Adaptation Planning Research Articles

Inclusive engagement for equitable resilience: Community case study insights

Abstract Incorporating equity into climate resilience planning, especially through participatory processes, is important to adequately address social vulnerability and avoid reproducing inequities. Recent analyses of resilience and adaptation plans in the United States suggest that there is increasing attention on equity and justice, but a wide variation in how it is being incorporated and implemented. Available studies of resilience planning are limited by their focus on larger urban areas and on plan contents. This research contributes a qualitative analysis of engagement in resilience planning in smaller cities and rural areas. It presents findings from community case studies used as part of human-centered design research to develop an equitable resilience planning tool. Materials from the tool were used to conduct participatory engagement activities including storytelling, mapping, and brainstorming actions that elicited community members’ experiences with hazards and disasters and ideas for equitable resilience actions. Themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis of the workshop discussions were: community members’ include both environmental and social concerns in addressing resilience, challenges associated with social vulnerability framing, the underlying social systems that perpetuate inequities, recognizing different types of trauma, the power of convening, and challenges with sustaining engagement without dedicated resources. This article provides insights that inform efforts to better incorporate equity into resilience planning and advance the study of equitable resilience.

An Interpolator for a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline Curve with a High Efficiency and Accuracy Using Polynomial Representations

This paper introduces an efficient and accurate interpolator for NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline) curves, addressing the challenge of regulating feedrate under machining accuracy and dynamic constraints, particularly at sensitive corners. A recursive matrix representation and polynomial conversion are utilized to enhance the computation of NURBS curve intermediate points and derivatives. An improved adaptive planning method is presented to adjust the feedrate at sensitive corners, ensuring that chord error and dynamic constraints are met. The method integrates linear acceleration and deceleration stages to mitigate abrupt changes in acceleration and jerk. Additionally, a prediction–correction scheme-based interpolator is developed, employing an asynchronous mechanism to improve computational efficiency. The proposed method’s effectiveness and correctness are validated through simulation tests and machining experiments.

Strategic Planning for the Management of Educational Institutions: Sistematic Review

This study aimed to analyze the trends and approaches of strategic planning in the management of educational institutions based on a systematic review of the literature of the last five years. Through a comprehensive analysis of 10 studies, the main challenges and opportunities in the implementation of strategic planning in the educational field were identified. The results of the review reveal the importance of strategic planning as a tool to improve educational quality, optimize resources and respond to the demands of an increasingly complex educational environment. However, recurring challenges are identified, such as lack of staff training, resistance to change and scarcity of resources. The active participation of the entire educational community, the adaptation of strategic plans to the particularities of each context and continuous evaluation are key elements for the success of strategic planning. Furthermore, the study highlights the need to strengthen transformational leadership and take advantage of the opportunities offered by information and communication technologies. In conclusion, strategic planning emerges as a fundamental tool to improve educational quality, but its effective implementation requires a comprehensive approach that considers the particularities of each context and the active participation of all the actors involved. Future research is recommended that delve into aspects such as evaluation, educational innovation and the impact of digital transformation on strategic planning.

Feasibility of creating a daily adaptive plan using automatic DIR-created target and OARs contours in patients with prostate cancer magnetic-resonance-guided adaptive radiotherapy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of treatment plans for prostate cancer with magnetic resonance (MR)-guided online adaptive radiotherapy, which are generated using deformable image registration (DIR)-created contours of the targets and organs. Totally, 150 fractions from 30 prostate cancer patients implanted with a hydrogel spacer and treated with the MR-Linac were studied. Reference treatment plans that satisfied all institutional dose constraints were initially created on planning MRI. The adaptive treatment plans were created on daily MRI based on the reference plan using the DIR-created contours, ensuring all dose constraints were met. Subsequently, a clinician manually created reference contours for each daily MRI. Finally, the dose volume histogram indices of the plan generated with DIR-created contours were re-evaluated with clinician created contours. The evaluated contours included the bladder wall, rectum wall, sigmoid, small bowel and planning target volume (PTV) for dose prescription. The PTV for dose prescription met the dose constraints in all fractions. The bladder and rectum walls met the dose constraint of maximum dose (D0.03 cc) in all fractions. Five patients failed to meet the sigmoid and small bowel dose constraints, with the largest deviation being 13.3% exceedance at D2 cc in the small bowel added 3mm margin. This study suggests that most treatment plans created without modifying the DIR-created contours are clinically viable. However, dislodgements of the small bowel and sigmoid may exceed the extent of DIR propagation from the reference plan contours, and it is recommended that these contours be verified.

