Leipzig Region Research Articles

Food loss and waste in community-supported agriculture in the region of Leipzig, Germany

ABSTRACTCommunity-supported agriculture (CSA) has the potential to reduce food loss and waste (FLW) due to a direct connection between consumers and producers, lower standards regarding product aesthetics and consumer-related values. Accordingly, CSA could compensate for possible yield gaps compared to conventional agriculture. Here, FLW and yields were assessed for one year in four CSA initiatives in the area of Leipzig, Germany, and compared to reference data. The results show that FLW during production, distribution and consumption were on average 22–70% lower compared to reference data. On average, due to lower FLW, the CSA initiatives could compensate for yield gaps of 32%, which reflects yield gaps typically observed between organic and conventional agriculture. Actual yield gaps in CSA might be lower, as agroecological approaches to increase productivity are widely adopted. The co-evaluation of the results with CSA gardeners showed that FLW could be further reduced in all stages. Reducing FLW was mentioned as an important sustainability goal of the investigated CSA initiatives, yet they also indicated a focus on biodiversity, education, food quality or the reduction of fossil fuels. This pilot study indicates that CSA can contribute to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems.

Potentials and perspectives of food self-sufficiency in urban areas—a case study from Leipzig

AbstractRegionalization of food systems is a potential strategy to support environmental, economic and social sustainability. However, local preconditions need to be considered to assess the feasibility of such a transformation process. To better understand the potentials and perspectives of food self-sufficiency in urban and peri-urban areas, we determined the food self-sufficiency level (SSL) of a German metropolitan region, i.e., the percentage of the food demand that could be potentially provided on existing agricultural land. Main input parameters were actual food demand, agricultural productivity and its temporal variability and land availability. Furthermore, we considered changes in diet, food losses and land management. Based on current diets and agricultural productivity, the administrative region of Leipzig achieved a mean SSL of 94%, ranging from 77 to 116%. Additionally, an area of 26,932 ha, representing 12% of the regionally available agricultural land, was needed for commodities that are not cultivated regionally. Changes in food demand due to a diet shift to a more plant-based diet and reduced food losses would increase the SSL by 29 and 17%, respectively. A shift to organic agriculture would decrease the SSL by 34% due to lower crop yields compared with conventional production. However, a combination of organic agriculture with less food loss and a more plant-based diet would lead to a mean SSL of 95% (75–115%). Our results indicate the feasibility of food system regionalization in the study area under current and potential near future conditions. Addressing a combination of multiple dimensions, for example plant-based and healthier diets combined with reduced food loss and organic farming, is the most favorable approach to increase food self-sufficiency in urban and peri-urban areas and simultaneously provide synergies with social and environmental objectives.

Frequency and clinical presentation of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis in a tertiary medical center in Germany 2004-2018: lessons from a low-prevalence area.

The prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Germany is increasing. The number of cases in northern and eastern regions is low, so there is little experience with regard to diagnosis and therapy. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the management of suspected and/or diagnosed echinococcosis at a university center in a low-prevalence region. All the patients at the Leipzig University Hospital between 2004 and 2018 who had been serologically examined for echinococci were included in a retrospective cohort study. Clinical course, imaging, histology, therapeutic characteristics, relevant comorbidities and risk factors for AE and CE were evaluated. A time-staggered prevalence estimation, as well as sensitivity and specificity calculations for the serological tests, were performed. A total of 382 patients were enrolled, with 11 AE and 7 CE cases identified. The mean prevalence rate of AE in this cohort was 2.9 % and that of CE was 1.8 %. Among the patients, 56 % had known risk factors for AE and CE. The serological tests showed a sensitivity of 86 % and a specificity of 91 %. Two patients with false-negative serology were diagnosed by biopsy. All CE and 5 AE patients (45 %) were operated on. Six AE patients received long-term treatment with albendazole. AE and CE are rare diseases in the greater Leipzig region; however, case numbers are on the rise. Due to favorable factors such as the escalation of migration, a further increase is expected. Diagnosis and therapy are challenging and should be supported by specialists (experienced infectiologists, imaging experts and skilled hepatobiliary surgeons) who should be integrated in a German network.

Hat die Reformation Einfluss auf die Namengebung in Leipzig?

