bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salutogenesis as a Framework for Social Recovery After Disaster
Authors: Généreux Mélissa , Roy Mathieu , O’Sullivan Tracey , Maltais Danielle
Published: January 2022

This chapter has its starting point in 2013, when a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada. Research on the aftermath of this tragedy indicates that the adverse psychosocial impacts resulting from the rail tragedy decreased over time. The authors explain that although the tragedy certainly has left its mark, the local community is gradually adapting to its new reality. The asset-based approach to recovery that has been encouraged seems to have contributed to the “new reality,” emphasizing the importance of social capital to activate individual and community resilience in post-disaster contexts. The authors identify and discuss success factors supporting the recovery of citizens and the social reconstruction of the community, and they document the positive development of the psychosocial situation in Lac-Mégantic, commenting also on the importance of developing a shared understanding of risks and working together in finding solutions.

The authors conclude by discussing the importance of long-term initiatives to promote understanding, preventing, and reducing psychosocial risks in the months and years following a disaster, and the need to move from disaster management to risk management logic in response to disasters.
Salutogenesis Meeting Places: The Global Working Group, the Center, and the Society on Salutogenesis
Authors: Bauer Georg F.
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, the author provides the reader with a useful description of Salutogenesis meeting places. These are the Society for Theory and Research on Salutogenesis (STARS) and the Global Working Group on Salutogenesis (GWG-Sal) of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE). The author also provides information about the Center on Salutogenesis at the University of Zürich in Switzerland. The Center is the host organization of both meeting places. The key message of this chapter is that one’s involvement in STARS will extend one’s professional network, open new avenues for research and publishing, and help achieve a vision of “salutogenesis for thriving societies.” The reader wanting to connect more directly to a global salutogenesis network will find this chapter to be of great practical value.
From Common Reader to Canon: Memorialising the Shakespeare-Reading British Soldier During the First World War
Authors: King Edmund G. C.
Published: January 2022

In 1916, at the same time as Shakespearean tercentenary addresses were claiming that Shakespeare epitomised British national ideals, numerous press dispatches ‘from the field’ appeared in British newspapers seeming to prove the existence of a large audience of Shakespearean readers among those fighting for those ‘ideals’ in active zones. This chapter examines some of these claims. It asks how the image of the Shakespeare-reading soldier was deployed within book-trade and charity publicity and capitalised upon by educators and other members of Britain’s cultural and intellectual elites. It assesses the ways in which press anecdotes about soldiers reading the classics contributed to larger discourses of national identity and cultural and aesthetic mobilisation. Finally, it asks how these accounts may have contributed to the conflict’s transmutation into a ‘literary war’ in post-war collective memory, one in which literature came to assume an outsized role in how the conflict was subsequently memorialised.
Social Innovation in Higher Education from a Disability Studies Perspective
Authors: Cserti-Szauer Csilla , Sándor Anikó , Katona Vanda , Könczei György
Published: January 2022

Due to the traditionally highly hierarchical nature of science, close connection with praxis is not always smooth. Participatory approaches can significantly support the balancing of power and the connection of academic theory with practice. In (Critical) Disability Studies, it is particularly important that user needs are met through co-productive design, and implementation. In this chapter after providing the theoretical foundation of (Critical) Disability Studies, our experiences are summarized in research, teaching, and service development, highlighting the strengths and challenges of the participatory approach to enrich the social innovation ecosystem. Finally, the chapter points out the adaptation and many possibilities of the participatory method that might create inclusive networks and communities in higher education.
Design of a Social Innovation Competence Framework to Educate Entrepreneurs in Developing on the International Stage
Authors: Yeratziotis Alexandros , Aadland Torgeir , Brandshaug Sigrid Westad , Mettouris Christos , Vanezi Evangelia , Papadopoulos George Angelos
Published: January 2022

The European Commission identifies entrepreneurship as one of eight competences necessary for all members of a knowledge-based society. The Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp framework) is a tool that European citizens and organisations can utilise to improve entrepreneurial capacity. Social entrepreneurship in particular, has been gaining momentum for numerous reasons. None more so than it being seen as an approach to offer solutions to worldwide social problems. Despite the increasing demand for social entrepreneurship, mainstream internationalization literature for social entrepreneurs remains underdeveloped and little is known about competences social entrepreneurs require to become successful with their internationalization efforts. In this chapter, the social innovation competence framework is presented; empirical work focusing on educating social entrepreneurs to acquire and improve upon competencies needed for going international. The framework, which uses the EntreComp framework as a foundation for its descriptions of the competences, was developed as part of the Erasmus+ project ISSA.
Higher Education Practices for Social Innovation and Sustainable Development
Authors: Dryjanska Laura , Kostalova Jana , Vidović Davorka
Published: January 2022

