European Comparison Research Articles

Catalogue of alien plants of the Czech Republic (3rd edition)

We present the third edition of the complete catalogue of the alien flora of the Czech Republic which follows the 2002 and 2012 editions. It has been updated by incorporating new data collected over the last decade and reassessing the current status of taxa based on improved taxonomic and ecological knowledge. All changes in taxon listing from the 2012 version are documented and explained in an appendix. Based on comprehensive data sources, including the recently developed Pladias database of the Czech flora and vegetation and the Archaeobotanical Database of the Czech Republic, we list 1576 taxa alien to this country, with information on their taxonomic position, life form, geographic origin, residence time status (archaeophyte or neophyte), invasion status (casual, naturalized or invasive), date of the first and last field record, grid-cell occupancy, pathway of introduction into the country, habitat affiliation and impact assessment. This edition includes 122 more taxa than the 2012 edition; 157 taxa were added and 35 were removed; 17 taxa were reclassified as native, eight were removed due to lack of evidence, records of six taxa were assessed as doubtful, and four are not taxonomically justified. The alien flora is recruited from 630 genera and 122 families and comprises 385 archaeophytes and 1191 neophytes; most taxa are casual (1084, i.e. 68.8% of the total number), 417 taxa are naturalized (26.4%), and 75 are invasive (4.8%). The proportion of invasive taxa is almost equal for archaeophytes and neophytes (4.7 and 4.8%, respectively), casual taxa are over-represented among neophytes, and naturalized taxa among archaeophytes. The contribution of alien taxa to the Czech flora is 37.8% if all aliens are considered or 16.2% if all naturalized taxa (including invasives), which are a permanent part of the flora, are included. For all groups of invasion status, the numbers of taxa are increasing over time with no sign of deceleration. Most alien plants originate from the Mediterranean region (618 taxa, i.e. 31.5%), other parts of Europe (380 taxa, 19.4%), other parts of Asia (290 taxa, 14.1%) and North America (262, 13.4%). The highest number of invasive taxa (27, corresponding to 27.6% of all invasive archaeophytes and neophytes) are from North America. Occupancy of grid cells of 10 × 6 arc minutes significantly increases with invasion status and residence time. Invasive taxa are present in more grid cells than naturalized and casual, and archaeophytes occupy on average more grid cells than neophytes in each invasion status category. Maps based on the cumulative record of alien species occurrence over the past 50 years, expressed as the proportion of the entire flora, show that alien species are relatively more prevalent in lowlands and large urban agglomerations. In a European comparison, the Czech Republic is currently a moderately invaded country, but slightly richer in naturalized species than the European average.

Reliability of Morphological and PCR Methods for the Official Diagnosis of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae): A European Inter-Laboratory Comparison.

Simple SummaryAethina tumida, also called the Small Hive Beetle, is an insect that multiplies primarily in honeybee hives, causing honey losses and weakening colonies. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and was introduced into different countries and continents over the last 20 years, posing a threat to beekeeping internationally. In case of introduction into a new area, officially approved laboratories (certified by government services) carry out analyses to confirm the outbreak. The reliability of the results is essential in the implementation of management measures. Therefore, a study was organised at the European level to compare the results between official laboratories for two types of methods, used routinely for the identification of A. tumida: morphological examination (form and structure) and DNA testing (genetics). The 22 participants analysed in a blinded way a panel of 12 samples (positive and negative samples). The results were very satisfactory, with the exception of one participant who encountered several anomalies for negative samples and especially for DNA tests, probably related to his inexperience with the method. This study proved the ability of laboratories and analytical methods to identify A. tumida, which is a key element in monitoring and managing this risk.The Small Hive Beetle (Aethina tumida Murray, 1867) is an invasive scavenger of honeybees. Originally endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, it is regulated internationally in order to preserve the areas still free from this species. To ensure the reliability of official diagnoses in case of introduction, an inter-laboratory comparison was organised on the identification of A. tumida by morphology and real-time PCR. Twenty-two National Reference Laboratories in Europe participated in the study and analysed 12 samples with adult coleopterans and insect larvae. The performance of the laboratories was evaluated in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity was satisfactory for all the participants and both types of methods, thus fully meeting the diagnostic challenge of confirming all truly positive cases as positive. Two participants encountered specificity problems. For one, the anomaly was minor whereas, for the other, the issues concerned a larger number of results, especially real-time PCR, which probably were related to inexperience with this technique. The comparison demonstrated the reliability of official diagnosis, including the entire analytical process of A. tumida identification: from the first step of the analysis to the expression of opinions. The performed diagnostic tools, in parallel with field surveillance, are essential to managing A. tumida introduction.

