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The REpowerEU plan prioritizes combining electrification with low-carbon hydrogen for a green energy shift. However, uncertainties surrounding the future hydrogen market and its supply costs impede the establishment of its value chain. Without definite plans for hydrogen production and infrastructure, investing in low-carbon hydrogen industrial processes is risky. Simultaneously, the absence of solid market interest poses challenges in deploying a hydrogen backbone. In recent years, European gas Transmission System Operators (TSOs) in Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, have introduced various roadmaps for their prospective national hydrogen network. Despite the infrastructure proposals, detailed quantitative scenario analysis for the future hydrogen supply chain is still missing. This paper presents a hydrogen infrastructure model that employs Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) for investment and operational cost optimization at detailed spatiotemporal resolution. A regionalization method is proposed to allocate the potential hydrogen consumption in different industrial sectors across various clusters within a country, represented as the prospective hydrogen demand nodes. The model assesses extreme supply scenarios to examine the robustness of the resulting network infrastructure and compare the system-levelized cost of hydrogen. A real-life case study focusing on the potential Belgian hydrogen supply chain showcases the model's capabilities and outputs. • Regionalization of the industrial hydrogen consumption derived from a national-scale energy system model. • MILP cost optimization model for hydrogen infrastructure design. • Comparative analysis of diverse extreme low-carbon hydrogen supply scenarios. • In-depth case study focusing on the prospective Belgian hydrogen backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to operationalize a relational approach to the study of port-city interfaces. A relational approach allows for the analysis of how actors are connected, transact, and assign meaning and value to regional development. Much of the literature on port-city interfaces has primarily focussed on late 20th - century transformation processes at the urban waterfront. This fails to appreciate the often-continued presence of port activity within cities and falls short in understanding how the development agendas of port cities are relationally constituted. In this paper, first we argue that the port-city interface is a relational geometry through which heterogeneous flows of actors, assets, and structures are coupled. Second, we present an analytical framework capable of operationalizing such relational approach. The contemporary relational geometries in the bio-based sectors within the port cities of Amsterdam and Ghent are taken as starting points. Analysing these reveal how different coupling mechanisms result in particular development trajectories of the port city, setting the scene for future coupling mechanisms. This paper concludes with a discussion on the value of a relational approach to the study of port-city interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper aims to position the concept of adaptive efficiency in planning theory, by providing insights on the conditions that explain why land use planning in some institutional contexts is able to adapt and improve more efficiently than in others. This is done by focusing on a specific planning goal: the control of residential sprawl. The paper presents a theoretical framework based on two models, one on the coordinating mechanisms regarding the use of land and one to explain institutional changes. This framework is exploited with empirical case studies where we compare the control of sprawl in the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland. The analysis diagnoses a duality of planning practices. Even though planning failures occur in the Netherlands as well, we provide evidence that Dutch land use planning has been able to efficiently adapt regulatory instruments and collaborative practices to societal changes. By contrast, Belgian and Polish planners face huge difficulties to incorporate new initiatives to control urban sprawl or, in more general terms, to reinforce their influence on land uses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A method is developed to optimize the valorization of green waste (compost, WTE) • The method is based on life cycle assessment and multi-criteria decisions analysis. • Contrary to LCA assessment, green waste can be assigned to compost and WTE. • Weaknesses in the EU Waste Directive to divert from the waste hierarchy are revealed. Green waste is a type of biomass consisting mainly of grass, leaves and fresh prunings originating from gardens and parks. It can be used as feedstock for composting, or for energy recovery. The EU Waste Directive 2008/98/EC advocates composting to prevent waste. This directive allows green waste to be used for (renewable) energy valorization only if a better overall environmental outcome can be demonstrated. In this paper, we propose an assessment procedure based on examining the Pareto front of optimal trade-off combinations for maximizing composting and energy recovery of green waste while minimizing environmental impact and minimizing particulate matter emission. The Pareto optimal front is determined by solving a multi-objective optimization problem using the ε-constraint method. Previous research on green waste valorization using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) shows that either energy recovery or composting is the preferred option depending on how environmental impact is