European Data Research Articles

Analisis Yuridis tentang Perlindungan Konsumen pada E-Commerce di Indonesia: Pendekatan Yuridis-Normatif

This study focuses on the juridical analysis of consumer protection in e-commerce transactions in Indonesia, considering the sector's rapid growth, which reached a total transaction value of IDR 631 trillion in 2023. On the other hand, consumer complaints have continued to rise, involving issues such as fraud, defective products, and data privacy violations. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulations, such as Law No. 8 of 1999 and its supporting regulations, in protecting consumer rights. Using a normative-juridical approach, the study examines the legal substance, implementation, and gaps between national regulations and international standards like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The findings indicate that although national regulations provide basic protections, their effectiveness is considered low, particularly in the aspect of personal data protection, which only achieves 40% effectiveness, significantly lagging the GDPR at 95%. Additionally, inefficient complaint mechanisms and weak coordination among government agencies are major obstacles to resolving consumer disputes. Low digital literacy among consumers further exacerbates the ineffectiveness of the protection provided by existing regulations. The study concludes that national regulations require significant reform to be more adaptive to digital challenges. Policy recommendations include adopting GDPR principles, strengthening government oversight, and enhancing consumer education. This study's contribution is expected to strengthen a safe, transparent, and equitable e-commerce ecosystem in Indonesia while boosting consumer trust in online transactions.

PERSONAL DATA BREACH ON THE INTERNET: A CASE STUDY ON GOOGLE FONT

Web pages have maintained their popularity from the moment the internet entered our lives becoming a social media catalogue for every sector. Websites facilitated and accelerated many processes such as reaching target audiences, advertising, or sales. Thus, the presence of every sector in the social environment was ensured. With the development of information technology, design opportunities have also developed and the visuality and attractiveness of web pages have gradually increased. Video and text effects are at the top of the design possibilities. Apart from the attractive possibilities of these developing design possibilities, they have also been used for malicious purposes such as stealing or damaging information. This study addresses how the use of Google Fonts conflicts with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ways to solve this problem. The GDPR has introduced strict rules on the protection and processing of personal data. However, Google Fonts, which is widely used by web developers and designers, sends users' IP addresses to Google's servers without explicitly stating how this data is processed. This is contrary to the GDPR principles of transparency and data minimization. This article elaborates on the privacy implications of using Google Fonts as well as the GDPR violations. As a solution, this study introduces alternatives such as local font hosting, open-source font libraries, and associated best practices. It also emphasizes the significance of the adoption of privacy-oriented design principles by web developers and designers and discusses the potential of these approaches to achieve GDPR compliance. In terms of theoretical and practical perspective, this study aims to provide a roadmap for harmonizing the use of Google Fonts and similar services with applicable privacy-related legislation.

Dietary risk assessment of children and adults consuming fruit and vegetables with multiple pesticide residues

Fruit and vegetables are a basic component of the human diet. European pesticide monitoring data indicated recently that in one sample multiple residues were detected which might be a public concern. Thus, the challenge of the present study was to assess the potential dietary exposure of the most critical EU children and adults subpopulations consuming fruit and vegetables. Overall, a total of 1,182 samples 333 fruit and 849 vegetable samples from Polish production were monitored for the presence of 550 active substances during 2021–2023. Multiple pesticide occurrence was as follows: 2021 – 8%; 2022 – 12%; 2023 – 10%. In individual sample up to 11 pesticides were simultaneously detected in the range of 0.0052 mg kg-1 (fenpyroximate) – 7.10 mg kg-1 (difenoconazole). The top detected active substance was acetamiprid (neonicotinoid insecticide) and boscalid (carboxamide fungicide). The risk assessment occurring during a single day/meal to 28 detected pesticides was calculated. Acute exposure was low for fruit samples, despite a high frequency of many pesticides, e.g. cherries containing 11 pesticides (i.e. cyantraniliprole 35.5% ARfD for children, lambda-cyhalothrin 73.4% ARfD for adults). In the vegetable group, one dill sample containing not-approved chlorpyrifos could pose a risk to children (120.0% ARfD). Unacceptable risk to children's health (% ARfD>100) was assessed for a lettuce sample with 9 pesticides, including endocrine disruptors pyrethroids i.e. cypermethrin and deltamethrin. The model based on the worst-case scenario provided a margin for consumer safety. The approach showed that fruit and vegetables with multiple residues could not be considered a serious public health problem.