Genome-Wide Landscape of North-Eastern European Populations: A View from Lithuania.

There are still several unanswered questions regarding about ancient events in the Lithuanian population. The Lithuanians, as the subject of this study, are of great interest as they represent a partially isolated population maintaining an ancient genetic composition and show genetic uniqueness in European comparisons. To elucidate the genetic relationships between the Lithuania and North-Eastern European and West Siberian populations, we analyzed the population structure, effective population size, and recent positive selection from genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. We identified the close genetic proximity of Lithuanians to neighboring populations (Latvians, Estonians, Belarusians) and in part with West and South Slavs (Poles, Slovaks, and Slovenians), however, with particular genetic distinctiveness. The estimated long-term Ne values ranged from ~5900 in the Estonian population to ~2400 in the South Russian population. The divergence times between the Lithuanian and study populations ranged from 240 to 12,871 YBP. We also found evidence of selection in 24 regions, 21 of which have not been discovered in previous analyses of selection. Undoubtedly, the genetic diversity analysis of geographically specific regions may provide new insights into microevolutionary processes affecting local human populations.

How does private vehicle users perceive the public transport service quality in large metropolitan areas? A European comparison

Most studies on public transport service quality focus on the perspective of the public transport user, overlooking potential users, that is, private vehicle users. This paper explores the perception of private vehicle users about the quality of public transport. The objective is to identify the attributes that bear the greatest influence on the general satisfaction of the private vehicle user with respect to public transport in five major European cities: Berlin, Lisbon, London, Madrid and Rome. The analysis estimates the effect of 14 quality of service attributes on general satisfaction using Ordinal Logit Models (OLM), using data from an online survey sent to private vehicle users, with a similar sample size for each city (N > 500 per city). To analyse the heterogeneity of the perceptions, 20 models were calibrated: 15 models were calibrated controlling for location; and five models (one per city) were calibrated controlling for sociodemographic and mobility characteristics. Frequency, punctuality, intermodality, cost and cleanliness were identified as attributes exerting a significant effect on satisfaction in practically all the models, meaning they could be considered core attributes for private vehicle users. On a second level, a group of attributes were significant in a substantial number of models (service hours, proximity, speed, temperature and safety). Finally, the remaining attributes were only significant for specific cities or segments. The last two groups of attributes allowed to detect differences between cities and market segments.

Statistics on completed suicides committed in Hungary in the period between 2000 and 2019