assessed. In contrast to the full assignment to one of these recovery methods produced by LCA, we demonstrate, using the case of green waste valorization in the Netherlands and Belgium, that the proposed assessment procedure provides optimal solutions in a range between full allocation to compost or energy recovery. The proposed methodology supports the selection of optimal solutions taking the decision makers' preference into account that allows complying with Directives that have opposite goals on green waste valorization. Finally, computational results show that the assessment of the "better environmental outcome" requested by the EU waste Directive 2008/98/EC is influenced by the life cycle impact categories and the policy makers preferences with respect to the valorization options taken into account. Since the EU waste Directive 2008/98/EC does not specify how to execute the outcome assessment of valorization alternatives, this can lead to ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reports findings from visits to palliative care settings and research units in the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. The aim was to learn about clinicians’ (both nurses and doctors) and academic researchers’ understandings and experiences of palliative sedation for managing suffering at the end of life, and their views regarding its clinical, ethical and social implications. The project was linked to two larger studies of technologies used in palliative care. Eleven doctors, 14 nurses and 10 researchers took part in informal interviews. Relevant reports and papers from the academic, clinical and popular press were also collected from the three countries. The study took place in a context in which attention has been drawn towards palliative sedation by the legalisation of euthanasia in the Netherlands and Belgium, and by the re-examination of the legal position on assisted dying in the UK. In this context, palliative sedation has been posited by some as an alternative path of action. We report respondents’ views under four headings: understanding and responding to suffering; the relationship between palliative sedation and euthanasia; palliative sedation and artificial hydration; and risks and uncertainties in the clinician-patient/family relationship. We conclude that the three countries can learn from one another about the difficult issues involved in giving compassionate care to those who are suffering immediately before death. Future research should be directed at enabling dialogue between countries: this has already been shown to open the door to the development of improved palliative care and to enhance respect for the different values and histories in each. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Online drug markets are expanding the boundaries of drug supply including the sale and purchase of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs). However, the role of the internet in IPED markets, and in particular the ways in which these substances are supplied via the surface web, has rarely been considered. This article examines the online IPED market in order to inform drug policy and to provide a nuanced understanding of retailers involved, particularly exploring the relationship between buyers and sellers.Methods: This paper is based on two extensive research projects conducted in the Netherlands and Belgium. The first project focuses on muscle drugs and is based on 64 IPED dealing cases, semi-structured interviews with authorities (N=32), and dealers (N=15), along with an analysis of 10 steroid-selling websites. The second research project primarily focuses on weight loss drugs and sexual enhancers in the Netherlands, and relies on interviews with authorities (N=38), suppliers (N=30), and consumers (N=10), analysis of 69 criminal case files, and an online analysis.Results: In the literature, the illicit online sale of IPEDs is generally associated with illegal online pharmacies that try to mislead buyers. While confirmed in our research, we also illustrate that there are online suppliers who invest in customer relationships and services, and that users are aware of the illegal nature of their business. These e-vendors incorporate a 'social supply business model' by providing the best possible service to their customers and attempting to minimise risks in order to attract, satisfy and maintain customers.Conclusion: As it is likely that users will continue to make use of the internet to order IPEDs, regardless of closing down selling websites, it is first of all important to counteract these online sources by educating all types of consumers and providing harm reduction services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper explores the understudied phenomenon of performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) markets by examining the structure and formation of the market for PIEDs among bodybuilders in the Netherlands and Belgium. This article specifically seeks to account for individual reasons and motivations for dealing PIEDs within these bodybuilding subcultures. Understanding illicit PIED markets is important for policy decisions as knowledge on the production and distribution of these substances may assist in designing law enforcement efforts, harm reduction initiatives and treatment options.Methods: This article draws on two years of fieldwork in various bodybuilding settings, 47 semi-structured interviews with individuals who are directly or indirectly involved in the PIED market and 64 PIED dealing cases initiated by criminal justice agencies in the Netherlands and Belgium.Findings: The data indicates that PIED dealing groups and individuals are often driven by motivations stemming from