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The CompSafeNano project, a Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) project funded under the European Union's Horizon 2020 program, aims to advance the safety and innovation potential of nanomaterials (NMs) by integrating cutting-edge nanoinformatics, computational modelling, and predictive toxicology to enable design of safer NMs at the earliest stage of materials development. The project leverages Safe-by-Design (SbD) principles to ensure the development of inherently safer NMs, enhancing both regulatory compliance and international collaboration. By building on established nanoinformatics frameworks, such as those developed in the H2020-funded projects NanoSolveIT and NanoCommons, CompSafeNano addresses critical challenges in nanosafety through development and integration of innovative methodologies, including advanced in vitro models, in silico approaches including machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive models and 1st-principles computational modelling of NMs properties, interactions and effects on living systems. Significant progress has been made in generating atomistic and quantum-mechanical descriptors for various NMs, evaluating their interactions with biological systems (from small molecules or metabolites, to proteins, cells, organisms, animals, humans and ecosystems), and in developing predictive models for NMs risk assessment. The CompSafeNano project has also focused on implementing and further standardising data reporting templates and enhancing data management practices, ensuring adherence to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles. Despite challenges, such as limited regulatory acceptance of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) currently, which has implications for predictive nanosafety assessment, CompSafeNano has successfully developed tools and models that are integral to the safety evaluation of NMs, and that enable the extensive datasets on NMs safety to be utilised for the re-design of NMs that are inherently safer, including through prediction of the acquired biomolecule coronas which provide the biological or environmental identities to NMs, promoting their sustainable use in diverse applications. Future efforts will concentrate on further refining these models, expanding the NanoPharos Database, and working with regulatory stakeholders thereby fostering the widespread adoption of SbD practices across the nanotechnology sector. CompSafeNano's integrative approach, multidisciplinary collaboration and extensive stakeholder engagement, position the project as a critical driver of innovation in NMs SbD methodologies and in the development and implementation of computational nanosafety.

Abstract Background Motor coordination concerns are estimated to affect 5%–6% of school‐aged children. Motor coordination concerns have variable impact on children's lives, with gait and balance often affected. Textured insoles have demonstrated positive impact on balance and gait in adults with motor coordination disorders related to disease or the ageing process. The efficacy of textured insoles in children is unknown. Our primary aim was to identify the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial involving children with motor control issues. The secondary aim was to identify the limited efficacy of textured insoles on gross motor assessment balance domains and endurance in children with movement difficulties. Methods An assessor‐blinded, randomised feasibility study. We advertised for children between the ages of 5–12 years, with an existing diagnosis or developmental coordination disorder or gross motor skill levels assessed as 15th percentile or below on a norm‐referenced, reliable and validated scale across two cities within Australia. We randomly allocated children to shoes only or shoes and textured insoles. We collected data across six feasibility domains; demand (recruitment), acceptability (via interview) implementation (adherence), practicality (via interview and adverse events), adaptation (via interview) and limited efficacy testing (6‐min walk test and balance domain of Movement ABC‐2 at baseline and 4 weeks). Results There were 15 children randomised into two groups (eight received shoes alone, seven received shoes and textured insoles). We experienced moderate demand, with 46 potential participants. The insoles were acceptable, however, some parents reported footwear fixture issues requiring modification. The 6‐min walk test was described as problematic for children, despite all but one child completing. Social factors impacted adherence and footwear wear time in both groups. Families reported appointment locations and parking impacting practicality. Underpowered, non‐significant small to moderate effect sizes were observed for different outcome measures. Improvement in balance measures favoured the shoe and insole group, while gait velocity increase favoured the shoe only group. Conclusion Our research indicates that this trial design is feasible with modifications such as recruiting with a larger multi‐disciplinary organisation, providing velcro shoe fixtures and using a shorter timed walk test. Furthermore, progressing to a larger well‐powered randomised control trial is justified considering our preliminary, albeit underpowered, efficacy findings. Trial Registration This trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12624000160538.

