Abstract
The interdependencies of parameters applied in the models of EUSES are visualised in a directed connectivity graph. The parameters (inputs, defaults, state variables, outputs) are represented by boxes (nodes) and their relations by lines (edges). The visualisation, on the one hand, clarifies the complexity of the models in EUSES and, on the other hand, creates an overview and transparency. The parameters’ relations to each other can be recognised faster, and the models can be better understood. The complexity was quantified by the number (variety), kind (substance parameter, physico-chemical parameter, concentration, other parameters), and depth (dimension) of the parameter and the number of relations (connectivity). The variety of EUSES (without the modelsSimple Treat andSimple Box whose interior structure is not documented and without the effect and risk characterisation) amounts to 466, the connectivity to 961, and the maximal dimension is 21.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
EC (1996): Technical Guidance Document in Support of the Commission Directive 93/67/EEC on Risk Assessment for New Notified Substances and the Commission Regulation (EC) 1488/ 94 on Risk Assessment for Existing Substances, Part I–IV. Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg
EC (1996): EUSES Documentation — The European Union System for the Evaluation of Substances. National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands, available from European Chemicals Bureau (EC/DGXI), Ispra
Schwartz, S.;Berding, V.;Matthies, M. (1998): Quality criteria for environmental risk software — Using the example of EUSES. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 5, 217–222
Kulla, B. (1979): Angewandte Systemwissenschaft. Physica-Verlag, Würzburg-Wien
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Berding, V., Schwartz, S. & Matthies, M. Visualisation of the complexity of EUSES. Environ. Sci. & Pollut. Res 6, 37–43 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02987119
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02987119