DNA-based identification through the use of metabarcoding has been proposed as the next step in the monitoring of biological communities, such as those assessed under the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Advances have been made in the field of metabarcoding, but challenges remain when using complex samples. …

This article aims to supplement the three “golden rules” of rewilding – or three Cs – the Cores, Carnivores, and Corridors – by a fourth C – Compassion, in discussing the case of Oostvaardeplassen in The Netherlands. The cores refer to large, strictly protected ecologically intact areas, carnivores refer …

Annual rhythms in humans have been described for a limited number of behavioral and physiological parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate time-of-year variations in late arrivals, sick leaves, dismissals from class (attendance), and grades (performance). Data were collected in Dutch high …

Insect hyperparasitoids are fourth trophic level organisms that commonly occur in terrestrial food webs, yet they are relatively understudied. These top-carnivores can disrupt biological pest control by suppressing the populations of their parasitoid hosts, leading to pest outbreaks, especially in confined …

The human-technology symbiosis has brought us prosperity and adversity, and through the massive scaling that has arisen, we now face global problems (environment, climate, technological totalitarianism / technological iatrogenesis, lack of meaning) that we can’t solve with our nearly 300,000 year old …

 In summary we want to discuss:1) Courses and training in the field of nursing (General); elderly care, dementia and physical therapy.2) sending Chinese students to Groningen, Deventer3) training in the use of home automation and application of the technology in care homes, or in residential communities …

Fungal contaminations cause problems in different industries worldwide. One of these is the production of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) which are used as biological pesticides. How these contaminations occur is often unclear. Because the production and formulation process is done partly in the open …

Ecocentrism has roots in environmental philosophy, which questions the conceptual dichotomy between humans and the environment, acknowledging nonhuman species' right to flourish independently of human interest (Naess 1973). Generally, ecocentrism refers to a planet- and nature-centered as opposed to …

Early links in the food web are crucial to sustain higher levels in the food web. Molecules of high importance, for example unsaturated fatty acids, play a key role in aquatic ecosystems. Unsaturated fatty acids are produced by primary producers for instance phytoplankton. Almost all organisms need to …

Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems in the world, in terms of both biological diversity and economy. These ecosystems are under a great amount of threats (e.g. climate change, pollution, coastal development and overfishing), which can lead to reef degradation and decrease of three-dimensional …