their social and cultural embeddedness in the bodybuilding subculture. Specifically, these PIED dealers are 'over-socialized' into the structure and culture of bodybuilding and follow the cultural scripts that come with their group affiliation and organization. As a result of the cultural context in which these transactions occur, PIED dealing networks among bodybuilders in the Netherlands and Belgium are more likely to consist of friends or 'friends of friends' tied together by threads of collective meaning found within the bodybuilding subculture.Conclusion: We argue that efforts seeking to explain the structure, formation and motivations of illicit PIED dealing must learn to appreciate how culture mediates structural forces and thereby influences individual and collective action. Policy makers, health care professionals and other relevant parties should consider a plurality of factors (social, economic and cultural) when designing and evaluating PIED-related interventions such as law enforcement efforts, harm reduction initiatives and treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to explore how actors in the offshore wind farm decommissioning supply chain collaborate to manage collective uncertainties—external supply chain uncertainties shared among several supply chain actors. Semi-structured expert interviews with ten companies active in five different segments of the decommissioning supply chain in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium are conducted. Businesses currently utilize collaborative communication, information sharing, and joint knowledge creation to mitigate the adverse effects of collective uncertainties. However, collaboration is severely impeded by the presence of barriers such as intellectual property or the lack of resources. Nevertheless, opportunities to lower these hurdles and improve collaboration across the supply chain exist. This study contributes to the literature on collective uncertainties and supply chain collaboration in offshore wind decommissioning. Additionally, this paper provides practitioner-oriented insights to leverage supply chain collaboration in dealing with the decommissioning challenge. • Identifies collective uncertainties in the offshore wind farm decommissioning chain. • High uncertainty impedes decommissioning planning and preparation. • Several collaboration practices help in managing uncertainty. • Barriers to supply chain collaboration exist. • Finds a need for regulation and that uncertainty trickles down the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the backdrop of meat production and consumption being increasingly contested, this paper presents a narrative descriptive review of (reductions in) meat consumption in the Netherlands and Belgium with a focus on trends during the period 2010–2020. Based on household panel purchasing data and supply balance sheet data as proxies, our analysis shows that meat consumption in the Netherlands is relatively stable, based on supply balance sheet data, despite an estimated annual decrease of around 250 g per capita per year based on household panel purchasing data. Meanwhile, household purchasing panel data for Belgium show a more steady and stronger decline with an annual decrease of slightly >1 kg per capita per year over the past decade, as well as more fluctuations based on supply balance sheet data. The 'Covid-year' 2020 displays a distinct pattern in both countries which deserves further exploration. Both countries face growing shares of (self-declared) flexitarians (ranging from around or above 30% in Belgium to 40% or more in the Netherlands depending on the data source and its definition of flexitarians) and consumers who claim to intend reducing their meat consumption in the future. The analysis reveals important differences in research methodologies, sample compositions, and analytical techniques. Such differences raise caveats for direct comparison between countries and impose challenges for the (European) monitoring of the so-called 'protein transition'. Although some change is occurring, the data suggest that meat reduction calls resonate still more in terms of people's attitudes, awareness, and intentions than in overt dietary behavioral change. Overall, our findings provide reason to conclude that the established meat-centered food system and its dominant meat-eating culture are still prevailing in the Low Countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents extensive research results on the verification of a new transport equation for dry and moist sand at field sites and is a continuation of earlier work (Van Rijn and Strypsteen, 2020). A new trap-type instrument (LVRS-sampler) for measuring the sand transport rate of sliding, rolling and saltating particles was designed and used at many natural beach sites in Belgium and The Netherlands. A short mast equipped with three mini wind cup meters was used to measure the velocity distribution in the lowest 1 m of the boundary layer flow. Many new data sets (81 data) of aeolian sand transport for dry and moist beach surface conditions were obtained using the new equipment and used for verification of the new prediction method. Older field data (48 data points) from the literature were also used for verification. The score of the predicted sand transport based on the new VR-method is 87% within a factor of 2 of measured values for dry sand and 91% for moist sand. The modified Bagnold-transport equation was also used for verification of the available field data with scores of 79% and 67%. As a practical example, the new VR-sand transport equation was applied to calculate the annual aeolian sand transport on a Dutch beach site using wind velocity and rainfall