Sustainable forest and emergency management require comprehensive data on the forest road network and its condition. This paper presents the final framework of the INFOROAD project (https://inforoad.karteco.gr/), which integrates cutting-edge remote sensing and machine learning technologies for automated periodic extraction and monitoring of the forest road network. The framework includes gravel road extraction, road graph extraction, and gravel road condition monitoring, with a focus on the periurban forest in Thessaloniki. The road extraction employs the U-TAE network architecture, with a proposed modification using inverted residual blocks for improved accuracy. Road graph extraction involves creating a graph from road segmentation output or OSM data, enabling efficient road segment analysis. Gravel-road width calculation utilizes road segmentation results and a series of image processing steps, while road condition monitoring employs ML/AI classification algorithms. Worldview 3 high-resolution satellite images and various auxiliary data sources (e.g. DEM) are used as input, including field measurements for the training of classification algorithms. Results showcase the effectiveness of the proposed framework, with gravel road extraction accuracy improved by the modified U-TAE model. Regarding gravel road condition monitoring, algorithms achieving satisfactory results are identified, despite the challenges that arise, due to the significant surface and texture variations in forest and agricultural roads. A WebGIS platform facilitates information presentation, user interaction, and management of geospatial information, supporting various functionalities such as layer management and spatial data visualization. The INFOROAD project represents a significant advancement in leveraging technology for sustainable forest road management and emergency preparedness. Future steps may involve further enhancements and adaptations for improvement of results.

The thermal and optical behavior of different elements in the urban environment is critical for urban climate regulation and planning. This study investigates the micrometeorological conditions prevailing in an urban green space (UGS) in Greece, during the heatwave of July 2023, addressing the effects of various surface materials on thermal dynamics and the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. The research is based on ground surface temperature and albedo measurements on different materials in the UGS, in the morning and at noon, showing great temperature differences between the different types of materials. The findings highlight the complex interaction between high-albedo surfaces and surface temperature values, suggesting that the proper selection of materials can highly affect the optical and thermal behavior of the urban environment. Artificial materials absorb more heat compared to natural vegetation, leading to high surface temperature values, reaching at noon, for example, 58.9 °C for asphalt. For the natural surfaces, dry bare soil presents similar thermal behavior (64.1 °C at noon), while green surfaces had much lower temperatures (e.g., 38.3 °C for grass). Thermal comfort indices revealed that July 2023 experienced extensive “very hot” conditions, imposing the urgent need for strategic urban planning to mitigate heat impacts. The study highlights that in order to create climate-resilient environments and improve thermal comfort, it is crucial to include suitable materials and a variety of vegetation in urban design. Such insights into the complex nature of urban microclimate indicates also the issue of the careful selection of materials and plant species in urban greening initiatives to help cities face the UHI phenomenon.

Parents are an important social agent that can shape their child's behaviour in sport. However, the association between a youth athlete's perception of their parent's sideline sport behaviour and their own sporting behaviours is currently unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between parent and youth athlete behaviours in sport settings. Australian youth athletes (n = 67) participating in team-based sports completed an online survey where they reported their parents positive and negative sideline behaviours and their own prosocial and antisocial sport behaviour during the past month. Linear regression results suggested that parent's positive behaviours were associated with youth prosocial behaviours, whereas parent's negative behaviours were associated with youth antisocial behaviours. Results provide preliminary quantitative evidence that youth athletes' perceptions of their parents' sideline behaviours predict their own on-field behaviours. As antisocial athlete behaviours were positively associated with parent negative behaviours, sport organisations should target, and ideally eliminate, negative parent behaviours. Conversely, to improve prosocial athlete behaviour, encouraging positive parent behaviours should be promoted.