In Hungary, suicide has been a major public health issue for a long time. Our objective was to examine data on completed suicide cases in Hungary from a 20-year period divided into three intervals (2000-2006; 2006-2010; 2010-2019) grouped by sex, age, methods of commitment, marital and employment statuses. An auxiliary aim was to assess the associations between the healthcare reform in 2007 (with unfavourable impacts on the psychiatric care system) and suicide mortality. Data on suicide were provided by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. In all cases, the yearly suicide rates were given for 100000 inhabitants. For statistical calculations, we used Excel 2011, SPSS v. 23 and NIH Joinpoint Regression Program v. 4.8.0.1. Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 51.4% reduction in the suicide mortality (females: 15.57 vs. 7.69/100000; males: 51.5 vs. 24.73/100000; total population: 32.61 vs. 15.85/100000). The greatest declines occurred among males and middle-aged. At the same time, the rate of young single females declined only slightly. The most common method of commitment remained hanging (58.4%). During the 20-year-long period investigated, there was a temporary halt between 2006 (24.43/100000) and 2010 (24.88/100000) in the otherwise steadily declining trend of the rate. One of the major underlying causes of this plateau is presumed to be the healthcare reform commenced in 2007 with negative impacts on psychiatric services. This plateau was observable in almost all subpopulations irrespective of their age, marital status and the suicide method they used. The decline of the rate restarted only after 2010. In the last 10 years, suicide mortality has decreased by 36.3% (from 24.88 to 15.85/100000) in Hungary, which is a very good result in a European comparison. Due to an unsound health reform threatening the psychiatric care, the previously experienced declining trend of the suicide rate halted in 2006 and has remained almost unchanged for a few years during which psychiatric services could be restored in some degree. From 2010, as a consequence of this restoration, the marked decline of the suicide rate restarted and has been remained stable. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(32): 1283-1296.

Finland's Success in Combating Covid-19: Mastery, Miracle or Mirage?

This paper addresses Finland’s relative success story in combating COVID-19. While Finland did not adopt a clear strategy of suppression, its numbers of cases and deaths have been remarkably low in European comparison. There are explanations for why the country’s ‘hybrid’ strategy has worked in curbing the epidemic without far-reaching restrictions upon human rights or a major blow to the economy. Geographical location, low population density and cultural factors of avoiding close proximity with others have mattered, but also societal choices. Finland has a modern comprehensive catalogue of constitutional rights, reflecting the principle of interdependence between all human rights and including a general positive obligations clause. During COVID-19 it sought to give equal attention to civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, equality rights and the rule of law. This interdependence-based approach is a main explanation of why Finland’s response has, by and large, been human-rights-compatible. Finland provides examples of best practice in designing a framework for emergency powers and preserving the role of Parliament. Nevertheless, during COVID-19 the Emergency Powers Act, as well as the Communicable Diseases Act, have proved not fit for purpose and would require thorough revision to prepare for future pandemics.