Social innovation and sustainable development should constitute learning objectives in higher education across disciplines, while encouraging collaboration among future professionals. The theoretical framework of the multidisciplinary theory of social representations applies the training model of scientist-practitioner-advocate to education aimed at social innovation. The contribution considers sustainable development in the light of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter discusses some higher education practices from two different countries and fields of study. In the Czech Republic, innovative ways of involving students in practical work experience consist of participation in existing community projects, creation of publicly presented content or involvement in real-life situations. These practices and examples of activities lead towards enhanced civic engagement and responsibility; and a sustainable approach of students. In Croatia, innovative interactive practices include rural pop-up hubs and action research projects. They have been applied in both public and private higher education institutions to boost students’ engagement and critical thinking.
Fostering Research with Societal Impact in Higher Education Institutions: A Review and Conceptualization
Authors: Păunescu Carmen , Nikina-Ruohonen Anna , Stukalina Yulia
Published: January 2022

There is an increasing pressure on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to produce societally relevant and impactful research, and to actively engage with non-academic stakeholders who are looking for answers to their challenges. This is a special challenge for social sciences, such as business, management, entrepreneurship, as opposed to natural sciences that rely largely on quantifiable data and statistics. The present chapter addresses this challenge and introduces the dimensions of societal impact of research produced by HEIs and describes the mechanism through which HEIs can provide impactful research needed for economic competitiveness and societal well-being. Illustrations are offered on how HEIs can boost their ability to transform the results of academic and applied research into beneficial knowledge and management practice for stakeholders, including business, industry, economy and civil society at large. The chapter sheds light on how to reinforce collaboration with non-academic stakeholders and partners within research and innovation ecosystems. To support the HEI’s work, a framework for managing research with societal impact in HEIs is proposed.
Introduction: Shipboard Literary Cultures and the Stain of the Sea
Authors: Liebich Susann , Publicover Laurence
Published: January 2022

The introduction to the edited volume outlines the topics covered by the essays that follow and places them within historical and academic contexts. Turning for examples to several literary and non-literary texts, most notably the 1820s diaries of Edward Beck and Richard Henry Dana, Jr.’sTwo Years Before the Mast(1840), it considers the differences and the continuities that prevail in shipboard environments across time, while also discussing the ways in which the human experience of time itself is complicated by seafaring. Particular attention is paid to the role of literary practices in shaping the experience of seafaring—to how such practices construct and reshape shipboard hierarchies, and also to how they help seafarers come to terms with the shipboard environment and with the ocean itself. While thus shaping shipboard cultures, the introduction argues, literary practices are also themselves affected—or ‘stained’—by the ocean environment.
Application Specific Integrated Circuits for High Resolution X and Gamma Ray Semiconductor Detectors
Authors: Mele Filippo
Published: January 2022

The increasing demand for performance improvements in radiation detectors, driven by cutting-edge research in nuclear physics, astrophysics and medical imaging, is causing not only a proliferation in the variety of the radiation sensors, but also a growing necessity of tailored solutions for the front-end readout electronics. Within this work, novel solutions for application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) adopted in high-resolution X and $$\upgamma $$
γ
 ray spectroscopy applications are studied. In the first part of this work, an ultra-low noise charge sensitive amplifier (CSA) is presented, with specific focus on sub-microsecond filtering, addressing the growing interest in high-luminosity experiments. The CSA demonstrated excellent results with Silicon Drift Detectors (SDDs), and with room temperature Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) detectors, recording a state-of-the-art noise performance. The integration of the CSA within two full-custom radiation detection instruments realized for the ELETTRA (Trieste, Italy) and SESAME (Allan, Jordan) synchrotrons is also presented. In the second part of this work, an ASIC constellation designed for X-Gamma imaging spectrometer (XGIS) onboard of the THESEUS space mission is described. The presented readout ASIC has a highly customized distributed architecture, and integrates a complete on-chip signal filtering, acquisition and digitization with an ultra-low power consumption.
Beyond the Traditional Analyses and Resource Management in Real-Time Systems
Authors: Reghenzani Federico
Published: January 2022

The difficulties in estimating the Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) of applications make the use of modern computing architectures limited in real-time systems. Critical embedded systems require the tasks of hard real-time applications to meet their deadlines, and formal proofs on the validity of this condition are usually required by certification authorities. In the last decade, researchers proposed the use of probabilistic measurement-based methods to estimate the WCET instead of traditional static methods. In this chapter, we summarize recent theoretical and quantitative results on the use of probabilistic approaches to estimate the WCET presented in the PhD thesis of the author, including possible exploitation scenarios, open challenges, and future directions.
Configurable Environments in Reinforcement Learning: An Overview
Authors: Metelli Alberto Maria
Published: January 2022

