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Sea-level rise was a key factor changing environments during the Early Holocene in Northwest Europe. It affected Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities by inundating large areas in the current North Sea, commonly referred to as Doggerland. In this paper we present novel inundation models for the southern North Sea providing visualisations of lateral inundation driven by sea-level rise and relate it to frequency analysis of radiocarbon dates from archaeological sites. These improve on previous studies that relied on bathymetric data, which includes post-inundation overprints of Holocene sedimentation and erosion, and thus significantly underestimates the timing of inundation in some areas. We constructed a paleoDEM (a composite elevation grid of the top of the Pleistocene) for the eastern part of the southern North Sea; and sea level surfaces that combine relative sea-level curves from glacio-isostatic adjustment models optimised for Britain and southern Scandinavia respectively. We corrected our paleoDEMs for tectonic background basin subsidence, and in the inundation modelling account for pre-compaction elevation of peat in coastal areas. We evaluated the impact of these model components on our results and describe the possible inundation history of Doggerland. We suggest earlier inundation than predicted by previous models, showing significant area loss around 10.5–10 ka cal BP. Palaeogeographic changes are compared with archaeological radiocarbon data using a dates-as-data approach. Composite Kernel Density Estimate and permutation tested Summed Probability Distributions are used as a proxy for the visibility, nature and intensity of human activity. Results indicate key periods of growth and decline recorded in the dataset, as well as regional differences in growth rate, some correlating with inundation phases. Chiefly, we find elevated growth rates around 10.5–10 ka in northwest Germany and the Netherlands, contemporaneous with the abovementioned phase of extensive area loss, and moreover, with changes in culture and practices on Early Mesolithic sites. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of archaeological data is significantly influenced by accessibility and preservation of sediments of a certain age. We discuss the importance of inundation modelling and sediment data in understanding how landscape taphonomy affects archaeological patterning, especially in dates-as-data approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Land values change in planning processes. Accountancy regulations define the book value of land held by local authorities. This affects the evaluation of alternative lines of action in land development, and in this way, the land policy of local authorities. This paper reflects on the case of the Netherlands, which has a well-established tradition of public land development. Traditionally, valuation has been based on historic costs: the prices for acquisition and costs of infrastructure provision paid in the past, and not the current exchange values. Losses foreseen must be taken immediately; profits can only be booked after they have been made. This paper analyses the changes in these accountancy regulations over time and studies their impact on the economic position of local authorities. It considers both regulations as the outcomes of these as being found in administrative records and the practice in the City of Enschede where there was a difference between the official value as recorded in the books and the value that was the basis for decision-making. The paper discusses the impact on land policy. There is a tension between regulations that more-and-more aim for a direct reflection of property market volatility in the books and the aim of local authorities to present financial stability. This may contribute to less financial involvement in land policies. • Monetary values in planning are formed by a social process of value creation. • Accountancy regulations impact the weighing of alternative policy options. • Accrual-based accountancy supports public land development. • There has been an interaction between land policy development and construction of value in the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper highlights the evolution and impact of the SWAP model (Soil – Water – Atmosphere – Plant), which was initiated by R.A. Feddes and colleagues fifty years ago, in 1974. Since then, the SWAP model has played a crucial role in the advancement of agrohydrology. This paper highlights some major advances that have been made, especially focussing on the last fifteen years. The domain of the SWAP model deals with the simulation of the soil water balance in both unsaturated and saturated conditions. The model solves the Richards equation using the water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions as described by the Van Genuchten – Mualem equations. Bimodal extensions of the Van Genuchten - Mualem relationships have been implemented, as well as modifications near saturation and addressing hysteresis. An important sink term in the Richards equation is root water uptake. Crop development plays an important role in a robust simulation of root water uptake. That is why a link has been made with the dynamic crop growth model WOFOST. Instead of using a prescribed crop development, a distinction between potential and actual crop development is calculated by reducing the potential photosynthesis as a result of water or oxygen stress. Since the early days of SWAP, empirical and macroscopic concepts have been used to simulate root water uptake. Recently two process-based concepts of root water uptake and oxygen stress have also been implemented. Another important sink-source term in the Richards equation is the interaction with artificial drains. In SWAP, drainage can be simulated by either using prescribed or simulated drain heads and simulation of controlled drainage with subirrigation is possible. Finally, we briefly elaborate on three studies using SWAP: water stresses in agriculture in the Netherlands, regional water productivity in China, and controlled drainage with subirrigation. We finish discussing promising developments for the near future. • Advances in soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer modelling in the SWAP model. • Coupling of soil water dynamics with dynamic crop growth model. • Process-based root water uptake and oxygen uptake functions. • Climate-adaptive drainage with subirrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We proposed a delineating field parcel model (TSANet) based on satellite image time series. • TSANet learn the relevance of spatial-spectral-temporal feature representation. • TSANet is robust across space and time. • TSANet performs better than pervious methods. • The time series data from the main growing period has a greater impact. Satellite image time series (SITS), such as Sentinel-2 imagery, plays a crucial role in the delineation of agricultural fields by reducing the impacts of ambiguities due to the spatial arrangement of field boundaries. Existing delineate field parcel models rely extensively on spatial features derived from single-date imagery. However, several studies have exploited the potential of SITS to effectively tackle the complexities associated with the intrinsic consistency between agricultural fields and their boundaries. This paper proposes a novel Two-Stream Attention convolutional neural network (TSANet) to capture the subtle difference between agricultural fields from SITS. Specifically, a field temporal semantic stream is introduced to adaptively leverage the significance of spatial-spectral-temporal feature representation associated with the location of agricultural parcels, especially where transitions in crop types take place. Considering the consistency between field parcels and their boundaries, we developed a field boundary prediction stream to enhance the extraction of edge features, particularly for the extraction of small and irregular agricultural parcels. Moreover, a field parcel refining block is employed to further enhance the geometric accuracy of agricultural fields. We conducted experiments on Sentinel-2 images from the Netherlands. Results showed that our approach produced a better layout of agricultural fields, with an average F1-score of 0.91 than the existing 3D-UNet, U-TEA, and BiConvLSTM. In addition, through the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative results, the stronger robustness of the model compared to other algorithms has been verified by temporal transfer and large-scale spatial prediction. We compared the difference between SITS and the corresponding composite images, which further verified the influence of temporal variation on the proposed approach. This paper provides a general guide for delineating agricultural parcels using