Objective: In a deregulated EU rail market monitoring of the vehicle and infrastructure interface is mandatory for enhanced availability of operation reducing costs. Especially when a rolling stock is crossing boundaries between independent infrastructure grids, cond ition monitoring becomes crucial. A monitoring tool on OCLs overhead contact lines - for infrastructure managers is needed for an separate measurement of contact force and surface condition of the vehicle current strip. The rolling stock operator needs a complementary device to measure not only the vertical contact force, but moreover the friction force, in order to analyse the vehicle and OCL interface condition. In SMITS a monitoring system for contact force on the interface current collector lt;- gt; c ontact wire has been developed. A sensor technology has been started to explore showing the potential for an extended range of rail monitoring tools. An innovative coherent sensor technology approach shall be investigated and two independent monitoring too ls for vehicle and infrastructure be developed. These shall be validated at new rail tracks specified for TSI interoperable cross boundary transportation: the Ltschberg Basis Tunnel, CH and the HSL Zuid high speed line, NL, both ready for operation in 2007 . Demonstration tests in operation will be performed along the Korridor X infrastructure passing through different countries rail networks. The outcome of the project will enable managers to specify driving conditions for the usage of their infrastructure to avoid excessive wear improving availability. Complementary rolling stock operators can monitor OCL condition giving them an informative argument in case of damage. Condition-dependent user fees as well as threat of penalty will force vehicle and infrast ructure managers to maintain the vehicle and infrastructure interface on a superior level of availability. The operational costs will be reduced and availability of transportation capacity enhanced.
Plant growth is affected by climate change in major ways. Higher temperatures and CO2 levels have a direct and dramatic effect of photosynthesis. Rising temperatures are also predicted to increase the potential for damage inflicted to plants by insects. An in-depth understanding of the underlying mo-lecular events leading to a quantitative modeling of growth processes will lead to the development of improved agricultural strategies. In this subproject, we will establish in situ techniques to meas-ure overall plant growth (including roots) non-invasively, in realistic conditions and with high tem-poral resolution. Growth will be described with several morphological parameters concomitantly with the determination of global gene expression signatures. By studying Arabidopsis growth in di-verse environmental conditions (and mutants) we anticipate identifying molecular signatures of the growth process. This will be achieved by performing a meta-analysis of micro-array data generated from plants harvested at various times of the day (with distinct growth rates); mutants with altered growth rates, and plants exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses leading to growth alterations. Common molecular patterns emerging from such a study will enable us to identify the underlying gene regulatory network. This will allow us to construct quantitative models of growth control at the whole plant level. 3.2.4.2 Specific Aims 1) Develop a mathematical model that captures the hypocotyl elongation pattern based on 'ex-ternal coincidence' controlled abundance of growth-promoting bHLH transcription factors. Further develop this model to the whole plant level. See also SP1. 2) Measure leaf growth quantitatively through the development of an imaging platform that enables us to monitor rosette growth day and night with high spatial and temporal resolu-tion. 3) Obtain quantitative data on the intimate links between shoot and root growth. Develop novel imaging techniques to monitor root growth in the soil and identify more easily monitorable traits that correlate with root growth. 4) Test the consequences of changes in the environment (biotic and abiotic) on plant growth. This will be determined at the morphological level implementing the techniques developed in points 1 & 2 and at the global gene expression level. 5) Identify sets of genes which are co-regulated and correlate quantitatively with growth rates. By combining network inference from transcriptome analysis with high-resolution imaging of growth we will be able to identify its molecular signatures. We will identify 'transcrip-tion modules' from large sets of micro-array data (1) (2) (3), whose function can then be analyzed. Iteration of such cycles will lead to the establishment of a robust model, which will initially be determined in Specific Aim 1.
Objective: As consumption of psychoactive substances such as alcohol, drugs and certain medicines are likely to endanger the drivers aptitude and impaired driving is still one of the major causes for road accidents, some active steps have to be taken to reach the goal of a 50% reduction in the number of road deaths in the EU. The objective of DRUID is to give scientific support to the EU transport policy to reach the 2010th road safety target by establishing guidelines and measures to combat impaired driving. DRUID will - conduct reference studies of the impact on fitness to drive for alcohol, illicit drugs and medicines and give new insights to the real degree of impairment caused by psychoactive drugs and their actual impact on road safety - generate recommendations for the definition of analytical and risk thresholds - analyse the prevalence of drugs and medicines in accidents and in general driving, set up a comprehensive and efficient epidemiological database.