Comportamento higrotérmico de tijolo cerâmico de olaria do sul do Brasil

Abstract The presence of moisture in buildings can lead to pathological manifestations, and the behavior of materials when exposed to various conditions can be predicted through computational simulations. For this purpose, the hygrothermal characteristics of building elements are paramount. In Brazil, there is a gap in studies on the hygrothermal properties of materials, compromising simulations. This article discusses the possibilities of using European data in simulating moisture transport in ceramic brick walls in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The results were generated by comparing hygrothermal simulations with WUFI Pro 6.5 using the simulation program database with data collected from laboratory tests on ceramic bricks from a southern Brazilian brickyard. Tests for water vapor diffusion resistance, water absorption, and hygroscopic curves were conducted. Although both situations led to the growth of filamentous fungi, experimental data led to3% lower values compared to database results. Regarding surface condensation, a likely higher occurrence was observed when using laboratory test data.

Evaluating the Impact of Data Protection Compliance on AI Development and Deployment in the U.S. Health sector

This paper evaluates the impact of data protection Compliance on artificial intelligence development and deployment in the U.S. Health sector. As AI technologies develop quickly, worries about data security and privacy have increased, especially in delicate industries like healthcare. HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and CCPA, or California Consumer Privacy Act, are two important U.S. laws that are examined in this paper along with their comparison to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. The intersection of AI and data protection regulations is also examined. The analysis emphasizes the necessity for privacy-by-design principles and the development of openness and accountability, and it shows how these policies affect AI developers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Through an analysis of the opportunities and obstacles posed by the CCPA and HIPAA, the paper offers useful guidance for managing the regulatory environment and promoting innovation in AI development. The study reports that observing data protection rules is not only required by law but also strategically crucial for fostering public confidence and guaranteeing the moral application of AI in healthcare. The paper finally concludes that maintaining a sustainable growth of AI applications in the U.S. healthcare industry requires striking a balance between technological advancement and stringent data privacy procedures and compliance as AI continues to advance.

Gait Analysis of Ankle Joints of Indonesians at Low, Medium and High Speeds

Background : Amputation is a loss of body part, and most amputations are lower extremity amputations. The most common is transtibial amputation. After an amputation a person will need a prosthesis. However, up to now there has been no functional prosthesis specifically made for Indonesians who undergo transtibial amputation because the ankle joint gait data that are currently used are European gait data. So it is necessary to measure the normal gait data of Indonesians' ankle joint. The aims of this study was to measure the normal gait data of the ankle joint of Indonesian population Methods : The Research sample is Indonesians aged 18–26 years with normal gait measured by the 2DMA (two-dimensional motion analyzers) at low, medium and high speeds. The resulting data is searched for the mean and standard deviations and then an independent t-test is performed between normal gait data of Indonesians and Europeans Results : Indonesians have a range of maximum dorsiflexion values for low, medium, and high speeds of : 7.9°, 8.3°, 8.9° and maximum plantar flexion for low, medium, and high speeds of 13.4°, 20.6°, 26°. In the comparison test there was a significant difference between the maximum plantar flexion angle of Indonesians and Europeans. Conclusion : Indonesians have a range of maximum dorsiflexion values for low, medium, and high speeds of 7.9°, 8.3°, 8.9° and maximum plantar flexion for low, medium, and high speeds of: 13.4°, 20.6°, 26°. There is a difference between the normal gait of the ankle joint of Indonesians and Europeans.