RBIO-01. CHARACTERIZING THE TEMPORAL EVOLUTION OF BRAIN ARCHITECTURE DURING RADIOTHERAPY FOR GLIOBLASTOMA USING NONLINEAR IMAGE REGISTRATION

Abstract BACKGROUND Previous serial MRI studies following glioblastoma (GBM) resection reveal dynamic changes in the tumor cavity and surrounding tissue. However, the time course of these dynamics is unclear, especially in the immediate postoperative period. METHODS GBM patients (n=8) received three MRIs: within 72 hours post-resection, immediately preceding RT (RTstart), and at the RT midpoint (RTmid). The radiation field (RF) was based on the resection cavity (RC) and surrounding T2-FLAIR hyperintensities at the 72 hour MRI. Nonlinear image registration was performed across the two time intervals, allowing comparison between the intended radiation targets and the actual irradiated tissue. Dice coefficients (DRF and DRC), the relative volume of the RC (RCvol), and the volume of unintended iatrogenic radiation (IRvol) were measured at each timepoint, and IRvol was fitted to an exponential decay. RESULTS DRF showed modest reduction, with mean±SD of 0.97±0.02 at both RTstart and RTmid. In contrast, the RC showed more change, with mean DRC 0.63±0.13 and 0.60±0.12, and mean RCvol of 0.74±0.27 and 0.72±0.25 at RTstart and RTmid, respectively. DRF, DRC, and RCvol showed greater change during the first interval than the second (p=3.5x10-4, 4.1x10-4, and 0.1, respectively). The mean IRvol was 16.7±12.6 at RTstart and 21.7±12.8 at RTmid, with a time constant of -0.031 (95% CI=[-0.017, -0.060]), indicating that 80% of all voxels that receive unintended iatrogenic radiation moved into the radiation field by postoperative day 57, and 95% will have moved in by day 125. CONCLUSIONS Nonlinear registration demonstrated significant postoperative architectural changes, with most occurring in the first two months after surgery near the RC. This potentially suggests a role for adaptive planning during RT, particularly for protocols that focus on the RC rather than T2-FLAIR hyperintensities. Future prospective studies are needed to assess the role of adaptive radiotherapy for GBM.

Regional climate change adaptation planning in Canada: Actors and their articulation

AbstractClimate change governance presents challenges and most of the responsibility for it is offloaded to local governments often ill‐equipped to deal with it. In Canada, where climate extremes are on the rise, regional adaptation governance structures have emerged as an avenue for more efficient adaptation. Governance at this scale has the potential to mutualize expertise and means, to involve local population, and favour a vertical integration of the adaptation process. From selected examples of regional collaboration on climate change adaptation, in this short viewpoint paper, we identify some factors favouring such initiatives. The presence of “boundary organizations” such as research centres or non‐governmental organizations that can act as catalysts, is a predictor in all our cases and has been proposed in literature before. Funding opportunities can of course offer a strong incentive for various actors to get together. Other factors such as geographical or cultural particularities can shape communities’ response to the stress of climate change. More research should be led into understanding these factors and translate them into policies favouring the emergence of regional adaptation instances, especially in rural coastal zones, in Canada.

How to monitor local objectives for urban climate change adaptation? Insights from quantitative content analysis of selected participatory budgets in the upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis

Subsequent analyses of participatory budgeting in Poland emphasise the popularity of environmental issues such as greenery, air quality, and sustainable transport, which should also support objectives in urban climate change adaptation (UCCA). An increasing number of adaptation projects within local standards or ‘green’ civic budgets are often listed among the indicators in urban adaptation plans for Polish cities. However, available research studies and urban evaluation reports show that monitoring participatory budgets poses a methodological challenge. Therefore, the aim of the article is twofold. First, it proposes a method of identifying overlaps of urban climate change adaptation objectives with descriptions of projects submitted to local participatory budgets of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. For this purpose, a dictionary-based text analysis of project descriptions was performed and critically examined. The second aim was to identify trends in urban climate change adaptation objectives. Thus, the quantitative distribution of coded descriptions was evaluated to investigate how subsequent types of participatory budgets (editions, green vs. standard, implemented vs. non-implemented) differed. The results demonstrate that the available database of participatory budget projects is a rich source of information on local preferences towards issues related to UCCA. To strengthen the objectives of urban climate change adaptation, city administrations can consider additional tools, such as UCCA-related tips/inspiration and targeted calls for projects, as well as supplementing participatory budgets with other deliberative methods. However, collecting precise and calculable data on this topic based on participatory budget databases requires both methodological adjustments and careful validation.

Indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation planning: reflections from initial efforts

There are increasing calls to incorporate indigenous knowledge (IK) into climate adaptation planning (CAP) and related projects. However, given unique attributes of IK and the positionality of tribal communities to scientific research, several considerations are important to ensure CAP efforts with IK are ethical and effective. While such topics have been thoroughly explored conceptually, incorporation of IK into CAP is a nascent field only beginning to report findings and improve science production and delivery. Based on recent work with Ute Mountain Ute (UMU) resource managers and knowledge holders, we reflect on key considerations for incorporating IK into CAP: the importance of sustained and multi-level tribal engagement, operational approaches to IK incorporation, cross-cultural challenges with risk-based approaches, and how CAP can support existing tribal priorities. We hope exploring these considerations can help set appropriate expectations, promote ethical interactions, and increase the effectiveness of tribal CAP and related efforts.

Daily Diagnostic Quality Computed Tomography-on-Rails (CTOR) Image Guidance for Abdominal Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

Background/Objectives: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for abdominal targets faces a variety of challenges, including motion caused by the respiration and digestion and a relatively poor level of contrast between the tumor and the surrounding tissues. Breath-hold treatments with computed tomography-on-rails (CTOR) image guidance is one way of addressing these challenges, allowing for both the tumor and normal tissues to be well-visualized. Using isodose lines (IDLs) from CT simulations as a guide, the anatomical information can be used to shift the alignment or trigger a replan, such that normal tissues receive acceptable doses of radiation. Methods: This study aims to describe the workflow involved when using CTOR for pancreas and liver SBRT and demonstrates its effectiveness through several case studies. Results: In these case studies, using the anatomical information gained through diagnostic-quality CT guidance to make slight adjustments to the alignment, resulted in reductions in the maximum dose to the stomach. Conclusions: High-quality imaging, such as CTOR, and the use of IDLs to estimate the doses to OARs, enable the safe delivery of SBRT, without the added complexity and resource commitment required by daily online adaptive planning.

First clinical implementation of a highly efficient daily online adapted proton therapy (DAPT) workflow

Objective.This study presents the first clinical implementation of an efficient online daily adaptive proton therapy workflow (DAPT).Approach.The DAPT workflow includes apre-treatment phase,where atemplateand afallback planare optimized on the planning computed tomography (CT). In theonline phase, theadapted planis re-optimized on daily images from an in-room CT. Daily structures are rigidly propagated from the planning CT. Automated Quality Assurance (QA) involves geometric, sanity checks and an independent dose calculation from the machine files. Differences from the template plan are analyzed field-by-field, and clinical plan is assessed by reviewing the achieved clinical goals using a traffic light protocol. If the daily adapted plan fails any QA or clinical goals, the fallback plan is used. In theoffline phasethe delivered dose is recalculated from log-files onto the daily CT, and a gamma analysis is performed (3%/3 mm). The DAPT workflow has been applied to selected adult patients treated in rigid anatomy for the last serie of the treatment between October 2023 and April 2024.Main Results.DAPT treatment sessions averaged around 23 min [range: 15-30 min] and did not exceed the typical 30 minute time slot. Treatment adaptation, including QA and clinical plan assessment, averaged just under 7 min [range: 3:30-16 min] per fraction. All plans passed the online QAs steps. In the offline phase a good agreement with the log-files reconstructed dose was achieved (minimum gamma pass rate of 97.5%). The online adapted plan was delivered for >85% of the fractions. In 92% of total fractions, adapted plans exhibited improved individual dose metrics to the targets and/or organs at risk.Significance.This study demonstrates the successful implementation of an online daily DAPT workflow. Notably, the duration of a DAPT session did not exceed the time slot typically allocated for non-DAPT treatment. As far as we are aware, this is a first clinical implementation of daily online adaptive proton therapy.