Reinforcement Learning (RL) has emerged as an effective approach to address a variety of complex control tasks. In a typical RL problem, an agent interacts with the environment by perceiving observations and performing actions, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the cumulative reward. In the traditional formulation, the environment is assumed to be a fixed entity that cannot be externally controlled. However, there exist several real-world scenarios in which the environment offers the opportunity toconfiguresome of its parameters, with diverse effects on the agent’s learning process. In this contribution, we provide an overview of the main aspects of environment configurability. We start by introducing the formalism of the Configurable Markov Decision Processes (Conf-MDPs) and we illustrate the solutions concepts. Then, we revise the algorithms for solving the learning problem in Conf-MDPs. Finally, we present two applications of Conf-MDPs: policy space identification and control frequency adaptation.
Hinführung und Rahmenbedingungen für die Entwicklung eines toolbasierten Beratungsansatzes für Seamless Learning Konzeptionen
Authors: Rapp Christian , Dilger Bernadette , Gommers Luci , Butz Andreas , Huff Simon , Lang Michael , Mueller Rainer , Schimkat R.-D.
Published: January 2022

Wie gestalte ich Seamless Learning Konzepte? Mit der Entwicklung eines toolbasierten Beratungsansatzes wurden die Materialien, Entwicklungsschritte und theoretischen Konzepte zu Seamless Learning aus den Erfahrungen des IBH-Lab Seamless Learning Basisprojekts aufbereitet und in ein Unterstützungssystem für Dozierende übersetzt. Der Beitrag beschreibt den Ansatz und die Funktionsweise des Beratungsansatzes, thematisiert die erkannten Probleme bei der Entwicklung und die technologischen Grundlagen. Im Mittelpunkt steht die Beschreibung der entwickelten Seamless Learning Plattform und die verschiedenen Unterstützungsfunktionen, die die Seamless Learning Plattform bietet. Verschiedene Nutzungsszenarien, ein Ausblick auf weitere Nutzungsformen sowie eine erste kritische Diskussion runden die Darstellung ab. Mit dem Beitrag steht den Leserinnen und Lesern eine strukturierte Einführung in den entwickelten toolbasierten Beratungsansatz zum Seamless Learning zur Verfügung.
Projekt im Projekt: Agiles Vorgehen, Kommunizieren und Lernen
Authors: Mueller Rainer , Schimkat Ralf-Dieter , Huff Simon , Lang Michael
Published: January 2022

Das Lehrprinzip PIPE (Projekt-im-Projekt-Erfahrung) wurde an der Hochschule Konstanz über 7 Jahre hinweg entwickelt und dabei stetig anhand eines Masterkurses in Informatik verfeinert. PIPE setzt einen einen projektartigen Kompetenzerwerb voraus. Dies ist etwa der Fall, wenn die für das jeweilige Lehrgebiet relevanten Kompetenzen in einer projektartigen Form geübt oder trainiert werden können oder wenn die spätere Anwendung erlangter Kompetenzen im Berufsalltag ein projektartiges Tätigkeitsfeld ist.
Einzelprojekt „Wellen“
Authors: Witzig Andreas
Published: January 2022

Wellenphänomene werden in den Lehrplänen meist erst nach gründlicher Vorbereitung der formalen Grundlagen eingeführt. Die Studierenden verfügen dann über ein mathematisches Rüstzeug, dass ihnen den Zugang über analytische Formeln erlaubt. Als Alternative zu diesem mathematiklastigen Weg möchten wir in diesem Projekt das Experimentieren mit Computersimulationen ins Zentrum stellen.
Thesis Writer: Digitale Anleitung zum wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten, Schreiben und Denken
Authors: Rapp Christian , Kruse Otto , Ott Jakob
Published: January 2022

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Entwicklung der Schreibplattform „Thesis Writer“, die Studierende beim Verfassen ihrer Abschlussarbeit und Lehrende bei deren Anleitung unterstützt. Der Beitrag erläutert zunächst, vor welchen Problemen Studierende stehen, wenn sie erstmals eine wissenschaftliche Arbeit selbständig verfassen müssen und nach welcher Logik die gewählte digitale Anleitung aufgebaut ist. Der Beitrag bietet einen Überblick über die Vorarbeiten, auf denen das Projekt beruht und stellt einige Schritte des design-based Ansatzes dar, die zu seiner heutigen Form geführt haben. Struktur und Aufbau des Tools werden ausführlich dargestellt, ebenso wie die Hilfsfunktionen, die zusätzlich zu dem Word Editor angeboten werden. Zwei Pilotstudien, die der Evaluation und Weiterentwicklung der Plattform dienen, werden vorgestellt, ehe ein letztes Kapitel darauf eingeht, vor welche Probleme ein solches Tool die Entwicklerinnen und Entwickler stellt, nachdem es fertig ist.
Umgang mit Eltern-Kind-Konflikten aufgrund der Vermutung mediatisierter sexualisierter Gewalt: Eli
Authors: Vobbe Frederic , Kärgel Katharina
Published: January 2022