SITS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents insight into how rural young adults in the rural areas of Oost-Groningen, The Netherlands, and Südharz, Germany, deal with their rural identity with regard to different future horizons. This paper applies future horizons instead of intended future plans to emphasize the open and uncertain nature of young adults' aspired future. Based on 15 biographical interviews and a survey to geographically contextualize these interviews, the results show how rural young adults can have parallel future horizons to maintain several options open in which they all aim to preserve a rural identity. This paper illustrates how rural young adults compromise a rural identity with aspirations elsewhere in a staying or rural horizon elsewhere. In addition, the results show how they deal with rural identities by further internalizing and externalizing their rural identities with variations of embracing aspects of a rural identity with regard to different future horizons. The paper concludes that young adults can be considered, however also out of uncertainty about the future, as active participants of their future who apply parallel and temporal horizons and still preserve a rural identity. • Future horizons capture the open nature of young adults' futures. • Young adults apply parallel and temporal horizons to preserve a rural identity. • Rural young adults refocus their rural identity to align it with parallel aspirations. • Regional contexts matter in how rural identities are changed for future horizons. • Young adults can be considered as active participants in shaping their futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a digital tool named Diversity Perspectives in Social Media (DivPSM) which conducts automated content analysis of strategic diversity communication in organizational social media posts, using supervised machine-learning. DivPSM is trained to identify whether a post makes mention of diversity or a diversity-related issue, and to subsequently code for the presence of three diversity dimensions (cultural/ethnic/racial, gender, and LHGBTQ+ diversity) and three diversity perspectives (the moral, market, and innovation perspectives). In Study 1, we describe the training and validation of the instrument, and examine how it performs compared to human coders. Our findings confirm that DivPSM is sufficiently reliable for use in future research. In study 2, we illustrate the type of data that DivPSM generates, by analyzing the prevalence of strategic diversity communication in social media posts (n = 84,561) of large organizations in the Netherlands. Our results show that in this context gender diversity is most prevalent, followed by LHGBTQ+ and cultural/ethnic/racial diversity. Furthermore, gender diversity is often associated with the innovation perspective, whereas LHGBTQ+ diversity is more often associated with the moral perspective. Cultural/ethnic/racial diversity does not show strong associations with any of the perspectives. Theoretical implications and directions for future research are discussed at the end of the paper. • DivPSM can analyze how organizations communicate about diversity on social media • DivPSM codes whether a post includes cultural/ethnic/racial, gender, or LHGBTQ+ diversity • DivPSM identifies the underlying rationale for diversity management that the organization uses • In social media posts by large Dutch organizations, gender diversity is mentioned most often • Gender diversity is often communicated as a way to increase creativity and innovation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A timber system is proposed for the seismic retrofit of URM buildings. • Analytical equations are derived for design against different failure modes. • Wall in-plane and out-of-plane responses, diaphragms and connections are addressed. • The proposed equations are applied to case-study buildings and structural members. • Good agreement between analytical calculations and experimental data is shown. An innovative timber retrofit was investigated at the EUCENTRE and at the University of Pavia, Italy, as part of a comprehensive research campaign on the seismic vulnerability of existing unreinforced masonry buildings subjected to induced seismicity in The Netherlands. The retrofit system consists of timber frames, connected to the masonry piers and to the floor diaphragms, and oriented-strand board sheathing nailed to the frames and to flexible timber diaphragms. Starting from the main critical aspects observed in experimental tests, the proposed solution was conceived to enhance the in-plane and out-of-plane capacities of masonry piers, improve the overall wall-to-diaphragm connections, increase the floor diaphragm stiffness and strength, and allow possible integration with energy efficiency upgrades. This paper, the first of a series of two, focuses on the conceptual bases of the seismic retrofit system and on the analytical equations that can be used for the design of its components. Moreover, a step-by-step design procedure is presented to guide the reader through the application of these equations. A companion paper [1] will discuss the validation of the analytical formulation with the experimental data from quasi-static cyclic and dynamic shake-table tests on building components and complete specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacking knowledge concerning the North-Sea's socio-ecological system causes the rapid increase of Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) development to occur under serious uncertainty. Optimising OWF development while minimizing negative effects on the socio-ecological system of the North-Sea thus requires holistic knowledge and its appropriate use in policy. Together with the pressure for OWF development, the subsequently rapid development of an array of scientific knowledge results in a dynamic and multidisciplinary knowledge situation, challenging the integration of knowledge, particularly between research and policy. To ensure policy is based on the latest holistic understanding, knowledge requires integration in strategic Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) policy. While the need for better knowledge processes is widely mentioned as a challenge for MSP, knowledge-integration in MSP remains understudied. This paper responds by studying the role of OWF-related knowledge in MSP while formulating a framework of conditions for knowledge-integration between research and policy in MSP policy and OWF development. These conditions are formulated based on knowledge management and MSP literature and subsequently applied in semi-structured interviews, document research, consortium observations, and focus groups. The case study used for acquiring data is knowledge-integration in Dutch MSP and OWF development. The Dutch maritime area is intensively used and faces important tensions over space due to conflicting stakeholder interests. In addition, while being an early adopter of MSP, the Netherlands also faces serious challenges due to high political pressure promoting Offshore Wind Farm development and a related need for maritime knowledge production. Together with the array of knowledge programs aiming to inform Dutch MSP, this provides a useful case to analyse knowledge-integration in MSP. The framework developed in this paper includes conditions for knowledge-integration ranging from the acceptance of differences between researchers and policymakers, to the need to employ interface managers who can develop a structural and effective knowledge-integration process. Fundamental differences between researchers and policymakers, such as differing timeframes, and differing views on uncertainty were found to form significant risks for knowledge-integration, as such influencing conditions. Additionally, the dynamic, long-term, area specific, and multidisciplinary context of MSP and OWF development was found to significantly influence the knowledge-integration process, underlining the importance of context for knowledge processes. • Science-policy gaps challenge knowledge-integration. • Contexts of knowledge influence conditions for integration. • Uncertainty and interface, require management to improve knowledge-integration. • Interdisciplinarity necessary for holistic knowledge integration in MSP. • Strategic, adaptive, multidisciplinary, and interface as main conditions for integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has become a global and persistent challenge, posing threats to ecosystems and organisms. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in scientific research focused on understanding microplastics in the soil‒plant system. This surge is primarily driven by the direct impact of microplastics on agricultural productivity and their association with human activities. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the current research on microplastics in soil‒plant systems. We systematically analysed 192 articles and observed a significant rise in research interests since 2017. Notably, China has emerged as a leading contributor in terms of published papers, closely followed by Germany and the Netherlands. Through co-authorship network analysis, we identified 634 different institutions that participated in publishing papers in this field, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences having the most collaborations. In the co-occurrence keyword network, we identified four clusters focusing on the diversity of microplastics within the agroecosystem, transportation, and quantification of microplastics in soil, analysis of plastic contamination type and impact, and investigation of microplastic phytotoxicity. Furthermore, we identified ten research priorities, categorized into the effects of microplastics in "soil" and "plant". The research hotspots were found to be the effect of microplastics on soil physicochemical properties and the synergistic phytotoxicity of microplastics with other pollutants. Overall, this bibliometric analysis holds significant value, serving as an important reference point and offering valuable suggestions for future researchers in this rapidly advancing field. [Display omitted] • Bibliometric analysis on the microplastic (MP) in the soil-plant system was conducted. • The research hotspots and progress of MPs in the soil-plant system were demonstrated. • A remarkable increase in research on MPs in the soil-plant system has been recorded since 2017. • Identified ten research priorities on microplastic in the soil-plant system. • Synergistic toxicity of MPs and other pollutants poses a greater risk to soil organisms and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a shared multi-stakeholder PV system for traction substations and nearby residential loads to reduce the need for storage, AC grid exchange, and curtailment. The residential stakeholders offer both the base electrical load and the solar panels installation space needed by the traction stakeholder, who brings the peak load and investments to the former. Two case studies were conducted for one year in the city of Arnhem, The cy=Netherlands, using comprehensive and verified simulation models: A high-traffic and a low-traffic substation. The results showed a positive, synergetic benefit in reducing the PV system's excess energy and size requirement for any type of traction substations connected to any number of households. In one detailed example, the multi-stakeholder system suggested in this paper is shown to reduce curtailment by up to 80% in moments of zero-traction load. Generally, the direct load coverage of a PV system is increased by as much as 7 absolute percentage points to the single-stakeholder system when looking at energy-neutral system sizes. This multi-stakeholders system offers then an increase in the techno-economic feasibility of PV system integration in urban loads. • Shared PV for traction and residential loads profitable; less storage and curtailment. • Shared PV profitable at any traction traffic value or number of connected households. • Cost of energy always better in the shared PV system compared to a private system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Post-industrial workspaces are valuable and attractive alternatives to 'regular' offices. • The fusion of industrial aesthetics with industrial heritage produces authenticity and uniqueness. • Assembling affective atmospheres involves material and immaterial elements. • Workspace affiliations can add value and distinction to creative workers and products through branding. From Chicago to Cape Town, post-industrial creative workspaces have become ubiquitous in cities around the world. Although they are often promoted as unique and authentic, many appear to share similar architectural aesthetics including steel beams and monumental chimneys. Existing research shows that creatives are attracted by embedded networks, opportunities for knowledge exchange and the post-industrial aesthetic of these spaces. Yet, we know less about the appeal of industrial heritage and how the 'thick' affective atmospheres of these post-industrial workspaces are assembled, experienced and leveraged by workers and managers. This paper draws on a qualitative case study of 8 post-industrial workspaces in the Netherlands, involving 73 interviews with site managers and creative workers, participant observation and an analysis of the websites and Instagram feeds of the workspaces. It explores the interconnected nature of the spaces and stories associated with the sites to identify and better understand the range of material and immaterial elements that combine to produce affective atmospheres. The paper demonstrates how developers fuse industrial aesthetics (layouts) with industrial heritage (historical narratives) to produce unique and attractive workspaces. It then considers how creatives experience and commodify their chosen workspaces. While specific industrial aesthetics are shown to offer a valuable alternative to 'regular' office space, connections to the past provide workers with motivation, inspiration and opportunities for identity construction. The paper also highlights how creatives leverage the symbolic value associated with their unique post-industrial workspaces to generate distinction through self and place-branding strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces novel analysis procedures for the structural assessment of masonry earth retaining structures subjected to traffic loading. Given their substantial presence, particularly in transportation networks of historical cities, and the challenges posed by ageing, deterioration, and exposure to loads beyond their original design considerations, this research highlights the necessity of accounting for potential load redistribution mechanisms during their assessment. This can prevent overly conservative interventions that may not be necessary and also contravene sustainability and heritage preservation principles. Four distinct analysis procedures – 2D monotonic, 3D monotonic, 3D static moving load and 3D dynamic moving load – are developed, each progressively more refined than its predecessor in capturing potential load redistribution mechanisms in masonry earth retaining structures. These mechanisms may develop due to the dynamic loading conditions of the vehicular passage, the 3D structural configuration of retaining structures, and non-linear material behaviour. By comparing the structural capacity evaluated using the four procedures, contributions from different sources of load redistribution can be separately quantified, aiding in the reduction of conservatism inherent in less refined assessment procedures. The application of the developed procedures and consequent quantification of load redistribution is demonstrated through a case study of an existing masonry retaining structure in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. • Analysis procedures for masonry earth retaining structures under traffic loading. • 2D monotonic, 3D monotonic, 3D static and 3D dynamic moving load procedures. • Load redistribution is due to dynamic loading and 3D structural configuration. • Demonstrated application to a case study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policymakers are in a balancing act when creating local energy transition strategies. Embedding new technologies in an existing energy system is highly complex. Policymakers must deal with multi-system interactions such as sector coupling, multi-scale effects such as bottom-up behavior and top-down policies, and requirements from local spatial planning, grid constraints, and resource availability. Decision support tools can help to navigate this complex landscape. This paper showcases a tool to support policymakers with heating strategies for Dutch neighborhoods. The tool is a GIS-based simulation model of the energy system developed using a collaborative approach and applied in a scenario study. Energy calculations are done over a year with an hourly resolution, while scenarios can include any future energy system configuration. The results highlight trade-offs between heating strategies, interaction effects with the mobility and electricity transitions, and bottlenecks in transition pathways. Collective district heating has less grid impact but higher emissions and costs, while individual (hybrid) heat pumps have lower emissions and costs but more grid impact. No-regrets and enabling technologies are insulation and smart charging of electric vehicles and boilers. Collaborative modeling with a GIS-based user-interface increases system understanding, including trade-offs, transition pathways, and bottlenecks, in a collective and interactive way. This creates a shared and well-grounded vision, resulting in robust local renewable energy strategies. • A