Modulation of Northern Europe near-term anthropogenic warming and wettening assessed through internal variability storylines

Internal variability arising from the inherently chaotic nature of the climate system has amplified or obscured human-caused changes, especially at regional scales in the extratropics, where its contribution to climate variability is the largest. It is virtually certain that this will continue in the near-term. We here focus on the Northern Europe region, whose variability is largely controlled by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) through remote dynamical and thermodynamic processes, and introduce the concept of internal variability storylines (IVS) to explore, understand, and quantify the role of the two combined drivers of internal variability in the modulation of the anthropogenic warming by 2040 in winter. Based on a large ensemble of historical-scenario simulations, we show that the high-impact IVS, characterised by weak AMOC decline and a decadal shift of the NAO toward dominant positive phase, leads faster to warmer-wetter conditions independently of actual and future greenhouse gases emissions. By contrast, amplified AMOC reduction and more recurrent negative NAO can considerably damp both warming and wettening at near-term. In the latter IVS, we provide evidence that winter-severe conditions similar to those in 2010, that had been responsible for widespread socio-economic disruptions, remain almost as likely to occur by 2040. Reframing the uncertain climate outcomes into the physical science space in a conditional form through the prism of IVS makes climate information relevant for accurate risk assessments and adaptation planning.

Test Smart, Treat Smart-using clinician feedback to adapt a catheter-associated urinary tract infection intervention for spinal cord injury.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention is a major target for hospital quality metrics because it is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Health care systems use strict protocols surrounding catheterization and maintenance, which often disregard the clinical needs of special populations (eg, spinal cord injury [SCI]). However, for populations that rely on chronic instrumentation of the bladder, asymptomatic (ie, nonpathogenic) bacterial colonization in the bladder is common but not linked to adverse outcomes. Additionally, alterations in neurologic and sensory function after SCI make it difficult for clinicians to discern asymptomatic bacteriuria from acute urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics. Institutional policies for screening urine during SCI annual exams often lead to detection of bacteriuria but create a clinical decision-making challenge when determining whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. To conduct preimplementation SCI-focused adaptations to the evidence-based practice (EBP) "Kicking CAUTI"-to develop a guide for SCI providers surrounding testing and treatment of CAUTI. Four 1-hour focus groups were conducted with SCI clinicians (prescribers and nursing staff) to assess insights on needed modifications to adapt Kicking CAUTI for SCI. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) was used to plan and report adaptations in this work and the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework to guide adaptation of the EBP for the SCI population. Content and thematic analysis guided our process. The clinical algorithm was simplified, a urinary symptom assessment added, and provider- and patient-facing educational materials were developed to support implementation efforts to create the Test Smart Treat Smart Intervention. Traditional CAUTI protocols do not adequately address the needs of those with SCI and modifications are needed. Provider feedback provides valuable insights when adapting population appropriate interventions.

Simulation-free magnetic resonance-guided radiation therapy of prostate cancer

Background and purposeDespite recent advances of online image-guided high-precision patient positioning and adaptation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or cone-beam computed tomography (CT), standard radiation therapy pathway still involves a dedicated simulation scan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and planning quality of integrating a simulation-free treatment planning workflow for adaptive online MRI-guided radiation therapy on a 1.5 T MRI linear accelerator (MRI-Linac) in prostate cancer using diagnostic CT (dCT) scans. Materials and methodsFor ten patients with prostate cancer previously treated at the MRI-Linac with adaptive radiation therapy (42.7 Gy in 7 fractions), simulation-free reference plans based on dCT were retrospectively created, and adaptive plans were simulated for the first treatment fraction. Reference and adapted plans derived from both standard and simulation-free workflows were compared with regard to institutional dose volume criteria, followed by statistical assessment using the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a Bonferroni-corrected significance level of α = 0.025. ResultsSimulation-free reference and adapted plans consistently met dose volume criteria. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between both workflows, except median values for near-maximum dose (D2%) in the planning target volume: 44.2 Gy (standard) vs. 44.5 Gy (simulation-free) in reference plans (p = 0.014), and 44.5 Gy vs. 44.6 Gy in adapted plans (p = 0.009). ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility of simulation-free radiation therapy planning using dCT. Comparable treatment plan quality was observed for both reference and adapted radiation therapy plans in a curative setting for patients with prostate cancer.