Bereits die Vermutung mediatisierter sexualisierter Gewalt führt zu Belastungen im Bezugssystem von Kindern und Jugendlichen. Dies zieht oft Konflikte innerhalb der Familie nach sich, die Interventionen erschweren und junge Menschen zusätzlich belasten. Das Kapitel diskutiert Gründe und Dynamiken von Eltern-Kind-Konflikten infolge des Verdachts auf mediatisierte sexualisierte Gewalt. Es bespricht, wie mit diesen belastungsbedingten Konflikten umgegangen werden kann. Es stellt sozialpädagogische und juristische Möglichkeiten des Schutzes junger Menschen dar, auch für den Fall, dass die Frage nach möglicher Gewalt nicht abschließend geklärt werden kann.
Ergebnisse
Authors: Wey Santina
Published: January 2022

Bei DBR-Projekten stellt sich die Frage, wie der zyklische Forschungsprozess und dessen Ergebnisse sinnvoll im linearen Buchformat dargestellt werden können. Die Ergebnisse pro Zyklus darzulegen, würde diverse Redundanzen bedeuten. Außerdem würde es dem Anspruch von DBR-Projekten, bei der Problemlösung ein Gesamtkonzept zu adressieren, nicht gerecht werden.
Nuclear Newcomer Countries—The Path of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AlKaabi Hamad
Published: January 2022

Embarking on nuclear power requires high-level political decisions and commitments, considerable planning efforts, financial investments and commercial considerations, long-term sustainability for safety; as well as international and legal framework for a nuclear power programme. There are numerous challenges surrounding government decisions to introduce nuclear power into the energy mix of a country. This chapter highlights the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) experience and accomplishments in the development and regulation of its nuclear power programme. In particular, it focuses on the milestones of the UAE path, which might be of interest to nuclear newcomer countries and to a broader international community. This chapter outlines the development of the UAE comprehensive national nuclear law and regulatory framework, which started with the so-called “nuclear policy”. It also includes an overview of a strategy that was developed and set the early path for the UAE peaceful nuclear programme, including timelines for specific targets. The international conventions and UAE’s nuclear cooperation agreements, as well as the cooperation with the IAEA are also mentioned. Particular attention has been paid to the role of the UAE nuclear regulator and its mandate and the development of the UAE regulations and regulatory guides. The licensing of the nuclear power programme, as well as the licensing of other activities and practices involving radiation sources have been also described in the publication. In conclusion, the publication shares some lessons the UAE learnt and on which it will base its efforts towards the continuous enhancement of its legal framework.
Russian Vision of the Problems and Prospects of the International Legal Framework in the Context of Small Modular Reactors and Transportable Nuclear Power Units
Authors: Popov Andrey
Published: January 2022

Small modular reactors (SMRs) could be key to providing developing regions with clean and affordable (and cost-effective) electricity. Deployment of SMRs requires a transparent and balanced legal framework that will define the specifics and boundaries of shared responsibility between the host and supplier country, especially in the case of innovative floating SMR projects. Legal experience in nuclear-powered vessels and nuclear installations can be used in the development of regulatory approaches for floating SMRs. This chapter provides an analysis of the applicability of the existing international conventions, including the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the IAEA safeguards agreements, and civil liability instruments, to the floating SMRs. In addition, some considerations for the future development of the legal framework for floating SMRs are proposed.
The Efficacy of the Global Nuclear Security Legal Regime and States’ Implementation Capacity in Light of the Forthcoming Development of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies
Authors: Jenkins Bonnie Denise
Published: January 2022

The forthcoming arrival of small modular reactors and other advanced nuclear reactor technologies can be an immensely beneficial development in the world’s collective pursuit of energy security and meeting climate change objectives. The key question is whether or not these new reactor technologies significantly alter the fundamental premises underlying the existing nuclear security legal regime. The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment (A/CPPNM) are the only legally binding international instruments governing the physical protection of nuclear materials and nuclear facilities. Together the A/CPPNM and the international guidance on nuclear security comprise the current legal framework for nuclear security. This chapter examines whether the A/CPPNM adequately covers advanced reactor technologies; and whether the States that are interested in acquiring these new reactor technologies have the capacity to effectively implement the associated legal requirements, regulatory standards, and international guidance that comes along with such technologies. The analysis touches upon the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the IAEA Nuclear Security Guidance, and issues of cybersecurity.
Aeromobilities and Academic Work
Authors: Lassen Claus
Published: January 2022

