Region Of Rotterdam Research Articles

A methodology to determine suitable locations for regional shared mobility hubs

As a solution to the high greenhouse gas emissions and declining quality of life caused by private vehicles, the shared mobility hub is introduced. The shared mobility hub is a place where multiple modalities come together, including public transport and shared private mobility. As the shared mobility hub is a relatively new solution, limited research is available on the topic, especially on finding potentially suitable locations for allocating them. In this research, this knowledge gap is addressed by developing and testing a generic methodology to determine suitable locations for a specific type: the regional shared mobility hub. The regional shared mobility hub is located outside a city center being able to act as an intermodal point of transfer. The developed methodology is a combination of two existing methods: the GIS Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and Multi-Actor Multi-Criteria Analysis (MAMCA) available in the literature. The method is able to score and weight different criteria which determine regional shared mobility hub suitability, taking the end-user (traveler), operator, and government perspectives into account in the weighting. Results are presented in multiple heat maps based on scenarios with varying stakeholder weight importance. The methodology developed consists of five criteria that measure location suitability (potential demand at a certain location, hub implementation costs, generalized travel costs from and to the hub, link to surroundings, and societal impact) measured by nine attributes. In this method, the choice is made for the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the criteria weights. The developed methodology is applied to the region of Rotterdam (The Netherlands) to analyse if the methodology produces useful results for policy implementation. From multiple analyses, it appears that the methodology is suitable for tackling the location suitability determination problem, as it produces intuitive results.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their families: a mixed-methods study protocol

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for everyone, particularly for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder characterised by limitations in social communication, repetitive...

Low Socioeconomic Status Is Associated with Worse Outcomes After Curative Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Results from a Large, Multicenter Study

BackgroundSocioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with early mortality in cancer patients. However, the association between SES and outcome in colorectal cancer patients is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SES is associated with short- and long-term outcome in patients undergoing curative surgery for colorectal cancer. MethodsPatients who underwent curative surgery in the region of Rotterdam for stage I–III colorectal cancer between January 2007 and July 2014 were included. Gross household income and survival status were obtained from a national registry provided by Statistics Netherlands Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek. Patients were assigned percentiles according to the national income distribution. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression were performed to assess the association of SES with 30-day postoperative complications, overall survival and cancer-specific survival, adjusted for known prognosticators. ResultsFor 965 of the 975 eligible patients (99%), gross household income could be retrieved. Patients with a lower SES more often had diabetes, more often underwent an open surgical procedure, and had more comorbidities. In addition, patients with a lower SES were less likely to receive (neo) adjuvant treatment. Lower SES was independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications (Odds ratio per percent increase 0.99, 95%CI 0.99–0.998, p = 0.004) and lower cancer-specific mortality (Hazard ratio per percent increase 0.99, 95%CI 0.98–0.99, p = 0.009). ConclusionThis study shows that lower SES is associated with increased risk of postoperative complications, and poor cancer-specific survival in patients undergoing surgery for stage I–III colorectal cancer after correcting for known prognosticators.

Improving A Priori Demand Estimates Transport Models using Mobile Phone Data: A Rotterdam-Region Case

ABSTRACTMobile phone data are a rich source to infer all kinds of mobility- related information. In this research, we present an approach where mobile phone data are used and analyzed for enriching the transport model of the region of Rotterdam. In this research Call Detail Records (CDR) are used from a mobile phone provider in the Netherlands that serves between 30 and 40 percent of Dutch mobile phones. Accessing these data provides travel information of about one-third of the Dutch population. No other data source is known that gives travel information at a national scale at this high level. The raw data of one month is processed into basic information which is subsequently translated into OD-information (Origin-Destination) based on several decision rules. This OD information is compared with the traditionally estimated a priori OD matrix of the Rotterdam transport model and the Dutch yearly national household travel survey. Based on the analysis and assignment results, an approach is developed to combine the mobile phone OD-information and an a priori OD matrix using the best of both worlds. Results show a better match of the assignment results of this matrix with the counts indicating a better quality of the matrix.

