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Energy scenarios represent a prominent tool to support energy system transitions towards sustainability. In order to better fulfil this role, two elements are widely missing in previous work on designing, analyzing, and using scenarios: First, a more systematic integration of social and socio-technical characteristics of energy systems in scenario design, and, second, a method to apply an accordingly enhanced set of indicators in scenario assessment. In this article, an integrative scenario assessment methodology is introduced that combines these two requirements. It consists of: (i) A model-based scenario analysis using techno-economic and ecological indicators; (ii) a non-model-based analysis using socio-technical indicators; (iii) an assessment of scenario performances with respect to pre-determined indicator targets; (iv) a normalization method to make the two types of results (model-based and non-model-based) comparable; (v) an approach to classify results to facilitate structured interpretation. The combination of these elements represents the added-value of this methodology. It is illustrated for selected indicators, and exemplary results are presented. Methodological challenges and remaining questions, e.g., regarding the analysis of non-model-based indicators, resource requirements, or the robustness of the methodology are pointed out and discussed. We consider this integrative methodology being a substantial improvement of previous scenario assessment methodologies.

In the last few years, the concept of ecosystem-based approach has led to the need for developing integrative assessments that consider the different ecosystem components all together. In Europe, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims at achieving the Good Environmental Status for all regional seas. This requires Member States (MS) to implement monitoring networks and assess the status in 6-years management cycles, based on 11 qualitative descriptors, ranging from biodiversity to noise. For that assessment MS must apply criteria and methodological standards, following certain specifications. However, the number of MS which have undertaken quantitative assessments, or aggregated the different criteria and/or descriptors in holistic assessments, remains low. This is probably due to the few available tools that enable the aggregation of information at different scales (spatial and temporal) and the integration of a diverse range of indicators. In order to identify the main constraints tied to the integration of data from different indicators, criteria and descriptors, this study involved a comparative analysis of a national assessment of official marine data reported by Malta with the integrative Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool (NEAT). In total, we have used 282 indicators, 24 criteria, seven descriptors, and 12 ecosystem components. The results showed a good agreement in the assessment at the indicator level (as applied in the national assessment) and threw light on the advantages of integrating the information at criteria, descriptor or ecosystem component levels, when using NEAT. Such integration allows for a global assessment of status of Malta’s marine waters whilst allowing for the identification of management measures at different spatial levels and for different ecosystem components. Lessons learnt from this case study are applicable to remaining assessments for other European MS.

Development of blended learning leads to reconceptualization of teaching methods, transformation of assessment tools and frameworks. This paper proves the relevance of the integrative assessment frameworks regarding blended learning environments. The authors introduce the original framework combining both formative and summative assessment perspectives. During the experimental implementation, this framework, based on the modified project management earned value method, demonstrated its effectiveness and appropriateness to blended learning programs.

Soils can be sinks of pollutant mixtures, whose effects on terrestrial ecosystems are not of obvious interpretation. Risk assessment is rather codified and many approaches can be used. Nevertheless, there are still uncertainties remaining when dealing with diffuse pollution, including chronic inputs of low, sublethal, concentrations of mixtures of micropollutants. In this paper, we reviewed through a comprehensive literature analysis one of the latest promising methodologies, the triad approach, in order to understand its area of application in terrestrial ecosystems, the ways of applicability and the reported actual usage. In the case of diffuse pollution, where all the criteria of the triad approach can differ in their indication, we show that some improvements have to be made in either the chemical, ecological or ecotoxicological approaches to be able to clearly identify the risk and to address the uncertainties linked to the low, sublethal contents of contaminants.

This study refers to the integrative assessment of sediment quality in three harbour areas at the Spanish Atlantic Coast: Vigo (Northwestern Spain), Bilbao and Pasajes (Northern Spain). At each site, two lines of evidence have been considered: chemical analyses (metal, PAH and PCB concentrations in sediments and ammonia concentration in bioassays) and toxicity tests (Microtox®, Corophium sp. marine amphipod and Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin larvae). Chemical and ecotoxicological results have been integrated by means of a tabular matrix and a multivariate factorial analysis (FA). Highly toxic samples have been characterised in Vigo and Pasajes harbours while Bilbao samples present toxicity levels ranging from non-toxic to moderately toxic. High toxicity is associated with high levels of contaminants whereas confounding factors (ammonia, organic matter and mud) have been identified to be the main cause of low to moderate toxicity. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that deriving potential toxicity of sediments based on comparison with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) is in agreement to toxicity results in areas presenting high levels of contaminants. However, at lower levels of toxicity (low to moderate), the mismatch between the potential toxicity (SQG approach) and the toxicity measured by bioassays is greater, as the former only accounts for chemical concentrations, without considering the interaction between contaminants and the effect of confounding factors. Contrarily, the multivariate analysis seems to be a robust tool for the integration and interpretation of different lines of evidence in areas affected by different sources of contamination.

Background: Personality disorder (PD) is an important predictor of the commission of crimes; however, there is a lack of clinical instruments adjusted to the characteristics of Peruvian convicts. Objective: To develop a reliable and valid comprehensive personality measurement instrument, the Integrative Dimensional Personality Inventory, ICD-11 version (IDPI-11), according to the standards of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Method: A stratified sample of prisoners from the Huancayo Penitentiary (HP) was selected (n study 1 = 60; n study 2 = 1095). Results: High reliability indices (McDonald’s ω ≥ .73) and adequate levels of content validity (CVI-S ≥ .87), construct validity, and criterion validity of the scales were found. This could explain the probability (a) of belonging to the group of inmates with instrumental or impulsive crimes (R2 N ≥ .52, OR ≥ 1.02, p ≤ .021), and (b) that recidivism, designated by the prison security level imposed, increases (R2 ≥ .53, β ≥ 1.16, p ≤ .008). Conclusions: The instrument is a valid and reliable measure that allows a dimensional and integrative assessment of the personality of convicts of the HP, according to ICD-11 standards.  Authors’ contributions LMHO, DNRC, and RMCA conceived the article; DNRC and PAAV collected the data; LMHO and PAAV performed the statistical analysis; LMHO reviewed the contents; and RMCA advised on the entire study and manuscript preparation process.