Rock coast geo model: process-response dynamics, resilience and vulnerability

Geology and geomorphology link starkly in coastal environments, exemplifying the importance of Fookes' geo model approach to understanding site dynamics. Cliffs, and the shore platforms that front them, are subject to both marine and subaerial processes. Throughout his work, Fookes emphasises the role of climate as a weathering agent, influencing material properties and requiring consideration in engineering projects. Comparatively, more is known about the operation of rock weathering processes on shore platforms than on cliffs. Yet, with changing climate, it is becoming apparent that winter salt and frost weathering, and summer salt and wetting-drying weathering contribute to more frequent occurrences of coastal rockfalls. Increasing storm activity and rising sea levels are enhancing marine and subaerial processes. Rock coasts are amongst the most rapidly eroding coastlines in Europe. New applications of technologies, including seismometers, Lidar and InSAR, provide a fuller understanding of rock coast process-response geo model behaviour and the resilience of rock coasts on engineering timescales. Communicating scientific understanding of rock coast dynamics to policy-makers, planners and the public remains a challenge. Assessments of hazard, risk, resilience and vulnerability of rock coasts associated with climate change provide useful communication tools. Databases such as the British Geological Survey GeoCoast geohazard data product, and EMODnet Geology (European Marine Observation and Data Network) coastal behaviour data products integrate and visualise available data and information to communicate situational awareness to a broad audience.

Efektivitas Kebijakan Perlindungan Data Pribadi di Indonesia: Analisis Hukum Perdata dengan Pendekatan Studi Kasus

The protection of personal data has emerged as a critical concern in the digital era, particularly in Indonesia, where data breaches are increasing at an alarming rate. This study investigates the effectiveness of Indonesia's data protection policies, focusing on the implementation of Law No. 27 of 2022, and identifies the factors affecting its enforcement. Employing a qualitative approach with a case study methodology, the research analyzes three major data breach incidents involving Tokopedia, BRI Life, and BPJS Kesehatan. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews with legal practitioners and document analysis of relevant regulations and reports. The findings reveal significant gaps in the enforcement of Law No. 27 of 2022, including weak sanctions, inadequate oversight mechanisms, and limited public awareness of data privacy rights. Although the law provides a foundational framework, its effectiveness is hindered by insufficient penalties and the absence of an independent supervisory authority. For instance, while Tokopedia implemented policy revisions post-breach, similar incidents remain likely due to inadequate deterrent measures. Comparatively, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) demonstrates higher effectiveness through stringent sanctions and robust enforcement mechanisms. This study contributes to the discourse on data privacy by highlighting the shortcomings of Indonesia’s current policies and proposing strategic recommendations. These include harmonizing domestic regulations with international standards, strengthening enforcement through independent oversight bodies, and enhancing public education on data privacy rights. By addressing these challenges, Indonesia can establish a more robust data protection framework, fostering trust in its digital ecosystem and ensuring alignment with global practices.

Radiological assessment of Sella Turcica morphology correlates with skeletal classes in an Austrian population: an observational study.

This study aimed to analyze variations in the sella turcica (ST) concerning its size, shape, and bridging, providing first reference values in Austrian individuals. Additionally, it assessed associations between these morphological and demographic parameters and their correlation with patients' skeletal class. 208 lateral cephalometric radiographs (154 female, 54 male; age 8-58 years) from DPU Dental Clinic (Austria) were included. Size, skeletal class, shape, age, and gender of ST were tested for significance in correlation using, (M)ANOVA, and chi-square. Linear dimensions of ST ranged from 11.1 to 12.9mm across readers, with a standard deviation of 2.0-2.2mm. Normal ST (49.76%) and round ST (58.77%) were the most frequent. ST bridging was detected in 6.97%. Skeletal class I appeared most frequently (54.8%). Statistical significance was observed between age, gender, and ST length, with further significant age effects on ST shape. Moreover, age showed significant modification of ST shape, while skeletal parameters appeared unaffected by other ST parameters. These preliminary findings define normal ST dimensions in an Austrian population, offering reference values for clinical interpretation and broadening the available European data. Clear associations between morphological and demographic parameters were detected. Additionally, these findings may contribute to diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in orthodontics and craniofacial pathology. Future studies employing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) along a larger sample size could enhance the generalizability of these findings.