The article deals with the question of whether the Reformation influenced the naming in Saxony – on the example of Leipzig. On the basis of church books of the Leipzig region and baptismal entries of St. Thomas church in the city of Leipzig can be shown that the Reformation (1539 introduced in Leipzig) has virtually no influence on the naming. One of the reasons for this is the simultaneous advent of naming after godparents.

Evaluation und Inanspruchnahme – Qualitätssicherung in der pädiatrischen Ambulanz einer Universitätsklinik

Based on an increasing number of outpatient treatments, an extensive demand planning is necessary to ensure the quality of medical care. University outpatient clinics are special parts of this sector and therefore it is necessary that a research demonstrates the nearly uninvestigated position of a paediatric outpatient clinic. The research at the university hospital for children and adolescents in Leipzig started in 2009 to survey 2283 of in total 9391 patients and the physicians. Sociodemographic data as well as economic and medical facts were determined by using questionnaires. In each case a questionnaire was answered by the children or their accompanying persons and a separate one was completed by the respective doctor. The results created a foundation, on the basis of patient volume per day and per daytime. Less than 20% of the children admitted to consult the clinic for their first time. The majority of patients visit them because of a letter of referral. Most of the patients (58%) were younger than 6 years old. Approximately 35% of patients did not come from the city region of Leipzig. The investigation evidenced the necessity of a day and night operating institution for children in the region of Leipzig as well as the high specialisation of the outpatient clinic. In need of further investigation is the cooperation between several physicians to find out if this lots of medical examination are necessary or if there took place overlapping.

Reference intervals for leukocyte subsets in adults: Results from a population-based study using 10-color flow cytometry.

Reference intervals for leukocyte subsets from peripheral blood are helpful for the understanding of disease states and therapy effects. We performed in-depth immunophenotyping for 608 healthy German adults from the Leipzig region from 40 to 79 years by 10-color flow cytometry (FCM) to gain reference information for various leukocyte subsets including subsets of granulocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes. First, we derived gender- and age-specific reference intervals for males and females from 40 to 59 and from 60 to 79 years, respectively. Second, we further investigated the influence of gender and age on leukocyte counts. We found significantly higher cell counts for monocytes (P < 0.001) and NK cells (P < 0.001) in men, whereas women had higher counts for B cells (P < 0.001), Th cells (P < 0.001) and regulatory T cells (P = 0.008). Furthermore, with increasing age, a decrease in Tc cells (about 8% within 5 years) and an increase in NK cells (<4% within 5 years) were observed. In future research, it should be investigated whether these are real ageing effects that can be confirmed in longitudinal studies. Furthermore, it is important to understand if the Tc cell count drop is functionally compensated by the increase of NK cells.

Competition in regional passenger rail transport in Germany (Leipzig) and lessons to be drawn for France

The opening to competition in Germany's regional railway transport is interesting to investigate as some EU countries find it difficult to move towards the implementation of European Union Guidelines. In this paper, we investigate Leipzig's regional passenger railway services opening to competition between 2009 and 2013, time when Leipzig's new underground City Tunnel was opened within a new transport plan. We will assess costs structure of operating regional railway passenger transport before and after competition. We will show that the introduction of competition in Leipzig region has reduced the level of subsidy by 20% and improved productivity of the incumbent operator.

Promotion of innovation and technology transfer in the New German Federal States

Many small and medium–sized companies in the New Federal German State are facing extremely difficult conditions with the new economic upheaval in East Germany. The situation is characterised by an unfavourable economic climate, inadequate information and management deficiencies as well as financial and real estate problems. Many products and production processes are outdated and cannot withstand the new competition. On the basis of this complicated economic situation, the Federal Economic Ministry created an economic programme for the foundation of 23 agencies for the promotion of innovation and the transfer of technology in 1992. The Leipzig agency AGIL GmbH was founded for the Leipzig region. The promotion of innovation and technology transfer is the main objective of the agency. The central task is therefore to safeguard the productivity and competitiveness of small and medium–sized companies (SME) through extensive consultation and support, and to create a climate favourable to innovation and thereby speed up structural change in the economic region of Leipzig. The agency supports the activities of public and municipal institutions in establishing a demand–oriented technological infrastructure. Closely connected to this, and of high strategic significance, is the European Commission's decision in 1992 to integrate one of four German VALUE Relay Centres into the Leipzig agency.

