38796 research outputs found
Sort by
The potential of irrigation for cereals production in Sub–Saharan Africa: A machine learning application for emulating crop growth at large scale
No full textThe low percentage of land equipped for irrigation and the scarce land agricultural productivity render Africa an ideal target for irrigation projects. These have the potentials of increasing and stabilizing yields, thus contributing to food security and poverty reduction. The present paper investigated the potentials of irrigation in the whole Sub-Saharan region with the aim of individuating areas where intervention should be prioritized. The analysis is conducted via a mix of simulations through the crop model DSSAT and machine learning, namely XGBoost. Yield differentials for four cereals, millet, maize, sorghum and rice, are computed together with water requirements under a low fertilization scenario that reflects current agricultural practices in the region. By crossing the resulting water productivity levels and run-off values, most promising areas of intervention are individuated. The average increase in yields varies between roughly 14% and 17%, depending on crop, but these figures may be drastically improved if combined with an intensification of nutrient ans organic matter provision.JRC.D.4 - Economics of Food System
Low-temperature sintering of (U,Pu)O2 MOX in mild oxidative conditions
No full textWe compare typical reductive sintering conditions for U, Pu mixed oxides (4h at 1700°C in Ar/6%H2 + 1200 ppm H2O) with lower temperature and mildly oxidative conditions (2h at 1200°C in CO/CO2 = 1/9) and report on the resulting microstructures and homogeneity. We show that lower temperature and mildly oxidative conditions, without cover gas change, can give close-to stoichiometric, crack-free MOX pellets with a relative density of ~95%, and we propose ways to improve the homogenisations of PuO2 and UO2 and increase the grain size.JRC.G.I.5 - Nuclear Science and Innovation for Energy and Healt
Characterization of CLLBC scintillation detector response to \u1d6fe-rays and neutrons
No full textThe dual-mode elpasolite scintillation material CLLBC (Cs2LiLaBr4.8Cl1.2:Ce) is capable of measuring both γ-rays and neutrons. The neutron detection capability spans from thermal energies up to about 10 MeV, making these detectors attractive options for studying prompt fission neutron spectra (PFNS). In this work, a comprehensive characterization of CLLBC detectors is performed. Three CLLBC detectors were characterized, in addition to three LaBr3:Ce and two LaBr3:Ce,Sr for comparison. For the bestperforming CLLBC detector, the results indicate an energy resolution of 3.7% at Eγ = 662 keV and an intrinsic timing resolution of 1.2 ns (FWHM) above Eγ = 1 MeV using 60Co. A γ-neutron separation figure-of-merit of 2.7 is obtained by means of pulse-shape discrimination. Tagged neutron time-offlight measurements were conducted using a 241Am9Be neutron source, by coincident detection of the 4.44 MeV γ-ray and the neutron, to determine the intrinsic neutron detection efficiency between 2–6 MeV. Neutron detection efficiencies of about 0.2% for the 6Li(n,t)4He reaction and 1% for three types of (n,n′) reactions were obtained. Two of three investigated CLLBC detectors exhibit an energy peak asymmetry, resulting in worse performance, indicating scintillator quality issues and motivating further investigation. Future studies are anticipated using the 252Cf(sf) prompt fission neutron spectrum to determine neutron efficiencies for a wider range of neutron energies. Although observed in a previous study, neutron detection via 35Cl(n,p)35S was not identified in this work but is planned to be determined using quasi mono-energetic neutrons generated at the JRC MONNET facility.JRC.G.II.6 - Nuclear Data and Measurement Standard
Integrating Pollutant registers for the climate change risk evaluation of industrial companies in Australia, Europe and North America
No full textWe present a methodology to develop the integrated climate change transition and physical risk assessment of industrial
companies in Europe, Northern America and Australia. There is an increasingly important need for effective large scale climate
change risk assessment solutions with more governments aligning their company reporting regulations with the Task Force on
Climate-related Financial Disclosures recommendations. In this paper we measure key aspects of climate change risks of
industrial firms on the globe and vice-versa. The study provides valuable insights into climate risk exposure for companies,
investors, and consumers, offering a pioneering approach by integrating data from major international registers. We analyse
data from 70,000 companies and their 170,000 plants, which report to fragmented Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers
and Greenhouse Gas Reporting Programs. For our assessment, transition risks are measured in terms of reported greenhouse
gas emissions, while physical risks calculated for all company plant locations in terms of historical cooling energy needs, flood
exposure and photovoltaic power potential. We show that climate change transition and physical risks are not correlated,
therefore climate change risks are variably felt across different factors. The research contributes to the evolving landscape of
climate risk management and highlights the need for standardized methodologies in the face of impending regulatory changes.JRC.S.3 - Science for Modelling, Monitoring and Evaluatio
How personalized disaster warnings can save lives
No full textFlooding is one of the most devastating natural hazards worldwide, claiming thousands of lives annually, displacing millions and causing significant damage to infrastructure. Annually, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people die due to floods—equivalent to about 20 deaths every day, with this toll being projected to rise as climate change, urbanization, and population growth exacerbate vulnerabilities in flood-prone regions (Blöschl et al. 2019; Jongman 2021). Despite significant advancements in flood forecasting and early warning systems (EWSs), the persistent loss of life underscores a critical gap: the failure to communicate warnings effectively, with clarity, timeliness and preciseness in instructions (Tupper and Fearnley 2023). Often, warnings are too generic, failing to translate the urgency of the situation into actionable guidance. This gap, in essence, is not a failure of technology or prediction of the hazard but a failure of communication.