ETHOS.ActivityAssure—An open-source validation framework for synthetic European activity profiles

The simulation of human behavior is an essential component in the domain of energy demand modeling. However, due to its diverse nature, it is often unclear whether a simulated behavior pattern is fitting to certain contexts. Combined with the poor availability of appropriate activity data, this makes proper validation of behavior models difficult. Existing validation approaches are limited and specialized to the respective use case, and are therefore not reusable or comparable. To address this issue, the new open-source framework ETHOS.ActivityAssure is presented for evaluation of generated activity profiles, supporting the validation of behavior models. For this purpose, an aggregated activity dataset is created from restricted European time use data and published to ensure reusability. Validation is conducted through a set of indicators and comparative plots, taking into account activity duration, frequency, and time. A categorization of person types and activities enables mapping to result categories commonly used in behavior models. The framework's capabilities are demonstrated on the residential demand model LoadProfileGenerator. The developed framework allows for consistent and reproducible validation of synthetic activity profiles targeting Europe, without requiring access to confidential data. This offers the opportunity to enhance both new and existing behavior models by identifying flaws, compare multiple modeling approaches, and thoroughly evaluate model quality for diverse target purposes.

Does User Involvement in Developing Public Sector Innovations Improve Outcomes? A Set-Theoretic Analysis of European Data

Theories of a service or public sector logic stress that involving users in developing public sector innovations will produce better outcomes, but outcomes also could be influenced by the type of user involvement. We evaluate the relationship between interactive and non-interactive methods of involving users in innovation activities, along with six other factors, on a sample of management reported post-implementation outcomes from public sector innovations. A set-theoretic analysis is applied separately for service and process innovations to identify combinations (recipes) of eight factors associated with positive outcomes. Both interactive and non-interactive user involvement is associated with positive outcomes, but such involveme is always combined with other innovation capabilities or senior management support for innovation. The results have practical implications for managers for how to assemble resources to improve innovation outcomes.

Overcoming the Friction between the “Right to be Forgotten” and Blockchain Technology through a New Approach

Objective: this paper explores the challenges arising from the conflict between blockchain technology and the “right to be forgotten” as provided by the European data protection framework.Methods: in the First Section, the author provides a brief description of the evolution of blockchain technology and the most pressing issues between traditional blockchain models and UE’s legislations. Among the latter, the author analyzes the specific issue concerning the clash between the traditional blockchains (both private and public models), typically immutable, and the individual’s right to cancellation or modification of own personal data. This section emphasizes the importance of personal data protection, which has always been one of the main tasks for supranational legislators. The legal regulation of data protection and the relevant judicial practice of the European Court of Human Rights is analyzed. The author raises the problem of expressing the free self-determination of an individual in the form of controlling their personal data on the Internet. The Second Section of this contribution is dedicated to the study of probable ways to solve the existing incompatibility and to make the distributed ledger system compatible with the European data protection legislation. An emphasis is made on the model provided by “Traent” company, which ensures the right to data cancellation or modification. The capability of this model to solve the said contradiction is analyzed.Results: the study delves into the peculiar features of the new model to understand how it strategically utilizes the advantages of public and private blockchains guaranteeing not only the validity and authenticity of the chain where the transaction was performed, but, most importantly, the modification and granular cancellation of client’s personal data. This innovative solution offers a potential path forward for navigating the complex intersection of data privacy and blockchain innovation in the European context.Scientific novelty: Traent has implemented a “hybrid” model blockchain that, incorporating both public and private components, to achieve an effective compliance with the European Union regulations, especially those concerning data protection and privacy.Practical significance: the obtained conclusions and proposals can be taken into consideration in improving the compliance of blockchain technologies with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.

