Search Results (180)

Transport is one of the few major sectors in Europe where greenhouse gas emissions have not declined despite tightening climate policy. Road transport remains dominated by fossil fuels, rising travel demand, and growing freight activity. This paper develops a multi-indicator benchmarking framework to assess the extent to which recent road-transport developments in EU-27 Member States align with structural expectations derived from 1.5 °C and 2 °C mitigation pathways. A multi-indicator framework is developed combining emissions and air-quality pressures, system drivers, and urban accessibility for 2019–2023, using harmonized Eurostat, European Environment Agency, WHO, and OECD data. The analysis follows a dual-track design. First, hierarchical agglomerative clustering identifies national transport–climate profiles. Second, PROMETHEE II is applied to generate an outranking-based performance index and country ranking. Five distinct clusters emerge, ranging from carbon-intensive, car-dependent systems with limited electrification and weak accessibility to “sustainability leaders” characterized by lower emissions, higher shares of low-emission vehicles, and strong public-transport accessibility. PROMETHEE results align with this typology: Nordic and north-western countries rank highest, while several southern and eastern countries show negative net flows linked to persistent car dependence, slower fleet transition, and higher pollution exposure. The results suggest that while several countries demonstrate structural progress toward transport decarbonization, none exhibit a performance profile fully consistent with transition patterns associated with 1.5 °C-aligned mitigation pathways. Full article

Fifth-generation (5G) networks enable railway digitalization but face signal degradation challenges in high-mobility environments. While the existing literature attributes degradation primarily to Doppler frequency shifts, this study presents empirical evidence challenging this paradigm. Analysis of 13.7 million 5G New Radio measurements across 370 km of Estonian railway reveals that visible cell density, not velocity, dominates signal quality degradation. Nine geographic hotspots exhibit 5.4–18.0 dB degradation at moderate velocities (54–66 km/h, mean 60.2 km/h) with zero high-speed measurements, excluding the Doppler effect as the reason behind service quality degradation. Cell complexity demonstrates a 3.25× stronger correlation with degradation (r = −0.390) than velocity (r = −0.120), consistent with automatic frequency control tracking instability under high cell ID churn rates (40–115 visible cells per location), though direct confirmation of this mechanism requires access to internal modem frequency-lock state data. Frequency band analysis shows that 700 MHz is optimal at 98.1% of locations, with a 19 dB advantage over 3.5 GHz. Degradation mechanism decomposition reveals within-cell effects (60%, 7.85 dB) and handover boundary effects (40%, 2–6 dB). The findings challenge velocity-centric optimization paradigms and recommend network planning focused on cell overlap reduction rather than Doppler compensation enhancement. Practical recommendations include 700 MHz prioritization, handover parameter optimization, and geographic targeting of identified hotspots for European railway 5G deployment. Full article

The issue of natural protected areas in the urban environment is not a new topic at the European level, but its approach differs from one state to another, depending on phrasing the issues in a particular context. Romania was selected as study area because, despite its exceptionally rich natural heritage, no urban-planning instruments dedicated to the areas adjacent to natural protected sites have been adopted so far. The purpose of this article is to identify what kind of tools can be adopted for a two-way support—both with respect to planning and the natural heritage. The key roles of areas adjacent to urban natural protected sites are identified in order to establish appropriate descriptive terms. The principles and objectives required for planning these zones are critically examined, enabling an assessment of their applicability and quantifying their potential through urban indicators, indices, and specific planning measures. Ultimately, following the formulation supporting instruments, the study highlights the need for an adapted urban-planning documentation structure tailored to such sensitive territories and the need to provide public access to information through a dedicated platform supporting informed decision-making. Full article