Increasingly academic air travel in recent decades is part of a larger transformation and globalisation of modern work life away from the industrial and hierarchical work towards much more flexible, networked and mobile work where air travel often is a critical component. However, the climate crisis and COVID-19 have put such work practices under pressure. Therefore, the chapter first examines the importance of aeromobilities for late modern work, which sets the context of contemporary academic work practices. Next, the chapter particularly examines academic work, where especially physical meetings and face-to-face interaction play a central role in academic work and aeromobilities. The chapter argues here for a more diverse understanding of the meaning and role of such meetings if a lower climate footprint should be achieved. Following, it present a tool that provides a better understanding of which types of meetings particularly require co-presence and face-to-face communication, and which types of meetings that just as well—or perhaps even better and more efficiently—can be carried out as virtual meetings. However, as stressed in the conclusion, such an approach seems to require a much greater focus on ‘aeromobility management’ at academic institutions in the future.
Grapes and Pomegranate Value Chains
Authors: Phadke Manasi , Karandikar Bhushana , Gulati Ashok
Published: January 2022

Horticulture has grown in size and importance within the agriculture landscape of the country. Horticulture production doubled from 191 million tonnes in 2006–07 to nearly 300 million tonnes in 2016–17. In fact, by 2015–16, production of horticulture crops was higher than that of food grains. Further, production of fruit crops as a proportion of horticulture crops increased from 29.5% in 2001–02 to 31.5% in 2015–16.
Matrix metalloproteinase-7 induces E-cadherin cleavage in acid-exposed primary human pharyngeal epithelial cells via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway
Authors: Im Nu-Ri , Kim Byoungjae , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Baek Seung-Kuk
Published: January 2022

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is caused by pharyngeal mucosal damage due to the reflux of gastric contents, including acid, pepsin, and bile juice. Our previous study has demonstrated that LPRD is associated with the cleavage of E-cadherin, which is facilitated by the acid-activated matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7); however, the mechanism by which the acid activates MMP-7 remains unclear.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which MMP-7 is activated in the pharyngeal epithelial cells that are exposed to acid. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured in the epithelial cells exposed to acid. To investigate the signaling mechanism of ROS in the expression of MMP-7, the mechanism of action of the mitogen-activated protein kinase was examined. The expression of various signaling factors was determined, according to the presence or absence of each inhibitor in the acid-exposed pharyngeal epithelial cells. To identify changes in the cleavage of E-cadherin, the integrity of the mucosal membrane was assessed using a transepithelial permeability test. We found that acid exposure increased the levels of ROS, phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, and phosphorylated-c-Jun (p–c-Jun) in pharyngeal epithelial cells. The ROS inhibitor reduced the expression of p-ERK and MMP-7, while the ERK inhibitor reduced the expression of p–c-Jun and MMP-7. Moreover, the c-Jun inhibitor reduced the expression of MMP-7 and blocked the degradation of E-cadherin. In addition, decrease in the levels of immunostained E-cadherin and increase in transepithelial permeability after acid exposure were collectively alleviated by the inhibitors of ROS, ERK, and c-Jun. The degradation of E-cadherin that occurs after human mucosal cells are exposed to acid appears to be caused by an increase in the expression of MMP-7 via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway, which is thought to be an important mechanism associated with the development of LPRD.

Key messages

• ROS is triggered when reflux occurs.

• ROS regulates the transcription factor c-Jun via the ERK pathway.

• The increase in MMP-7 that induces LPRD is induced via the ROS/ERK/c-Jun pathway.

• This study revealed for the first time the expression mechanism of MMP-7, which is one of the causes of LPRD.
Toward digital validation for rapid product development based on digital twin: a framework
Authors: Huang Sihan , Wang Guoxin , Lei Dong , Yan Yan
Published: January 2022

Product development should cover product design, validation, and manufacturing. In traditional product development, physical validation based on physical trial manufacturing is the key step to confirm the design scheme before physical manufacturing. However, physical validation is costly and inefficient, which could be the main obstacle to achieving rapid product development. The emergence of digital twin provides an opportunity to accelerate product development by eliminating physical validation toward digital validation in the smart manufacturing era. Therefore, a framework of rapid product development based on digital twin is proposed in this paper. During product development, the new product is designed according to the new requirements in the virtual space, in which the existing digital twins of products can be referenced. Then, an ultrahigh-fidelity virtual manufacturing system is constructed for digital trial manufacturing based on the digital twin of the manufacturing system and the design scheme of the new product. An ultrahigh-fidelity digital prototype can be obtained from digital trial manufacturing for digital validation. The new product validation is executed on the digital prototype to test its performance. The digital validation results can be used to improve the design scheme of the new product and boost the corresponding manufacturing processes. In addition, the core characteristics and key technologies of rapid product development based on digital twin are discussed. Finally, a case study is presented to implement the proposed framework and to show the effectiveness of accelerating product development.
Can process accountability mitigate myopic biases? An experimental analysis
Authors: Ličen Mina , Slapničar Sergeja
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the impact of process accountability on two biases causing myopic or short-sighted decision making. These biases are strong preferences for immediate and certain outcomes known as delay and risk aversion. We hypothesize that accountability alone is insufficient to undo the biases, but if coupled with a cue on subjective discount rates, it will attenuate biases. To analyze our research question, we used a within- and between-subjects experimental design (two accountability conditions compared with a non-accountability condition and with each other) with delay and probability discounting choice tasks involving 118 students of accounting, finance and management in an online experiment. In line with our hypotheses, we find that process accountability successfully reduces excessive delay and risk aversion only if it provides a cue about the subjective discount rate. We discuss the implications of our findings for management control.
Integrating Ecosystem Services Into Water Resource Management: An Indicator-Based Approach
Authors: Shaad Kashif , Souter Nicholas J. , Vollmer Derek , Regan Helen M. , Bezerra Maíra Ometto
Published: January 2022