Systematic review of ethics and legislation of a Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC)

Background The use of cloud-based storage for personal health records (PHRs) has significantly increased globally over the past thirty years. The four recently published GPOC Series articles introduced the concept of a Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC) for personal health records. The series includes a systematic review and meta-analysis, a summit, a sandbox, and a survey, with 100% participation from UN member states and key international health organisations. GPOC aims to establish patient co-ownership of PHRs, addressing integration and access challenges. Methods This study is built upon the published GPOC systematic review and meta-analysis that focused on examining cloud-based personal health records and elements such as data security, efficiency, performance, privacy and cost-based factors. However, this study selectively reviews the ethical, legislative and potential human rights dimensions of GPOC. Thus, it includes ethical aspects of co-ownership, rights, privacy, policies, and AI integration. The original study was PROSPERO registered with CRD42022342597, which serves as the foundation for the current study. Results This study offers a comprehensive global overview of ethics, legislation and initiatives by states and organisations. We analyse AI integration and future challenges for GPOC implementation. We present principles from ‘Ethics by Design’ and the ‘Principles of Biomedical Ethics’ by Beauchamp and Childress alongside the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The study presents a global overview of the relevant global latticework of legislation. Conclusions This study suggests that GPOC could potentially establish a new human right to patient co-ownership of personal health information. GPOC aims to facilitate global AI integration in healthcare and address existing challenges in PHR integration. A decentralised GPOC, supported by blockchain consensus, may offer benefits such as enhanced data security, interoperability, and equitable access to healthcare information globally. Thus, GPOC may have a positive impact on global health.

Patent opposition, IP firm capabilities, and technology entry: empirical evidence from European patent data

Patent opposition, IP firm capabilities, and technology entry: empirical evidence from European patent data

Segregated Supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel to reduce Contrail Energy Forcing – Demonstration and Potentials

Aviation contributes about 4 % to net anthropogenic climate forcing, with contrails being the largest individual contributor to radiative forcing from aviation. One option to mitigate contrail-related climate impacts is using kerosene containing fewer or no aromatic components and thus showing a higher hydrogen content compared to conventional kerosene (i.e., fossil fuel-based). Such “low contrail” kerosene can be provided as a blend of conventional (crude oil-based) and synthetic kerosene or from hydroprocessing conventional kerosene.Low contrail kerosene reduces contrail lifetime and optical thickness and thus the magnitude of contrail climate forcing. However, market shares of such kerosene are presently very low. Simultaneously, a small fraction (< 10 %) of all flights globally accounts for the majority (> 80 %) of global warming contrail climate forcing. Hence, the targeted use of low contrail kerosene on those flights appears promising. But, such an approach would require additional operational efforts, such as a duplication of supply lines and storage tanks.This study evaluates the feasibility and operational efforts of a segregated supply of a 35 m-% SAF-blend (14.34 m-% hydrogen content) to 84 winter time demonstration flights to reduce contrail climate forcing. Between 17th January 2023 and 2nd February 2023, low contrail kerosene was supplied to commercial A320 type aircraft flights on the route between Stockholm and Copenhagen in northern Europe. The operational feasibility and related efforts to target flights with the highest contrail energy forcing as well as a large-scale application are described. The evolution of contrails is tracked using data from the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite. The contrail energy forcing is calculated for the corresponding flight trajectories assuming another, well-validated engine model (CFM56-5B4 for the simulations instead of LEAP1A-26 for the demonstration flights) using the Contrail Cirrus Prediction (CoCiP) model with meteorological input fields from European Reanalysis data (ERA5).For the first time, the experiment demonstrates the operational feasibility for a segregated supply of low contrail kerosene to medium range aircraft at Stockholm airport. The segregated supply of low contrail kerosene can be realized for short to medium range flights, which can be fueled by a refueller truck. Targeting individual flights via single line hydrant fueling systems seems impractical as of now. Operational efforts to target single flights with highest contrail energy forcing are almost identical to the efforts in this demonstration experiment.Simulations estimate that the segregated supply of the medium blend kerosene (14.34 m-% hydrogen content) can reduce contrail energy forcing by about 11 % assuming the use of a “Rich-Quench-Lean” (RQL) engine (CFM56-5B4). The contrail climate benefit increases to >20 % for a 50 % blend ratio (14.7 m-% hydrogen content). Also, the location and evolution of the demonstration flights’ 28 contrails calculated with CoCiP was tracked with satellite data.The uncertainty of absolute contrail climate forcing estimates is mainly limited due to meteorological data input and also by lacking information on fuel composition in terms of cycloalkane, mono- and polycyclic aromatics content. Contrarily, the uncertainty of relative changes in contrail climate forcing is subject to low uncertainty, since it compares the use of different fuels for an identical fleet and identical weather conditions.