Simulating the cooling effects of water spray systems in urban landscapes: A computational fluid dynamics study in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Heat waves and the related heat stress can increase human morbidity and mortality, decrease human productivity and increase building energy consumption for cooling. There is a need for sustainable systems to reduce heat stress in urban areas. Evaporative cooling by water spray systems is increasingly used for this purpose. However, the evaluation of the cooling potential of such systems is difficult. To our knowledge, a systematic investigation of the cooling potential of such a system in an actual urban area has not yet been performed. This paper presents high-resolution Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations based on the 3D unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations to assess the cooling potential by a water spray system with 15 hollow-cone nozzles. The system is numerically implemented for a courtyard in the Bergpolder Zuid region of Rotterdam, the Netherlands and operated during the heat wave period of July 2006. The simulations are validated based on wind-tunnel measurements of an evaporative cooling process and satellite imagery data during the heat wave period. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) is used to assess the heat stress reduction due to evaporative cooling. The results show that for given values of injected water flow rate (ṁw=9.0l/min) and height of the spray system (H=3m), a maximum temperature reduction and UTCI reduction of about 7 and 5°C are achieved at pedestrian height. In addition, a thermal comfort improvement from strong heat stress (without spray system) to moderate heat stress up to a distance of 5m from the spray line is obtained.

A method for metropolitan landscape characterization: Case study Rotterdam

This paper presents a theoretical and methodological framework for a comprehensive landscape characterization, focussing on the largest and most complex urban realm: the metropolitan region. Landscape character has in recent years emerged as a new paradigm to understand, monitor and evaluate cultural landscapes undergoing change. The scope of characterization methods however, is by and large limited to the non-urban realm. In physical terms, the border between the urban and non-urban realms is becoming increasingly diffuse, particularly in metropolitan regions. Metropolitan regions thus conceptually challenge the scope of landscape characterization, as cities can also be understood to be in and of themselves a form of cultural landscape. Moreover, territories where urban and rural realms merge, result in new ‘hybrid’ types of space that fall outside existing characterization methods. The method developed and presented in this paper is aimed at producing a comprehensive landscape characterization tool for metropolitan regions in order to understand, evaluate and monitor their spatial form. The method developed combines elements from conventional landscape character assessment with urban morphology, mapping, and cluster analyses. The first version of the method was tested using the metropolitan region of Rotterdam and resulted in a preliminary categorization of thirty-six metropolitan landscape types. Twenty-four of the thirty-six types are defined as ‘hybrid’ or mixed landscape types, which occupy approximately 30% of the territory. Their make-up is determined by formal varying densities of topographic elements, land use categories, and heights. The hybrid landscape types that have emerged as a result of applying this method are of particular interest, as they were not recognized as a specific category by other classification methods. The extent and character of these landscapes is not yet fully understood and therefore not used in the landscape policy forming. The method also reveals a substantial disparity between the assumed threshold of city and countryside in the Rotterdam region, and the one that has resulted from this study. The distribution of hybrid landscape types also shows that patterns of dispersion, diffusion, periphery and fragmentation have exceeded what is considered the peri-urban area of Rotterdam in administrative and planning circles.

Integrated Direct and Indirect Flood Risk Modeling: Development and Sensitivity Analysis.

In this article, we propose an integrated direct and indirect flood risk model for small- and large-scale flood events, allowing for dynamic modeling of total economic losses from a flood event to a full economic recovery. A novel approach is taken that translates direct losses of both capital and labor into production losses using the Cobb-Douglas production function, aiming at improved consistency in loss accounting. The recovery of the economy is modeled using a hybrid input-output model and applied to the port region of Rotterdam, using six different flood events (1/10 up to 1/10,000). This procedure allows gaining a better insight regarding the consequences of both high- and low-probability floods. The results show that in terms of expected annual damage, direct losses remain more substantial relative to the indirect losses (approximately 50% larger), but for low-probability events the indirect losses outweigh the direct losses. Furthermore, we explored parameter uncertainty using a global sensitivity analysis, and varied critical assumptions in the modeling framework related to, among others, flood duration and labor recovery, using a scenario approach. Our findings have two important implications for disaster modelers and practitioners. First, high-probability events are qualitatively different from low-probability events in terms of the scale of damages and full recovery period. Second, there are substantial differences in parameter influence between high-probability and low-probability flood modeling. These findings suggest that a detailed approach is required when assessing the flood risk for a specific region.

