Framework Programme Research Articles

Transcriptional profiles predict treatment outcome in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes at diagnosis and at two weeks after initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

SummaryBackgroundGlobally, the tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate is approximately 85%, with treatment failure, relapse and death occurring in a significant proportion of pulmonary TB patients. Treatment success is lower among people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Predicting treatment outcome early after diagnosis, especially in TB-DM patients, would allow early treatment adaptation for individuals and may improve global TB control.MethodsSamples were collected in a longitudinal cohort study of adult TB patients from South Africa (n = 94) and Indonesia (n = 81), who had concomitant DM (n = 59), intermediate hyperglycaemia (n = 79) or normal glycaemia/no DM (n = 37). Treatment outcome was monitored, and patients were categorized as having a good (cured) or poor (failed, recurrence, died) outcome during treatment and 12 months follow-up. Whole blood transcriptional profiles before, during and at the end of TB treatment were characterized using unbiased RNA-Seq and targeted gene dcRT-MLPA.FindingsWe report differences in whole blood transcriptome profiles, which were observed before initiation of treatment and throughout treatment, between patients with a good versus poor TB treatment outcome. An eight-gene and a 22-gene blood transcriptional signature distinguished patients with a good TB treatment outcome from patients with a poor TB treatment outcome at diagnosis (AUC = 0·815) or two weeks (AUC = 0·834) after initiation of TB treatment, respectively. High accuracy was obtained by cross-validating this signature in an external cohort (AUC = 0·749).InterpretationThese findings suggest that transcriptional profiles can be used as a prognostic biomarker for treatment failure and success, even in patients with concomitant DM.FundingThe research leading to these results, as part of the TANDEM Consortium, received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013 Grant Agreement No. 305279) and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO-TOP Grant Agreement No. 91214038). The research leading to the results presented in the Indian validation cohort was supported by Research Council of Norway Global Health and Vaccination Research (GLOBVAC) projects: RCN 179342, 192534, and 248042, the University of Bergen (Norway).

The Importance of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Metal Anodes for Next Generation Batteries

Alkali and alkaline earth metal anodes are gaining increasing research attention because they could provide high energy densities and theoretical specific capacities. Among them, lithium metal is the most investigated anode candidate for next generation batteries. However, due to some challenges, the commercialization of lithium metal anodes is still delayed. Reactions between lithium metal and the electrolyte lead to the formation of an inhomogeneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Consequently, electrodissolution/-deposition of lithium is favored where the SEI is less resistive or cracked, resulting in high surface area lithium and dendrite growth. This does not only lower the coulombic efficiency (CE) and cell specific capacity but also causes safety issues due to an increased risk of short-circuits and thermal runaway.1,2 To enable increased safety in high energy batteries with lithium metal anodes an effective SEI is required to limit lithium dendrite growth. There is a variety of approaches to grow an effective SEI, such as the use of electrolyte additives, mechanical methods and chemical modification.3-5 Recently, alkaline earth metal anodes, such as magnesium or calcium, are also of considerable interest for next generation anodes. Their main advantage is the significantly lower susceptibility to dendrite formation, while still offering high theoretical specific capacities. However, their oxide passivation layer does not allow significant mobility for their divalent ions, leading to large overvoltage and slow reaction kinetics which hinders the cycling. Therefore, electrolytes which enable a non-passivating SEI have to be applied and additives are investigated on their ability to remove the oxide layers.6,7 Herein, we present a novel mechanochemical approach to form an effective SEI on the lithium metal surface by combining mechanical and chemical modification utilizing ionic liquids (ILs) prior to cell assembly. This method suppresses dendrite growth even at high current densities of 10 mA cm-2 in lithium metal batteries with liquid electrolytes. To further highlight the importance of surface treatment and SEI formation, we investigate electrolytes for calcium metal batteries as well as mechanical modification of calcium metal anodes. Acknowledgements: The authors would like to acknowledge financial support from the European Union through the Horizon 2020 framework program for research and innovation within the project “VIDICAT” (829145).