multi-system, multi-scale decision support tool is an essential contribution to local renewable energy system planning. • There is no clear winner in renewable heating strategies in residential neighborhoods in The Netherlands. • Trade-offs occur in terms of costs, grid congestion, and emission reductions. • Models can be used to identify lock-ins and bottlenecks in energy transition pathways. • Collaborative modeling for renewable energy strategies increases system understanding and more robust decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating enormous quantities of wind energy into the electrical system requires precise planning and forecasting. This paper presents a novel framework for wind power forecasting, which establishes a new standard for accuracy and reliability. It uses advanced deep neural networks and a stacking ensemble mechanism to make probabilistic forecasts. These forecasts address wind speed volatility and variability, which continue to be key issues in producing consistently accurate wind power forecasts despite advances in deep learning. Base learners generate forecasts that include lower and upper bounds, as well as median prediction intervals. The Huber regressor, also known as the Meta-learner, combines projections from many models to reduce susceptibility to extreme values. Expanding window cross-validation is used in performance evaluation, with a focus on Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error (MSE), Symmetric Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Prediction Interval Coverage Probability, and Average Interval Width for one, two, and three step ahead predictions. The model's stability is measured by the standard deviation of MSE throughout each validation window. Additionally, the Diebold–Mariano test is used to validate the Meta-learner's predictive accuracy in contrast to other advanced models and the seasonal naïve benchmark. This study found that the meta model outperformed all other models in eight of the nine forecasts tested, indicating its effectiveness in medium-range forecasting. In Germany, it exceeded Temporal Fusion Transformer by two and three steps ahead, with 22% and 34% improvements, respectively. Indeed, this study not only provides a reliable prediction tool, but also lays foundations for efficient and effective energy management and policy planning in the renewable energy industry. • Deep neural network architectures are applied to probabilistic wind power forecasting. • Transformer and artificial neural network approaches combined with conformal prediction intervals is proposed. • A window cross-validation scheme on wind power forecasting is evaluated. • Wind power data from Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are used for forecasting purposes. • SHAP and LIME analyses perform the explanatory analysis of the variables in the meta-learner's predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-Determination Theory posits that everyone has a basic need for autonomy that needs to be fulfilled to establish autonomous motivation for health behavior (change). Regardless, individual differences exist in health communication style preferences. This paper outlines the development and validation of the Health Communication Orientations Scale (HCOS), a new measure to assess these preferences. Nationally representative online panels from the US (n = 603) and the Netherlands (n = 737) completed a survey containing the HCOS, established motivational measures, and demographic questions. Factor analyses identified five subscales valid for both populations: HCOS (1) Expert, (2) Others, (3) Self, (4) Oppositional, and (5) Internet. Scores for Expert and Internet were higher in the US sample; Others, Self, and Oppositional were higher in the Dutch sample. Internal reliability for the five factors was high across samples (range 0.84–0.91). Many significant correlations with established measures were observed in both samples indicating the construct validity of the scale. The HCOS subscales have strong psychometric properties. The HCOS represents a novel approach to assessing communication style preferences for general and patient populations. Further investigation in how the HCOS may be used to tailor health messaging is warranted. • The HCOS is a new measure to assess health communication style preferences. • The scale distinguishes the Experts, Others, Self, Oppositional, and Internet type. • Internal reliability for the five factors was high in a US and NL sample. • Significant correlations with established measures indicate high construct validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to renewable energy sources, particularly sources like wind and solar induces a dependency on weather in the supply side of electrical grids. At the same time, the move to electric mobility with uncontrolled charging induces extra peak loads on these grids. These developments can cause grid congestion or an imbalance between the renewable power supply and the demand. Locally balancing the power supply and demand in grid-connected microgrids can alleviate such issues on the main grid. This paper presents a model based control strategy to address the challenge of locally balancing the power supply and demand in a grid-connected microgrid to avoid reaching the threshold rated power output set for large buildings. The microgrid under consideration consists of photovoltaic power sources and a large fleet of electric vehicle chargers (> 150). A model predictive controller is developed that treats the daily vehicle charging as a batch process. Given vehicle charge objectives, the controller utilizes vehicle charger occupancy and photovoltaic power generation forecasting services to distribute power optimally over a fixed period of time. The optimization problem is formulated as a quadratic programming problem and is implemented utilizing open-source Python libraries. The controller was integrated into the control system of a microgrid situated at a corporate office in the Netherlands. The control system oversaw the operation of 174 vehicle chargers. The effectiveness of the model predictive control technology was demonstrated over a three-week period and led to an average daily grid peak power reduction of 59%. • A model-based control strategy is presented in a grid-connected microgrid. • The microgrid under consideration consists of PV and 174 vehicle chargers. • The controller's strategy minimizes power grid peaks and maximizes EV charge energy provided by the PV cells. • The controller was integrated and implemented in the microgrid system. • An average daily grid peak power reduction of 59% was achieved over a three week period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• State-of-the-art research tools and methodologies to assess environmental benefits. • Proposed methodology to identify habitat area change using global Copernicus data. • Translation of land use, land cover classes to habitat classification system. • ArcGIS toolbox developed and applied to Denmark and Netherlands study area. • Positive or negative effect evaluation of the measure from biodiversity response. Nature-Based solutions (NBS) are the measures supported by natural processes that can adapt to changing climates and generate diverse social, economic, and environmental benefits. Recognising the potential for additional NBS benefits, and quantifying these benefits is essential as it encourages decision-makers to implement and scale-up NBS initiatives. This paper presents findings from a systematic literature review. The review focused on tools and methodologies used for assessing the environmental benefits of implementing NBS. This review provides a detailed compilation of environmental indicators supported by assessment tools. It also includes a catalogue of tools for evaluating environmental benefits, thereby identifying research gaps. Moreover, this research proposes a methodology that uses an ArcGIS (Architecture of Geographic Information Systems) toolbox to identify habitat changes resulting from the implementation of NBS. The methodology translates CORINE (Coordination of Information on the Environment) land cover classes to EUNIS (European Nature Information System) habitat classes. The developed toolbox was applied to two case studies: Denmark (12 NBS) and the Netherlands (3 NBS). The assessment aimed to compare the habitat changes between 2000 and 2018 as two extreme time points for NBS implementation for both case studies. Results indicate that NBS implementation can change habitats leading to an increase in the Red-necked Grebe population in Denmark and a decline in the Black-tailed Godwit population in the Netherlands (two threatened species). The population change highlights the potential positive and potential negative impacts of NBS in their respective cases. These findings suggest Denmark could benefit from lake construction