Effects of Oceanographic Conditions on Fishery Distribution: A Case Study of Chub Mackerel (Scomber japonicus) in Northeastern Taiwan

Changes in oceanographic conditions can affect species distribution in marine habitats. Global climate change may negatively influence the oceanographic factor–species distribution relationship. Here, we assessed the influence of oceanographic conditions on chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) distribution in northeastern Taiwan by constructing and using a habitat ensemble model incorporating chub mackerel fishery, climatic oscillation, and oceanography data. Our results indicated that the chub mackerel catch was mainly influenced by the Western Pacific Oscillation. Moreover, sea-surface height and mixed-layer depth exerted the most and least significant effects on chub mackerel distribution, respectively. The chub mackerel catch rate peaked in the study area with a sea-surface temperature of 29°C, sea-surface chlorophyll of 0.25 mg/m3, sea-surface salinity of 33.7 psu, and SSH of 0.575 m. Chub mackerel was the most widely distributed in the area between 25°N, 120.5°E and 26.2°N, 121.5°E. Our findings can be used to develop critical adaptation plans for managing chub mackerel fisheries in the northeastern waters of Taiwan. Considering changing climate conditions globally, the incorporation of this knowledge into managerial strategies may aid decision-makers in protecting not only other ocean fisheries but also individuals dependent on them.

Projecting impacts of extreme weather events on crop yields using LASSO regression

Extreme weather events are recognized as major drivers of crop yield losses, which threaten food security and farmers’ incomes. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather under climate change, it is crucial to quantify the related future yield damages of important crops to inform prospective climate change adaptation planning. In this study, we present a statistical modeling approach to project the changes in crop yields under climate change for eight majorly cultivated field crops in Germany, estimating the impacts of nine types of extreme weather events. To select the most relevant predictors, we apply the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to district-level yield data.The LASSO models select, on average, 62% of the features, which align with well-known biophysical impacts on crops, suggesting that different extremes at various growth stages are relevant for yield prediction. We project on average 2.5-times more severe impacts on summer crops than on winter crops. Under RCP8.5, crop yields experience a mean change from -2.53% to -8.63% in the far future (2069-98) for summer crops and from -0.80% to -2.88% for winter crops, without accounting for CO2 fertilization effects. Heat impacts are identified as the primary driver of yield losses across all crops for 2069-98, while shifting precipitation patterns exacerbate winter and spring waterlogging, and summer and fall drought.Our findings underscore the utility of LASSO regression in identifying relevant drivers for projecting changes in crop yields across multiple crops, crucial for guiding agricultural adaptation. While the present analysis can identify empirical relationships, replicating these findings in biophysical models could provide new insights into the underlying processes.

Spatial and temporal analysis of vulnerability disparity of minorities to wildfires in California

Wildfires typically have devastating impacts on communities, both in urban and rural areas, resulting in property loss, psychological distress, physical injuries, and loss of life. A notable gap in the literature is the spatial and temporal disproportionate impact of wildfires on underrepresented communities. This lack of attention is concerning, as these underrepresented populations are likely to be more vulnerable to the devastating consequences of wildfire disasters, exacerbating pre-existing social, economic, and environmental disparities. This study aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive spatial and temporal analysis of the vulnerability of underrepresented communities such as the Black, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, among others, in the State of California. We deploy methodological tools such as Getis-Ord Gi∗ to identify areas exhibiting heightened vulnerability across diverse minority groups. Additionally, disparity degrees are measured using Location Amplitude Index among these minority populations. Our findings reveal significant spatial and temporal shifts in vulnerability disparities for Native American communities in Los Angeles County, the Black communities in Orange County, and all minority groups in San Diego County. Shedding light on the underrepresented communities' vulnerabilities to wildfires, this research contributes to the development of targeted and equitable strategies for wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Furthermore, this study highlights the urgent need for addressing the environmental justice implications of wildfire disasters and considering minorities’ disparity in wildfire risk management and climate change adaptation planning.