This study explores the effects of applying agri-environmental measures and digitalization on cereal farms in Dunărea de Jos Basin, Romania. Through structured interviews with 40 wheat producers, complemented by field observations and data analysis, effects are identified in highlighting planning, data evaluation and approximation to European environmental requirements. Wheat productivity and input efficiency are investigated in partially technologically advanced farms compared to poorly technologically advanced farms. Regression is used in the relationship between average wheat production and the main agricultural inputs. The results show statistically significant correlations, supported by coefficients (R² > 0.45). In partially mechanized farms, wheat production is influenced by the use of plant protection products (R² = 0.943), demonstrating high technological consistency and improved efficiency of phytosanitary applications. In farms not using Geofolia, the application of NPK fertilizers appears as the dominant factor of productivity (R² = 0.968), indicating that chemical fertilization compensates for limited mechanization and restricted access to technological operations. Digitalization of farms contributes to the optimization of resources, reducing diesel consumption by 45% and developing overall efficiency by 34%, reducing the pressure on the environment by 30%. Technology can be responsible for increasing farm productivity and yield performance, while reducing resource intensity and environmental impact. Full article

Trustworthy Identity and Access Management (IAM) is a foundational requirement for federated data trading platforms, yet existing solutions often rely on centralized Identity Providers (IdPs), lack cross-border interoperability, and offer limited support for user-friendly authorization management. These limitations hinder secure onboarding, fine-grained access control, and regulatory compliance, especially within European Union (EU) data spaces governed by the Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services (eIDAS) 2.0 framework. This work presents a comprehensive IAM framework designed for federated data trading environments, developed within the EU-funded PISTIS project. The framework is based on Keycloak IAM and offers three major capabilities: (i) a novel IAM architecture tailored to distributed data trading scenarios; (ii) full integration of eIDAS-compliant cross-border authentication and initial support for European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallets; and (iii) a standalone, web-based Access Policy Editor (APE) that abstracts Keycloak’s policy engine and enables non-technical users to define fine-grained, owner-driven access rules. The approach is evaluated across real-world mobility, energy, and automotive industry pilots, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing trust, interoperability, and usability within regulated data-sharing ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity remains a major global health burden, with metabolic–bariatric surgery being the most efficient long-term treatment strategy. However, both variability in perioperative care and postoperative complications persist. To address these challenges, the EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) protocol for bariatric surgery was developed to standardize care and enhance perioperative outcomes across European healthcare settings. Methods: The protocol was formulated through close collaboration among experts from multiple disciplines, involving surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and nutritionists. Its development included a literature review, expert consensus, and the creation of structured perioperative guidelines covering the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. Focus areas include patient education, nutritional optimization, early mobilization, opioid-sparing analgesia, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, supported by educational materials and manuals. Technical activities included the development of detailed multimodal rehabilitation manuals translated into five languages, the creation of an open-access online learning platform, training of future educators through a “train the trainer” approach, organization of multiplier promotional events, international collaboration meetings to refine the protocol, and revision and standardization of existing perioperative care guidelines to ensure evidence-based, unified practices across Europe. Results: Implementation of the EUPEMEN protocol aims to reduce postoperative complications, enhance recovery, and decrease hospitalization time. Standardized rehabilitation pathways and access to free educational platforms promote consistent care delivery across diverse healthcare environments. Key strategies include early oral intake, limited use of invasive devices, and comprehensive patient preparation. Conclusions: The EUPEMEN protocol introduces an evidence-based, multidisciplinary framework for optimizing perioperative management in bariatric surgery. While variability in resources and adherence may present potential obstacles, its application holds significant promise for improving perioperative outcomes. Future studies are necessary to assess its long-term impact and adaptability in different healthcare settings. Full article