Adoption of prasugrel into routine practice: rationale and design of the Rijnmond Collective Cardiology Research (CCR) study in percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes

BackgroundPlatelet inhibition is crucial in reducing both short- and long-term atherothrombotic risks in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Based on randomised trials, recent recommendations in the current guidelines include the endorsement of prasugrel as a first-choice adenosine diphosphate receptor inhibitor. Yet, there is limited experience with the use of prasugrel in routine practice.MethodsThe Rijnmond Collective Cardiology Research (CCR) registry is a prospective, observational study that will follow-up 4000 PCI-treated ACS patients in the larger region of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Based on recently implemented hospital protocols, all patients will receive prasugrel as first-choice antiplatelet agent, unless contraindicated, in accordance with European guidelines, and will be followed for up to 1 year post-discharge for longitudinal assessment of outcomes and bleeding events. This registry exemplifies a collaborative study design that employs a regional PCI registry platform and provides feedback to participating sites regarding their practice patterns, thereby supporting and promoting improvement of quality of care.ConclusionThe CCR registry will evaluate the adoption of prasugrel into routine clinical practice and thus, will provide important evidence with regard to the benefits and risks of real-world utilisation of prasugrel as antiplatelet therapy in PCI-treated ACS patients.

HPV-type has no impact on survival of patients with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

ObjectiveTo review and characterise by clinical evaluation, immunohistochemistry and HPV typing a group of adenocarcinomas initially diagnosed with primary localisation in the cervix. Furthermore, to assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of HPV genotypes in a large series of HPV positive cervical adenocarcinomas (AC). MethodsOne hundred and seventy-one cases of adenocarcinomas (AC) with a primary localisation in the cervix and diagnosed between 1989 and 2008 in the region of Rotterdam, the Netherlands were retrieved. Slides and blocks were reviewed and immunohistochemically stained for CEA and vimentin. HPV testing for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) by PCR (GP5+/6+) and genotyping by reversed line blot were performed. ResultsIn 113 of 171 patients HPV evaluation was possible. 101 were HPV-positive (89%) and 11 were HPV-negative (11%). The 5-year disease free survival was 80% in the HPV-positive group versus 74% in the HPV-negative group (ns). The distribution of HPV types was type 18 in 55 patients (54%), type 16 in 37 (37%), type 45 in 7 (7%), types 53 and 39 were found in 2 respective patients. 5-year overall-survival in patients with HPV-18 was not significantly worse than in patients with HPV-16 (81 versus 87%). Patients with HPV-45 had a worse 5-year survival, 57%. ConclusionsAC is hrHPV related in most cases (89%) and HPV-18 is the most frequent type (54%). With the exception of HPV-45, HPV-positivity or type in endocervical AC has no significant influence on survival.

Supported Employment in The Netherlands: New challenges for integrated employment

In The Netherlands, Supported Employment is working through a European initiative: HELIOS and a project with international partnerships with Northern Ireland, Ireland, Portugal and later Spain. Successful experiences have come about, mainly in the region of Rotterdam, and have accounted for the subsequent creation of an Association of The Netherlands and the broader implementation of this alternative workplace model. Currently supported employment with an emphasis on job coaching is used, although there is a major struggle against the sheltered employment centers and disability allowances, which limit participation in employment. A new law proposes a better framework more focused on developing the skills of people and encouraging them into employment. There is suggestion of the need to restructure the reality of sheltered employment, enhance the figure of the job coach and encourage the assessment, analysis of results and effectiveness of organizations, especially in the current atmosphere of economic insufficiency.

Prognostic factors in adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

Objective. To determine the behaviour of adenocarcinomas of the uterine cervix during the last 10 years in the southwest region of the Netherlands, and to determine prognostic factors. Methods. Three hundred and five cases of primary cervical adenocarcinomas (ACs) diagnosed between 1989 and 1999 in the region of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, were retrieved. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed and analysed. Results. Mean age at presentation was 52 years. The mean follow-up time for surviving patients was 61 months. The overall survival was 60% at 5 years. The 5-year survival rates for stages I and II were, respectively, 79% and 37%. The 5-year survival rates for stages III and IV were less than 9%. Using univariate analysis stage, grade, age < 35 years and histological type were significant prognostic factors. In the group of patients who underwent surgery ( n = 200), stages I–IIA, lymph node metastases, lymph-vascular-space-invasion (LVSI) and depth of stromal invasion were significant for survival. For patients with stages I and II-A disease, survival was significantly better where the primary treatment was surgical as opposed to primary radiotherapy ( P = 0.002). Using multivariate analysis, only stage, grade and lymph node metastases remained significant independent predictors for survival. Conclusions. This report about cervical adenocarcinoma in the southwest region of The Netherlands shows similar results for survival to previous reports. Longest survival was for patients with early stage disease, younger patients and after primary surgery. We found FIGO stage, grade and lymph node metastases of significant prognostic value for survival in cervical adenocarcinoma.