This commentary argues that the next leap in disaster risk reduction is not just technological but also psychological and social: transforming flood warnings into personalized, actionable messages tailored to individuals’ needs. Our goal is to ensure that warnings compel action, minimize uncertainty and confusion, and ultimately save lives.JRC.E.1 - Disaster Risk Managemen
Increased childcare to promote mothers’ employment in selected EU countries
No full textThis paper provides evidence of the maternal labour supply effects of increased childcare availability in a set of EU Member States based on the behavioural microsimulation model EUROLAB, that uses a labour market equilibrium model to encompass the demand side. Our findings indicate that achieving higher childcare participation rates would result in an overall increase in the labour supply of mothers with children below 3, with variations across countries. Furthermore, the labour demand side moderates slightly the final employment effect, but employment is still expected to rise substantially vis a vis the baseline situation. In countries like Hungary and Poland, where formal childcare and female labour participation are low, the expected impact on employment is likely to be higher. Conversely, in countries like Portugal the changes in employment are more modest. These findings indicate that universal, one-size-fits-all targets may not be efficient in the EU, given significant variations across countries in terms of labour market participation and childcare systems. Thus, tailored childcare policies that account for country-specific contexts within the EU are recommended.JRC.B.2 - Fiscal Policy Analysi
Knowledge Centre on Cancer: Tackling Cancer and other Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Get PDFThis bimonthly Newsletter covers the latest news and achievements of the EC Knowledge Centre on Cancer and other Cancer and non-communicable diseases portfolio projects.
It also provides updates on EC grant calls and latest relevant EC-funded cancer-related projects. Moreover, you can find information about vacancies at the EC Joint Research Centre.JRC.F.1 - Disease Preventio
Impact of the use of azole fungicides, other than as human medicines, on the development of azole-resistant Aspergillus spp.
No full textThe use of azoles in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) other than as human medicines has raised concerns about emergence and spread of azole-resistant Aspergillus species. EU agencies, with the support of JRC, reviewed the evidence and provided conclusions and recommendations on this topic. Although incomplete, data from 2010 to 2021 showed that around 120,000 tonnes of azoles were sold in EU/EEA for uses other than as human medicines. The majority are used as plant protection products (119,000 tonnes), with a stable temporal trend. Evidence supported a link between environmental azole exposure and cross-resistance selection to medical azoles in Aspergillus species (primarily shown for A. fumigatus). Prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in human A. fumigatus infections ranges from 0.7\% to 63.6\% among different disease presentations and geographic regions; mortality rates range from 36\% to 100\% for invasive aspergillosis (IA). It was concluded that azole usage outside the human domain is likely or very likely to contribute to selection of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates that could cause severe disease like IA. Environmental hotspots for resistance selection were identified, including stockpiling of agricultural waste and their possible use as soil amendment/fertiliser for certain agricultural crops (for plant protection products) and freshly cut wood (for biocides). Recommendations were formulated on measures to prevent and control selection of azole resistance in A. fumigatus, including implementation of good agricultural/horticultural practices, proper agricultural and wood waste storage and management, and on approval of new azole fungicides or renewal of existing fungicides. Recommendations on topics to be covered by studies provided when submitting applications for the approval of azole fungicides were listed. For the evaluation of such studies within the approval procedure, a preliminary framework for risk assessment was developed and should be further refined. Data gaps and uncertainties were identified, alongside with respective recommendations to address them.JRC.D.2 - Ocean and Wate
JRC FAIR Data Guidelines
Get PDFThe JRC Data Policy requires that JRC Data be managed following the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) Principles. This paper is a deliverable of the JRC Data Strategy in its call to publish Guidelines to support and enhance the FAIRness of JRC data. The paper provides a framework for evaluating and increasing the level of adherence of JRC datasets to the FAIR Principles, while taking into account specific solutions and strategies available to data publishers. It proposes five progressive levels of FAIR Maturity, indicating which of the FAIR maturity indicators the levels follow and suggesting steps that can improve their FAIR maturity level.JRC.T.4 - Data Governance and Service
Regional potential for ICT collaboration in the context of Smart Specialisation in the Western Balkans
Get PDFThis report, aligned with the JRC's efforts under the Global Gateway strategy as EU flagship investment plan underpinning the external dimension of EU policy across the world, provides insights into Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) collaboration in the Western Balkans, crucial for advancing regional development agendas. It addresses urgent questions on leveraging ICT for digitalisation and green transformation, recognizing high stakes for economic growth and sustainability. Through a mixed-methods approach, it identifies a strong commitment to ICT cooperation among Western Balkan economies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to overcome financial constraints and limited awareness. Key possible policy implications include establishing regional cooperation platforms, creating regional support financial instruments for Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) implementation, and harmonising legal frameworks to foster cross-border cooperation, all essential for enhancing regional competitiveness and innovation capacity. The report underscores the importance of regional partnerships, digital skill enhancement, and strategic alignment to unlock the full potential of the ICT sector in driving economic resilience and growth in the Western Balkans. This study sheds light on the main challenges ahead and opportunities in the region, to be possibly tackled also in the context of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.JRC.B.3 - Territorial Developmen