Wheat is one of the world’s most important crops, cultivated across diverse ecogeographic zones on more than ~245 million hectares annually. Classified by vernalization requirement into spring, facultative, or winter types, the latter typically achieves higher yields due to its extended growing season, reaching ~18 t ha⁻¹ and 9–10 t ha⁻¹ as a national average for Western European countries such as Germany, France, and England, compared with the global average of barely above 3 t ha⁻¹. Despite this potential, winter wheat is largely confined to regions with relatively mild winters, while vast temperate zones with extremely cold winters rely on spring wheat. Breeding has traditionally targeted the vernalization–C-repeat Binding Factor (VRN–CBF) pathway, which confers tolerance to moderately severe winters but is insufficient for extreme cold, implying the need for additional layers of adaptive mechanisms. Using multiple genotypic datasets, we identified genomic regions underlying low-temperature tolerance. Genome- and chromosome-wide scans revealed strong differentiation on chromosome 5A (526–703 Mb), overlapping the VRN–CBF loci. SNP-level FST analysis between spring and winter cultivars highlighted the VRN-A1 (586–588 Mb) region and a locus spanning 549 and 559 Mb on chromosome 6A. Further comparisons between winter accessions adapted to extreme cold (≤−12 °C) and mild winters (>0 °C) revealed a differentiated region on chromosome 3B (561–564 Mb) harbouring two key genes conferring CBF-independent cold tolerance, TRAESCS3B02G351100 and TRAESCS3B02G354000, encoding diacylglycerol kinase1 (DGK1) and peroxidase 56 (PRX56), respectively. These findings underscore alternative pathways in shaping cold adaptation, highlighting the need to broaden breeding strategies for extreme environments. We further detected a pronounced haplotype divergence between Chinese and U.S. winter cultivars reflecting distinct breeding trajectories; notably, China, where ~90% of wheat production is of the winter type, achieves national yields >5 t ha⁻¹, compared with ~3 t ha⁻¹ in the United States, where over 70% of production is winter wheat. This contrast suggests that the haplotypes enriched in Chinese winter cultivars could represent valuable resources for enhancing winter wheat performance in other regions with comparable environments. Full article

The H2IOSC project aims to establish a federated cluster of European distributed research infrastructures involved in the humanities and cultural heritage sectors, with operating nodes across Italy. Through four key RIs—DARIAH-IT, CLARIN, OPERAS, and E-RIHS—the project promotes collaboration among researchers with interdisciplinary expertise. Within this framework, DIGILAB functions as the digital access platform for the Italian node of E-RIHS. Conceived as a socio-technical infrastructure for the Heritage Science community, DIGILAB is designed to manage heterogeneous data and metadata through advanced knowledge graph representations. The platform adheres to the FAIR principles and supports the complete data lifecycle, enabling the development and maintenance of Heritage Digital Twins. DIGILAB integrates diverse categories of information related to cultural sites and objects, encompassing historical and artistic datasets, diagnostic analyses, 3D models, and real-time monitoring data. This monitoring capability is achieved through the deployment of cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and large-scale Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). As part of DIGILAB, we developed SENNSE (v1.0), a fully open hardware/software platform dedicated to environmental and structural monitoring. SENNSE allows the remote, real-time observation and control of cultural heritage sites (collecting microclimatic parameters such as temperature, humidity, noise levels) and of cultural objects (collecting object-specific data including vibrations, light intensity, and ultraviolet radiation). The visualization and analytical tools integrated within SENNSE transform these datasets into actionable insights, thereby supporting advanced research and conservation strategies within the Cultural Heritage domain. In the following sections, we provide a detailed description of the SENNSE platform, outlining its hardware components and software modules, and discussing its benefits. Furthermore, we illustrate its application through two representative use cases: one conducted in a controlled laboratory environment and another implemented in a real-world heritage context, exemplified by the “Biblioteca Bernardini” in Lecce, Italy. Full article

