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Radon is a natural and radioactive gas that can accumulate in indoor environments. Indoor radon concentration (IRC) is influenced, among other factors, by meteorology, which is the subject of this paper. Weather parameters impact indoor radon levels and have already been investigated, but rarely in Switzerland. Moreover, there is a strong need for a better understanding of the radon behaviour inside buildings in Switzerland for public health concerns as Switzerland is a radon prone area. Based on long-term, continuous, and hourly radon measurements, radon distributions classified according to different weather event definitions were investigated and then compared at three different study sites in Western Switzerland. Outdoor temperature influences the most indoor radon, and it is globally anti-correlated. Wind influences indoor radon, but it strongly depends on intensity, direction, and building characteristics. Precipitation influences periodically indoor radon levels relatively to their intensity. Atmospheric pressure and relative humidity do not seem to be huge determinants on IRC. Our results are in line with previous findings and provide a vivid example in Western Switzerland. This paper underlines the different influence complexities of radon, and the need to communicate about it within the broader public and with construction professionals, to raise awareness.

AbstractSupporting farmers in their change to more sustainable practices requires dealing with the singularity of their situations. Taking advantage of local pedoclimatic and socioeconomic potential to build adapted solutions challenges the way agricultural advice is provided. Recent research on transition management shows that this requires the inclusion of change in the individual experience of farmers and the support of peer groups. The question that arises is how to articulate these individual and collective dimensions. In particular, how to ensure the groups are relevant and durable by readjusting their purposes to match the progress of the transition experienced by the farmers on their farms? We created a 5-step approach based on the concepts of “pragmatic inquiry” and “community of practice” to (1) clarify changes on their farms with the farmers, (2) map the changes, (3) record their surprises, and question (4) their collective action and (5) organisation. Its originality is to enable the reorientation of individual projects to be matched with that of the collective actions promoted by the agro-ecological transition. We tested this approach in 5 1-day workshops with 5 farmer groups who breed their own maize. Qualitative analyses of the materials produced and the workshop discussions revealed (1) the changes implemented by the farmers and what they valued, (2) the transition and the major transformations underway, (3) the way in which a collective redefines itself in this changing environment, and (4) the singular identity of each collective. Sharing these results between groups led to (1) a shift in the farmer’s perception of maize from a symbol of intensive agriculture to an important element in the diversification of farming systems, and (2) the realisation that group facilitation should go beyond breeding techniques, be more systemic, and reflect on the renewal of collective action and group identity.

Novice and expert jugglers employ different visuomotor strategies: whereas novices look at the balls around their zeniths, experts tend to fixate their gaze at a central location within the pattern (so-called gaze-through). A gaze-through strategy may reflect visuomotor parsimony, i.e., the use of simpler visuomotor (oculomotor and/or attentional) strategies as afforded by superior tossing accuracy and error corrections. In addition, the more stable gaze during a gaze-through strategy may result in more accurate movement planning by providing a stable base for gaze-centered neural coding of ball motion and movement plans or for shifts in attention. To determine whether a stable gaze might indeed have such beneficial effects on juggling, we examined juggling variability during 3-ball cascade juggling with and without constrained gaze fixation (at various depths) in expert performers ( n = 5). Novice jugglers were included ( n = 5) for comparison, even though our predictions pertained specifically to expert juggling. We indeed observed that experts, but not novices, juggled significantly less variable when fixating, compared to unconstrained viewing. Thus, while visuomotor parsimony might still contribute to the emergence of a gaze-through strategy, this study highlights an additional role for improved movement planning. This role may be engendered by gaze-centered coding and/or attentional control mechanisms in the brain.

Seed germination and seedling establishment are the main factors for a successful start of a crop, determining crop health, weed suppression and overall crop performance. They are critical, but sensitive phases in crop production. High seed vigour and appropriate seed microbiota significantly contribute to the resilience of seedlings. This opinion paper is based on a review of relevant literature, two case studies with wheat and carrot and a subsequent stakeholder consultation in the framework of the European project LIVESEED. It presents a seed health strategy for organic farming systems that accounts for dynamic processes behind seed and plant health, taking advantage of the contributions of seed vigour and seed microbiota. Seed and plant health are understood as a continuum. Benefits of seed vigour and microbiota are showcased. Recommendations are given for organic seed production, seed processing and storage, as well as organic plant breeding and future research. In conclusion, organic farming systems, in particular, have the opportunity, both to develop this perspective on seed and plant health and to benefit from it. Adopting this perspective may require a shift in how crop plants and their seeds are cared for, as well as adapted regulatory frameworks.