and restoration projects. At the same time, the Netherlands could invest in wetlands and meadows construction and restoration projects to protect the respective species. They could establish designated breeding zones to ensure their population does not decline rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actors experience considerable uncertainty when developing and realizing mobility innovations that can contribute in the transition to a sustainable transport system. Although the role of uncertainty and its handling is mentioned as important in the literature on transitions and innovations, there is a lack of understanding how uncertainty affects decision-making processes and actors themselves. This paper investigates the interplay of uncertainty competencies and governance settings in four innovation cases of Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Our findings demonstrate it is difficult to sustain MaaS beyond a research trial, because actors experience too much uncertainty about governance questions of long-term responsibilities and role distribution. Although individual actors possess effective project management skills and willingness to innovate in a trial context, they are unable to bring MaaS to a next level because MaaS is not seen as a part of a larger design quest in which stakeholders experiment and play with uncertainty through different institutional configurations. • Exploring innovation processes through actors' experience of uncertainty enables to explain why they (do not) move forward. • In uncertain innovation trials, uncertainty is often translated by actors as risk that should be reduced. • Innovation trials are good at resolving uncertainties on a project level. • Full implementation of mobility innovations requires broader experimentation with actor responsibilities and legislative configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an anticipatory approach to energy justice by focusing on nascent justice implications of imagined publics in transition visions. We test this approach in a case study, building on an interpretive qualitative content analysis of twenty-one vision documents followed by a select number of interviews on the hydrogen transition in the Netherlands. Combining theory and case insights, we develop the thesis that publics, in their various roles and compositions and with their diverse demands, are not always acknowledged nor correctly represented in the Dutch hydrogen transition. Non-recognition and misrecognition of publics in vision documents is problematic and unjust and can result in future distributive and procedural justice issues when these recognition injustices become performed in and through policy, technology, and infrastructure. Reflections on the opportunities and risks of this anticipatory approach are provided, and so are recommendations for more just and inclusive (hydrogen) transitions. • Imagined publics theory is introduced in energy justice literature to develop a conceptual appraoch to anticipatory justice • Imagined publics are used to identify recognition injustices in energy transition visions • Publics suffer from both misrecognition and non-recognition in current visions for a hydrogen transition • The performance of recognition injustices can create procedural and distributive justice issues • Three concrete recommendations for more just and inclusive hydrogen transitions are included [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urge to reduce the dependence on natural gas for heating at the residential level has led to the deployment of different fossil fuel-free alternatives. In the Netherlands, two technologies are leading the transition: heat pumps, due to their high COP, and photovoltaic–thermal systems, due to their dual electric-thermal output. However, both represent a challenge for users and grid operators, aside from their stochastic behavior. Heat pumps alone can surpass a typical Dutch house's total energy and power consumption. Photovoltaic–thermal systems, as their only electric homologs, usually have a mismatch between generation and demand, causing energy injections to the grid. From the electric perspective, storage systems are a proven solution to reduce the energy exchange with the distribution network. This paper proposes four multi-carrier energy system configurations for a Dutch household, comprising different combinations of a photovoltaic–thermal system, a battery energy storage, a heat pump, and an underground water tank thermal energy system, providing analytical models for every component (including the thermal losses from the thermal storage to the ground), and the space heating and electrical demands. We determined the components' compatibility and evaluated the combinations considering their thermal performance, electrical performance, and equivalent CO 2 emissions. The results suggest that using a heat pump combined with a photovoltaic system and a battery provides the best trade-off. The photovoltaic–thermal system alone could not supply the thermal demand required for comfortable space heating nor reach temperatures high enough to charge the thermal storage. Combining the thermal storage with the heat pump allows a certain degree of flexibility for the heat pump activation at the cost of COPs between 0.8 and 1.38 when used to charge the thermal storage, thus increasing energy consumption and equivalent emissions considerably. [Display omitted] • Heat pumps and gas boilers have similar CO 2,eq emissions in Dutch houses. • A PV system can compensate for the CO 2,eq emissions of a heat pump in Dutch houses. • PVT cannot reach temperatures to charge a thermal storage system for space heating. • Thermal storage provides flexibility for heat pump activation but can reduce its COP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the type, parameters, loss and complications of contact lenses (CLs) in the treatment of paediatric aphakia over a 10-year period. This retrospective multicentre chart review included the files of aphakic CL wearers under the age of 9 years old that were treated between 2008 and 2018. Patients with traumatic aphakia and scarring of the cornea were excluded. The following data were collected; demographic data, cataract type (congenital or secondary), CL type, parameters and wearing time, reason for replacement and discontinuation of the CLs, visual acuity (VA), prophylactic use of antibiotics (ABs), and complications. Ninety-one aphakic children (132 eyes) were fitted with soft CLs. The median age of cataract extraction was 10.50 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) 7,15) in the congenital cataract group and 112 weeks (IQR 41,285) in the secondary cataract group. At the initial fitting a silicone elastomer CL was fitted in 86 % and a silicone hydrogel CL in 12 %, the remaining 2 % were mixed CL types. The median CL power at baseline was + 29 D (IQR 25,32) and after 3 years of wear the median power had shifted significantly to + 20 D (IQR 17,26), P < 0.001. A total of 1083 extra CL replacements were needed of which 414 in the first year of wear. Of these 414 replacements almost half (46 %;n = 191) were due to loss of the CL. Complications developed in 8 (9 %) cases and 7 (8 %) patients discontinued CL wear. This paper confirms that paediatric aphakia can be successfully treated with soft CLs with low rates of complications and discontinuation encountered. Unscheduled CL replacements due to loss are a concern, especially in the first year, and are straining for both the care giver and medical system. Attentive care and clear information is advised during the first year of CL wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the link between income, and wealth inequality and the ecological footprint in France, Netherlands, United States, and United Kingdom from 1962 to 2021. Based on theoretical considerations, we allow the relationship to vary over time. Our analysis provides some support for income inequality influencing ecological footprints, specifically through carbon emissions. Yet, we do not observe a significant effect on non‑carbon footprints. Notably, the link between income inequality and carbon emissions shifted from negative in the 1960s to positive from the late 1980s onwards. Over all our findings imply that economic inequality's impact on the environment is likely limited and context dependent. • We test the relationship between economic inequality and the ecological footprint. • The results indicate a weak relationship that varies over time. • Inequality only affects the carbon footprint and not the non‑carbon footprint. • Changes in consumption patterns may partially explain the time varying effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Scientometric analysis of MPs in soil ecosystems was performed. • A total of 2210 articles on MPs from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed. • Knowledge