Natural ecosystems are fundamental to local water cycles and the water ecosystem services that humans enjoy, such as water provision, outdoor recreation, and flood protection. However, integrating ecosystem services into water resources management requires that they be acknowledged, quantified, and communicated to decision-makers. We present an indicator framework that incorporates the supply of, and demand for, water ecosystem services. This provides an initial diagnostic for water resource managers and a mechanism for evaluating tradeoffs through future scenarios. Building on a risk assessment framework, we present a three-tiered indicator for measuring where demand exceeds the supply of services, addressing the scope (spatial extent), frequency, and amplitude for which objectives (service delivery) are not met. The Ecosystem Service Indicator is measured on a 0–100 scale, which encompasses none to total service delivery. We demonstrate the framework and its applicability to a variety of services and data sources (e.g., monitoring stations, statistical yearbooks, modeled datasets) from case studies in China and Southeast Asia. We evaluate the sensitivity of the indicator scores to varying levels data and three methods of calculation using a simulated test dataset. Our indicator framework is conceptually simple, robust, and flexible enough to offer a starting point for decision-makers and to accommodate the evolution and expansion of tools, models and data sources used to measure and evaluate the value of water ecosystem services.
Single-Centre Retrospective Study Using Propensity Score Matching Comparing Left Versus Right Internal Jugular Vein Access for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Creation
Authors: Qiu Zhenkang , Zhu Wenliang , Yan Huzheng , Wang Guobao , Zuo Mengxuan , Qi Han , Wang Guisong , Jiang Weiwei , Xue Jingbing , Zhang Fujun , Gao Fei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To compare the safety and efficacy of left versus right internal jugular vein access for portal vein puncture during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation in patients with a small liver and short vertical puncture distance.

Materials and Methods

The vertical distance from the hepatic vein orifice to the puncture point of the portal vein was measured by CT and DSA. A distance ≤ 30 mm is defined as a short vertical puncture distance. After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), 29 patients of left internal jugular vein-TIPS (LIJ-TIPS) and 29 patients of right internal jugular vein-TIPS (RIJ-TIPS) were included. The number of needle punctures, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose during the puncture process were statistically analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference in the average vertical puncture distances on CT or DSA between LIJ-TIPS and RIJ-TIPS (19.10 ± 0.60 mm vs. 19.30 ± 0.60 mm, P = 0.840; 22.02 ± 0.69 mm vs. 22.23 ± 0.64 mm, P = 0.822, respectively). The average number of needle punctures, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose in LIJ-TIPS were significantly lower than those in RIJ-TIPS (2.07 ± 0.20 vs. 4.10 ± 0.24, P < 0.001; 78.45 ± 12.80 s vs. 201.16 ± 23.71 s, P < 0.001; 31.55 ± 7.04 mGy vs. 136.69 ± 16.38 mGy, P < 0.001, respectively). Within three punctures, the technical success rate in LIJ-TIPS was significantly higher than that in RIJ-TIPS (86.2 vs. 27.6%, P < 0.001). The incidence of hemoperitoneum in LIJ-TIPS was significantly lower than that in RIJ-TIPS (0% vs. 13.8%, P = 0.038).

Conclusion

The left internal jugular vein could be used as primary access for TIPS creation in patients with a small liver and short vertical puncture distance.
Diagnostic effect of artificial intelligence solution for referable thoracic abnormalities on chest radiography: a multicenter respiratory outpatient diagnostic cohort study
Authors: Jin Kwang Nam , Kim Eun Young , Kim Young Jae , Lee Gi Pyo , Kim Hyungjin , Oh Sohee , Kim Yong Suk , Han Ju Hyuck , Cho Young Jun
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We aim
ed to evaluate a commercial artificial intelligence (AI) solution on a multicenter cohort of chest radiographs and to compare physicians' ability to detect and localize referable thoracic abnormalities with and without AI assistance.

Methods

In this retrospective diagnostic cohort study, we investigated 6,006 consecutive patients who underwent both chest radiography and CT. We evaluated a commercially available AI solution intended to facilitate the detection of three chest abnormalities (nodule/masses, consolidation, and pneumothorax) against a reference standard to measure its diagnostic performance. Moreover, twelve physicians, including thoracic radiologists, board-certified radiologists, radiology residents, and pulmonologists, assessed a dataset of 230 randomly sampled chest radiographic images. The images were reviewed twice per physician, with and without AI, with a 4-week washout period. We measured the impact of AI assistance on observer's AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the alternative free-response ROC (AUAFROC).