ГЕОДИНАМІКА

The second part of the article studies the tectonic conditions and natural mechanisms of tectonic inversion of the Dnieper-Donets Basin and the Western Donets Graben. Method. The research uses the original method of reconstruction of fields of tectonic stresses and deformations. It also makes tectonophysical analysis of geostructures was used. The analytical base of the research consisted of the latest materials of geo-mapping, numerical modeling of deformations of the southern edge of the Eastern European platform and comparison of model and reconstructed stress fields. Results. In the geodynamic environment of the interference of the intraplate submeridional collision compression with the regional strike-slip stress field, the inversion deformations of the rift-like geostructure took place in the uplift-thrust and strike-slip modes. This led to significant horizontal movements of geomass of sedimentary rocks, deformation folding with the formation of three inversion floors - Late Hercynian (Saal-Pfalz), Early Alpine (Laramian) and Late Alpine (Attic). They formed structural ensembles of scaly tectonic covers of transverse displacement of geomass a from axial to onboard zones, folded covers of longitudinal approach from the Donbas Foldbelt and long linear anti- and synforms, the axes of which are oriented orthogonally to the direction of geomass advancement. Together they form the body of the Segment of Tectonic Wedging of geomass, which is distinguished as part of the Cover-Folded System of Tectonic Thrusting of regional scale. A feature of the tectonic framework of the Segment is the curvature of the planes of the main thrusts, which limit it, and smaller plumage thrusts, which control the folded covers of the thrust. It is associated with a change in the extension of the thrusts from the north-west in the territory of the Western Donets Graben to the western direction in the extreme south-east of the Basin. This causes the corresponding bending of the axes of the fracture anti- and synforms. Structural patterns of folding with a tendency to adapt the axes of folds to the extension of thrusts indicate significant horizontal displacements of geomas of the sedimentary stratum, which in conditions of limited geological space cause secondary deformations of linear folded forms. Due to the displacement of geomas from the zones of maximum compression in the axial part of the Graben to the zones of geodynamic shadow - in the direction of the Oryl depression and Graben boards, the West Donets Cover-Folded Tectonic Region was formed within the transition zone. Scientific novelty. The study completed an original kinematic model of tectonic inversion of the Western Donets Graben was completed. The mechanism of inversion, due to which the riftogenic structure is completely destroyed by folded deformations of platform orogeneses, is caused by the pressure of the "tectonic stamp" of the Donbas Foldbelt. Under its influence, a segment of tectonic wedge was formed in the Graben, which was diagnosed with oroclin of transverse extension of the sliding type. The body of the Oroclin is formed by echeloned, rock-articulated ensembles of anticlinal uplift -folds, synclines and scaly plates-covers of pushing. A geodynamic injection band was formed in the foreland of the Tectonic Orocline extension, where folded zones of geomas displacement were formed, which consist of coulisse articulated uplift-anticlines. At the top of the Orocline, at the ends of dynamically conjugate main thrusts, an advanced tectonic compression fan is formed. In the rear of the Oroclin – hinterland are tectonic sutures – the roots of the folding covers of the approach. Practical significance. Development of a structural-kinematic model of tectonic inversion of the Western Donets Graben will allow to improve the geodynamic model of tectonic inversion of the Dnieper-Donets paleorift, on the basis of which regional schemes of tectonic and oil-gas-geological zoning will be adjusted.

Volatile organic compounds from building products—Results from six round robin tests with emission test chambers conducted between 2008 and 2018

Emission testing of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from materials and products is commonly based on emission test chamber measurements. To ensure the comparability of results from different testing laboratories, their measurement performance must be verified. For this purpose, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) organizes an international proficiency test (round robin test, RRT) every two years using well-characterized test materials (one sealant, one furniture board, and four times a lacquer) with defined VOC emissions. The materials fulfilled the requirements of homogeneity, reproducibility, and stability. Altogether, 36 VOCs were included of which 33 gave test chamber air concentrations between 13 and 83µg/m3 . This is the typical concentration range to be expected and to be quantified when performing chamber tests. Three compounds had higher concentrations between 326 and 1105µg/m3 . In this paper, the relative standard deviations (RSD) of BAM round robin tests since 2008 are compared and the improvement of the comparability of the emission chamber testing is shown by the decrease of the mean RSD down to 28% in 2018. In contrast, the first large European interlaboratory comparison in 1999 showed a mean RSD of 51%.

Experimental behaviour and numerical modelling of timber-timber composite (TTC) joints

Push-out tests were conducted on 15 groups of symmetric timber-timber composite (TTC) joints with coach screw shear connectors. The push-out test results were used to characterise load-slip, peak load carrying capacity and failure mode of the composite shear connection between timber slab made of cross laminated timber (CLT) and timber beams/joists made of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and/or glued laminated timber (GLT). Effect of coach screw size, type of engineered wood product (i.e. LVL-to-CLT and/or GLT-to-CLT), GLT grade, thickness of the CLT slab and orientation of load with respect to the outermost layer of CLT on the structural behaviour of the TTC joints were studied. In addition to the TTC connection tests, embedment strength of the LVL, CLT and GLT and bending yield strength of the screws were experimentally determined and the results were incorporated into a versatile nonlinear beam on inelastic foundation finite element (FE) model to capture the full range load-slip response of the TTC connection. The nonlinear FE models (including material and geometrical nonlinearities) were validated against the test data produced in this study and available in the literature and it was shown that the proposed nonlinear FE model can accurately predict the load-slip, stiffness and peak load carrying capacity of the TTC joints with screw shear connectors. The ultimate strength of the TTC joints were also estimated by modified European yield model (EYM) and comparison of the experimental peak load with EYM and FE predictions demonstrated the significant influence of the rope effect on the full range load-slip response and ultimate load carrying capacity of the TTC joints with dowel shear connectors.

