Swedish survey on extra structurally abnormal chromosomes in 39 105 consecutive prenatal diagnoses: Prevalence and characterization by fluorescence in situ hybridization

During 7 years (1985–1992), 39 105 consecutive prenatal diagnoses (34 908 amniocenteses and 4197 chorionic villus samples) were made at the five largest clinical genetic laboratories in Sweden. Thirty-one cases of extra structurally abnormal chromosomes (ESACs) were found, giving a total prevalence of 0·8 per 1000. Twelve ESACs were inherited, 14 were de novo and in five the parental origin was unknown. This gives an estimated prevalence of 0·3–0·4 per 1000 for familial and 0·4–0·5 per 1000 for de novo ESACs. Retrospectively, the ESACs were characterized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In nine cases, no material was available for this analysis. In 21 of the remaining 22 cases, the chromosomal origin could be identified by FISH. Seventeen of these (81 per cent) were derived from the acrocentric chromosomes, of which 13 originated from chromosome 15 (62 per cent). The most common ESAC was the inv dup(15) (57 per cent). Two cases were derived from chromosome 22, one from chromosome 14, and one from either chromosome 13 or chromosome 21. The four remaining cases consisted to two i(18p)s and two small ring chromosomes derived from chromosomes 4 and 19, respectively.     

Establishment of a cross-European field site network in the ALARM project for assessing large-scale changes in biodiversity

The field site network (FSN) plays a central role in conducting joint research within all Assessing Large-scale Risks for biodiversity with tested Methods (ALARM) modules and provides a mechanism for integrating research on different topics in ALARM on the same site for measuring multiple impacts on biodiversity. The network covers most European climates and biogeographic regions, from Mediterranean through central European and boreal to subarctic. The project links databases with the European-wide field site network FSN, including geographic information system (GIS)-based information to characterise the test location for ALARM researchers for joint on-site research. Maps are provided in a standardised way and merged with other site-specific information. The application of GIS for these field sites and the information management promotes the use of the FSN for research and to disseminate the results. We conclude that ALARM FSN sites together with other research sites in Europe jointly could be used as a future backbone for research proposals.     

Reference Point Approach for Multi-objective Assessment and Reduction of Ground-Level O<Subscript>3</Subscript> Air Quality Monitoring Network in Vojvodina Province,Serbia

A monitoring network of ground-level ozone (O₃) concentration levels in Vojvodina Province, Serbia, has been established in several phases, resulting in nine sampling sites (monitoring stations). Because maintenance of a monitoring network is financially very demanding, identifying potentially redundant ozone sites and reducing the network to a cost-effective and functional one are challenging and complex tasks. To provide an easily applicable but reliable analytical framework that will allow decision-makers and other stakeholders to identify redundant ground O₃ monitors, the reference point approach, presented by Cetinkaya and Harmancioglu (Journal of Hydrology, 2014), is adopted for a multi-objective assessment of the O₃ monitoring network. The evaluation process of the stations’ performance and their ranking is implemented in several phases. Firstly, a comprehensive set of 13 performance attributes is defined and associated with location and environmental criteria, followed by defining the set of alternatives. Next, all required attribute data are collected and stations are evaluated using the reference point approach. Finally, verification of the results is performed by aggregation of ranks obtained using the ideal point multi-criteria methods compromise programing and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. The aggregation process is performed using the Borda count and Kemeny social choice theory methods. Results indicate that the number of stations can be significantly reduced by 67%. Also, selection of the three best performing stations enabled identification of a core network that is expected to be functionally and financially sustainable under growing environmental and economic pressure.     

Barriers for implementation of “waste to energy” in developing and transition countries: a case study of Serbia

The aim of this study is to assess boundaries and potential for implementation of waste-to-energy projects in developing and transition countries in order to give realistic future directions for waste-to-energy initiatives. For this purpose, Serbia is taken as an example. In order to highlight the most important issues, which hinder the feasibility of waste-to-energy projects, analysis of the status quo of Serbian municipal solid waste management is performed. In addition, based on the current political and social status of the country, the most important factors that need to be solved as a precondition to waste-to-energy projects are defined. This analysis revealed that aside from technical factors, sociopolitical and cultural obstacles must be eliminated as a prerequisite for successful implementation of waste-to-energy projects. We define the most sustainable pathway for waste-to-energy initiatives in Serbia as well as other similar developing and transition countries, which can complement development of the entire waste management system.