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Freight transport management and planning traditionally relies on freight transport models. However, e-commerce has changed the way freight is transported and requires a paradigm shift in such models. In contrast to conventional purchases in physical outlets, there is a spatial and temporal disconnection between the purchase and the reception of goods bought online. While traditionally the shopper brings home the purchases, the courier, express and parcel (CEP) sector must bridge this leg for the online retail channel by delivering the parcel to the household. These new type of freight trips have been ignored in the literature on freight modeling. Given the increasing number of urban freight trips destined for households, this omission implies significant errors when demonstrating transport impacts, identifying potential innovations, or assessing policy initiatives with these models. Therefore, we develop a framework that demonstrates how households' online consumption translates into freight trips. Three key factors in this framework seem to determine the magnitude of freight traffic originated by household's online shopping: (i) consumer shopping behavior, (ii) the supplier network and distribution system designed by the online store, and (iii) the fragmentation of the CEP market and the density of the delivery network. The identification of these three key factors provides a framework for policy action to mitigate the impact of household freight.

The investigation of erythropoietin (EPO) has expanded to include potential nonhematopoietic roles in neural and retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. However, it remains unclear how EPO functions to support the neural retina. Transgenic mice with hypoactive EPO receptor (EPOR) signaling (hWtEPOR) were compared with littermate control mice (WT) to test the role of EPOR signaling under normal conditions and after vascular injury and regrowth into the retina. Although retinal function tested with OptoMotry and electroretinography was comparable to adult (8-week–old) littermate WT mice, hWtEPOR mice had thinner inner and outer plexiform layers and a greater number of amacrine cells. Injury and repair caused by the oxygen-induced retinopathy model reduced visual acuity thresholds, reduced electroretinography amplitudes, and thinned the outer plexiform and inner nuclear layers of both WT and hWtEPOR 8-week–old mice. In hWtEPOR compared with WT mice, scotopic a-wave amplitudes were reduced by injury, despite no change in outer nuclear layer thickness; and peripheral rod, but not cone number, was reduced. Scotopic b-waves were reduced in injured hWtEPOR mice compared with WT, and rod bipolar cell ectopic neurites were increased in both genotypes after injury, suggesting a potential reparative process to preserve connectivity and the b-wave. Normal EPOR signaling appeared important because ectopic neurites and b-waves were lower in the hWtEPOR than WT injured mice.

The widespread adoption of the internet as retail channel is impacting a range of stakeholders. Retailers are expected to sell online, logistics operators are required to reconfigure their supply chain and public authorities try to keep local retail competitive while simultaneously attempt to manage the increase in freight transport. Within this context, a growing body of research is studying the socio-economic profile of the online shopper and the spatial variation in the demand for B2C goods. Yet, as can be expected for a relatively new evolution, little consensus exist. Therefore, in this paper, with data from the national retail federation on online shopping behaviour, we add to this growing field by first analysing the relation between socio-economic characteristics and the willingness to shop online. By mapping these characteristics, we then construct the geography of online shopping adoption in Belgium. Finally, we assess the impacts of this specific geography for the stakeholders that are adapting to this new reality. We conclude firstly that the well-educated man in his thirties with a well-paid job has the highest probability to shop online, independent of the level of urbanisation of the area he resides. Secondly, we predict over- and underestimations of the potential online buyers of up to 50% when assuming a homogeneous e-commerce penetration, especially in poorer urban areas. This implies a serious negligence for e-commerce practitioners and academics when ignoring the specific geography of the online shopping adoption.

Supply chains, logistics and freight have been facing increasingly complex challenges posed by transitions in economic structures, urbanization, city design and transport systems, as well as by the externalities associated with logistics activities in urban areas. This has driven a great deal of research recently. Yet, there are no sufficient contributions clarifying the current state of thought in this field. This article critically reviews the literature highlighting current approaches in the field. The objective of the article is threefold. First, to provide a framework with geographical and functional elements of urban logistics. Second, to identify the scope of the literature, vested into a typology. And third, to define the terms that may embrace the various analytical interests of the urban logistics field, namely city logistics, urban goods distribution and last mile logistics. The aim is to contribute to organize the current and future thought in the field of urban logistics.