Results

In the entire set (n = 6,006), the AI solution showed average sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 0.885, 0.723, and 0.867, respectively. In the test dataset (n = 230), the average AUC and AUAFROC across observers significantly increased with AI assistance (from 0.861 to 0.886; p = 0.003 and from 0.797 to 0.822; p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

The diagnostic performance of the AI solution was found to be acceptable for the images from respiratory outpatient clinics. The diagnostic performance of physicians marginally improved with the use of AI solutions. Further evaluation of AI assistance for chest radiographs using a prospective design is required to prove the efficacy of AI assistance.

Key Points

• AI assistance for chest radiographs marginally improved physicians’ performance in detecting and localizing referable thoracic abnormalities on chest radiographs.

• The detection or localization of referable thoracic abnormalities by pulmonologists and radiology residents improved with the use of AI assistance.
Can we increase efficiency of CT lung cancer screening by combining with CVD and COPD screening? Results of an early economic evaluation
Authors: Behr Carina M. , Koffijberg Hendrik , Degeling Koen , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , IJzerman Maarten J.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Estimating the maximum acceptable cost (MAC) per screened individual for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer (LC) screening, and determining the effect of additionally screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), or both on the MAC.

Methods

A model-based early health technology assessment (HTA) was conducted to estimate whether a new intervention could be cost-effective by calculating the MAC at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of €20k/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and €80k/QALY, for a population of current and former smokers, aged 50–75 years in The Netherlands. The MAC was estimated based on incremental QALYs gained from a stage shift assuming screened individuals are detected in earlier disease stages. Data were obtained from literature and publicly available statistics and validated with experts.

Results

The MAC per individual for implementing LC screening at a WTP of €20k/QALY was €113. If COPD, CVD, or both were included in screening, the MAC increased to €230, €895, or €971 respectively. Scenario analyses assessed whether screening-specific disease high-risk populations would improve cost-effectiveness, showing that high-risk CVD populations were more likely to improve economic viability compared to COPD.

Conclusions

The economic viability of combined screening is substantially larger than for LC screening alone, primarily due to benefits from CVD screening, and is dependent on the target screening population, which is key to optimise the screening program. The total cost of breast and cervical cancer screening is lower (€420) than the MAC of Big-3, indicating that Big-3 screening may be acceptable from a health economic perspective.

Key Points

• Once-off combined low-dose CT screening for lung cancer, COPD, and CVD in individuals aged 50–75 years is potentially cost-effective if screening would cost less than €971 per screened individual.

• Multi-disease screening requires detailed insight into the co-occurrence of these diseases to identify the optimal target screening population.

• With the same target screening population and WTP, lung cancer-only screening should cost less than €113 per screened individual to be cost-effective.
Performance of current ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification systems for thyroid nodules in patients with follicular neoplasms
Authors: Lin Yinghe , Lai Shuiqing , Wang Peiqing , Li Jinlian , Chen Zhijiang , Wang Long , Guan Haixia , Kuang Jian
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate the ability of the currently used ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification systems for thyroid neoplasms (ATA, AACE/ACE/AME, K-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, ACR-TIRADS and C-TIRADS) in distinguishing follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) from follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA). Additionally, we evaluated the ability of these systems in correctly determining the indication for biopsy.

Methods

Three hundred twenty-nine follicular neoplasms with definitive postoperative histopathology were included. The nodules were categorized according to each of six stratification systems, based on ultrasound findings. We dichotomized nodules into the positive predictive group of FTC (high and intermediate risk) and negative group of FTC based on the classification results. Missed biopsy was defined as neoplasms that were diagnosed as FTCs but for which biopsy was not indicated based on lesion classification. Unnecessary biopsy was defined as neoplasms that were diagnosed as FTAs but for whom biopsy was considered indicated based on classification. The diagnostic performance and missed and unnecessary biopsy rates were evaluated for each stratification system.

Results

The area under the curve of each system for distinguishing follicular neoplasms was < 0.700 (range, 0.511–0.611). The missed biopsy rates were 9.0–22.4%. The missed biopsy rates for lesions ≤ 4 cm and lesions sized 2–4 cm were 16.2–35.1% and 0–20.0%, respectively. Unnecessary biopsy rates were 65.3–93.1%. In ≤ 4 cm group, the unnecessary biopsy rates were 62.2–89.7%.

Conclusion

The malignancy risk stratification systems can select appropriate nodules for biopsy in follicular neoplasms, while they have limitations in distinguishing follicular neoplasms and reducing unnecessary biopsy. Specific stratification systems and recommendations should be established for follicular neoplasms.