Switzerland and the UK are relegated to sidelines of European research framework program

Scientists in those and other countries want science to be separated from politics.

Accuracy and effectiveness of HPV mRNA testing in cervical cancer screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cervical cancer screening tests that identify DNA of the main causal agent, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, are more protective than cervical cytology. We systematically reviewed the literature to assess whether tests targeting high-risk HPV (hrHPV) mRNA are as accurate and effective as HPV DNA-based screening tests. We did a systematic review to assess the cross-sectional clinical accuracy to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) or 3 or worse (CIN3+) of hrHPV mRNA versus DNA testing in primary cervical cancer screening; the longitudinal clinical performance of cervical cancer screening using hrHPV mRNA versus DNA assays; and the clinical accuracy of hrHPV mRNA testing on self-collected versus clinician-collected samples. We identified relevant studies published before Aug 1, 2021, through a search of Medline (PubMed), Embase, and CENTRAL. Eligible studies had to contain comparative data addressing one of our three clinical questions. Aggregated data were extracted from selected reports or requested from study authors if necessary. QUADAS and ROBINS-1 tools were used to assess the quality of diagnostic test accuracy studies and cohort studies. To assess cross-sectional clinical accuracy of mRNA testing versus DNA testing and clinical accuracy of hrHPV mRNA testing on self-collected versus clinician collected samples, we applied meta-analytical methods for comparison of diagnostic tests. To assess the longitudinal clinical performance of cervical cancer screening using hrHPV mRNA versus DNA assays, we compared the longitudinal sensitivity of mRNA tests and validated DNA tests for CIN3+ and the relative detection of CIN3+ among women who screened negative for hrHPV mRNA or DNA (both used as measures of safety) at baseline and pooled estimates by years of follow-up. A random-effect model for pooling ratios of proportions or risks was used to summarise longitudinal performance. For the hrHPV mRNA testing with APTIMA HPV Test (APTIMA), the cross-sectional accuracy could be compared with DNA assays on clinician-collected samples in eight studies; longitudinal performance was compared in four studies; and accuracy on self-samples was assessed in five studies. Few reports were retrieved for other mRNA assays, precluding their evaluation in meta-analyses. Compared with validated DNA assays, APTIMA was similarly sensitive (relative sensitivity 0·98 [95% CI 0·95-1·01]) and slightly more specific (1·03 [1·02-1·04]) for CIN2+. The relative sensitivity for CIN3+ was 0·98 (95% CI 0·95-1·01). The longitudinal relative sensitivity for CIN3+ of APTIMA compared with DNA assays assessed over 4-7 years ranged at the study level from 0·91 to 1·05 and in the pooled analysis between 0·95 and 0·98, depending on timepoint, with CIs including or close to unity. The detection rate ratios between 4 and 10 years after baseline negative mRNA versus negative DNA screening were imprecise and heterogeneous among studies, but summary ratios did not differ from unity. In self-collected samples, APTIMA was less sensitive for CIN2+ (relative cross-sectional sensitivity 0·84 [0·74-0·96]) but similarly specific (relative specificity 0·96 [0·91-1·01]) compared with clinician-collected samples. HrHPV RNA testing with APTIMA had similar cross-sectional sensitivity for CIN2+ and CIN3+ and slightly higher specificity than DNA tests. Four studies with 4-7 years of follow-up showed heterogeneous safety outcomes. One study with up to 10 years of follow-up showed no differences in cumulative detection of CIN3+ after negative mRNA versus DNA screening. APTIMA could be accepted for primary cervical cancer screening on clinician-collected cervical samples at intervals of around 5 years. APTIMA is less sensitive on self-collected samples than clinician-collected samples. Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, through the RISCC Network, WHO, Haute Autorité de la Santé, European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, and the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment.