District heating systems are central to Europe’s decarbonisation strategy and its 2050 climate-neutrality objective. However, district heating is deeply embedded in the socio-economic system and the built environment. This makes compliance with policy targets at the local level particularly challenging. The issues are attributable to two factors. Firstly, the process is characterised by a high degree of complexity and multidimensionality. Secondly, there is a scarcity of local resources (e.g., land, surface waters, waste heat, etc.). In Bucharest, Romania, the largest district heating system in the European Union, the process of decarbonisation represents a particularly complex challenge. The system is characterised by large physical dimensions, high technical wear, heavy dependence on natural gas, significant heat losses and complex governance structures. This paper presents a strategic planning exercise for aligning the Bucharest system with the Energy Efficiency Directive 2023/1791. Drawing on system data, investment modelling, and local resource mapping from the LIFE22-CET-SET_HEAT project, the study evaluates scenarios for 2028 and 2035 that shift heat generation from natural gas to renewable, waste heat, and high-efficiency sources. The central objective is the identification of opportunities and issues. Options include large-scale heat pumps, waste-to-energy, geothermal and solar heat. Heat demand profiles and electricity price dynamics are used to evaluate economic feasibility and operational flexibility. The findings show that the decarbonisation heat supply in Bucharest is technically possible, but financial viability hinges on phased investments, interinstitutional coordination, regulatory reforms and access to EU funding. The study concludes with recommendations for staged implementation, coordinated governance and socio-economic measures to safeguard heat affordability and system reliability. Full article

In the face of accelerating climate change and urbanization, sustainable mobility infrastructure plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This article assesses the Sunglider concept—an elevated, solar-powered transport system—through the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Compass, which emphasizes sustainability, inclusion, and esthetic value. Designed by architect Peter Kuczia and collaborators, Sunglider combines photovoltaic energy generation with modular, parametrically designed wooden pylons to form a lightweight, climate-positive mobility solution. The study evaluates the system’s technological feasibility, environmental performance, and urban integration potential, drawing on existing design documentation and simulation-based estimates. While Sunglider demonstrates strong alignment with NEB principles, including zero-emission operation and material circularity, its implementation is challenged by high initial investment, political and planning complexities, and integration into dense urban environments. Mitigation strategies—such as adaptive routing, visual screening, and universal station access—are proposed to address concerns around privacy, esthetics, and accessibility. The article positions Sunglider as a scalable and replicable model for mid-sized European cities, capable of advancing inclusive, carbon-neutral mobility while enhancing the urban experience. It concludes with policy and research recommendations, highlighting the importance of embedding infrastructure innovation within broader ecological and cultural transitions. Full article

Urban public spaces increasingly need to address inclusivity, adaptability, and resilience in the face of health, environmental, and social challenges. Urban policies also promote improving the relationship between schools and their surroundings to mitigate and adapt to climate and social risks. This article presents EDUS Point, an experimental prototype developed within the European project FURNISH and tested in Barcelona during the COVID-19 crisis. Conceived as an Urban Living Lab (ULL), the initiative explored how modular, digitally fabricated, and temporary structures could transform school environments into open, inclusive, and human-scale public spaces. Through an inter-scalar and interdisciplinary approach, the project implemented an urban strategy, a participatory community-building process, and a digital collective platform, alongside the design, fabrication, and testing of a pilot classroom device adaptable and replicable in other schools. A mixed-methods methodology combined tactical urbanism and co-design with fabrication feasibility assessments, social observations, and spatial impact analysis. Results demonstrate that EDUS Point fostered new socio-spatial dynamics among students, teachers, and residents, improved accessibility and usability of nearby public spaces, and validated the effectiveness of low-cost, rapidly deployable interventions in addressing urban needs. The findings propose actionable frameworks, tools, and design criteria for the socio-environmental integration of schools as catalysts for inclusive and resilient urban transformation. Full article

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) represent a fundamental pillar of economic development in Eastern Europe. Yet, they frequently encounter significant obstacles in accessing financing, stemming from informational asymmetries, elevated risks, the absence of collateral, and adverse regulatory environments. This research examines the primary determinants of adopting blockchain-based supply chain financing platforms, an alternative financing solution that streamlines processes, reduces costs, and enhances transparency and security. The study develops and validates an innovative conceptual model grounded in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 200 respondents across seven Eastern European countries, and the model’s hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The research findings demonstrate that supply chain partner readiness constitutes the most influential factor affecting behavioral intention to use blockchain-based supply chain financing platforms. Additionally, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and perceived trust were identified as significant positive determinants. Furthermore, the study highlights blockchain readiness as a crucial factor influencing actual usage behavior. These findings provide valuable insights and contribute to advancing knowledge through the utilization of an extended UTAUT framework and validation of obtained results through comparison with other relevant studies in the field. Full article