An international inter-laboratory study on Nosema spp. spore detection and quantification through microscopic examination of crushed honey bee abdomens

Nosemosis is a microsporidian disease causing mortality and weakening of honey bee colonies, especially in the event of co-exposure to other sources of stress. As a result, the disease is regulated in some countries. Reliable and harmonised diagnosis is crucial to ensure the quality of surveillance and research results. For this reason, the first European Interlaboratory Comparison (ILC) was organised in 2017 in order to assess both the methods and the results obtained by National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) in counting Nosema spp. spores by microscopy. Implementing their own routine conditions of analysis, the 23 participants were asked to perform an assay on a panel of ten positive and negative samples of crushed honey bee abdomens. They were asked to report results from a qualitative and quantitative standpoint. The assessment covered specificity, sensitivity, trueness and precision. Quantitative results were analysed in compliance with international standards NF ISO 13528 (2015) and NF ISO 5725-2 (1994). Three results showed a lack of precision and five a lack of trueness. However, overall results indicated a global specificity of 98% and a global sensitivity of 100%, thus demonstrating the advanced performance of the microscopic methods applied to Nosema spores by the NRLs. Therefore, the study concluded that using microscopy to detect and quantify spores of Nosema spp. was reliable and valid.

Informing Parents about Newborn Screening: A European Comparison Study.

Knowledge about newborn screening (NBS) is an important factor for parents to make an informed decision about participation. In Europe, countries inform parents differently about their NBS program, potentially including different knowledge aspects in their information. The aim of this study was to assess twenty-six European parental information products and to analyze their knowledge aspects through a content analysis. The analyzed aspects were compared to a list of eight knowledge aspects from scientific literature. The list includes aspects important for parents’ decision-making, such as the purpose of screening. The study showed that most of the eight knowledge aspects are included in NBS information products of the majority of countries. However, there were differences between countries, for example in the amount of detail and phrasing of the information. Additional relevant knowledge aspects have also been identified and are recommended to optimize information products, such as the handling of residual bloodspot samples. This study only assessed knowledge aspects in information products meant for printing, but many countries also use other communication methods, and the impact on knowledge of the delivery of the information needs further study. Preferences of parents on alternative communication methods need to be considered and evaluated on their effectiveness.

Differences in the management and survival of metastatic colorectal cancer in Europe. A population-based study

BackgroundThe management regarding metastatic colorectal cancer throughout Europe is not well known. AimsTo draw a European comparison of the management and prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancers. MethodsFactors associated with chemotherapy administration were identified through logistic regressions. Net survival was estimated and crude probabilities of death related to cancer and other causes using a flexible cumulative hazard model. ResultsAmong the 13 227 patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 in cancer registries from 10 European countries, 3140 were metastatic. 62% of metastatic patients received chemotherapy. Compared to Spain, the related adjusted odds ratios ranged from 0.7 to 4.0 (P<0.001) according to country. The 3-year net survival by country ranged between 16% and 37%. The survival gap between countries diminished from 21% to 10% when adjusting for chemotherapy, age and sex. Geographical differences in the crude probability of death related to cancer were large for patients <70 or ≥80 years at diagnosis. ConclusionHeterogeneity in the application of European guidelines partly explain these differences. General health between populations, accessibility to a reference centre, or provision of health care could also be involved. Further population-based studies are warranted to disentangle between these possible explanations.