To estimate adult (15-49 years old) prevalence and incidence of active syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and incidence of congenital syphilis (CS) and adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) in Colombia, over 1995-2016.The Spectrum-STI epidemiological model tool estimated gonorrhea and chlamydia prevalences as moving averages across prevalences observed in representative general population surveys. For adult syphilis, Spectrum-STI applied segmented polynomial regression through prevalence data from antenatal care (ANC) surveys, routine ANC-based screening, and general population surveys. CS cases and ABOs were estimated from Spectrum's maternal syphilis estimates and proportions of women screened and treated for syphilis, applying World Health Organization case definitions and risk probabilities.The Spectrum model estimated prevalences in 2016 of 0.70% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15%-1.9%) in women and 0.60% (0.1%-1.9%) in men for gonorrhea and of 9.2% (4.4%-15.4%) in women and 7.4% (3.5%-14.7%) in men for chlamydia, without evidence for trends over 1995-2016. The prevalence of active syphilis in 2016 was 1.25% (1.22-1.29%) in women and 1.25% (1.1%-1.4%) in men, decreasing from 2.6% (2.1%-3.2%) in women in 1995. Corresponding CS cases in 2016 (including cases without clinical symptoms) totaled 3 851, of which 2 245 were ABOs. Annual CS and ABO estimates decreased over 2008-2016, reflecting decreasing maternal prevalence and increasing cases averted through ANC-based screening and treatment.The available surveillance and monitoring data synthesized in Spectrum-STI- and the resulting first-ever national STI estimates for Colombia-highlighted Colombia's persistently high STI burden. Adult syphilis and congenital syphilis are estimated to be falling, reflecting improving screening efforts. Strengthened surveillance, including with periodic screening in low-risk populations and future refined Spectrum estimations, should support planning and implementation of STI prevention and control, including CS elimination.Estimar la prevalencia e incidencia en los adultos (de 15 a 49 años de edad) de sífilis activa, gonorrea y clamidiasis, así como la incidencia de sífilis congénita y resultados adversos del embarazo en Colombia durante el período de 1995 al 2016.Usando las herramientas del modelo epidemiológico Spectrum-STI se estimó la prevalencia de gonorrea y clamidiasis como promedios móviles entre las distintas prevalencias observadas en encuestas representativas de la población general. En cuanto a la sífilis en los adultos, Spectrum-STI aplicó la regresión polinomial segmentada a los datos sobre prevalencia recopilados en encuestas de atención prenatal, el tamizaje sistemático en la atención prenatal y encuestas a la población general. Los casos de sífilis congénita y de resultados adversos del embarazo se estimaron a partir de las cifras de Spectrum sobre sífilis materna y proporciones de mujeres examinadas y tratadas por sífilis, aplicando las definiciones de casos y probabilidades de riesgo de la Organización Mundial de la Salud.El modelo Spectrum estimó que en el 2016 la prevalencia de la gonorrea fue de 0,70% (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 0,15%-1,9%) en las mujeres y de 0,60% (0,1%-1,9%) en los hombres, y que la prevalencia de la clamidiasis fue de 9,2% (4,4%-15,4%) en las mujeres y de 7,4% (3,5%-14,7%) en los hombres, sin datos científicos acerca de las tendencias durante el período 1995-2016. La prevalencia de la sífilis activa en el 2016 fue de 1,25% (1,22-1,29%) en las mujeres y de 1,25% (1,1%-1,4%) en los hombres, con una reducción de 2,6% (2,1%-3,2%) en las mujeres con respecto a 1995. Los casos correspondientes de sífilis congénita en el 2016 (incluidos los asintomáticos) sumaron en total 3 851, de los cuales 2 245 fueron resultados adversos del embarazo. Las cifras anuales estimadas de sífilis congénita y resultados adversos del embarazo disminuyeron entre el 2008 y el 2016, lo que reflejó un descenso en la prevalencia materna y un aumento de casos evitados mediante el tamizaje y el tratamiento durante la atención prenatal.Los datos disponibles sobre vigilancia y seguimiento sintetizados en Spectrum-STI, así como los consiguientes estimados nacionales de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) hechos por primera vez en Colombia, pusieron de relieve la carga de morbilidad por ITS persistentemente alta en ese país. Se estima que la sífilis en los adultos y la sífilis congénita van en descenso, lo que refleja mejoras en las actividades de tamizaje. Un fortalecimiento de la vigilancia, incluso con tamizaje periódico en las poblaciones de bajo riesgo, y estimaciones más refinadas con Spectrum en el futuro deberían brindar apoyo a la planificación y la ejecución de medidas para la prevención y el control de las infecciones de transmisión sexual, incluida la eliminación de la sífilis congénita.Estimar a incidência e a prevalência na população adulta (com idade de 15–49 anos) de sífilis ativa, gonorreia e clamídia e a incidência de sífilis congênita (SC) e desfechos adversos congênitos na Colômbia no período de 1995 a 2016.O modelo epidemiológico Spectrum-STI foi o instrumento usado para estimar a prevalência de gonorreia e clamídia como médias móveis nas prevalências observadas em pesquisas representativas da população geral. A sífilis em adultos foi estimada com a regressão polinomial segmentada aplicada ao modelo Spectrum-STI com dados de prevalência obtidos de pesquisas da atenção pré-natal, exames pré-natais de rotina de detecção precoce e pesquisas da população geral. Casos de SC e desfechos adversos congênitos foram estimados a partir das estimativas de sífilis materna do modelo Spectrum e percentuais de mulheres que fizeram testes de detecção e foram tratadas para sífilis, segundo as definições de casos da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) e probabilidades de risco.O modelo Spectrum estimou, para 2016, uma prevalência de gonorreia de 0,70% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC 95%] 0,15%–1,9%) no sexo feminino e 0,60% (0,1%–1,9%) no sexo masculino e uma prevalência de clamídia de 9,2% (4,4%–15,4%) no sexo feminino e 7,4% (3,5%–14.7%) no sexo masculino, sem evidência de tendências no período 1995–2016. A prevalência de sífilis ativa em 2016 foi de 1,25% (1,22–1,29%) no sexo feminino e 1,25% (1,1%–1,4%) no sexo masculino, demonstrando um declínio da prevalência de 2,6% (2,1%–3,2%) observada em 1995 para o sexo feminino. Houve, ao todo, 3.851 casos correspondentes de SC em 2016 (incluindo casos assintomáticos), dos quais 2.245 foram desfechos adversos congênitos. Observou-se uma redução nas estimativas anuais de SC e desfechos adversos congênitos em 2008–2016, refletindo a diminuição da prevalência materna e o número crescente de casos evitados com exames pré-natais de detecção e tratamento.Os dados disponíveis de vigilância e monitoramento condensados no modelo Spectrum-STI, e as resultantes estimativas nacionais de infeções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) obtidas pela primeira vez na Colômbia, evidenciam a alta carga persistente de IST no país. Estima-se que a ocorrência de sífilis do adulto e sífilis congênita esteja diminuindo em decorrência da melhoria nos esforços de detecção precoce. A vigilância reforçada, consistindo também de exames periódicos de detecção precoce nas populações de baixo risco e estimavas futuras aprimoradas do instrumento Spectrum, deve sustentar o planejamento e a implementação de controle e prevenção de IST e a eliminação da SC.

