This thesis aims to evaluate the potential of an aluminum extension to improve the operational service level of the Zeelandbrug, in terms of capacity and safety. This encompasses assessing the bridge's current performance, investigating evolving regional transport demands, defining improvement priorities, …

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, countries around the world are pursuing electrification policies. In residential areas, electrification will increase electricity supply and demand, which is expected to increase grid congestion at a faster rate than grids can be reinforced. Battery energy storage …

The historic city of Geertruidenberg owes its bulwarks and fortresses to the defense of the mouth of the river Donge, which connects it to the Biesbosch. Nowadays the city is attractive for tourists and watersports. To improve the facilities for stay and harboring, and at the same time to invigorate …

The Dutch SDG Barometer 2024 reveals a nuanced perspective on sustainability progress in the Netherlands. While awareness of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains high among Dutch organizations, significant challenges persist in their prioritization, implementation and measurement. …

More frequently occurring droughts, related to climate change, lead to reduced growth and loss of vitality in trees. The recent drought of 2018 was extreme, long-lasting and resulted in high evaporative demands due to the concurrent high temperatures. The aim of this study was to compare the drought …

As the World Health Organization launched its age-friendly city and communities programme nearly two decades ago, it raises concerns how to measure and evaluate urban policies concerning age-friendliness. This work presents the translation, validation and results of survey research for the older population …

Background: A Dutch nationwide prospective cohort study was initiated to investigate recovery trajectories of people recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and costs of treatment by primary care allied health professionals.  Objectives: The study described recovery trajectories over a period …

Insufficient physical activity presents a significant hazard to overall health, with sedentary lifestyles linked to a variety of health issues. Monitoring physical activity levels allows the recognition of patterns of sedentary behavior and the provision of coaching to meet the recommended physical activity …

Providing equitable food security for a growing population while minimizing environmental impacts and enhancing resilience to climate shocks is an ongoing challenge. Here, we quantify the resource intensity, environmental impacts and nutritional output of a small (0.075 ha) low-input subsistence Mediterranean …

Concrete is arguably the most widely used building material in the world today. Current estimates of world cement manufacture are of the order of 1.7*109 tons per year, enough to produce well over 6 km3 of concrete per year or at least 1 m3 per person (Gartner, 2004). It is a composite material made …