Attitudes towards housing equity release strategies among older home owners: A European comparison

The ageing of European societies, the mounting pressure on pension systems, the rise of home ownership and the growth in house prices have sparked interest in housing equity release options and strategies. Much of the available literature approaches this topic through a financial lens, focusing on equity release schemes as a way to free up housing equity while remaining in the dwelling. However, there are also other ways in which housing wealth can be extracted, such as downsizing, moving to a rental dwelling or subletting part of the dwelling. There is very little recent international comparative insight into the perceptions and preferences of older home owners with regard to this matter. Which housing equity release strategy do they prefer and why? And to what extent is their decision to release housing equity influenced by the bequest motive? Based on focus group research in six European countries (Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hungary, Italy and the Netherlands), this paper observes some general trends and identifies a number of country specific variations.

Orbán’s political jackpot: migration and the Hungarian electorate

ABSTRACT PM Viktor Orbán’s government in Hungary is often seen as one of the paradigmatic cases of illiberalism and an intense contestation of immigration. This paper argues that the Hungarian government’s strong focus on immigration and its hardline positions on the issue proved to be a political jackpot for the governing party. Besides presenting the claims and frames Fidesz has used regarding migration since 2015, three analytical aspects are covered in this article, based on Eurobarometer, European Social Survey and Hungarian domestic polling data. First, the trends in the perception of the importance of migration for the Hungarian voters are compared to the European public opinion. Second, the changes in the attitudes of Hungarians to immigration are also analysed in European comparison. Third, I also present what role the fears related to immigration played at the 2018 parliamentary elections. On the whole, the Hungarian centre-right successfully politicised the issue of migration, and acted as an agenda-setter rather than a follower. It was able to sustain a sense of crisis between 2015 and 2018; it exacerbated the rejection of immigration in society; and it was successful in entrenching migration as one of the top fears among its potential voters.

Offering, participation and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programmes in the elderly: a European comparison based on the EU-CaRE multicentre observational study.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is strongly recommended but participation of elderly patients has not been well characterized. This study aims to analyse current rates and determinants of CR referral, participation, adherence, and compliance in a contemporary European cohort of elderly patients. The EU-CaRE observational study included data from consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 with acute coronary syndrome, revascularization, stable coronary artery disease, or heart valve replacement, recruited in eight European centres. Rates and factors determining offering, participation, and adherence to CR programmes and compliance with training sessions were studied across centres, under consideration of extensive-outpatient vs. intensive-inpatient programmes. Three thousand, four hundred, and seventy-one patients were included in the offering and participation analysis. Cardiac rehabilitation was offered to 80.8% of eligible patients, formal contraindications being the main reason for not offering CR. Mean participation was 68.0%, with perceived lack of usefulness and transport issues being principal barriers. Mean adherence to CR programmes of participants in the EU-CaRE study (n = 1663) was 90.3%, with hospitalization/physical impairment as principal causes of dropout. Mean compliance with training sessions was 86.1%. Older age was related to lower offering and participation, and comorbidity was associated with lower offering, participation, adherence, and compliance. Intensive-inpatient programmes displayed higher adherence (97.1% vs. 85.9%, P < 0.001) and compliance (full compliance: 66.0% vs. 38.8%, P < 0.001) than extensive-outpatient programmes. In this European cohort of elderly patients, older age and comorbidity tackled patients' referral and uptake of CR programmes. Intensive-inpatient CR programmes showed higher completion than extensive-outpatient CR programmes, suggesting this formula could suit some elderly patients.

The Relationship between Familizing and Individualizing Policies and Mental Health in Parents in Europe

Previous studies suggest the relative importance of the impact of childcare policies on mental health in parents. There have also been studies showing that welfare states have differing policy packages, consisting of a mixture of familizing and individualizing policy measures. This study builds on and extends this knowledge by carrying out a European comparison of the association between mental well health and family policies. We use Lohmann and Zagel’s familizing and individualizing policy indices to describe family policies. Our main interest is differences in mental health depending on the country, household, and individual-level characteristics. Therefore, we apply a multilevel model to 26 countries included in the 2013 wave of the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey (N = 141,648). The analysis found that, in general, parents of children under 13 have better mental health than other adults. We found individualizing policy measures to be positively related to mental health in parents, while familizing policies had a negative relationship. No evidence was found for the combined presence of individualizing and familizing policies making a difference to mental health in parents. These results suggest that welfare states could help parents by promoting individualizing policies to make parenthood a less stressful experience.