Microsite conditions dominate habitat selection of the red mason bee ( Osmia bicornis, Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in an urban environment: A case study from Leipzig, Germany

The red mason bee ( Osmia bicornis L.) is a common wild bee in urban environments which contributes to early-season pollination. We know only little about how any species of wild bee in cities responds to resource distribution or landscape structure and the urban habitat(s) that they prefer. We employed a citizen science approach to investigate drivers behind the spatial distribution of this solitary bee in the urban region of Leipzig (Germany). Volunteers hung trap nests at different locations and collected information on eight local, microsite conditions (such as sun exposure, attachment position, local flower availability). We derived 14 landscape factors from a digital GIS biotope data map (e.g. distance to flower sites and urban matrix properties such as size and edge length of patches). Both occurrence and abundance of O. bicornis were then analyzed using a combination of machine learning and multiple (logistic) regression. The results indicate that the red mason bee is ubiquitous in urban area but clearly profits from nearby floral resources. Although we expected a balanced influence of landscape factors and microsite conditions, we found that hang location of the trap nest was most important, followed by sun exposure. Cities with many fine-scaled floral resources (such as private gardens but not parks) and an open housing structure with higher sun exposure between buildings provide a good environment for cavity-nesting bees such as O. bicornis. In places without suitable nesting opportunities, artificial nest can support the bees.

Assessing climate impacts of planning policies—An estimation for the urban region of Leipzig (Germany)

Local climate regulation by urban green areas is an important urban ecosystem service, as it reduces the extent of the urban heat island and therefore enhances quality of life. Local and regional planning policies can control land use changes in an urban region, which in turn alter local climate regulation. Thus, this paper describes a method for estimating the impacts of current land uses as well as local and regional planning policies on local climate regulation, using evapotranspiration and land surface emissivity as indicators. This method can be used by practitioners to evaluate their policies. An application of this method is demonstrated for the case study Leipzig (Germany). Results for six selected planning policies in Leipzig indicate their distinct impacts on climate regulation and especially the role of their spatial extent. The proposed method was found to easily produce a qualitative assessment of impacts of planning policies on climate regulation.

The status of iodine nutrition in newborn infants, schoolchildren, adolescents and adults in former East Germany.

In the former East Germany (GDR) like in the former West Germany (FRG) iodine deficiency and endemic goiter have been described since more than 2 decades. After a program of salt iodization which was started in East Germany in 1985 the urinary iodine excretion of the population increased significantly. The thyroid gland of the newborn is much more sensible to changes of the iodine supply than the thyroid of older children. A total of 1732 subjects was enrolled in the study. After the implementation of the mandatory salt iodization the goiter prevalence in newborns decreased markedly to less than 1%. After the reunification of Germany in 1990 the mandatory prophylaxis was stopped and the urinary iodine excretion in newborns, school-children, adolescents and adults diminished markedly. So in newborns the renal iodine excretion decreased to 2.82 micrograms I/dl in 1992. Since 1994 a reasonable improvement of the iodine supply is observed in the region of Leipzig. In school-children, adolescents and adults the mean value of the urinary iodine excretion is now above 10.0 micrograms I/dl. This value may be considered as an indicator for a normal iodine supply. In a small cohort (n = 28) of newborns infants we found a renal iodine excretion of 18.74 micrograms/dl in 1997. That value also means a significant increase since 1992 and a normal iodine supply in the fetal period. The present results from the region of Leipzig/Saxonia are not representative for the whole of East Germany. To provide an optimal iodine nutrition the use of iodized salt for food manufacturing must be significantly increased.