P-028 Microfluidics as a methodology for sperm selection. A prospective functional study

Abstract Study question Is microfluidics an optimal technique to improve the sperm selection process in comparison with standard techniques like Density Gradient Centrifugation or Swim-up? Summary answer A significant increase in sperm quality was obtained when microfluidics was compared to density gradient centrifugation but improvement evidence regarding swim-up is not yet demonstrated. What is known already Assisted reproduction clinics for in vitro fertilization treatments have developed several techniques to perform sperm selection, being density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and swim-up the most widely used. However, sperm selection is a procedure that requires bulky and expensive equipment, long waiting times and gamete manipulation, which results in cellular stress. The SwimCount Harvester is a microfluidic-based device capable of performing sperm selection and overcoming the problems of other sorting systems. In our study, we analyzed several sperm quality parameters between these three sperm selection techniques. Study design, size, duration This was a prospective, cohort and observational study including 111 semen samples from patients and donors (mean age 33,7±9,3 years) between February 2021 and January 2022. The semen sample from each patient or donor was divided into two volumes, one part, the sperm selection was performed using the SwimCount Harvester and the other part using DGC or Swim-up. These sperm selection techniques were used to isolate sperm based on fluid dynamics and cell motility. Participants/materials, setting, methods Fresh ejaculate and sperm selected samples from each patient were analyzed according to the 2010 WHO-criteria to assess concentration, motility, morphology and vitality, using automatic image analysis. The excessive histone retention indicating defective chromatin compaction was assessed using aniline blue staining. Sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) was assessed by TUNEL on at least 20.000 sperm using flow cytometry. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed in order to assess statistical differences of the variables between the sperm selection methods. Main results and the role of chance The SwimCount Harvester was compared to DGC (n = 95). Ejaculated sperm yielded an average concentration of 53,2±34,2x106/mL. After DGC and SwimCount Harvester, the sperm concentration was 11,1±8,8 and 12,5±11,2x106/mL, respectively. The motility of fresh sperm sample improved from 41,9±10,4% to 71,6±10,6% after DGC and 76,8±10,0% after SwimCount Harvester (P < 0,05). The percentage of normal sperm increased from 2,1±1,2%, for the fresh samples, to 3,5±1,4% and 4,2±1,6% for the samples processed by DGC and microfluidics, respectively (P < 0,05). The percentage of live sperm increased from 74,0±8,1% and 77,5±8,7% in fresh sperm and after DGC, respectively to 85,9±9,0% after using microfluidics (P < 0,05). In the same way, the normal sperm chromatine structure percentage increased from 67,4±7,5% to 75,4±7,9% for the sperm samples selected by DGC and 77,7±8,9% when the SwimCount Harvester was used (P < 0,05). A decrease in SCF was observed from 12,9±8,4% in samples selected by DGC to 10,4±5,1% in raw samples (P > 0,05). However, after sperm selection using SwimCount Harvester, SCF fell to 4,6±4,1%, showing significant differences between both sperm selection methods (P < 0,05). Similar results were obtained for oligozoospermic samples (n = 6). When the SwimCount Harvester was compared with the Swim-up (n = 10), non-significant improvements were observed for all the parameters studied due to the reduced sample size. Limitations, reasons for caution The database of samples processed using swim-up and oligozoospermic samples is too small to draw reliable conclusions. Although significantly better results are obtained in sperm samples selected by the SwimCount Harvester with respect to DGC, a clinical study using the microfluidic device in assisted reproduction cycles has to be performed. Wider implications of the findings The SwimCount Harvester, in addition to significantly improving sperm selection and quality, is a reliable alternative to integrate numerous laboratory steps into a single automated procedure, reducing workload, the amount of culture media and equipment used, gamete handling and the stress that produces. Moreover, microfluidics may eliminate inter-laboratory variability. Trial registration number This project has received funding from the Eurostars-2 joint program with co-funding from CDTI and the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Framework Program E! 113740/ CIIP-20201009.