data from a local weather station including rain fall effects (moist sand) and conversion of inland wind velocities to beach velocities (upscaling of results). • New and extensive field data set of wind-driven transport of dry and moist sand at natural beaches. • Analysis of the effect of moist sand on aeolian transport. • Verification of new transport model for dry and moist sand based on the new field data. • Formulation of new procedure for the inclusion of moisture effects and the drying process of beach sand. • Application of new sand transport model for longterm (annual) sand transport predictions at natural beaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper studies generation and flows of WEEE plastics from SHA using multivariate IOA and MFA. • The average age of the case study SHA is between 7 – 10 years and is still decreasing. • Current WEEE plastics recycling rate is around 22 %, with main bottlenecks being collection and sorting. • Increasing collection and sorting to 93 % allows to reach the target of using 50% recycled plastic content by 2026. • Multivariate IOA allows to assess probability of encountering legacy chemicals in WEEE. The Circular Plastics Alliance initiative aims to boost the uptake of recycled plastics (as regranulates) up to 10 million ton by 2025. Consequently, the demand for regranulates in Belgium and the Netherlands is expected to increase as electronic producers begin to pledge to use 25 % regranulates in their products by 2025 or 2030. Therefore, this research aims to gain insights into the potential of regranulates to be used in vacuum cleaners, coffee machines, and electric shavers, which are products with a fair amount of plastics concentration in the small household appliances (SHA) category of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). A model is developed to forecast the amount of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) generated in 2030 in Belgium and the Netherlands using multivariate input-output analysis. The amount of regranulates released by the current formal WEEE management systems of SHA waste is quantified using material flow analysis, which equal to 22 %. This research indicates the need of improved collection rate and pre-processing efficiency (dismantling, shredding, and sorting) to at least 64 % to achieve the target of using recycled content in EEE. Moreover, up to 5 % of WEEE may still contain hazardous substances like brominated flame retardants by 2030. Lastly, through scenario analysis, we predict that the target to use recycled content in vacuum cleaners can be realized by 2027 or by 2023 in the base and positive scenario respectively, regardless of the changes in material composition as long as the collection and pre-processing technologies are continuously improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In industrialized countries river floodplains can be strongly polluted with heavy metals. Published studies on effects of heavy metal pollution on soil invertebrates in floodplains, however, are inconclusive. This is unexpected since studies in other less dynamic environments reported clear effects at even lower levels of pollution. Flooding induces extra variation in invertebrate biomass and abundance which may reduce the probability to detect heavy metal effects. In this paper we combine reported data from studies on river floodplains in The Netherlands and Belgium and statistically analyze the effect of heavy metals on species composition, biomass, density and individual weight of earthworms. Interaction effects of heavy metal stress and flooding are also considered. The results suggest clear effects of zinc and copper on all variables and interaction of heavy metals and flooding for individual weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The (re)localization of food systems is often presented as an alternative to the 'globalized' food system and its presumed unsustainabilities. Studies on sustainability transitions and food systems (re)localization predominantly address the role of Alternative Food Networks whereas the role that conventional supermarket based retail can play has not been as thoroughly studied. Supermarkets, however, take a central position as a main access point for food. Conventional retailing practices are increasingly guided by corporate sustainability principles and therein also increasingly offering locally sourced foods. Supermarkets thus cannot be ignored in discussions on food systems (re)localization and agro-food sustainability transitions. In this paper we assess how food system (re)localization is translated within conventional globalized supermarket-based food retailing in Belgium and the Netherlands taking a practice theory informed approach. First, we discuss the tensions and reinforcing mechanisms between local and conventional food retailing. We demonstrate that to overcome tensions between local and conventional retailing there is a need for increased flexibility (i) in deviating from conventional retailing practices for individual stores; and (ii) within the definition of locality – the definition of 'local' determines what local practices look like. Second, we assess how local retailing relates to corporate sustainability. Conventional and local retailing practices are motivated by corporate sustainability strategies. Local retailing is predominantly motivated by social-economic sustainability considerations, whereas the environmental sustainability of local food is implicitly assumed. However, our results suggest that local food retailing may be ineffective and even counterproductive to corporate environmental sustainability objectives. Finally, we address how regional policies pushing food