bases, trends, and hotspots in MP research were identified. • China was the top country in terms of publications and funding. • The migration of MPs from terrestrial to aquatic systems should be considered in the future. Soil microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing global environmental issue leading to a series of ecosystem problems and functional losses. However, understanding the advances and trends in soil MP pollution research proved to be difficult based on individual studies. Herein, CiteSpace visualization analysis software was used to sort the literature obtained on soil MP research from the Web of Science (WoS) TM core collection database, and bibliometric analysis of publication volume, country/region, keywords and other information was conducted. Results showed that soil microplastics (MP) research had much lower publication volume than hydrological system MP research, and was still in its developing stage. However, the number of research hotspots in soil MP research increased continuously since 2018. Countries such as China, the United States, the Netherlands and Australia have published more papers in this field than other countries, and collaboration among research institutions is strong. The source, pollution status, analysis methods and toxic effects of MPs in soils are current research hotspots. In the future, the focus of MP research in terrestrial ecosystems should shift from ecotoxicology to the impact of MPs on ecosystems and earth system feedback. The bibliometric analysis results of this study can serve as a reference for in-depth studies of the pollution status of MPs in soils. For MP soil pollution research, cross-background, cross-institution, cross-country cooperation and cross-disciplinary roles should be encouraged to accelerate the growth and diversification of the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An energy-inclusive SVI indicator system is proposed to increase resilience. • Energy factor extends the inclusiveness and integrity of traditional SVI system. • Energy-inclusive SVI reveals spatial differences in potential social vulnerability. • Uneven urbanization exacerbates risks and inequalities for vulnerable groups. A comprehensive vulnerability assessment is a scientific basis for the realization of the United Nations' sustainable development goals. Energy resilience plays a crucial role in mitigating social vulnerability due to disaster shocks. Often, energy infrastructure and services collapse after disasters. The recent Russia-Ukraine war has exacerbated Europe's energy crisis and social vulnerabilities, making it even more urgent to add energy resilience to vulnerability assessments. This paper takes the Netherlands as the study area for vulnerability assessment, constructs a new social vulnerability indicator (SVI) system supplemented with the energy element, and compares that with the traditional energy indicator system. The results indicate that: 1) The introduction of energy indicators fills the gap of traditional SVI assessment. 2) Energy indicators reveal regional and spatial differences in potential social vulnerability in the Netherlands. 3) Energy-inclusive SVI demonstrates that uneven urbanization exacerbates risks and inequalities for vulnerable groups, with potential impacts on social vulnerability. Sustainable urban development requires the search for a recognized and coordinated approach to managing vulnerability across regions. The complementarity of energy indicators offers opportunities to provide a more comprehensive assessment of spatial patterns of social vulnerability, identify potentially vulnerable areas, enhance urban disaster resilience, and achieve sustainable urban development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Five propulsion systems and six energy carriers for regional trains are analyzed. • Dutch regional railway network with sixteen rail passenger services is considered. • Energy carrier production pathway is the main driver of energy use and emissions. • Battery-electric system running on green electricity offers net-zero emissions. • Hydrogen provides emissions reduction only if produced from green electricity. This paper presents a method for estimating Well-to-Wheel (WTW) energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions attributed to the advanced railway propulsion systems implemented in conjunction with different energy carriers and their production pathways. The analysis encompasses diesel-electric multiple unit vehicles converted to their hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, fuel cell hybrid-electric or battery-electric counterparts, combined with biodiesel or hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as the first and second generation biofuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen and/or electricity. The method is demonstrated using non-electrified regional railway network with heterogeneous vehicle fleet in the Netherlands as a case. Battery-electric system utilizing green electricity is identified as the only configuration leading to emission-free transport while offering the highest energy use reduction by 65–71% compared to the current diesel-powered hybrid-electric system. When using grey electricity based on the EU2030 production mix, these savings are reduced to about 27–39% in WTW energy use and around 68–73% in WTW GHG emissions. Significant reductions in overall energy use and emissions are obtained for the plug-in hybrid-electric concept when combining diesel, LNG, or waste cooking oil-based HVO with electricity. The remaining configurations that reduce energy use and GHG emissions are hybrid-electric systems running on LNG or HVO from waste cooking oil. The latter led to approximately 88% lower WTW emissions than the baseline for each vehicle type. When produced from natural gas or EU2030-mix-based electrolysis, hydrogen negatively affected both aspects, irrespective of the prime mover technology. However, when produced via green electricity, it offers a GHG reduction of approximately 90% for hybrid-electric and fuel cell hybrid-electric configurations, with a further reduction of up to 92–93% if combined with green electricity in plug-in hybrid-electric systems. The results indicate that HVO from waste cooking oil could be an effective and instantly implementable transition solution towards carbon–neutral regional trains, allowing for a smooth transition and development of supporting infrastructure required for more energy-efficient and environment-friendly technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Estimating API emissions to wastewater on city-scale is feasible. • Choice of excretion fraction impacts model performance substantially. • Model-based emission estimation can offer an informative alternative for monitoring. • Availability + accessibility of use data limit application to other contaminants. With increasing numbers of chemicals used in modern society, assessing human and environmental exposure to them is becoming increasingly difficult. Recent advances in wastewater-based epidemiology enable valuable insights into public exposure to data-poor compounds. However, measuring all >26,000 chemicals registered under REACH is not just technically unfeasible but would also be incredibly expensive. In this paper, we argue that estimating emissions of chemicals based on usage data could offer a more comprehensive, systematic and efficient approach than repeated monitoring. Emissions of 29 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to wastewater were estimated for a medium-sized city in the Netherlands. Usage data was collected both on national and local scale and included prescription data, usage in health-care institutions and over-the-counter sales. Different routes of administration were considered as well as the excretion and subsequent in-sewer back-transformation of conjugates into respective parent compounds. Results suggest model-based emission estimation on a city-level is feasible and in good agreement with wastewater measurements obtained via passive sampling. Results highlight the need to include excretion fractions in the conceptual framework of emission estimation but suggest that the choice of an appropriate excretion fraction has a substantial impact on the resulting model performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A later start of English as a foreign language (EFL) lessons is beneficial to pupils with DLD. • Pupils with more positive attitudes towards EFL lessons obtain higher scores. • In pupils with DLD, more EFL anxiety is associated with lower achievement. • Predictors of EFL achievement change over time. Like children with typical language development, their peers with developmental language disorder (DLD) are expected to learn English as a foreign language (EFL). For pupils without DLD, it is well-established that amount of informal exposure