From “Set Plan” to “Horizon Europe”

This article outlines the evolutionary framework of disciplinary scientific research and its development in defining the Smart City concept and the main evaluation criteria of smartness and smart urbanism in Europe. Starting with the timeline of the three definitions of smartness, the study analyses the EU development programs and highlights the innovation introduced by European policies across three European programs: a) SET-Plan (2000-2006); b) Seventh Framework Program, FP7 (2007-2013); c) Horizon 2020 (2014-2020), tackles comparatively the implication of smart cities in European countries in term of policies and how to assess the smartness in these cities. The research concludes with some reflection about the role of the ‘Smart city’ paradigm in the next seventh-year program 2021-2027, and his contribution to building a theoretical basis to implement a 'smart urbanism’ concept and its applications in urban planning tools.

Longitudinal phenotyping of maternal antenatal depression in obese pregnant women supports multiple-hit hypothesis for fetal brain development, a secondary analysis of the UPBEAT study.

SummaryBackgroundMaternal antenatal depression is associated with offspring psychological disorders, but obesity is also widely implicated in maternal depression and neurodevelopment. In pregnant women with obesity we explored interrelationships between antenatal depressive symptom trajectories and multiple exposures implicated in fetal neurodevelopment which could explain these associations, as a prelude to exploring associations with infant mental health.MethodsThe UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT) recruited multi-ethnic pregnant women with obesity (BMI >= 30kg/m2) between March 2009 and June 2014 from 8 UK sites and 1369 were included to model longitudinal antenatal depressive symptoms from Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores using Latent Class Growth Analysis. Classes were compared on maternal baseline demography, biomarkers of metabolism, inflammation and placental function, infection, diet and by pregnancy and birth outcomes. Odds ratios, mean differences and 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated using robust auxiliary modelling techniques.FindingsThe chosen model produced four classes: “Not Depressed” (n=575 [42%], “reference”), “Mild” (n=523 [37·5%]), “Moderate” (n=219 [16%]) and “Severe” (n=62 [4·5%]) symptom trajectories. Socio-economic deprivation and ethnic diversity were greater in Severe and Moderate classes. Dietary glycaemic load and saturated fat intake were higher in Severe and Moderate classes (at 17 and 27 weeks). Higher Interleukin-6, glycoprotein acetyls (17 weeks), glucose (34 weeks) and lower placental growth factor (PlGF, 17 and 27 weeks) was found in the Severe class. PlGF was lower in the Moderate class (27 weeks). Infection was least likely in the Not Depressed class across gestation. Risks of preterm birth were associated with Severe depressive symptoms (aOR 3·05[1·11 to 8·36]).InterpretationComprehensive phenotyping exposes important fetal exposures implicated in adverse neurodevelopment, differing by depression class. This study expands substantially on causal models of suboptimal fetal neurodevelopment and offers potential new targets for intervention in obese pregnant women.FundingJNS was funded by a PhD studentship from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre based at Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London. UPBEAT was supported by the European Union's 7th Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013), project EarlyNutrition; grant agreement no. 289346 and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (UK) Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme (RP-0407-10452), Medical Research Council UK Project Grant (MR/L002477/1). Support was also provided by the Chief Scientist Office Scotland, Guy's and St Thomas’ Charity and Tommy's Charity (Registered charity no. 1060508). LP and SLW are funded by Tommy's Charity.

Connections matter: a proxy measure for evaluating network membership with an application to the Seventh Research Framework Programme

Although the topic of networks has received significant attention from the scientific literature, it remains to be seen whether it is possible to quantify the degree to which an organisation benefits from being part of a network. Starting from the concept of network value and that of Metcalfe’s Law, this paper introduces and defines the collective network effect (CNE). CNE is based on the concept that a network member is not only affected by its friends but also by the friends of its friends. By taking into account network connection patterns, CNE provides a proxy for quantifying the benefit of network membership. We computed the CNE for the nodes of a large network built using the whole set of common projects among the participants of the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the European Commission. The obtained results show that nodes with a higher CNE have access to substantially more conspicuous fundings than nodes with a lower CNE. In general, such a measure could supplement other centrality measures and be useful for organisations and companies aiming to evaluate both their current situation and the potential partners they should link with in order to extract the highest benefits from network membership.

