scholarly journals Odour control strategies for a sustainable nuisances action plan

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 734-741 ◽  

<p>Different land uses, infrastructures, industrial activities and residential patterns of developed cities expose simultaneously people to several annoying sources.</p> <p>Over recent years, the European Union has provided several tools to harmonize noise mapping methodologies and relative Noise Action Plans through directives. Unfortunately, the same effort has not been made for the harmonization of approaches of other annoying sources such as odours. As a consequence, each European Member State has defined its own direct or indirect approach to limit odour impacts.</p> <p>The most common approach to deal with noise impact is the use of priority indices to highlight areas that are sensitive to both noise and, generally, odour impacts. The aim of the present research is to provide a brief review of the most widely used European strategies in noise action plans as well as try to extend the approaches to the definition of a nuisance action plan, capable of controlling both odour and noise.</p> <p>The analysis underlines that is possible to define the degree of sensitivity of areas according to population, land uses, levels of exposures and/or distance from the annoying sources. Nuisance acceptability levels are then definable according to the sensitivity degree of the locations.</p>

2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (21) ◽  
pp. 822-827
Author(s):  
Ágnes Váradi

The question of electronic solutions in public health care has become a contemporary issue at the European Union level since the action plan of the Commission on the e-health developments of the period between 2012 and 2020 has been published. In Hungary this issue has been placed into the centre of attention after a draft on modifications of regulations in health-care has been released for public discourse, which – if accepted – would lay down the basics of an electronic heath-service system. The aim of this paper is to review the basic features of e-health solutions in Hungary and the European Union with the help of the most important pieces of legislation, documents of the European Union institutions and sources from secondary literature. When examining the definition of the basic goals and instruments of the development, differences between the European Union and national approaches can be detected. Examination of recent developmental programs and existing models seem to reveal difficulties in creating interoperability and financing such projects. Finally, the review is completed by the aspects of jurisdiction and fundamental rights. It is concluded that these issues are mandatory to delineate the legislative, economic and technological framework for the development of the e-health systems. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(21), 822–827.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Riediker ◽  
C. Ostiguy ◽  
J. Triolet ◽  
P. Troisfontaine ◽  
D. Vernez ◽  
...  

Control banding (CB) can be a useful tool for managing the potential risks of nanomaterials. The here proposed CB, which should be part of an overall risk control strategy, groups materials by hazard and emission potential. The resulting decision matrix proposes control bands adapted to the risk potential levels and helps define an action plan. If this plan is not practical and financially feasible, a full risk assessment is launched. The hazard banding combines key concepts of nanomaterial toxicology: translocation across biological barriers, fibrous nature, solubility, and reactivity. Already existing classifications specific to the nanomaterial can be used “as is.” Otherwise, the toxicity of bulk or analogous substances gives an initial hazard band, which is increased if the substance is not easily soluble or if it has a higher reactivity than the substance. The emission potential bands are defined by the nanomaterials' physical form and process characteristics. Quantities, frequencies, and existing control measures are taken into account during the definition of the action plan. Control strategies range from room ventilation to full containment with expert advice. This CB approach, once validated, can be easily embedded in risk management systems. It allows integrating new toxicity data and needs no exposure data.


2020 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-165
Author(s):  
Pavol Blahušiak ◽  
Matej Krivošík ◽  
Jarmila Slučiak ◽  
Andrej Javorník ◽  
Michaela Zálešáková ◽  
...  

Abstract Slovak Institute of Metrology received in 2016 funding for realisation of a set up of a radon chamber with AlphaGUARD as a secondary standard of 222Rn in air as one part of the project. This secondary standard will serve to provide the traceability for laboratories that deal with 222Rn measurements in environmental samples. This project is a response to the European Union legislation and provides metrological support for the development and implementation of the national radon action plan, which the member states of the European Union are committed to fulfil in accordance with Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom. During development of the radon chamber, the determination of its basic technical parameters, such as the exact determination of the container volume and the area of the inner walls of the radon chamber, many tightness tests of the chamber, the definition of homogeneous radon atmosphere parameters and bilateral comparisons, were realised.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-294
Author(s):  
Bulent Cavas

It has been revealed by The Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Union that scientific studies and their outcomes, carried out within the last 15 years, haven't been adequately shared within the society. In this context, the search for project applications, reviewing efficient communication strategies between European citizens and science was initiated by the European Union’s Science and Society action plan in 2001. The European Union further developed action plans, under its FP7 program which began in 2007, with a view to increasing participation within society and to enhance two-way dialogues and larger interactions through actualizing Science in Society’s action.