Road transport constitutes a crucial element of the European economy, but it also generates significant external costs. In the process of reducing the impact of road transport on the environment and society, numerous actions are being undertaken to implement the concept of sustainable transport development in the Member States of the European Union. A key measure in this area is the introduction of low- and zero-emission propulsion systems in vehicles intended for passenger and freight transport. This article focuses on electric vehicles powered by battery energy storage systems. An essential component of these efforts is the development of alternative fuels infrastructure, which is expected to enable the operation of such vehicles by providing access to battery charging facilities. The development of infrastructure in the form of electric vehicle charging stations, initially concentrated in urban areas, has been extended to the network of European roads. The driving force behind this expansion is the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, which, on the basis of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), stimulate the development of alternative fuels infrastructure along the TEN-T network. The aim of the article is to present selected challenges related to the electrification of road transport infrastructure in the context of the sustainable transport development concept and the construction of alternative fuels infrastructure along the TEN-T network. The research focuses on forecasting the demand for alternative fuels infrastructure along the A1 and A2 motorways, which form part of the TEN-T network within the territory of Poland. The research process stems from the implementation of the AFIR in the EU Member States. Full article

The MTBseq pipeline, published in 2018, was designed to address bioinformatics challenges in tuberculosis (TB) research using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. It was the first publicly available tool on GitHub to perform full analysis of WGS data for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) encompassing quality control through mapping, variant calling for lineage classification, drug resistance prediction, and phylogenetic inference. However, the pipeline’s architecture is not optimal for analyses on high-performance computing or cloud computing environments that often involve large datasets. To overcome this limitation, we developed MTBseq-nf, a Nextflow wrapper that provides parallelization for faster execution speeds in addition to several other significant enhancements. The MTBseq-nf wrapper can run several instances of the same step in parallel, fully utilizing the available resources, unlike the linear, batched analysis of samples in the TBfull step of the MTBseq pipeline. For evaluation of scalability and reproducibility, we used 90 M. tuberculosis genomes (European Nucleotide Archive—ENA accession PRJEB7727) for the benchmarking analysis on a dedicated computational server. In our benchmarks, MTBseq-nf in its parallel mode is at least twice as fast as the standard MTBseq pipeline for cohorts exceeding 20 samples. Through integration with the best practices of nf-core, Bioconda, and Biocontainers projects MTBseq-nf ensures reproducibility and platform independence, providing a scalable and efficient solution for TB genomic surveillance. Full article

Among animal diseases, those characterized with transboundary potential enhance their interconnection to the One Health principle. Zoonoses with a higher capacity to spread compared to other diseases with a lower level of transmissibility multiply their potential impact on human populations. The routes and speed of transmission and virulence may also increase the impact on animal health in the zootechnic sector and in wild animals. This risk, especially in endangered species, has the potential to alter biodiversity, negatively affecting the environment. The characteristics of these pathogens represent a global health danger that requires knowledge and the capacity for prevention and control, considering the possibility of natural outbreak occurrence together with the deliberate use of such pathogens as biological weapons for terrorist attacks. Animal pathogens, particularly those with zoonotic potential, have long been considered for use in bioterrorism. International conventions prohibit the use of microbiological and toxin weapons. Furthermore, recent European legislation has also addressed the potential misuse of animal pathogens in bioterrorism. In this context, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) and its Center for Global Studies are committed to preventing global health threats by promoting transboundary cooperation, especially through a One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental health. In the face of future emergencies, PAM is also committed to promoting greater information sharing for harmonized legislative frameworks and equitable access to resources, to strengthen the resilience of global health systems, especially in developing countries. In both the past and recent history, various outbreaks have been attributed to proven or alleged bioterrorist attacks targeting human or animal populations. This study discusses the general characteristics of several relevant transboundary diseases. Paying high attention to One Health is of utmost importance. However, for a full understanding, it is necessary to consider all related aspects and implications. Full article