Irrigation and fertigation are main management tools in fruit tree production. Due to the scarcity of water and its susceptibility to contamination with agrochemicals, the objective of subproject B3.2 is to reduce water and fertilizer application without reducing farmers benefits. Results from SFB-phase II indicate, that moderate levels of water and nutrient stress can be used to improve orchard productivity (eustress). (A) Irrigation: Deficit irrigation techniques, namely Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD) and Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) have a big potential for water saving without reducing fruit yield and quality. (B) Fertigation: Zn and B stress effect flower induction, which has to be considered for improved orchard management. (C) Participatory field application: An adapted irrigation control unit was developed and indigenous knowledge on deficit irrigation was identified. In SFB-phase III, drought and nutrient stress phenomena and their interactions will be further investigated to develop innovative Irrigation and Fertigation Strategies (IFS) by a close interaction of on-station and participatory on-farm experiments. One of the objectives is the increase of Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and improvement of fruit quality by applying controlled water and nutrient stress but preventing stress related long-term damage (Topic A). On-station fruit trees will be exposed to spatial and temporal varying water and nutrient supply regimes. Stress response such as sap-flow, xylem pH, stomatal conductance and leaf water potential will be monitored. Optimum combination of stress response signals will be identified using sensor fusion methodology. Threshold values for eustress will be determined and validated in on-farm applications. A coequal objective is the development of a controlled water and fertilizer saving fertigation management system, guaranteeing high yields with less alternating fruit set and an improved fruit quality (Topic B). Fruit trees will be cultured in nutrient solutions with different Zn and B supply and at different temperatures to determine the critical Zn and B nutritional status for flower induction and the underlying phytohormonal regulation. It will be determined during which phenological phases drought stress and nutrient deficiency can be beneficial for flower induction, yield formation and fruit quality. In a participatory approach, IFS-strategies will be applied in on-farm trials at various locations to develop adapted IFS-recommendations jointly with the involved farmers. Telecommunication will be used to disseminate results to practical farming (Topic C).
Ein wichtiges Ziel des landwirtschaftlichen Hochwasserschutzes besteht darin, das Wasser möglichst in der Fläche zu halten. Dabei kommt der Landwirtschaft als größtem Flächennutzer eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Grundvoraussetzung ist eine standortangepasste Nutzung, die auf die Geländeverhältnisse, die klimatischen Voraussetzungen und Bodeneigenschaften Rücksicht nimmt. Eine hochwasserverträgliche Bewirtschaftung landwirtschaftlicher Flächen beinhaltet alle Maßnahmen, die den Oberflächenabfluss reduzieren, wie erhöhter Bodenbedeckungsgrad, größere Oberfl ächenrauigkeit, Vermeidung von Bodenverdichtungen, stabile Bodengefüge und Bodenaggregate, Steigerung der Infiltrationsrate, Vermeidung von Splash-Wirkung und Verschlämmung. Eine wichtige Maßnahme ist die Erhaltung einer lang anhaltenden Bodenbedeckung durch Hauptfrüchte mit langer Vegetationszeit und hoher Bestandesdichte. Dies wird erreicht durch Zwischenfruchtanbau und Untersaaten und andererseits durch die Vermeidung von spät schließenden Reihenfrüchten wie Mais, Kartoffeln und Zuckerrüben. Weiters bedeutsam ist die Erhaltung eines infi ltrationsfähigen Bodengefüges durch Verzicht auf tiefe Bodenwendung, Mulchsaatverfahren, die ausreichende Zufuhr von organischer Substanz und die Bearbeitung hängiger Flächen quer zum Hang. Schließlich sollen vorhandene Bodenverdichtungen gelockert und neue Verdichtungen vermieden werden, z.B. durch eine Verringerung der Befahrhäufigkeit, eine Verminderung des Kontaktfl ächendrucks und ein Befahren der Flächen nur bei tragfähigem Bodenzustand. Im vorliegenden Modell wurde einerseits die Hochwasserprävention auf landwirtschaftlichen Flächen