Stratégie et management de l’innovation collaborative : exploration du contexte européen

This research aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role of innovation dynamics of exploration and exploitation in the alignment of strategic and management choices within R&D consortia. Based on an exploratory oriented approach, this research relies on case studies of consortia founded under the European framework program for research and innovation. The findings show that the innovation dynamics promotes the consistency of collaborative innovation strategic and management choices within R&D consortia. We show that the alignment between strategy and management in the consortium setting is enabled through an intermediate link which is the innovation dynamics. Moreover, we highlight that each innovation dynamics is related to a particular type of consortium which requires specific managerial practices in terms of partners? selection, intellectual property management, task as well as performance monitoring management. JEL Codes: M16, O30, O5

Artists, government and cross-sector collaboration: A guiding framework of US-based artists in residence in government programs

ABSTRACT Artist in residence in government (AIRG) programs that embed artists within civic work are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. As governments are challenged to shift systems to be more equitable, repair infrastructure and prepare for future crises, cross-sectoral collaboration models offer new ways of working. Cross-sectoral collaboration that embeds artists in non-arts sectors spurs civic innovation and shifts contexts to inspire new ideas and opportunities. This article builds a guiding framework of the characteristics and considerations that shape AIRG programs in order to present possible pathways that can be followed in program development and implementation. Foundationally, each AIRG is unique and responsive to the specific underlying social, political, economic, environmental and cultural preconditions of place. The guiding framework details preconditions, program design and partners, and program structure, followed by an analysis of the challenges and opportunities. Research was conducted on AIRG programs operating in 2020 and 2021.

The Cultural Heritage Framework Programme: Ensuring a Place for Cultural Heritage's Contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science

Abstract Maritime and underwater cultural heritage (MUCH) is concerned with the relationship between people and the marine and coastal environment over time. Rooted in the past, MUCH is a resource that can help us understand and appreciate our current situation. But MUCH is also a medium through which we address the future to develop resilience and motivate adaptation. MUCH is both a source of inspiration and of evidence: to study and understand it requires and develops interdisciplinary skills across the social sciences, STEM, and SHAPE subjects.The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021‐2030, in promoting a common framework for supporting stakeholders in studying the world's oceans, presents a vital opportunity to improve the integration of MUCH within the marine sciences. The Ocean Decade Heritage Network's Decade Action, the Cultural Heritage Framework Programme, focuses on ensuring that MUCH specialists—archaeologists and cultural heritage managers—can engage constructively with the marine sciences under the auspices of the Ocean Decade, and make the best of the opportunity that the Ocean Decade presents in addressing present and future challenges facing the world's oceans.

Liver-Directed Adeno-Associated Virus–Mediated Gene Therapy for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI

BackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is an inherited multisystem lysosomal disorder due to arylsulfatase B (ARSB) deficiency that leads to widespread accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which are excreted in increased amounts in urine. MPS VI is characterized by progressive dysostosis multiplex, connective tissue and cardiac involvement, and hepatosplenomegaly. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available but requires life-long and costly intravenous infusions; moreover, it has limited efficacy on diseased skeleton and cardiac valves, compromised pulmonary function, and corneal opacities.MethodsWe enrolled nine patients with MPS VI 4 years of age or older in a phase 1/2 open-label gene therapy study. After ERT was interrupted, patients each received a single intravenous infusion of an adeno-associated viral vector serotype 8 expressing ARSB. Participants were sequentially enrolled in one of three dose cohorts: low (three patients), intermediate (two patients), or high (four patients). The primary outcome was safety; biochemical and clinical end points were secondary outcomes.ResultsThe infusions occurred without severe adverse events attributable to the vector, meeting the prespecified end point. Participants in the low and intermediate dose cohorts displayed stable serum ARSB of approximately 20% of the mean healthy value but returned to ERT by 14 months after gene therapy because of increased urinary GAG. Participants in the high-dose cohort had sustained serum ARSB of 30% to 100% of the mean healthy value and a modest urinary GAG increase that did not reach a concentration at which ERT reintroduction was needed. In the high-dose group, there was no clinical deterioration for up to 2 years after gene therapy.ConclusionsLiver-directed gene therapy for participants with MPS VI did not have a dose-limiting side-effect and adverse event profile; high-dose treatment resulted in ARSB expression over at least 24 months with preliminary evidence of disease stabilization. (Funded by the Telethon Foundation ETS, the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme, and the Isaac Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03173521; EudraCT number, 2016-002328-10.)