The thermal and optical behavior of different elements in the urban environment is critical for urban climate regulation and planning. This study investigates the micrometeorological conditions prevailing in an urban green space (UGS) in Greece, during the heatwave of July 2023, addressing the effects of various surface materials on thermal dynamics and the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. The research is based on ground surface temperature and albedo measurements on different materials in the UGS, in the morning and at noon, showing great temperature differences between the different types of materials. The findings highlight the complex interaction between high-albedo surfaces and surface temperature values, suggesting that the proper selection of materials can highly affect the optical and thermal behavior of the urban environment. Artificial materials absorb more heat compared to natural vegetation, leading to high surface temperature values, reaching at noon, for example, 58.9 °C for asphalt. For the natural surfaces, dry bare soil presents similar thermal behavior (64.1 °C at noon), while green surfaces had much lower temperatures (e.g., 38.3 °C for grass). Thermal comfort indices revealed that July 2023 experienced extensive "very hot" conditions, imposing the urgent need for strategic urban planning to mitigate heat impacts. The study highlights that in order to create climate-resilient environments and improve thermal comfort, it is crucial to include suitable materials and a variety of vegetation in urban design. Such insights into the complex nature of urban microclimate indicates also the issue of the careful selection of materials and plant species in urban greening initiatives to help cities face the UHI phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastelands, urban voids, interstices: especially since the 1990s, there has been a proliferation of terminologies projected on (supposedly) empty urban spaces by designers, scholars, and artists. These discussions emerged as responses to landscapes of deindustrialization, increasing sensitivity to the impacts of infrastructures on the urban fabric, the declining currency of modernist planning and a shift towards piecemeal regeneration and aestheticization of ‘left-over’ spaces. A key text typifying this fixation, offering an umbrella term for these spaces, was the Terrain Vague by architect Ignasi de Solà-Morales. His theorization of spatial indeterminacy, borrowing concepts from photography, was driven by ambivalence towards designers’ approaches to the urban residuum. We attempt to reterritorialize de Solà-Morales’ critique within the context it responded to, the ‘Barcelona Model’ of design-led regeneration. With terrains vague remaining focal points in urbanist discourse, there is increasing acknowledgement that urban spaces are rarely devoid of social activity, value, or meaning. Nevertheless, planners, architects, and policymakers continue to project voidness onto these spaces to justify their reconfiguration and revalorization. We argue that the discourse on emptiness has lost much of its novelty – especially when divorced from the political economic processes that create them – and suggest ways to move beyond this impasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature play is growing in popularity, with many early childhood settings transforming their outdoor play environments to incorporate more natural elements. Current research highlights the benefits of engaging in unstructured nature play for children's health and development; yet little is known about the experiences of key nature play end-users such as parents and early childhood educators, even though they directly impact the application of nature play within early childhood settings. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring parent and early childhood educator (ECE) perspectives to gain an understanding about their experiences with nature play. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, semi-structured in-person and telephone interviews were conducted with 18 ECE and 13 parents across four early childhood centres (from various socio-economic regions) across metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia during 2019-2020. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis identified five main themes; positive affirmations of nature play, factors influencing nature play engagement, defining nature play, outdoor play space design and risky play. Children's connection to the natural world, learning about sustainability, emotional regulation, and children discovering their own capabilities were perceived advantages of engaging in nature play. Despite the benefits, ECE's described institutional barriers such as resourcing, adhering to policies and scheduling conflicts, whereas, parents described time, getting dirty and proximity to nature play spaces as barriers to nature play engagement. Parents and ECEs alike described adults as gatekeepers for play, especially when other daily tasks compete for their time, or when faced with weather-imposed barriers (cold, rain, extreme heat in summer). The findings suggest that parents and ECEs may need additional resources and guidance on how to engage with nature play and how to overcome barriers within early childhood settings and the home environment.

The present study investigated the cooling effect of extensive green roofs and green façades, at the pedestrian level, of a Mediterranean densely populated neighborhood. The ENVI-met environmental model was employed to simulate the microclimatic environment on a typical summer day. Thermal conditions of the study area were evaluated based on air temperature and the Mediterranean thermal stress scale of UTCI (Universal Thermal Climate Index). Three mitigation strategies were developed to ameliorate the thermal conditions in the examined area focusing on the efficacy of green façades, green roofs, and the synergetic effect of the green façade and green roof. The mitigation strategies’ performance was evaluated in characteristic design layouts of the study area, namely the following: a typical Mediterranean square, a church with a churchyard, an avenue, NS and EW street orientations, and courtyards. Results showed that compared to the existing configuration, the synergetic effect of the green façade and green roof achieved the greatest amelioration of the thermal conditions during the hottest hours of the day (12:00–18:00) since it produced an average Tair reduction of up to 0.7 °C and a UTCI reduction of 1.6 °C (both in the courtyards design layout). Among the examined design layouts, the courtyards produced the greatest reductions in air temperature and UTCI, whereas the EW streets were the lowest.