Considerable scientific, politic and economic attention has been directed to biological invasions. Multiple pathways serve to introduce species to new environments and the release or escape of pets are among the most important sources for species invasions. Risk assessments help to identify species that are likely to become invasive and to set up preventive measures. Weighing the relative importance of ecological and human factors driving the establishment success of abandoned pets, we here present a new methodological guideline to help prioritising management activities for frequently traded pet reptiles. Climate match scores between the different distribution ranges as well as traits and niche axes shared by native and non-native species were assessed. Moreover, we tested for discrepancies in niche breadth between native and non-native ranges and estimated the ability of species to coexist with humans. Potentially moderate to high establishment success in most species was linked to appropriate climate match scores, broader niches with restrained human impacts and high similarities in reproductive traits with the native herpetofauna. Providing baseline information on the invasion potential of pet reptiles, this assessment calls for trade regulations and, to an even greater degree, for large scale education campaigns to prevent the establishment of non-native populations.

The purpose of this research is to develop an integrative assessment model for the subject of Bahasa Indonesia that is effective for high school students. This research was a research and development with some stages proposed by Borg and Gall & Sugiyono. Development of the model begun with preliminary studies, preparation of prototypes, validity test conducted by experts, testing of models in schools, and the analysis of testing results. The calculation for the validity of the model conducted by using Aiken analysis showed some findings. First, the validity of attitude assessment showed that 0.96> 0.83 (very valid). Second, the validity of the knowledge assessment showed that 1.79> 0.73 (very valid). Third, the validity of skills assessment showed that 0.865> 0.860 (valid). In addition, the calculation for the model performed by using Coefficient Cohen’ Kappa also showed some findings as follows. First, the reliability of attitude assessment showed that 0, 87>0, 70 (very reliable). Second, the reliability of the knowledge assessment showed that 1.79> 0.73 (very reliable).  Third, the reliability of skills assessment showed that 0, 71>0, 70 (reliable). The calculation for the practicality of the model conducted by five teachers proves several things. First, the practicality of attitude assessment showed that 3, 6 (very practical). Second, the practicality of the knowledge assessment showed that 3, 5 (very practical). Third, the practicality of skills assessment showed that 3, 7 (very practical). These findings demonstrate that integrative assessment model is very effective for assessing the ability of high school students.

Purpose Existing assessment and decision support tools have limited application to real-world food-energy-water (FEW) Nexus challenges. Integrated assessment approaches are often discipline-specific or highly theoretical, lacking grounding in real-world FEW issues. Recent Findings FEW systems require application of integrated techniques that address multiple attributes of trade-off analyses, dynamic and disparate datasets, and difficult decision contexts. Research must enable: appropriate tool sets matched with FEW Nexus hotspots; customizing existing tools to fit local specifics; compatibility between collected data and integrative nexus assessment tool needs; evaluation of these assessments through incorporation of stakeholder input and guidance forward for solution implementation. Summary The core challenge is identification and design of a set of strategies that are robust under various future conditions (scenarios). Successful strategies must address natural, technological, and human system settings. Approaches that clarify the range of beneficial and potentially adverse trade-offs will support the identification of decisions and intervention options.

This paper discusses the role of animal production systems in a sustainable society; sustainability problems within animal production systems; and four measures for the improvement of the contribution to societal sustainability from animal production. Substantial potentials for improvements are identified that were not previously known. The methodological basis is multi-criteria multi-level analysis within integrated assessment where elements in Impredicative Loop Analysis are integrated with management tools in Swedish agriculture and forestry developed during thousands of years, during which the well-being of the Swedish society and its economic and military power were functions of the land-use skill. The issue—the sustainability footprint of global animal production—is complex and available data are limited. The Swedish case is used as a starting point for an analysis of international relevance. Data from FAO and OECD support the relevance of extrapolating results from the Swedish case to level. The four measures are (i)decrease the consumption of chicken meat in developed nations with 2.6 kg per capita and year; (ii) develop the capacity of ruminants to produce high-quality food from otherwise marginal agroecosystems; (iii) improve milk production per cow with a factor four on global level; and (iv) increase feeding efficiency in milk production globally would substantially improve the societal contribution in terms of increased food supply and decreased pressure on land. The impact of measures (i), (iii) and (iv) on increased global food security was estimated to in total 1.8 billion people in terms of protein supply and a decreased pressure on agricultural land of 217 million ha, of which 41 relate to tropical forests. The 41 million ha of tropical land are due to a decreased demand on soymeal, where this represents more than a halving of total area now used for the production of soymeal. These impacts are of the character either or. The quality of the measures is as first-time estimates, supporting choices of where to direct further efforts in analysis. Two areas were identified as critical for achieving this potential: Feeding strategies to dairy cows as well as methods commonly used to evaluate the sustainability contribution of animal production needs adjustment, so that they comply with the “laws” of diminishing returns, Liebig’s “law” of the minimum and Shelford’s “law” of tolerance, that is, in agreement with well-known principles for efficient natural resource management and the priorities of UN Millennium Development Goals. If not, global food security is at risk.