Possible impact of different scenarios of climate change on the formation of some ecosystem services in the Azov-Black Sea region

To estimate possible changes for some economical branches in South Ukraine which use the nature resources, three scenarios of climate changes were reviewed: increase of temperature and increase of precipitation; increase of temperature and decrease of precipitation; decrease of temperature and increase of precipitation. Impact on the Azov Sea ecosystems under these three scenarios was considered in respect of changes in salinity and temperature of water that consequently effects on ichthyofauna and fish industry. Trends of fish suffocation are also described. Agricultural risks induced by pests (on an example of the locust) under extreme high temperatures in a spring-summer season were discussed, with identification of possible distribution sites of the pest. The research carried out in the framework of the project “Building Capacity for a Black Sea Catchment Observation and Assessment System supporting Sustainable Development” (2009-2013) of the 7 th Framework Programme

Relationship of Sleep Duration, Concentration, BMI and Dietary Behavior of European Adolescents – Results From the HELENA-Study

ObjectivesLow sleep quality and duration are associated with the development of overweight and obesity. This link is discussed to result from an unfavorable selection of food items after sleep deprivation on the one hand; on the other hand, fatigue also reduces the willingness to engage in physical activity. Furthermore, sleep duration and quality seem to be associated with cognitive development in children. The aim of this analysis was to assess these associations in European adolescents.MethodsAs part of the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence “HELENA” study (October 2006 - June 2007), concentration ability was assessed in 500 adolescents (12.5–17.4 years) using d2 test which was evaluated in age-corrected percentiles (concentration index). Sleep duration during the week and during the weekend was surveyed and divided into age-appropriate groups (too short, optimal, too long) with an optimal sleep duration of 9–12 h for 12-year-olds and 8–10 h for 13–18-year-olds. Dietary behavior was assessed using two 24 h recalls, which were subsequently summarized in the Diet Quality Index for adolescents (DQI). Body height and weight were collected and the calculated BMI was subsequently transformed to percentiles. Whether sleep duration was associated with BMI, dietary behavior, or attention was examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Furthermore, Spearman correlations were performed.ResultsOn average, 59.4% (n: ♀ = 167; ♂ = 130) of adolescents slept for the optimal duration, 36.4% (n: ♀ = 96; ♂ = 86) slept too short, and 4.2% slept longer than recommended. No significant difference was observed between groups of sleep duration within BMI percentiles (p = 0.193), attention (p = 0.520), and DQI (p = 0.742). In addition, no significant correlation was observed between average sleep duration, BMI percentile, attention, and DQI. There was a significant negative correlation between age and sleep duration (r = −0.317; p < 0.001).ConclusionsEven though slightly more than one third of the adolescents within the HELENA study got less than optimal sleep, no differences were found in terms of their BMI, dietary behavior or ability to concentrate, but age might play a role.Funding SourcesEuropean Community sixth RTD Framework Programme.

Anticipating experimentation as the ‘the new normal’ through urban living labs 2.0: lessons learnt by JPI Urban Europe

Urban living labs (ULLs) can be an important way to approach multi-stakeholder co-creation with regard to urban transitions and transformations. They have become a common type of co-creative experimentation, offering the opportunity to research and innovate on a wide variety of challenges in everyday settings. They test hypotheses to create pathways for a transition to sustainable urbanisation. However, there is mounting concern from practice, innovators, and research that there is little systematic integration of practical outputs. Moreover, the question of how ULLs should be designed, and by whom, requires comparative longer-term assessment. Implementation and operation requires knowledge of the risks involved. The long-term impacts of ULLs on particular places, and the general understanding of how they contribute to urban transformations, are not well theorized. Thus, intended and potential contributions to urban transformations could remain unrealized. Based on experience from a series of stakeholder dialogues and co-production formats at various ULL related conferences and workshop, this paper offers policy recommendations and directions regarding the future direction for JPI Urban Europe its main programme for 2021–2027, the European Partnership Driving Urban Transitions to a Sustainable Future in the Horizon Europe Framework Programme. It may also help other urban research and innovation funders and programming actors support sustainable transformations through urban living labs.