Today, high-density building areas, along with low albedo construction materials and a lack of green spaces, have led to higher urban temperatures. Climate change significantly intensifies the magnitude of urban overheating and the frequency of extreme heat events is expected to increase over time. The aim of this research is to showcase new insights into the cooling effects of urban elements and layouts in a residential area consisting of several building blocks in a Mediterranean city (Athens). The microclimatic model ENVI-met was applied to simulate thermal conditions for a typical summer day. Thermal conditions were evaluated according to air temperature and the estimations of the Universal Climate Thermal Index (UTCI, °C). The results showed that during the hottest hours of the day (11:00–17:00), among the examined design layouts, courtyards and the NS street induced the lower heat stress conditions, that fluctuated within the ‘Moderate heat stress’ condition. On the opposite end, the EW street, the avenue, the trees, and the pavement-affected areas induced ‘Very strong heat stress’ conditions. The maximum UTCI value, 40.9 °C (15:00 LST), was obtained in the areas affected by the EW street. The findings of this study highlighted the urban design layout patterns that enhance the development of hotspots and should be considered when designing mitigation strategies in cities with a Mediterranean climate.

In the present study, the microclimatic conditions of two courtyards in the city of Athens are evaluated based on filed monitoring data and data predicted by artificial neural network models (ANNs). The study focuses on the development and application of ANNs in order to estimate air temperature and relative humidity values in complex urban forms such as courtyards from a standard meteorological station, using air temperature and relative humidity as the only inputs. The results are then evaluated to identify the prognostic ability of the developed ANNs models, showing a remarkable predictive ability.

Thermal comfort is a key aspect of optimal conditions in urban public spaces. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and globe temperature measurements are critical components of bioclimatic research in the broader scientific field of urban space quality assessment. The evaluation of thermal comfort in public spaces frequently requires field measurements over long periods and at multiple sites at the same time. This can be challenging on a qualitative and quantitative level. Finding the most accurate way to collect such data in an accessible and manageable way is crucial in the context of an urban field study. Data from various instruments were evaluated and statistically compared in order to assess possible instrument synergy or even similarities that would allow a transition to a simplified way of measuring these determinants of thermal comfort.

Background: Motor coordination concerns are estimated to affect 5%–6% of school‐aged children. Motor coordination concerns have variable impact on children's lives, with gait and balance often affected. Textured insoles have demonstrated positive impact on balance and gait in adults with motor coordination disorders related to disease or the ageing process. The efficacy of textured insoles in children is unknown. Our primary aim was to identify the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial involving children with motor control issues. The secondary aim was to identify the limited efficacy of textured insoles on gross motor assessment balance domains and endurance in children with movement difficulties. Methods: An assessor‐blinded, randomised feasibility study. We advertised for children between the ages of 5–12 years, with an existing diagnosis or developmental coordination disorder or gross motor skill levels assessed as 15th percentile or below on a norm‐referenced, reliable and validated scale across two cities within Australia. We randomly allocated children to shoes only or shoes and textured insoles. We collected data across six feasibility domains; demand (recruitment), acceptability (via interview) implementation (adherence), practicality (via interview and adverse events), adaptation (via interview) and limited efficacy testing (6‐min walk test and balance domain of Movement ABC‐2 at baseline and 4 weeks). Results: There were 15 children randomised into two groups (eight received shoes alone, seven received shoes and textured insoles). We experienced moderate demand, with 46 potential participants. The insoles were acceptable, however, some parents reported footwear fixture issues requiring modification. The 6‐min walk test was described as problematic for children, despite all but one child completing. Social factors impacted adherence and footwear wear time in both groups. Families reported appointment locations and parking impacting practicality. Underpowered, non‐significant small to moderate effect sizes were observed for different outcome measures. Improvement in balance measures favoured the shoe and insole group, while gait velocity increase favoured the shoe only group. Conclusion: Our research indicates that this trial design is feasible with modifications such as recruiting with a larger multi‐disciplinary organisation, providing velcro shoe fixtures and using a shorter timed walk test. Furthermore, progressing to a larger well‐powered randomised control trial is justified considering our preliminary, albeit underpowered, efficacy findings. Trial Registration: This trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration: ACTRN12624000160538. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changing climate is closely related to changes in the bioclimate. This research deals with the present bioclimate and its projected evolution over the entirety of the natural and agricultural lands of south-eastern Europe and individual countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, N. Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia). For this purpose, an ultrahigh spatial resolution of the de Martonne bioclimatic index pattern was elaborated and analysed for the first time. The survey is performed over the reference period (1981–2010) and future time frames (2011–2040; 2041–2070; 2071–2100) under SSP370 and SSP585 emission scenarios. On a territorial level, both natural and agricultural areas appear as highly impacted by the future changes of bioclimate; the highest xerothermic trend is expected to influence the latter areas, mostly in 2071–2100 and under the higher emission scenario. The natural areas will face an expansion in the semidry class from 0.9% (of the total area) during the reference period to 5.6% during 2071–2100 under the RCP8.5 scenario as the dominant extremely humid class falls from 53.5% to 32.9% for the same periods and scenario. On the other hand, agricultural areas will face a more intense xerothermic alteration going from 4.9% to 17.7% for the semidry class and from 41.1% to 23.5% for the dominant very humid class for the same periods and scenario. This study presents the spatial statistics per country for the selected scenarios and periods to provide information for stakeholders. This study’s results highlight the necessity for intensifying adaptation plans and actions aiming at the feasibility of agricultural practices and the conservation of natural areas.