system localization influence local food retailing within supermarkets. Regional policies may drive supermarkets to retail local foods. Nevertheless, in the absence of a centralized strategy, store managers may find themselves stuck between their regional context and their corporate retailing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-fixed bed ion exchange for NOM removal is reviewed for the North Sea region. • Ion exchange treatment removed 40 to 60% of NOM, mainly humic fractions. • Ion exchange lowered the coagulant dosage and the UV/advanced oxidation energy use. • Ion exchange had low influence on fouling limitation of microfiltration membranes. • Ion exchange lowered the formation of disinfection by-products. Natural organic matter (NOM) fractions cause problems in drinking water treatment and supply. In the North Sea region, anionic ion exchange (IEX) in non-fixed bed configurations has been considered for NOM removal in drinking water treatment plants. This paper discusses several experiences of the impact of anion IEX on NOM removal and on NOM-related problems in water treatment locations of the North Sea region, considering the specific situation of the sites. The investigated parameters include the effect of anionic IEX on the removal of total NOM and specific NOM fractions, the amount of chemicals used for coagulation, the development of trans membrane pressure in microfiltration, the formation of assimilable organic carbon and the energy consumption during advanced oxidation, the removal of organics by activated carbon, and the formation of disinfection by-products. The pilot experiences at three treatment locations in Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands show that anionic IEX (1) removed typically 40 to 60 percent of total NOM; (2) targeted mostly humic NOM fractions, and was not effective to remove biopolymers (3) contributed to lower coagulant doses and energy consumption in UV/advanced oxidation; (4) had limited influence on limiting the fouling of microfiltration membranes; (5) lowered the formation of disinfection by-products; and (6) it can improve biological stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Techniques for late spontaneous recovery from stuttering clustered into six strategies. • The strategies reflect components of established treatments and naïve explanations. • Causal attributions of recovery clustered into three implicit theories about recovery. • Knowledge about strategies and implicit theories may help to improve treatment. (1) To survey the employed techniques and the reasons/occasions which adults who had recovered from stuttering after age 11 without previous treatment reported as causal to overcome stuttering, (2) to investigate whether the techniques and causal attributions can be reduced to coherent (inherently consistent) dimensions, and (3) whether these dimensions reflect common therapy components. 124 recovered persons from 8 countries responded by SurveyMonkey or paper-and-pencil to rating scale questions about 49 possible techniques and 15 causal attributions. A Principal Component Analysis of 110 questionnaires identified 6 components (dimensions) for self-assisted techniques (Speech Restructuring; Relaxed/Monitored Speech; Elocution; Stage Performance; Sought Speech Demands; Reassurance; 63.7% variance explained), and 3 components of perceived causal attributions of recovery (Life Change, Attitude Change, Social Support; 58.0% variance explained). Two components for self-assisted techniques (Speech Restructuring; Elocution) reflect treatment methods. Another component (Relaxed/Monitored Speech) consists mainly of items that reflect a common, non-professional understanding of effective management of stuttering. The components of the various perceived reasons for recovery reflect differing implicit theories of causes for recovery from stuttering. These theories are considered susceptible to various biases. This identification of components of reported techniques and of causal attributions is novel compared to previous studies who just list techniques and attributions. The identified dimensions of self-assisted techniques and causal attributions to reduce stuttering as extracted from self-reports of a large, international sample of recovered formerly stuttering adults may guide the application of behavioral stuttering therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: On 27 May 2005 in Prüm was signed a convention between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Austria on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal migration (hereinafter the Prüm Treaty) improving the exchange of information and data resulting by DNA, dactyloscopic and vehicle data to regulate forms of closer cooperation between law enforcement and judicial authorities. On 23 June 2008 the Council of the European Union adopted the Prüm Treaty under the Treaty on European Union with the Decisions 2008/615/JHA and 2008/616/JHA. On 14 July 2009 the Italian Parliament has passed the act n.85/2009 published on the Official Journal (G.U.) n.160 Supp.Ord.n.108/L G.U. General series with the title: “Adhesion of the Italian Republic to the Prüm Treaty. Establishment of national DNA database (NDNADB) and the central laboratory for the NDNADB” in order to facilitate the identification the perpetrators of crimes. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some aspects described on the chapters of the law as the organization, the rules, the types of activities of NDNADB and the central laboratory, the categories of the person for inclusion in the DNA database, the methodology of analysis of evidence and reference sample, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]