to English outside of the classroom, starting age of EFL instruction and motivation are strong positive predictors of EFL learning rate and/or achievement, whereas anxiety is negatively related to performance. This paper is the first attempt to investigate how these predictors of EFL performance operate in learners with DLD. Participants were nineteen Dutch-speaking 7th graders with DLD learning English as a school subject at a specialist education facility in the Netherlands. English receptive grammar and receptive vocabulary were measured twice, with a four-month interval. Foreign language learning motivation, anxiety and (length and amount of) informal exposure to and instruction in English were measured via questionnaires. The participants did not show any progress on English vocabulary and grammar. At Time 1, vocabulary and grammar scores were positively related to starting age of EFL instruction and negatively related to anxiety. For vocabulary, achievement was also positively predicted by attitudes towards English lessons. Only the relationship between starting age of instruction and vocabulary outcomes was visible at Time 2. Amount and length of informal exposure to English did not predict performance, which is in stark contrast to the patterns observed in EFL learners with typical language development. We conclude that children with DLD benefit from a later onset of foreign language lessons, whereas length and amount of out-of-school exposure to English are less important in the context of DLD, possibly due to difficulty with implicit learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is only a finite amount of land, which is why the decision to allow a particular land use often results in a trade-off with other potential land uses. Traditionally, trade-offs have been assumed by planning professionals (i.e. ' experts by profession'), while citizens, who experience the landscape on a daily basis (i.e. ' experts by experience'), are only involved to a limited extent. Several researchers suggested that assessment and mapping of these trade-offs should be done at landscape level. The aim of this paper is to examine citizens' trade-offs between different valued landscapes when under pressure due to road infrastructure development. Using the 'Place Value Identifier' (PVI), an online Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS) approach applied in the Netherlands (n = 1044), we analyse: (1) the general sustainability, infrastructure and land-use related values of citizens, (2) their valued landscapes, and (3) their trade-off choices between the different valued landscapes when these are under pressure of spatial developments. Our results show that respondents had difficulty making a distinct choice for a valuable place to be saved or sacrificed; only 23,8% had a strong preference for one place to save. However, the collective result of the individual choices seems to hold important information for planning. As a way forward, we developed information-rich maps (PVI-maps) visualising how landscapes are valued by the citizens around three Dutch road infrastructure projects. The PVI-maps include details on the degree of resistance to sacrificing different places, thus contribute to context-sensitive planning. • The Place Value Identifier exhibits trade-offs between valued landscapes by residents. • Spatial precision is essential to context-sensitive information for policy makers. • Residents find it difficult to make distinct choices between valued landscapes. • Valued landscapes can be visualized in PVI-maps for planners. • Complex choices in participatory planning still require 'experts by profession'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutrophication by human activities is increasingly affecting ecosystem functioning and plant community composition. So far, studies mainly focus on the effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition, surface water eutrophication or soil nutrient accumulation. Groundwater pollution of spring habitats, however, has received much less attention, although numerous papers report groundwater nutrient enrichment worldwide. This study presents a survey on groundwater pollution (with emphasis on nitrate and phosphate) and bryophyte composition in 51 ambient petrifying springs in 5 NW European countries, which were compared to published data from 173 other sites in 11 European countries. The reviewed dataset covers a broad range of unpolluted to heavily polluted springs with nitrate concentrations between 0.7 and 3227 μmol l−1. Most petrifying springs in the rural lowlands of NW Europe were found to have elevated concentrations of nitrate and phosphate with the most polluted springs occurring in The Netherlands. The cover of individual characteristic bryophyte species significantly correlates with groundwater nutrient concentrations indicating that nutrient pollution of spring waters affects bryophyte composition. Palustriella commutata, Eucladium verticillatum and Brachythecium rivulare prefer unpolluted petrifying springs whereas Cratoneuron filicinum and Pellia endiviifolia show a much broader tolerance to groundwater pollution. In order to sustain at least the basic conditions for the typical bryophyte composition of petrifying springs habitats, threshold values of 288 μmol (18 mg l−1) NO 3 − l−1 and 0.42 μmol (0.04 mg l−1) ortho-PO 4 3- l−1 were defined. Data analysis of the spring water composition indicates that the main source for nutrient and nutrient induced base cation enrichment are nitrate losses from intensively used agricultural fields. The anthropogenically induced but regionally different chemical processes in subsoil and aquifers can result in different levels of nutrient pollution in springs. Further regulations for nitrate and phosphate application are required to conserve and restore groundwater fed ecosystems in Europe. • A study on Groundwater pollution of petrifying springs. • A correlative study on 51 springs in NW-European countries. • Including data from 173 sites in 11 European countries. • Threshold values of 288 μmol NO 3 − l−1 and 0.42 μmol ortho-PO 4 2- l−1 were defined. • Main source of groundwater pollution are nitrate losses from agricultural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 'Best practices' to analyse bicycle crash causes in correlational studies. • An abbreviated list of crash causation criteria was used. • Risk comparisons between two types of bicycles is the example given. • Controlling for age, gender, and exposure is required to analyse crash risk. The increasing number of bicycle crashes leading to injuries in the Netherlands is frequently related (e.g., in the media) to increased use of the electric bicycle. For this reason, policy makers face the challenge of selecting and implementing the most promising countermeasures including those focused on electric bicycles. It may be questioned, however, to what extent the electric bicycle itself is a (direct) cause of crashes leading to injuries or whether other factors are important for explaining the increased number of bicycle injury crashes. On the basis of an abbreviated list of criteria by Elvik (2011) , this paper illustrates the potential influence of factor inclusions, analysis selections, and data presentations on the general impression about crash causation with the electric bicycle as an example. The aim is to provide a 'best practice guide' by taking into account (1) a theoretical explanation of causal mechanisms, (2) control for confounders, and (3) a statistical association of sufficient strength and consistency in the expected direction. We conclude that an apparent increased risk of electric bicycles may be explained by factors such as age, exposure, health factors, and gender of the cyclist. A relatively simple analysis, by comparing fatality numbers of conventional and electric bicycles, showed that including or excluding these factors may lead to vastly different interpretations of fatality causes and the relative risk of electric bicycles compared to conventional bicycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Continuum damage and brick-to-brick modeling techniques are compared. • A masonry wall strengthened with bed joint reinforced repointing is considered. • For un-strengthened case, all models provide accurate predictions of crack pattern. • For strengthened case, the simplified brick-to-brick model provides the best results. • Modelling of pre-damage should be considered with care. Bed joint reinforced repointing is a retrofitting technique for unreinforced masonry structures that is commonly applied in the Netherlands to repair settlement-induced damage. Using this technique, the bed joints of masonry walls are reinforced with steel rebars that are embedded in a high strength repair mortar. Due to the increase of induced seismic events in the northern part of the Netherlands, an experimental study