Compare World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for contraception in a human rights framework with the existing regulatory frameworks of Bolivia, Colombia, and Uruguay and evaluate which aspects of those regulations need to be developed.A systematic analysis was based on the WHO analytical framework "Ensuring human rights in the provision of contraceptive information and services: Guidance and recommendations" to determine whether the legislation of Bolivia, Colombia, and Uruguay contain general references to the population, specific references to adolescents, or do not refer to the topic. To this end, 36 documents related to contraception were analyzed: 9 from Bolivia, 15 from Colombia, and 12 from Uruguay.It was confirmed that each country's legislation complies with several WHO recommendations. The three countries have strengths in nondiscrimination and in opportunity for informed decision-making, and have weaknesses in accessibility, quality, and accountability. Acceptability is a strength in Colombia and Bolivia, and confidentiality is a strength in Bolivia and Uruguay. Colombia has weaknesses in availability, confidentiality, and participation.Comparison of national legislation with WHO guidance helps to see the strengths and weaknesses of national regulatory frameworks and to see opportunities to improve regulations.Comparar as diretrizes da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para contracepção como parte dos princípios dos direitos humanos com os enquadramentos regulamentares existentes na Bolívia, Colômbia e Uruguai e avaliar os elementos destes enquadramentos que precisam ser melhorados.Realizou-se uma análise sistemática segundo a metodologia analítica descrita no documento da OMS ¨Respeito aos direitos humanos ao prestar informações e serviços sobre contracepção: orientação e recomendações com o propósito de verificar se as legislações da Bolívia, Colômbia e Uruguai fazem referências gerais à população, referências específicas aos adolescentes ou não fazem referências. Ao todo, 36 documentos sobre contracepção foram analisados: 9 provenientes da Bolívia, 15 da Colômbia e 12 do Uruguai.Verificou-se que as legislações dos três países cumprem com diversas recomendações da OMS. Não discriminação e oportunidade para decidir de forma esclarecida são os pontos fortes e acessibilidade, qualidade e prestação de contas são os pontos fracos. A aceitabilidade é um ponto forte na Colômbia e Bolívia e a confidencialidade, na Bolívia e Uruguai. Disponibilidade, confidencialidade e participação são os pontos fracos na Colômbia.A comparação das legislações nacionais com o guia da OMS possibilita identificar os pontos fortes e fracos no enquadramento regulamentar nacional e encontrar oportunidades para melhorar.

