as a strong focus on cost-effectiveness that hampers innovation and niche chances which are much needed for a longer-term energy transition. The findings also point towards drawbacks of TM in itself where too much faith is fostered in the dominant regime and government. As a result, enhanced niche participation and inclusion is warranted to ensure the regime is fundamentally challenged. Furthermore, parameters are needed for directed incrementalism to allow more time for niches to ripen. Finally, this study illustrates the need to add an external, supranational level to be incorporated in the analytical framework of TM to facilitate co-evolution

The role of aspirin in women’s health

Contains fulltext : 98457.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: The aim of this review is to discuss the role of aspirin for various conditions in women. METHODS: A nonsystematic review of articles published on PubMed((R)) that examines the role of aspirin in women. RESULTS: Aspirin is associated with a significant reduction of stroke risk in women, which may be linked to age. However, despite this evidence, underutilization of aspirin in eligible women is reported. In women of reproductive age, it may also have a role to play in reducing early-onset preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, and in the prevention of recurrent miscarriage in women with antiphospholipid antibodies; it may also reduce cardiovascular risk in associated systemic conditions such as lupus. Aspirin may reduce colorectal cancer risk in women, but its role in breast cancer warrants further data from controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS: The risk-benefit threshold for aspirin use in women has been established for several conditions. Reasons why women are less likely to be prescribed aspirin have not been established, but the overall underuse of aspirin in women needs to be addressed

The birds of Berbak Game Reserve, Jambi Province, Sumatra

No abstract availabl

Notes on the birds of the tidal lowlands and floodplains of South Sumatra province, Indonesia

During an environmental baseline survey of the tidal lowlands and floodplains of South Sumatra Province in 1988-89, a total of 270 bird species was recorded. This paper focuses on wetland species, including those inhabiting swamp forests. No upland forest habitats are found within the region described. The area supports a diverse avifauna, including some globally threatened species that have a core population here, notably Milky Stork Mycteria cinerea, Storm's Stork Ciconia stormi, Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus, Black-headed Ibis Threskiomis melanocephatus and Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus. The coast has vital passage and wintering grounds that rank second in importance only to coastal wetlands in Bangladesh for East Palaearctic waders in terms of numbers of birds. Three species were recorded for the first time in Sumatra: Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, Steppe/Imperial Eagle Aquila nipalensis/heliaca and Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropa, and first Sumatran breeding records were obtained for Javan Pond-heron Ardeola speciosa and White-headed Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus. A few species were observed outside their previously recorded usual habitats. The paper discusses the principal habitats of the area, and the very rapid rate of development that has occurred during the past two decades. Only one wetland area in the province has protection status, Padang-Sugihan. This Wildlife Reserve does not provide habitat for eight out of the eleven globally threatened species recorded in the study area. Consequently the establishment of two additional swamp reserves and bird sanctuary is strongly recommended

A typological assessment of Iron Age weapons in South Italy

Typologies, especially of spearheads, have been decried as inadequate by the archaeological community. They have prevented the synthetic study of ancient weapons and obscured cultural contacts, changes in form and distribution, and changes in fighting style. This thesis presents new typologies of spearheads and swords which are not based on aesthetics or the need to communicate a large amount of material succinctly in the limited space of a site report. Rather, these typologies attempt to perceive the functional characteristics of these weapon classes. The thesis surveys a range of sites in Daunia, Basilicata and Southern Campania applying these new typologies to large suites of weapons. From this assessment a number of conclusions have flowed regarding cultural contacts between indigenous Southern Italic groups and with immigrating groups of Villanovan and Greek origin. The assessment reveals the variety of weapon forms in use and tracks changes over time. These changes expose cultural transformations and alterations in fighting styles. The tracking of paraphernalia often associated with weapons in modern scholarship has also revealed some nuances in patterns of association with weapons which were not previously apparent

Appropriateness of oral anticoagulants for long-term treatment of atrial fibrillation in older people: results of an evidence-based review and international consensus validation process (OAC-FORTA 2016)

Background: Age appropriateness of anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is uncertain. Objective: To review oral anticoagulants for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in older (age >65 years) people and to classify appropriate and inappropriate drugs based on efficacy, safety and tolerability using the Fit-fOR-The-Aged (FORTA) classification. Methods: We performed a structured comprehensive review of controlled clinical trials and summaries of individual product characteristics to assess study and total patient numbers, quality of major outcome data and data of geriatric relevance. The resulting evidence was discussed in a round table with an interdisciplinary panel of ten European experts. Decisions on age appropriateness were made using a Delphi process. Results: For the eight drugs included, 380 citations were identified. The primary outcome results were reported in 32 clinical trials with explicit and relevant data on older people. Though over 24,000 patients aged >75/80 years were studied for warfarin, data on geriatric syndromes were rare (two studies reporting on frailty/falls/mental status) and missing for all other compounds. Apixaban was rated FORTA-A (highly beneficial). Other non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (including low/high-intensity dabigatran and high-intensity edoxaban) and warfarin were assigned to FORTA-B (beneficial). Phenprocoumon, acenocoumarol and fluindione were rated FORTA-C (questionable), mainly reflecting the absence of data. Conclusions: All non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and warfarin were classified as beneficial or very beneficial in older persons (FORTA-A or -B), underlining the overall positive assessment of the risk/benefit ratio for these drugs. For other vitamin-K antagonists regionally used in Europe, the lack of evidence should challenge current practice