The present study investigated the potential cooling effect of green roofs and green façades on a residential neighborhood in Athens during a typical summer day. The numerical model ENVI-met was employed to simulate the thermal environment of the study area at the existing configuration. Then, different design interventions focusing on the application of green façade and green roofs on the rooftops of the existing buildings were developed in order to evaluate the potential amelioration of the adverse thermal conditions. Thermal conditions were assessed based on basic meteorological parameter values and well-known thermal indices estimations. Results showed that at a two-floor building rooftop, the thermal conditions improved only slightly. Most importantly, the inclusive green roofs did not configure a significant cooling effect compared to that of low-height vegetation existing in the exclusive green roofs. Finally, results showed that the synergetic effect of green roofs and green façade produced a greater amelioration of thermal comfort conditions, compared to that produced by the green roofs solely. The greatest amelioration of thermal sensation conditions was achieved by the combination of inclusive green roofs and green façade.

Physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models are widely used in pharmacology and toxicology for predicting the internal disposition of substances upon exposure, voluntarily or not. Due to their complexity, a large number of model parameters need to be estimated, either through in silico tools , in vitro experiments, or by fitting the model to in vivo data. In the latter case, fitting complex structural models on in vivo data can result in overparameterization and produce unrealistic parameter estimates. To address these issues, we propose a novel parameter grouping approach, which reduces the parametric space by co-estimating groups of parameters across compartments. Grouping of parameters is performed using genetic algorithms and is fully automated, based on a novel goodness-of-fit metric. To illustrate the practical application of the proposed methodology, two case studies were conducted. The first case study demonstrates the development of a new PBK model, while the second focuses on model refinement. In the first case study, a PBK model was developed to elucidate the biodistribution of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in rats following intravenous injection. A variety of parameter estimation schemes were employed. Comparative analysis based on goodness-of-fit metrics demonstrated that the proposed methodology yields models that outperform standard estimation approaches, while utilizing a reduced number of parameters. In the second case study, an existing PBK model for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in rats was extended to incorporate additional tissues, providing a more comprehensive portrayal of PFOA biodistribution. Both models were validated through independent in vivo studies to ensure their reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light availability and its composition in components affecting plant growth as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), are of critical importance in agricultural and environmental research. In this work, radiation data for the period 2009–2014 in a forest site in Greece were analyzed to identify the effect of meteorological variables on the formation of the photosynthetically active to global solar radiation ratio. The temporal changes of the ratio are also discussed. Results showed that the ratio values are higher in summer (0.462) and lower in autumn (0.432), resulting in an annual average of 0.446. In addition, for the investigated site, which was characterized by relatively high water content in the atmosphere, the atmospheric water content and clearness were found to be the most influential factors in the composition of the global solar radiation in the wavelengths of PAR. On the contrary, temperature and related meteorological attributes (including relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit and saturation vapor pressure) were found to have minor effect.