Cytogenetic study of the Bison bonasus; I: Identification of heterochromatic regions and NORs in European bison karyotype and comparison with domestic cattle (Bos taurus)

Cytogenetic study of the Bison bonasus; I: Identification of heterochromatic regions and NORs in European bison karyotype and comparison with domestic cattle (Bos taurus)

TROUBLE IN PARADISE? – VIOLENT CONFLICT IN FUNNEL‐BEAKER SOCIETIES

SummaryThe archaeology of warfare and violent conflict has made many advances over the past three decades. However, the Funnel‐beaker Culture (TRB) is mostly absent from these discussions and the presence of warriors is assigned to the succeeding periods. This contribution takes a new look at a conspicuous object from northern TRB contexts: the so‐called thick flint points or halberds (dan. dolkstaver). Their functionality as a specialized weapon is discussed through their use wear, contexts and European comparisons. Afterwards the evidence for violent conflict in the region is explored thematically, including paleo‐demography, victims, enemies, and fortifications. Based on this it is argued that warfare existed during the TRB culture and that warriors may emerge in a society that seems of a largely egalitarian structure.

One-year excess mortality and treatment in surgically treated patients with colorectal cancer: A EURECCA European comparison

BackgroundMortality in the first postoperative year represents an accurate reflection of the perioperative risk after colorectal cancer surgery. This research compares one-year mortality after surgery divided into three age-categories (18-64, 65-74, ≥75 years), focusing on time trends and comparing treatment strategies. MaterialPopulation-based data of all patients diagnosed and treated surgically for stage I-III primary colorectal cancer from 2007 to 2016, were collected from Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Stratified for age-category and stage, treatment was evaluated, and 30-day, one-year and one-year excess mortality were calculated for colon and rectal cancer separately. Results were evaluated over two-year time periods. ResultsData of 206,024 patients were analysed. Postoperative 30-day and one-year mortality reduced significantly over time in all countries and age-categories. Within the oldest age category, in 2015–2016, one-year excess mortality varied from 9% in Belgium to 4% in Sweden for colon cancer and, from 9% in Belgium to 3% in the other countries for rectal cancer. With increasing age, patients were less likely to receive additional therapy besides surgery. In Belgium, colon cancer patients were more often treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001). For neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer, patients in Belgium and Norway were mostly treated with chemoradiotherapy. In the Netherlands and Sweden, radiotherapy alone was preferred (p < 0.001). ConclusionsDespite improvement over time in all countries and age-categories, substantial variation exists in one-year postoperative mortality. Differences in one-year excess postoperative mortality could be due to differences in treatment strategies, highlighting the consequences of under- and over-treatment on cancer survival.

Social media and perceived climate change efficacy: A European comparison

Climate change perceptions interact with how climate change is portrayed in the news, which is now increasingly accessed via social media platforms. While their effects on climate change awareness have been documented, it is less clear to what extent news consumed via social media platforms influences perceived climate change efficacy, which refers to the belief that one is able to make a difference in the fight against climate change. Our paper investigates the relationship between internet use, news received via social media, and perceived climate change efficacy in Europe, by using multilevel regression that shows the effects on individual, national and regional level. We find that there are modest differences between perceived climate change efficacy within our European sample and that on aggregated, national level Facebook negatively correlates with perceived climate change efficacy. Furthermore, regions with high participation in social media, show lower perceived climate change efficacy. Our multi-level research design thus puts new insights into the spatial manifestation of climate change opinions in the context of a digital geography interested in exploring differences in the effects of digital media uses.