The psychology of pandemic policy support: unraveling the complex interplay of personal values and value congruence across 20 European countries

ObjectivesWe explored the roles of personal values and value congruence—the alignment between individual and national values—in predicting public support for pandemic restrictions across 20 European countries. Study designCross-sectional study. MethodsWe analyzed multinational European survey data (N = 34,356) using Schwartz's values theory and person-environment fit theory. Multilevel polynomial regression was employed to assess the linear and curvilinear effects of personal values on policy support. Multilevel Euclidean similarity analysis and response surface analysis were conducted to evaluate the impact of value congruence and delineate nuanced congruence patterns. ResultsFindings revealed that extreme levels of security, conformity, stimulation, hedonism, and achievement values were associated with decreased policy support. Value congruence with security, conformity, and benevolence increased support, while congruence with stimulation, hedonism, and achievement reduced it. High congruence between personal and national social focus values significantly boosted policy support. Extreme mismatches in self-direction values amplified support. Societal power exceeding personal power also increased support. Matched levels of hedonism motivated greater support, while stimulation and achievement value (in)congruence showed little impact. ConclusionsWe highlight the differential effects of personal values and value congruence on public attitudes toward pandemic restrictions. The findings underscore the importance of considering the interplay between individual and societal values when designing and implementing effective pandemic response strategies.

Contours of modern didactics of professional education: an analysis of foreign studies

Introduction. Vocational education plays a special role in a global policy agenda focused on technological development worldwide. Quality vocational education makes an effective contribution to innovative economic development and equitable sustainable development of human capital. The analysis of trends in the development of educational technologies becomes a source of research of didactic and organizational aspects of professional education as a necessary condition for solving the tasks of Russia's state policy in the sphere of formation of innovation economy. The purpose of the study is to analyze foreign research in the field of didactics and organization of vocational education. Materials and methods. We conducted the study based on content analysis of foreign studies that took place between 2013 and 2023. We analyzed reports and scientific articles posted on open information platforms. The study presents the results of the analysis of 30 information sources. These are materials from the European Union's analytical data portal CEDEFOP, NMC Horizon Project Sector Analysis monitoring on technological solutions in STEM+ education, materials from the report of the Swiss Economic Institute (KOF), results of the analysis of scientific articles. Results. The analysis of sources made it possible to outline the external (invariant) contour of pedagogical approaches and technologies in the sphere of didactics and organization of vocational training and education (VET) in different countries. We also established that the internal didactic contour in each educational organization is formed considering the specifics of the choice of specialties for training and has a variable character. Because of the analysis of foreign sources, we systematized strong technological solutions that have a significant impact on the development of didactics of vocational education in the context of the request to prepare specialists for activities in the field of high-tech production. Prospects for further research. The results obtained can be useful for researchers in the field of professional education in designing the design of the educational process with modern educational technologies.

Enabling secure and self-sovereign machine learning model exchange in manufacturing data spaces