Intestinal Cancer Despite Screening

Intestinal Cancer Despite Screening

Central German Upper Eocene to Oligocene marine fauna an overview. With a new lithostratigraphical division of Lower Oligocene of the southern Leipzig region

Central German Upper Eocene to Oligocene marine fauna an overview. With a new lithostratigraphical division of Lower Oligocene of the southern Leipzig region

APPLICATION OF AGRONOMIC PRACTICE IMPROVES PHYTOEXTRACTION ON A MULTIPOLLUTED SITE

In the context of a joint research project in collaboration with the municipal water works of Leipzig, BioPlanta optimizes the phytoremediation process. This Phytotechnology has been applied since 1996 to a former sewage sludge dewatering plant in Schladitz near Leipzig (Fig 1). At the time of closing in 1990 about 300,000 m3 of heavy metal‐ and hydrocarbon‐contaminated sludge were stored on this site. It is the biggest phytoremediation project of this kind in Europe. An extensive monitoring and analysis program was established to evaluate the progress of the remediation (ending in 2012). Up to now the contamination of the site could be considerably decreased. The removal of heavy metals sums up to several kilograms with an increasing tendency over the last years (Fig 2). The aim of ongoing research activities is to set up improved conditions for an even more efficient extraction of heavy metal ions from contaminated soil and sediments. Optimizing this process should reduce the remediation period by up to two thirds. The technology is to be implemented not only in the Leipzig region but also in future remediation projects.

Men born in the region of Leipzig (Saxony, Germany) between 1960 and 1970 showed a significantly decreased sperm count (examination of 3432 individuals)

Summary. The routine spermiogram parameters of 3432 patients born between 1952 and 1971 in the region of Leipzig were determined between January 1975 and March 2000. The patient group aged 24–35 years was characterized by low mobility and relocation living in the main centre of chemical industry with enormous environmental pollution in Eastern Germany up to 1990. Sperm concentrations and total sperm counts were found to be significantly reduced in men born between 1960 and 1970 compared with men born before this period (52.38 ±1.21 versus 70.79 ±2.15 millions ml−1; 139.51 ± 3.66 versus 176.31 ± 6.04 millions; mean ± SEM; P <0.01; 2410 versus 1022 patients) independently of the year of semen examination.

Men born in the region of Leipzig (Saxony, Germany) between 1960 and 1970 showed a significantly decreased sperm count (examination of 3432 individuals)

The routine spermiogram parameters of 3432 patients born between 1952 and 1971 in the region of Leipzig were determined between January 1975 and March 2000. The patient group aged 24-35 years was characterized by low mobility and relocation living in the main centre of chemical industry with enormous environmental pollution in Eastern Germany up to 1990. Sperm concentrations and total sperm counts were found to be significantly reduced in men born between 1960 and 1970 compared with men born before this period (52.38 +/- 1.21 versus 70.79 +/- 2.15 millions ml(-1) 139.51 +/- 3.66 versus 176.31 +/- 6.04 millions; mean +/- SEM; P < 0.01; 2410 versus 1022 patients) independently of the year of semen examination.

Environmental impact of uncontrolled waste disposal in mining and industrial areas in Central Germany

The present-day landscape in Central Germany, in particular the region of Leipzig, Halle and Bitterfeld, is characterized by the scars of former industrial activities. Vast districts have been devastated by lignite strip mining. Industrial and domestic waste, residues from ore smelting, and highly toxic waste products from petrochemical plants and pesticide production were deposited in abandoned pits near population centers. The chief effects of waste on the environment are the contamination of groundwater by dissolved pollutants, the acidification of soil and water by the oxidation of pyrite-containing mining waste, and the salinization of shallow aquifers by rising brines from adjacent confined groundwater affected by mining. The consequences for the region are serious: mining lakes used for recreational purposes are contaminated by leachates from adjacent waste dumps. Pyrite-containing refuse from lignite mining under oxidation gives rise to the acidification of surface and groundwater, a basic condition for pollutant mobilization. In former metal mining districts, metalliferous and radioactive residues from smelting jeopardize public health. These effects are described in detail using three case studies.

Brikettfabrik Witznitz: specific indeterminacy – designing for uncertainty

A two stage international landscape and urban regeneration design competition was held last year for the site of a former Brikettfabrik at Witznitz near Borna in the south Leipzig region of Germany. The design of the winning entry was based on architectural, urban and landscape design strategies developed over the past five years. This paper opens with an introduction to these ideas and related theoretical precedents. There follows a description of the project's context and of the design itself.

Structure and dynamics of land-use in Metropolitan regions: the example of Leipzig

In this paper general trends of the land-use structure dynamics in the metropolitan region of Leipzig are shown. Specific problems of the space-time dynamics of land-use are discussed, such as the core-fringe gradient in the land-use pattern, the multiple use of land, function-location relations and the role of functional areas for land-use planning.