The rise in online B2C sales resulted in a fragmentation of freight shipments. Logistics service providers are challenged to cope with high competition, a consumer-driven economy, failed delivery issues, reverse logistics and environmental measures taken by policymakers, which are all putting pressure on the costs. The last-mile of these deliveries, widely accepted as the most expense part of the trip, is a trade-off between internal costs, externalities and the density of deliveries. Little is known so far about the actual impacts of e-commerce on transport and logistics on society. In this paper, we first analyse the spatial distribution of e-commerce deliveries during a 4-month period in Belgium. Next, we propose a methodology based on the total vehicle-kilometres travelled to calculate the external costs per parcel at the national level. The results show that despite the high urbanization in the country, the e-commerce consumption per capita is higher in rural areas while the total number of kilometres travelled remains similar to that in urban areas. While urban areas undergo most of the disadvantages related to the e-commerce last-mile, the average external cost per parcel was found to be higher in rural areas.

Objetivo. Realizar una comparación entre las Directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) para la anticoncepción en el marco de los derechos humanos (DDHH) con el marco normativo existente en Bolivia, Colombia y Uruguay y evaluar los aspectos que son necesarios desarrollar en la normativa. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis sistemático con base al marco analítico de la OMS ¨Respeto de los DDHH cuando se proporciona información y servicios de anticoncepción: orientación y recomendaciones¨ para determinar si la legislación de Bolivia, Colombia y Uruguay contienen referencias generales a la población, referencias específicas para los adolescentes o no hacen referencia. Para este fin, se analizó un total de 36 documentos relacionados con la anticoncepción: 9 de Bolivia, 15 de Colombia y 12 de Uruguay. Resultados. Se verificó que la legislación de cada país cumple con varias recomendaciones de la OMS. Los tres países tienen fortalezas en la no discriminación y el espacio para las decisiones informadas; sus debilidades están en la accesibilidad, la calidad y la rendición de cuentas. La aceptabilidad es una fortaleza para Colombia y Bolivia; la confidencialidad es para Bolivia y Uruguay. Colombia tiene como debilidad la disponibilidad, la confidencialidad y la participación. Conclusiones. La comparación de la legislación nacional con la guía de la OMS ayuda a ver las fortalezas y las debilidades en el marco normativo nacional y ver oportunidades para mejorar la normativa.