QRS duration as an independent risk factor for appropriate shocks and mortality in patients with prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Community’s 7th Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 Background The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an established therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in high-risk heart failure patients. However, improvements in risk stratification are necessary to increase the efficiency of ICD use. We performed an analysis of the retrospective EU-CERT-ICD registry with respect to QRS duration and effects of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) on outcomes. Methods/Results A total of 5033 patients (81% males) from 14 European centres had an ICD implanted for primary prophylaxis. Mean age at the time of ICD implantation was 64±11 years and ischemic cardiomyopathy was the underlying pathology in 65% of patients. CRT was used in 43% of the patients. The median follow-up was 2.7 years (IQR 1.4-4.6 years). Predefined primary endpoints were all-cause mortality, first appropriate and first inappropriate shocks. The effect of covariates on the cumulative primary endpoints were assessed through hazard ratios in the Fine and Gray subdistributional hazard models (accounting for the competing risks) stratified by centres. Because of resynchronization by the device, the analysis considered a different influence of QRS on outcomes in the CRT-D and the ICD groups. We observed an increase in the cumulative incidence of the first appropriate shock with increasing QRS values for patients implanted with only an ICD (HR 1.12 per 10ms increase, p&amp;lt;0.001). In patients with CRT-D, increasing QRS values related to a (statistically non-significant) decrease in the cumulative incidence of the first appropriate shocks (HR 0.96 per 10ms, p=0.299). Since a wide QRS is an indication for CRT-D therapy, high QRS values cluster among those patients with implanted CRT-D, while among patients with QRS under 130ms standard ICD implantations are more frequent. This can explain the observed increase in the cumulative incidence of the first appropriate shocks for increasing QRS values up to 130ms in the ICD-group and its decrease for increasing QRS values over 130ms in the CRT-D group. Regarding all-cause mortality, hazard ratios for age, LVEF, NYHA, ICM, AF, diabetes and sex category agreed with the results obtained in previously published meta-analyses. Increased QRS values are associated with higher mortality in the ICD group (HR 1.09 per 10ms increase, p&amp;lt;0.001), but not in the CRT-D group (HR 0.99 per 10ms increase, p=0.695). Conclusion In our study, we confirmed QRS duration as an independent risk factor for appropriate ICD shocks and all-cause mortality in patients with ICD for primary prophylaxis. However, this was only observed in patients with single- or dual-chamber ICD, while there was no correlation in CRT-D patients. The findings suggest that CRT-D exerts a protective effect regarding the occurrence of first appropriate shock and all-cause mortality for patients with QRS values higher than 130 ms and indication for resynchronization.

An Emotional Intelligence Training Program in the Tourism Sector

Abstract: In a competitive and continually changing tourism and hospitality sector the need for high qualified and motivated human resources, which meet the current and future business demands is more than ever imperative. As tourism is expected to thrive in the coming years, it is essential for tourism employees to have intrapersonal and interpersonal abilities that lead to positive interactions with customers, contributing to their memorable emotional experiences and delivering at the same time benefits to the tourism industry. On the other hand, putting emphasis on Emotional Intelligence development, through innovative training programs and educational methods, can lead to qualified personnel, which apart from cognitive abilities can also develop emotional abilities, significant for the tourism sector. In this framework, an education and training program that implements Transformative Learning theory, based on critical reflection, rational discourse, and experience, can motivate tourism employees to get outside of their comfort zones and change their assumptions, their dysfunctional beliefs, their values, and the way of being in the world. In a multicultural environment, such as the tourism field, the implementation of Transformative Learning can lead individuals to be more inclusive, open to new cultures and ideas, re-establishing their perspectives and behaviors to be more functional. Additionally, the utilization of digital learning environments, which are extremely popular in the recent years and characterized by flexibility and ubiquity, can contribute to the effectiveness of the learning process and the improvement of Emotional Intelligence. This research presents a training program that embraces the advantages of digital learning environments utilizing Transformative Learning as a pedagogical tool for the development of Emotional Intelligence in the tourism sector.