was carried out at Delft University of Technology to investigate the performance of this retrofitting technique for combined settlement and seismic loading. This paper aims to simulate the experimental results, with a focus on the comparison of different finite element modelling approaches for studying both un-strengthened and strengthened full-scale tested walls. To that end, three different models are investigated – comprising both macro (continuum) and simplified and detailed micro (brick-to-brick) modelling approaches. The bricks and mortar joints are modelled as one homogenous continuum in the macro model, whereas in the two brick-to-brick models these structural components are modelled separately, with the detailed model including interface elements to simulate the brick–mortar bonds. Nonlinear pushover analyses are subsequently carried out using all three modelling approaches, for both monotonic and cyclic loading cases. Based on these analyses, the detailed brick-to-brick model was found unsuitable to simulate the strengthened wall because cracks in the model mainly occur in the form of opening of the brick–mortar bond interfaces, while smeared cracking in the plane stress elements of the mortar joints is very limited. Similarly, the continuum damage model was found to be inaccurate when pre-existing damage in the experiment needed to be taken into account. The continuum damage model also showed lower axial stresses in the rebars, compared with the simplified brick-to-brick model, as the former does not allow for the direct assignment of material properties for the high strength repair mortar in the strengthened joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using register data from Statistics Netherlands (2009–2019), this paper examines whether the first employment contract is related to early career outcomes for a cohort of young workers who entered the Dutch labour market in the period from late 2009–2013. Instead of looking at the timing of isolated transitions between employment states, 6-year-long trajectories are considered to identify differences in early career paths. Applying a Mixture Hidden Markov Model, eight distinct states of employment quality characterized by different contract types and incomes are identified. Transitions between these employment states reveal four early career patterns that differ according to their upward and downward mobility. Our results show that entering the labour market with a permanent contract does not necessarily lead to immediate wage growth, but provides a safeguard against volatile careers with frequent transitions in and out of employment. While entering the labour market with a fixed-term contract facilitates upward mobility, on-call and temporary agency work early in the career may negatively affect long-term labour market integration. • Studying the dynamics of employment careers requires a longitudinal perspective. • Four early career patterns with varying degrees of upward and downward mobility can be identified. • Fixed-term contracts promote upward mobility in the Netherlands. • Temporary agency and on-call work are associated with unstable career paths and limited wage growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to accelerate the transition from carbon fuels to renewable energy sources, it is essential to extend our knowledge of the resources' availability to further improve or adjust the design of extraction devices. In the present paper, a first characterization of the tidal stream resource along the coast of The Netherlands is performed using a high-resolution unstructured grid implementation of the Thetis model. Extensive validation of the sea surface elevations was done by comparing with existing networks of tide gauges in the North Sea. The simulations from this study show that the highest tidal current intensities are generated mainly at Den Helder and Oost Vlieland, reaching values > 1.5 m s − 1 and power density estimates that are most frequently close to 300 W m − 2 and that can reach values ≥ 900 W m − 2 . Given the relatively reduced depths where these "hot spots" are found, most existing stream turbines will require further development to operate. Nevertheless, the existence of higher current intensities zones, along a commonly considered "low energy" coast, opens the door to include the tidal stream resource in near future plans to diversify the energy supply in The Netherlands. [Display omitted] • First tidal stream resource assessment for The Netherlands. • Identification of high energy sites for potential extraction. • Investigation on the persistence and magnitude of Dutch "hot-spots". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infrastructure occupation of many European railway networks appears to be at its limits, whilst recent public discussions aim to shift even more traffic towards the railway system. Thus, the question of the railway network's capacity is gaining increasing attention. In this paper, we assess the capacity of periodic railway networks on the strategic level, using a newly developed petri net (PN) based approach: the railway network utilization model (RNUM). The model builds upon individual lines which are connected to more complex networks. The network's emerging elementary circuits are then used for utilization analysis. To assess the networks capacity, the model is applied in the enumeration-based railway network capacity (RNC) framework. By evaluating the maximum utilization of different scenarios, the capacity of the periodic network is identified. This framework provides the minimal operable frequency of the network and corresponding train flows, as well as the average scheduled waiting times per train. It thereby assesses the capacity and the corresponding network effects, which are quantified in a network-specific macroscopic fundamental diagram for the railway network (MFD-R). Experiments on different generic networks demonstrate the RNC framework's applicability and reveal additional insights into the connections between train flow, waiting times and the total number of trains. The results show sensitivity between the networks throughput performance and the networks saturation. The evaluation also shows that the maximum utilization just emerges under very specific conditions and might result in unstable operations. Additionally, the results illustrate dependencies between network capacity and the network's structure. Furthermore, a case study performed at a real life railway network in the Netherlands proves the realism of the results. It is thus shown, that the presented model can contribute to prepare railway networks for tomorrows traffic and thus support the recent ambitions for eco-friendly transport. • Railway network capacity is determined by the interconnected critical constraints of its operations. • The interconnections of the operational constraints are impacted by the network's structure. • The network performance strongly depends on its saturation. • The maximum utilization of a railway network is only leveraged under specific conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusive conservation is promoted as a means to integrate stakeholders in nature, conservation. Despite several studies recognizing that inclusive conservation of protected areas may be challenging and requires explicitly addressing potential tensions between stakeholders, little research has unpacked how these tensions manifest in specific contexts. This paper aims to explore possible approaches for navigating tensions to improve the facilitation of an inclusive conservation approach in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park in the Netherlands. We conducted 18 semistructured interviews with stakeholders such as public and private landowners and, municipal and provincial governments in the national park. Results reveal a longer history of collaboration which still fails to address the root of the tensions. The experiences show that compromising or consensus building amongst stakeholders alone is not sufficient for achieving inclusive conservation. Guidance and clear goals set by policy, as well as sufficient investments in capacity and trust building are recommended to avoid inaction. Furthermore, we found that tensions are inextricably linked to different dimensions of power, such as discursive and structural power. While considering power in inclusive conservation can provide a realistic perspective we also, acknowledge that equalizing power is not the silver bullet underpinning this conservation approach. • We investigate an inclusive conservation approach "on the ground" in a Dutch case study. • Tensions lie in unclarities in governance and collaborative platforms. • Power imbalances contributed to deepening tensions. • Enhancing capacities, leadership, and trust could benefit inclusive conservation approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]