Spatially Compounding Drought Events in Brazil

AbstractSpatially compounding drought events affect multiple locations simultaneously, severely affecting food, water, energy, human health, and infrastructure sectors. Despite the cascading impacts and challenges compound droughts impose on society, we still lack an in‐depth understanding of spatially connected drought occurrences. Given the complexity and costs of droughts in Brazil, identifying regions prone to co‐experiencing droughts is critical for developing effective adaptation measures. Here, we develop a novel framework to assess the spatial co‐occurrence of hydrological drought events, which can be adapted for global applications to evaluate spatially compounding drought. This framework involves extracting drought data from individual catchments and calculating the co‐occurrence of droughts across all catchments. We apply this method to investigate the spatial connectedness of droughts in 511 Brazilian catchments over 39 years (1983–2022). Additionally, we classify catchments based on drought duration, intensity, deficit, number of events, and spatial connectedness to identify regions with similar drought behavior. Our findings reveal significant variability in drought characteristics and connectedness across Brazil, with the Central‐Northeast and Northwest Amazon regions being most affected by multiple and widespread droughts. We identify five distinct regions in Brazil that exhibit common drought behaviors, sharing attributes such as aridity, catchment area, and precipitation seasonality. These regions hold the potential to guide future adaptation plans for managing hydrological compound extremes at both the catchment and regional scales, including the development of risk pool networks. Our results underscore the importance of considering the interactions of spatially compounding hydrological droughts in risk assessments and adaptation strategies.

Empowering sports facilities and sports physiotherapy performance with Integrated Management Information System (IMIS): Enhanced user experience and service quality

This study investigates the development of Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) to improve user experience and service quality in sports facilities. This research conducts a systematic review (2018-2023) of 7 articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar to explore how IMIS can address evolving industry needs. The system facilitates user access to information, online transactions, and feedback mechanisms while enabling personalization and recommendations. However, the review also highlights the potential of IMIS to revolutionize sports physiotherapy through enhanced athlete care, data-driven treatment plans, and streamlined operations. Successful IMIS implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder involvement, and continuous adaptation to emerging technologies like AI and IoT. By overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, IMIS can usher in a new era of personalized, effective, and efficient athlete care. IMIS implementation involves evaluating facility needs, staff training, and introducing the system to users. Data security and privacy are paramount. Future integration of AI, IoT, and mobile applications holds promise for further enhancing IMIS effectiveness. Overall, IMIS implementation has demonstrably improved user experience and service quality. By prioritizing user experience and adapting to technological advancements, sports facilities can remain competitive in a digital age.

Omnidens appendages and the origin of radiodont mouthparts

AbstractThe sophisticated, modular and adaptable body plan of arthropods underpins their dominance in marine invertebrate communities. The origin of this body plan from legged lobopodian worms can be inferred from Cambrian Konservat‐Lagerstätten, but our understanding retains some notable gaps: not least in the transition from swimming lobopodians such as Kerygmachela and Pambdelurion to robustly sclerotized radiodonts such as Anomalocaris. A large Pambdelurion‐like fossil from the Xiaoshiba biota, Omnidens qiongqii sp. nov., exhibits a novel combination of characters: an oral apparatus with a non‐radial configuration; and centimetric talon‐like grasping structures with heavily sclerotized blade‐like spines. The novel morphology broadens the interpretative framework for associated Cambrian taxa, demonstrating continuity in the morphology of euarthropod appendages prior to the origin of podomeres. A reappraisal of the euarthropod stem lineage suggests that radially arranged mouthparts may be a radiodont novelty, rather than an inheritance from the ancestral ecdysozoan. These results further resolve the evolutionary origins of the euarthropod body plan.

A Quick-Scan Methodology Incorporating Local Knowledge for Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments Applied in Kampala

AbstractA surge in publications on climate change vulnerability and risk assessments in recent years reflects the escalating impacts of climate change. These assessments are crucial for improving climate change adaptation planning. City-level integrated climate risk and vulnerability assessments (CRVAs) are increasingly relevant, particularly for African cities facing heightened vulnerability from local climate impacts and urbanization. There are several practical challenges in the context of Sub-Saharan African cities: 1) research capacity limitations; 2) the heterogeneity of settlements and their infrastructure; 3) data availability and accessibility; and 4) inclusion of local knowledge in the data collection process. This study aims to address these challenges through an integrated quick-scan CRVA approach. The methodology was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to be conducted on distance with local partners, and tested through an instrumental case study in Kampala, Uganda. The case of Kampala shows the execution and resulting scan, with mapped districts where climate threats are urgent, summarized in so-called ‘neighbourhood profiles’. The method description and its implementation demonstrate that this form of CRVA methodology holds the potential to: (a) expedite city-wide climate assessments; (b) provide a filter procedure and a classification of diverse needs across districts; (c) bring together ‘insider knowledge’ and ‘outsider expertise’ and (d) establish knowledge collaborations across distances and scales. In just a few months’ time, the project team navigated in both informal community systems and formal institutional frameworks. Preferable to the alternative of complete absence of vulnerability assessments, the described ‘quick-scan method’ may be worthwhile for other African cities.