An Inductive Approach to Developing Ecological Site Concepts with Existing Monitoring Data

Ecological sites comprise a land classification system that represents potential vegetation states and their management needs for different soils and climates. In the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument (RGdNNM) in northern New Mexico, uncertainty about the patterns and drivers of vegetation states impedes sustainable land management. Similar challenges are ubiquitous across terrestrial ecosystems and in particular landscapes with high spatial variability in soils and climate. Lack of suitable data has been a barrier to large-scale ecological site development based on quantitative observations. We used data from existing federal monitoring programs alongside spatial, environmental, and land use data to test for the role of climate, geomorphology, soils, and land use history on vegetation communities in RGdNNM. The monitoring dataset was collected with standardized monitoring methods implemented by the Bureau of Land Management's Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring program and the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Landscape Monitoring Framework program. Eleven ecological site concepts and paired vegetation communities were identified using multivariate fuzzy clustering and classification tree analysis to determine the influence of abiotic variables on vegetation communities. The ecological site and vegetation community concepts developed for RGdNNM demonstrate how existing monitoring data can be used to interpret the structural and functional characteristics of landscapes. A workflow for applying monitoring data to landscape classification is presented to support the broader framework for ecological site development.

The gender pay gap: How FIFA dropped the ball

Abstract The pursuit for equal pay has been a struggle for those striving for gender equality. This struggle is no different in football, where female players face an uphill battle in gaining equal remuneration. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has remained markedly silent on the issue of the pay gap. However, FIFA’s recent adoption of an extensive human rights framework explicitly includes gender equality, and thus, equal pay. This article examines how FIFA’s new human rights framework and investment programs can support efforts to close the pay gap. The investment in and revenue from the men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments will be examined to illustrate both the pay gap’s existence and the difficulties in addressing it. This article argues this human rights framework is a positive step towards gender equality; however, it must be embedded in FIFA’s governing bodies before equal pay can be remedied. While FIFA may be responsible for the World Cup prize money, FIFA’s member associations are accountable for distributing money to the players. Considering this, this article looks to the Australian member association, Football Australia (FA), as an example of the difficulties facing member associations that try to close the pay gap nationally. On this basis, this article finds that due to the dynamics between FIFA and its member associations, pay parity cannot be achieved by a member association when its purse strings are controlled by FIFA.

Complementarity of additionalities resulting from European Union funds: Perspective of the users of research infrastructures

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to investigate the complementarity of three types of additionalities: input (growth of R&amp;D investments), behavioral (changes in the internal processes of the entity), and output (leveraging social or private returns), occurring as the result of the 7th Framework Programme and Horizon 2020 European Union funds part INFRA. The empirical contribution is based on results of self‐created questionnaires conducted in 2016 with the use of CATI/CAWI on the unique sample of N = 401 users of European Union research infrastructures from 32 countries. We create a Behavioral Additionality Index (BAI), which is a measurement tool that combines eight types (scale, scope, cognitive capacity, challenge, network, follow‐up, management, and acceleration) of behavioral additionalities. Based on the results of a logistic regression, we find that there is a positive relationship between input and behavioral additionality, as well as between behavioral additionality and output additionality. This last link, however, is not shown to be strengthened by input additionality. No significant differences in the level of the BAI were found between EU countries based on their level of innovativeness as measured by the Summary Innovation Index (SII), although we can observe that less developed EU countries, as well as on non‐EU countries, have higher BAI scores compared to developed ones. The overall results lead to the conclusion that the evaluation of public financial support has to be conducted not only for input, behavioral, and output additionalities separately, but must also take into account their complementarity—with its major focus on the behavioral aspects of this effect.