2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Lachat ◽  
John Van Camp ◽  
Stefaan De Henauw ◽  
Christophe Matthys ◽  
Yvan Larondelle ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThis study presents an overview of national nutrition action plans in the member states of the European Union (EU), before its enlargement in 2004. In addition, their compliance with key recommendations of the World Health Organization, as documented in the First Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, has tentatively been evaluated on the basis of the policy documents published.DesignLiterature review of publicly available policy national plans on nutrition and physical activity.SettingMember states of the EU before enlargement in May 2004.ResultsThe development of national nutrition action plans is gaining momentum. Six of the 15 EU member states – namely, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, France, The Netherlands and the UK – have an operational nutrition policy and four of them have published an elaborated description of their nutrition policy in English. By the end of 2004, another four countries are expected to have their plan finalised. The available nutrition action plans generally seem to comply with international recommendations, although large variations are observed between the member states in terms of terminology, nutritional recommendations, institutional framework, nutritional scope, social groups targeted and monitoring and evaluation structures.ConclusionsAlthough the importance of nutritional surveillance, a comprehensive approach to nutritional problems and stakeholder involvement is recognised by the action plans, the justification for it is vaguely described. This paper advocates for proper evaluation and documentation of interventions in public health nutrition and nutrition policies.


Oryx ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Stephenson ◽  
Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu

AbstractIn a case study of conservation planning by a conservation organization working at a continental scale we examine how WWF identified and prioritized its African elephant Loxodonta africana conservation activities. We (1) review lessons learnt from previous work, (2) identify priority landscapes using biological criteria (e.g. population size and viability) and institutional criteria (e.g. feasibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of WWF interventions), and (3) conduct a threat analysis and review of national and subregional action plans. We suggest that species action plans should use priority-setting criteria that focus on conserving the largest and most viable populations at the subspecies level. Clear definition of geographical priorities helps an organization focus its resources and assists monitoring. Species action plans should also take account of plans developed by governments and other stakeholders. Conservation agencies wishing to select which landscapes to invest in for a given species or subspecies could then consider institutional prioritization criteria, such as those used by WWF for the African elephant. This would allow them to invest pragmatically in conservation that has a higher chance of success than work planned solely through scientific analysis. Ultimately, however, no species action plan will succeed unless it has the resources necessary for implementation and the key stakeholders work together in partnership.


Author(s):  
Erkan Erdil ◽  
Dilek Çetin

The smart specialization strategy (S3) has been accepted as a solution for the European Union (EU) to catch up United States in productivity, R&D intensity, etc. The process of research and innovation strategies for smart specialization (RIS3) is described in six steps: the regional/national context, governance, elaboration, identification of priorities, the definition of coherent policy mix and action plan, and finally, the integration of monitoring and evaluation mechanism. In this chapter, the situation in Turkey is evaluated under these six steps. RIS3 strategy is not specified on the national level at Turkey, while it is debatable on the regional level.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.V. Ratner

Subject. The article considers the concept of circular economy, which has originated relatively recently in the academic literature, and is now increasingly recognized in many countries at the national level. In the European Union, the transition to circular economy is viewed as an opportunity to improve competitiveness of the European Union, protect businesses from resource shortages and fluctuating prices for raw materials and supplies, and a way to increase employment and innovation. Objectives. The aim of the study is to analyze the incentives developed by the European Commission for moving to circular economy, and to assess their effectiveness on the basis of statistical analysis. Methods. I employ general scientific methods of research. Results. The analysis of the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy enabled to conclude that the results of the recent research in circular economy barriers, eco-innovation, technology and infrastructure were successfully integrated into the framework of this document. Understanding the root causes holding back the circular economy development and the balanced combination of economic and administrative incentives strengthened the Action Plan, and it contributed to the circular economy development in the EU. Conclusions. The measures to stimulate the development of the circular economy proposed in the European Action Plan can be viewed as a prototype for designing similar strategies in other countries, including Russia. Meanwhile, a more detailed analysis of barriers to the circular economy at the level of individual countries and regions is needed.


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