bewertet, indem die lokalen naturräumlichen Verhältnisse der landwirtschaftlichen Nutzung gegenübergestellt wurden, um den Wasserabfluss aus landwirtschaftlichen Flächen ersichtlich zu machen. Für die Bewertung der Hochwasserempfindlichkeit der landwirtschaftlichen Flächen wurden zusätzlich die Flächen nach ihrer Überflutungshäufigkeit klassifiziert. So können nun bestimmte Maßnahmen einerseits räumlich gezielt den Wasserabfluss minimieren und andererseits die Schäden im Hochwasserfall gering halten. Um die Bewertungen und die Vorgangsweise zu veranschaulichen wurde die Gemeinde Seitenstetten als Beispielsregion herangezogen. Es liegt dort jedoch kein behördliches Verfahren zur Gebietsausweisung von jenen Einzelflächen oder Schlägen vor, die in Zukunft für den Hochwasserschutz bedeutend sein könnten. Beispielsprojekte im Ausland zeigen, dass durch eine sorgfältige agronomische Standortanalyse ein Maßnahmenkatalog für sensible Teilgebiete zusammengestellt werden kann, ohne Entzug von Flächen und anderen tiefgreifenden Betriebsumstellungen. Die Maßnahmen sind meistens relativ einfach plan- und umsetzbar, können insgesamt jedoch in ihrer standortangepassten kombinierten Form sehr effektiv wirken. usw.
Achievements:The EUROBALT project has led to the advancement of knowledge in the behaviour of ballasted track in several different areas. The measurements have shown the importance of the track stiffness in the whole process of the track degradation. Even though a complete understanding has not been achieved in this particular area, this concept will be now considered by the railways companies. Different tools have also been improved or developed in order to measure the track stiffness, under traffic or by separate investigation (STEDEF measurement technique or PANDROL double integration). Modelling the ballast has been investigated with first studies with new approaches (ENPC). Moreover, two models have been developed, with the same goal of predicting track geometry deterioration. Even though the validation has been limited, it is a big step forward in the study of the phenomena (INRETS 'VOCO + BALTAS' and TUB SIRaGe). As for the models of track damage modelling, different problems were studied and models were developed or improved. These models will also allow a better understanding of the phenomena of track deterioration and the prediction of maintenance and renewal requirement and costs (BRR models). The monitoring studies led to : the development of a prototype able to recover in real time the long wave faults on a track, using versine based measurement cars (MAN technique), the development of a calculation method to define the forces applied on a track section when a train passes, using the data obtained from the new piezofoil sensors developed within the project (MAN method and TUB piezofoil sensors applications). What is also important is the knowledge gained by the different participants, particularly the railways companies. The different approaches used to characterise the behaviour of the ballast showed that the parameters are numerous and not easy to resolve. It can be stated, however, that the concepts of track elasticity or track elasticity variation is one of the key factors in track geometry deterioration. Further studies must be led now to describe more precisely its importance, define means of measurement, and develop the track specifications necessary to realise the benefits that are possible. The EUROBALT project is a big step forward in providing a more precise knowledge of the ballasted track. A complete understanding, however, remains elusive, and is likely to require significant further investigations. . Prime Contractor: Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNCF); Paris; France.
Die Zielsetzung des Modells besteht in der Analyse und Simulation von - den Auswirkungen von sozio-oekonomischen politischen sowie damit verbundenen technologischen Entwicklungen auf die Menge und Zusammensetzung atmosphaerischen Emission (Emissionsmodell) - der atmosphaerischen Diffusions- und Transformationsprozesse (Diffusionsmodell) - der Auswirkungen der Deposition verschiedener Schadstoffe auf Oekosysteme, Materialien - Gebaeude und den Menschen, sowie die Reaktion der Menschen (in verschiedenen) Funktionen, die den Feedback zum Emissionsmodell darstellen (Immissionsauswirkungsmodell).
