Eco-labeling and information asymmetry: a comparison of five eco-labels in the Netherlands

Eco-labels have become commonplace instruments of self-regulation. This paper analyzes five food labels with respect to the reliability of their information. A new method to analyze reliability is developed. For each label, four aspects are examined: (1) mention of biodiversity; (2) reference to rule of law to assure buyers’ confidence; (3) notification of farmers’ compliance; and (4) information on ecological impact. The analysis reveals that eco-labels fail to communicate adequately; they do not diminish the information gap between seller and buyer. The main shortcomings of the eco-labels were found in their ambiguity about environmental themes, their failure to assure the buyer about the product's ecological impact, the insufficient information about producers’ compliance, and presence of recommendations.     

再生资源与原生资源的比较

分别阐述了我国目前原生资源与再生资源回收利用的现状，通过原生资源与再生资源在性能、经济发展、生态环境和节能方面的比较，使我们进一步认识再生资源，大力发展再生资源产业。     

Case report: a prenatal case of Jarcho–Levin syndrome diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy

The Jarcho–Levin syndrome is a specific form of spondylocostal/spondylothoracic dysostosis. There have been various classifications of this syndrome. We present the case of a severe prenatal Jarcho–Levin syndrome, diagnosed by ultrasound examination during the first trimester of pregnancy in a family with no previous medical history of an affected child. X-ray exploration, high-resolution spiral computed tomography and autopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

闽台合作财务金融专业课程体系的创新研究——以福州外语外贸学院为例

闽台合作财务金融专业作为闽台合作办学的一个新兴专业,汇聚了福建应用型本科高校与台湾高校的优秀师资。该专业在专业定位、课程体系设计、培养目标、实践课程等方面充分体现了应用型本科高校创新的教育理念,以先进的教育理念为指导思想,构建出以理论够用、实践能力突出为特色的课程体系。     

A cross-country comparison of pregnant women's decision-making and perspectives when opting for non-invasive prenatal testing in the Netherlands and Belgium

Background

The Netherlands and Belgium have been among the first countries to offer non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as a first-tier screening test. Despite similarities, differences exist in counseling modalities and test uptake. This study explored decision-making and perspectives of pregnant women who opted for NIPT in both countries.

Methods

A questionnaire study was performed among pregnant women in the Netherlands (NL) (n = 587) and Belgium (BE) (n = 444) opting for NIPT, including measures on informed choice, personal and societal perspectives on trisomy 21, 18 and 13 and pregnancy termination.

Results

Differences between Dutch and Belgian women were shown in the level of informed choice (NL: 83% vs. BE: 59%, p < 0.001), intention to terminate the pregnancy in case of confirmed trisomy 21 (NL: 51% vs. BE: 62%, p = 0.003) and trisomy 13/18 (NL: 80% vs. BE: 73%, p = 0.020). More Belgian women considered trisomy 21 a severe condition (NL: 64% vs. BE: 81%, p < 0.001). Belgian women more frequently indicated that they believed parents are judged for having a child with trisomy 21 (BE: 42% vs. NL: 16%, p < 0.001) and were less positive about quality of care and support for children with trisomy 21 (BE: 23% vs. NL: 62%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Differences in women's decision-making regarding NIPT and the conditions screened for may be influenced by counseling aspects and country-specific societal and cultural contexts.     

Eco-industrial park initiatives in the USA and the Netherlands: first lessons

Since the introduction of the industrial ecology concept by Frosch and Gallopoulos in 1989, and the apparent success of the Kalundborg Industrial Symbiosis project, attention to planned eco-industrial park (EIP) development projects has grown all over the world. This article includes data from six of these EIP development projects. Three of the projects discussed are located in the Netherlands and three in the US. This article compares the differences in project approach and results on a national level. The approach suggested is derived from the available EIP development literature.Initial research indicates that the Dutch EIP projects are more successful than their US counterparts. This difference in success can be, mostly, attributed to the fact that the US projects are initiated by local and regional governments that see the project as a way to improve the local/regional economy with access to substantial government funds. Because of this heavy government involvement, US companies are, in general, not interested in the project. The more successful Dutch projects, on the other hand, are mostly initiated by the companies themselves with financial and advisory support from the local and regional government.     

Fetal echocardiography using transvaginal and transabdominal probes during the first period of pregnancy: A comparative study

The authors compare the diagnostic possibilities of fetal transabdominal echocardiography versus transvaginal echocardiography. A larger diagnostic capacity is verified in different gestation ages with transvaginal probe between the 11th and 14th week of gestation. The results are emphasized by colour Doppler.