Organic and low-input food systems are emerging worldwide in answer to the sustainability crisis of the conventional agri-food sector. “Alternative” systems are based on local, decentralized approaches to production and processing, regarding quality and health, and short supply-chains for products with strong local identities. Diversity is deeply embedded in these food systems, from the agrobiodiversity grown in farmers’ fields, which improves resilience and adaptation, to diverse approaches, contexts and actors in food manufacturing and marketing. Diversity thus becomes a cross-sectoral issue which acknowledges consumers’ demand for healthy products. In the framework of the European project “CERERE, CEreal REnaissance in Rural Europe: embedding diversity in organic and low-input food systems”, the paper aims at reviewing recent research on alternative and sustainable food systems by adopting an innovative and participatory multi-actor approach; this has involved ten practitioners and twenty-two researchers from across Europe and a variety of technical backgrounds in the paper and analysis stages. The participatory approach is the main innovation and distinctive feature of this literature review. Partners selected indeed what they perceived as most relevant in order to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable and diversity based cereal systems and food chains. This includes issues related to alternative food networks, formal and informal institutional settings, grass root initiatives, consumer involvement and, finally, knowledge exchange and sustainability. The review provides an overview of recent research that is relevant to CERERE partners as well as to anyone interested in alternative and sustainable food systems. The main objective of this paper was indeed to present a narrative of studies, which can form the foundation for future applied research to promote alternative methods of cereal production in Europe.

This article examines the potential routes to a revival of collective action in the face of a number of changes impacting the world of work: the importance of information technology, the rise of online platforms, and the development of new forms of freelance work. From our field research, we have identified four patterns liable to shed light on these new issues for unions arising from shifts in the nature of jobs and of work generally. In each case, there is plenty to be considered, whether in relation to the traditional themes of collective demands (pay, working hours, health), or questions of protection and independence posed by the new types of work and jobs. Furthermore, new collective players have emerged, with which unions are trying – or not – to work in the establishment of new rights.

This article looks at the representations and practices of support services for the long-term unemployed. Proponents of such measures extol the virtues of the support relationship as well as the independence and involvement of those being supported, over and above the “contract” formalising the relationship as well as the rights and obligations of both parties to the support relationship. The complexity of this interaction is readily apparent, spanning various types of relationship: interpersonal, professional and that of service provision. The dynamics and professional regulation of support services are aimed at adapting to its variable and ever-evolving nature and the idiosyncrasies of each situation. However, support providers do not always have the resources at their disposal, within their organisation and in the local area, to meet the expectations of support recipients, whether in relation to getting back into work or to an egalitarian vision of the support offered.

Cet article interroge les voies possibles d’un renouvellement de l’action collective face à un certain nombre de mutations qui affectent le monde du travail : la place du digital, l’essor des plateformes numériques, le développement de nouvelles formes de travail indépendant. Au terme de notre enquête de terrain, nous avons identifié quatre configurations susceptibles d’éclairer ces nouveaux enjeux syndicaux associés aux transformations de l’emploi et du travail. Dans tous les cas, il existe du « grain à moudre », qu’il s’agisse des thèmes traditionnels de la revendication collective (rémunération, temps de travail, santé), ou des questions de protection et d’autonomie, telles qu’elles sont posées par les nouvelles formes de travail et d’emploi. En outre, de nouveaux acteurs collectifs ont émergé, avec lesquels les organisations syndicales tentent – ou non – de travailler à la « mouture » de nouveaux droits. This article examines the potential routes to a revival of collective action in the face of a number of changes impacting the world of work: the importance of information technology, the rise of online platforms, and the development of new forms of freelance work. From our field research, we have identified four patterns liable to shed light on these new issues for unions arising from shifts in the nature of jobs and of work generally. In each case, there is plenty to be considered, whether in relation to the traditional themes of collective demands (pay, working hours, health), or questions of protection and independence posed by the new types of work and jobs. Furthermore, new collective players have emerged, with which unions are trying – or not – to work in the establishment of new rights.