In strict nature reserves and core zones of protected areas hunting and forestry operations are often restricted or banned. However, regarding the management of Wild boar, such hunt-free zones are discussed controversially and can lead to conflict. Hunters whose areas border no-hunting zones (and who have to reimburse farmers for crop damages caused by Wild boar) are concerned that the boars may evade effective population management by staying within the limits of the no-hunting zone, and farmers fear increased crop damage in the surroundings of such areas. Some conservationists are also concerned because Wild boars increasingly root protected habitats and can cause damage to rare plant assemblies. The three-year project Wild boar problem in the vicinity of protected areas by the Game Research Institute (Wildforschungsstelle) at the Centre for Agriculture Baden-Württemberg (LAZBW) aims at investigating if and how no-hunting zones might affect Wild boar activity, movement patterns, home range size, and habitat use, as well as crop damage caused by boars, by comparing these aspects between hunting-free zones and unprotected areas. Although there have already been a number of telemetry studies on Wild boar, including space use in the context of hunting activity, to date there is no study that has specifically investigated spatial and ecological aspects in and around protected areas. My dissertation Ecology of Wild boar Sus scrofa in the vicinity of protected areas is being carried out within the scope of the Game Research Institutes project and apart from the aims outlined above, further aspects of Wild boar ecology will be investigated, especially the role of Wild boar as bio-engineer and habitat creator for other species vs. unwanted damages at protected sites. Twenty-seven Vectronic GPS-GSM satellite collars with integrated activity sensors are available to tag Wild boars in three study areas: the non-protected Altdorfer Forest near Aulendorf with regular hunting activity and forestry, the nature reserve Wurzacher Ried with its ca. 700 ha core zone that is a strict reserve with no human activity, and the Biosphere Reserve Swabian Jura, especially in the surroundings of the former military training area near Münsingen and the 170 ha no-usage-area Föhrenberg.
Objective: Nano-scale objects interact with living organisms in a fundamentally new manner, ensuring that a fruitful marriage of nanotechnology and biology will long outlast short term imperatives. Therefore, investment in an infrastructure to drive scientific knowledge of the highest quality will have both immediate benefits of supporting the safety assessment of legacy nano-materials, as well as pointing towards future (safe) applications with the lasting benefits to society. There are immediate priorities, for few doubt that serious damage to confidence in nanotechnology, unless averted, could result in missed opportunities to benefit society for a generation, or more. QNano will materially affect the outcome, at this pivotal moment of nanotechnology implementation. The overall vision of QNano is the creation of a 'neutral' scientific & technical space in which all stakeholder groups can engage, develop, and share scientific best practice in the field. Initially it will harness resources from across Europe and develop efficient, transparent and effective processes. Thereby it will enable provision of services to its Users, and the broader community, all in the context of a best-practice ethos. This will encourage evidence-based dialogue to prosper between all stakeholders. However, QNano will also pro-actively seek to drive, develop and promote the highest quality research and practices via its JRA, NA and TA functions, with a global perspective and mode of implementation. QNano will also look to the future, beyond the current issues, and promote the growth and development of the science of nano-scale interactions with living organisms. By working with new and emerging scientific research communities from medicine, biology, energy, materials and others, it will seek to forge new directions leading to new (safe, responsible, economically viable) technologies for the benefit of European society.
Objective: The project will examine the health impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies in urban settings in Europe, China and India, using case studies of 3-4 large urban centres and three smaller urban centres. Sets of realistic interventions will be proposed, tailored to local needs, to meet published abatement goals for GHG Emissions for 2020, 2030 and 2050. Mitigation actions will be defined in four main sectors: power generation/industry, household energy, transport and food and agriculture. The chief pathways by which such measures influence health will be described, and models developed to quantify changes in health-related 'exposures' and health behaviours. Models will include ones relating to outdoor air pollution, indoor air quality and temperature, physical activity, dietary intake, road injury risks and selected other exposures. Integrated quantitative models of health impacts will be based on life table methods encompassing both mortality and morbidity outcomes modelled over 20 year time horizons. Where possible, exposure-response relationships will be based on review evidence published by the Comparative Risk Assessment initiative or systematic reviews. Uncertainties in model estimates will be characterized using a mathematical framework to quantify the influence of uncertainties in both model structure and parameter estimates. Particular attention will be given to economic assessments, both in terms of behavioural choices/uptake of various forms of mitigation measure (with new surveys to address evidence gaps), and in terms of health benefits and costs calculated from societal, health service and household perspectives. A decision analysis framework will be developed to compare different mitigation options. Experts and user groups will be consulted to define the mitigation questions to be examined, and the results will be discussed in consultative workshops scheduled for the final months of the project.
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