Patricia: Predicting Activity-Travel Interdependencies with a Suite of Choice-Based, Interlinked Analyses

The development and performance of Patricia, a suite of (choice) models that can be used to analyze and predict activity-travel patterns, is reported. This suite of models, which differs from similar sequential utility-maximizing models of activity-travel patterns in that it incorporates a larger number of choice facets and choice options, was sequentially estimated with activity-travel data collected in the region of South Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The results of the estimation are satisfactory at the level of aggregated origin-destination matrices and individual activity patterns.

DEALING WITH COMPETITION: THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM

AbstractRotterdam is by far the biggest port in the Hamburg‐Le Havre range: not only for bulk goods, but for containers as well. The dominance of containers is a clear illustration of the fact that Rotterdam's position within the Hamburg‐Le Havre range cannot exclusively be explained by three often‐cited traditional factors: its favourable geographical location within Western Europe, its location at the mouth of the River Rhine and its excellent connection with the North Sea. Equally important was the long lasting coalition between the Port Authority and the City Council, having the same interests for a long period. However, after 1970 the coalition changed in character. Gradually the City Council put less emphasis on economic issues and more upon environmental aspects. From this environmental point of view the activities in the port were seen as rather negative. And later on with the worsening economic situation, it soon became clear that the region could no longer rely exclusively on the labour‐generating function of the port. Unlike in the past, many port‐related activities are now located outside the port area. The activities that still depend on a location in the port itself show considerable productivity gains, but at the cost of jobs. Nevertheless, the port and the city of Rotterdam together recently developed a new Port Plan 2010 which aims to reconcile economic and environmental aspects. Moreover, the plan intends to stimulate the economy of the city and the region of Rotterdam. Yet it is realized that the spatial networks in which the port is functioning nowadays do not, unlike in the past, coincide with those of the municipality of Rotterdam.

Upgrading and Downgrading within the Metropolitan Region of Rotterdam, 1970-90

For a long time, the inner cities and their surrounding 19th-century neighbourhoods were minimum-choice neighbourhoods. The more prosperous people lived in the suburbs. This socio-economic pattern of residential areas in the metropolitan region has, however, been less stable during the past 10 years. Inner-city districts and rural areas have undergone a process of upgrading, while residential areas built in the 1960s and even some suburban municipalities experienced downgrading. This paper deals with upgrading and downgrading in the Rotterdam metropolitan region for the past 20 years. The processes are interpreted as a consequence of societal changes and the intervention of central and local government.

Biotypes and serotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains isolated from patients, pigs and chickens in the region of Rotterdam

A comparison was made of the distribution of the bio-and serotypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from human patients (205 isolates), intestinal contents of pigs (163 isolates) and intestinal contents and livers of chickens (147 isolates). All strains were isolated in the region of Rotterdam. Campylobacter jejuni biotype 1 accounted for 86%, 1% and 82% of the human, pig and chicken isolates respectively; C. coli was present in 7%, 98% and 14% respectively. Serotyping was possible for 84% of the human isolates, 77% of the pig and 82% of the chicken isolates. Among the human isolates 33 bio-and serotypes were found, of which 22 were similar to those in chickens and only five to those in pigs. Bio-and serotypes from human beings and chickens, ranked in order of decreasing frequency, showed a positive correlation, whereas those from human beings and pigs showed a negative correlation.

Biotype and serotype of Campylobacter jejuni/coli strains isolated from humans, pigs and chickens in the region of Rotterdam

Biotype and serotype of Campylobacter jejuni/coli strains isolated from humans, pigs and chickens in the region of Rotterdam

On the relation between changing meteorological circumstances and the decrease of the sulphur dioxide concentration around Rotterdam

Due to the ever growing anxiety about the effects of air pollution on the health of the inhabitants of industrialized regions, every decrease of the average concentration of a pollutant such as SO 2 is welcomed, by the authorities as well as by the public. In various cases such a decrease may be attributed to improved methods to reduce the escape of noxious gases but sometimes meteorological circumstances play an important role. During the last six winters there was an almost continuous decrease of the SO 2 content of the air in the region of Rotterdam. Although an improvement of some industrial processes may have helped to bring about this decrease, it can be shown that meteorological circumstances contributed significantly.