With the rapid digital transformation of manufacturing, vast amounts of data are being generated and analyzed to uncover valuable patterns in areas such as energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, production scheduling etc. However, much of this data and the intelligence derived from it remain isolated within individual companies. This is strongly influenced by companies reluctance to share data due to concerns over privacy and security associated with the commercially sensitive information. As a result, the potential shared value that can be derived from a richer, larger pool of data and intelligence across multiple companies remains untapped. While solutions such as federated learning exist to address privacy and security issues, strong governance so that the privacy is preserved is crucial to its successful implementation. Currently, there is a lack of software infrastructure that guarantees data sovereignty and governance for data owners in this space. This paper introduces COllaboRative Data Space (CORDS), a framework that enables companies to engage in a machine learning model-sharing ecosystem, providing full control over the access and usage of their data. Aligned with the European Data Space initiative, CORDS aims to foster trusted collaboration by providing a software infrastructure constituting a set of tools for both intra and inter-organization data asset management and ML model exchange. To the best of our knowledge, CORDS is the first minimum viable data space (MVDS) designed to address the broader challenges of sovereignty, interoperability, compliance & governance in cross-party ML model sharing. This paper also highlights the value of data sharing by applying CORDS to a use-case focused on improving energy efficiency in manufacturing. Extensive performance evaluation showcases CORDS’ utility in securely managing data assets and facilitating machine learning model exchanges. CORDS is available as open-source software, supporting further research and practical applications of trusted data spaces in both academia and industry.

Implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimization (i‑Violin) : Protocol for aEuropean multicenter study.

Advanced imaging techniques play apivotal role in oncology. Alarge variety of computed tomography (CT) scanners, scan protocols, and acquisition techniques have led to awide range in image quality and radiation exposure. This study aims at implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimization (i-Violin) through harmonizing image quality and radiation dose across Europe. The 2‑year multicenter implementation study outlined here will focus on CT imaging of lung, stomach, and colorectal cancer and include imaging for four radiological indications: diagnosis, radiation therapy planning, staging, and follow-up. Therefore, 480 anonymized CT data sets of patients will be collected by the associated university hospitals and uploaded to arepository. Radiologists will determine key abdominopelvic structures for image quality assessment by consensus and subsequently adapt apreviously developed lung CT tool for the objective evaluation of image quality. The quality metrics will be evaluated for their correlation with perceived image quality and the standardized optimization strategy will be disseminated across Europe. The results of the outlined study will be used to obtain European reference data, to build teaching programs for the developed tools, and to create aculture of optimization in oncological CT imaging. The study protocol and rationale for i‑Violin, aEuropean approach for standardization and harmonization of image quality and optimization of CT procedures in oncological imaging, is presented. Future results will be disseminated across all EU member states, and i‑Violin is thus expected to have asustained impact on CT imaging for cancer patients across Europe.

Economic evaluation of Polygenic Risk Scores in healthcare interventions: a systematic review

Abstract Background Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) quantify genetic susceptibility to diseases, promising personalized healthcare. This review explores current evidence regarding the economic evaluation of strategies based on PRS or other polygenic risk stratification approaches, scrutinizing their methodologies. Methods The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023442780). A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified full economic evaluations of intervention based on polygenic risk stratification strategies. The quality of the included articles was assessed using the Drummond checklist. This study was supported by the EC and MUR under PNRR - M4C2-I1.3 Project PE_00000019 ‘HEAL ITALIA”. Results Nineteen articles were included in the analysis, with oncological conditions being the most frequently investigated (13), followed by cardiovascular conditions (3). In nearly 80% of the studies, PRS was employed for screening interventions, with the general population being the primary target in 14 out of the 19 studies. All the economic analysis models investigated cost-utility in terms of QALYs, with Markov models and microsimulations being the most common structures. The majority of these models were based on simulated cohorts derived mostly from North American or European data, with 9 adopting a healthcare system perspective and 6 a societal perspective. Although delivery strategies for PRS testing were rarely addressed, PRS costs were included in nearly all studies. Indirect costs were examined in fewer than half of the studies. In 12 out of 19 studies, the conclusions claimed the cost utility of PRS involving strategies. Conclusions Despite the technique’s potential, evaluations of various strategies based on PRS approaches yield heterogeneous conclusions regarding cost-utility. Our study highlights the factors contributing to this heterogeneity and underscores the need for further exploration, ideally prioritizing real-world data. Key messages • PRS strategies evaluations vary in cost-utility conclusions, highlighting the need for further investigation. • Real-world data and practical implications should be prioritised in PRS research.