Key Points

• Current ultrasound-based malignancy risk stratification systems of thyroid nodules had low efficiency in the characterization of follicular neoplasms.

• The adopted stratification systems showed acceptable performance for selecting FTC for biopsy but unsatisfactory performance for reducing unnecessary biopsy.
Contribution of fortified margarines and other plant-based fats to micronutrient intake in the Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Marjolein H. , Nawijn Eline L. , Verkaik-Kloosterman Janneke
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Purpose

In the Netherlands, margarines and other plant-based fats (fortified fats) are encouraged to be fortified with vitamin A and D, by a covenant between the Ministry of Health and food manufacturers. Frequently, these types of fats are also voluntarily fortified with other micronutrients. The current study investigated the contribution of both encouraged as well as voluntary fortification of fortified fats on the micronutrient intakes in the Netherlands.

Methods

Data of the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (2012–2016; N = 4, 314; 1–79 year.) and the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO version 2016) were used to estimate micronutrient intakes. Statistical Program to Assess Dietary Exposure (SPADE) was used to calculate habitual intakes and compared to dietary reference values, separate for users and non-users of fortified fats.

Results

Of the Dutch population, 84% could be considered as user of fortified fats. Users consumed mostly 1 fortified fat a day, and these fats contributed especially to the total micronutrient intake of the encouraged fortified micronutrients (vitamins D and A; 44% and 29%, respectively). The voluntary fortification also contributed to total micronutrient intakes: between 7 and 32%. Vitamin D and A intakes were up to almost double among users compared to non-users. Intakes were higher among users for almost all micronutrients voluntarily added to fats. Higher habitual intakes resulted into higher risks of excessive vitamin A-intakes among boys and adult women users.

Conclusion

Consumption of fortified fats in the Netherlands resulted into higher vitamin A and D-intakes among users, compared to non-users of these products.
Factors affecting the quality of life of gastric cancer survivors
Authors: Choi Jahyun , Kim Sanghee , Choi Mona , Hyung Woo Jin
Published: January 2022

Background

The number of gastric cancer survivors has been increasing, and such survivors experience various changes in their lives post-recovery. Adapting to these changes requires appropriate interventions that can improve their quality of life (QoL). This study was conducted to investigate the factors affecting the QoL of gastric cancer survivors and provide basic data for effective intervention.

Methods

Data were collected between September 8 and September 29, 2017, from the Gastric Cancer Center at a tertiary hospital. Questionnaire surveys were conducted using the EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22, Self-Efficacy-Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Quality of Life-Cancer Survivors Questionnaire on gastric cancer survivors who were followed up for 3 years after gastrectomy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.

Results

A total of 136 gastric cancer survivors completed the questionnaire survey. There were significant positive correlations of QoL with self-efficacy, functional status, and social support (r = .35, p < .001; r = .53, p < .001; r = .26, p < .001, respectively). There were significant negative correlations of QoL with general symptoms (r =  − .39, p < .001) and gastric cancer-specific symptoms (r =  − .51, p < .001). The regression model explained 48.3% of the QoL, and the affecting factors were gastric cancer-specific symptoms (β =  − .397, p < .001), religious belief (β = .299, p < .001), functional status (β = .251, p = .003), and self-efficacy (β = .191, p = .004).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that gastric cancer-specific symptoms, spiritual well-being, self-efficacy, and functional status affect the QoL of gastric cancer survivors. Hence, these factors should be considered in the interventions to improve the QoL of gastric cancer survivors.
Nocebo effect in multiple system atrophy: systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials
Authors: Wang Zi-Xuan , Zhang Nan-Nan , Zhao Hai-Xia , Song Jie
Published: January 2022

Background

Nocebo effect is prevalent among neurological diseases, resulting in low adherence and treatment outcome. We sought to examine the nocebo effect in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Methods

We searched RCTs in MSA from Medline since September, 2021. RCTs for drug treatment conducted in adult MSA patients with more than 5 cases in each treatment arm were included. We assessed the number of dropout due to placebo intolerance. We also did a symptomatic/disease-modifying subgroup analysis based on two different treatment purposes. The STATA software was used for statistical analysis. Overall heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q and I2.

Results

Data were extracted from 11 RCTs fulfilling our search criteria. Of 540 placebo-treated patients, 64.2% reported at least one adverse event (AE) and 7.5% reported dropout because of AEs. The chance of dropping out because of an AE and experiencing at least one AE did not differ between placebo and active drug treatment arms. Besides, the pooled nocebo dropout rate in the symptomatic subgroup was similar to that of the disease-modifying subgroup.

Conclusion

In MSA RCTs, nocebo dropout rate was not at a low level among neurological disorders. Nocebo effect was an important reason of dropout because of AE in placebo and active drug treatment arms. Different treatment purposes may not influence nocebo effect.