Implementation Decisions Research Articles

Novel Technologies and Techniques for Prehospital Airway Management: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document

Novel technologies and techniques can influence airway management execution as well as procedural and clinical outcomes. While conventional wisdom underscores the need for rigorous scientific data as a foundation before implementation, high-quality supporting evidence is frequently not available for the prehospital setting. Therefore, implementation decisions are often based upon preliminary or evolving data, or pragmatic information from clinical use. When considering novel technologies and techniques. NAEMSP recommends: Prior to implementing a novel technology or technique, a thorough assessment using the best available scientific data should be conducted on the technical details of the novel approach, as well as the potential effects on operations and outcomes. The decision and degree of effort to adopt, implement, and monitor a novel technology or technique in the prehospital setting will vary by the quality of the best available scientific and clinical information: • Routine use – Technologies and techniques with ample observational but limited or no interventional clinical trial data, or with strong supporting in-hospital data. These techniques may be reasonably adopted in the prehospital setting. This includes video laryngoscopy and bougie-assisted intubation. • Limited use – Technologies and techniques with ample pragmatic clinical use information but limited supporting scientific data. These techniques may be considered in the prehospital setting. This includes suction-assisted laryngoscopy and airway decontamination and cognitive aids. • Rare use – Technologies and techniques with minimal clinical use information. Use of these techniques should be limited in the prehospital setting until evidence exists from more stable clinical environments. This includes intubation boxes. The use of novel technologies and techniques must be accompanied by systematic collection and assessment of data for the purposes of quality improvement, including linkages to patient clinical outcomes. EMS leaders should clearly identify the pathways needed to generate high-quality supporting scientific evidence for novel technologies and techniques.

ХРОНІКА ПРИМУСОВОГО ВИКОНАННЯ РІШЕНЬ У ПЕРІОД ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ: АКТУАЛЬНІ ПИТАННЯ ТА ШЛЯХИ ЇХНЬОГО ВИРІШЕННЯ

The article addresses a systemic analysis of legislative changes under conditions of martial law in the sphere of the enforcement of decisions. The target is to analyse the separate novelties and prohibitions which were introduced or going to be introduced concerning their reasonableness and appropriateness. General and special scientific methods were used to achieve stated aim, namely dialectical, comparative and analytical, which jointly allowed the authors to find answers for the questions outlined. In the research particular features of the enforcement of decisions in modern conditions were highlighted, the consequences of establishing restrictive measures and changes for participants in enforcement proceedings and the government as a whole were analysed. It is justified that the system of the enforcement of decisions from the day of the invasion goes through a though point and is in stagnation. In fact, private executors remain without work, payment for it, while they have to hold offices, pay wages to their assistants. Creditors remain unprotected as they are not able to restore their rights and satisfy their demands due to continued absence of access for executors to Automated system of enforcement proceedings, suspension of state registers' work, suspension of realization electronic tradings, and also established limits relating to pursue assets to wages and other types of debtor income, moratoriums on implementation decisions about some debtors, while creditor might also remain without work and expect to return at least debt. Even a debtor can feel negative consequences of absence of conditions to implement decisions and a corresponding end of implementing decisions with an opportunity to remove coercive measures, which are applied to him, and ensure the enforcement of the decision. Circumstances, which were mentioned, led to the urgent need in resolving relevant problems of the enforcement of decisions through experiencing new mechanisms and using other means to accomplish their features and cooperation with other authorities. Particularly, unlocking a work for private executors, providing the same conditions of access to procedural means to implement decisions on an equal basis with state executors, optimising the rules of the provision of executive documents, solving questions on extraterritoriality etc.

ТЕОРЕТИКО-МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ РЕЗЕРВОВ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ОПЕРЕЖАЮЩИМ УСТОЙЧИВЫМ РАЗВИТИЕМ СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

The article deals with the theoretical and methodological problems of studying the reserves for improving the management of advanced sustainable development (ESD) in the socio-natural-economic space of the agro-industrial complex and rural areas (SNES agro-industrial complex and RA) based on new technological paradigms and associated externs (external effects). The author's definition of the concept of ESD and the main components and methodology of regional state strategies in the context of the blocks of the conference ESD SNES AIC and RA are proposed. Measures are proposed to facilitate the transition of the SEP of the agro-industrial complex and the RA to the ESD based on active and targeted state support, investment-targeted programs and schemes for the development and deployment of the productive forces of agro-industrial production. In the context of global challenges, threats and new risks associated with political and economic sanctions and embargoes, the impending global food crisis, growing competition in the level of development at the regional level, the issue of forming an intersectoral integrative management of advanced sustainable development (ESD) of the socio-natural-economic space is being updated (SNES agro-industrial complex and rural areas of the RA) - the driver of the socio-economic development of Russia and ensuring its national security and sovereignty, "building" the state of development. At the same time, the existing low-management, costly and non-systemic approach, traditionally used in the implementation of the strategy of "integrated sustainable development of rural areas", has been criticized due to contradictions in the theory and methodology of integrative management of reserves and development factors, which led to excessive cost, low quality and competitiveness of the agro-industrial sector of the country, the need to strengthen import substitution in the agro-industrial complex. This article proposes the author's modification of the theoretical analysis of the reserves and factors of ESD SNES AIC and RA, with the help of which the process of evolutionary views on the management of the spatial advanced development of ST based on new technological modes and associated externs is modernized. To form a holistic view of the ESD SNES AIC and RA, it is proposed to use a system-complex-reserve-factorial approach, in which the problem of theoretical and methodological contradictions is solved and the endogenous and exogenous parameters of the construct under consideration are solved more comprehensively and systematically. The author's definition of the concept of ESD is given. The recommendations for solving the problems of state regulation in the management system of ESD SNES AIC and RA are substantiated, the issues of increasing competitiveness and technological leadership in the context of ESD, the application of program-target methods in the management of ESD are considered. The author's model of successively implemented managerial decisions in achieving the goals of the ESD strategies SNES AIC and RA has been developed. The results of the study can be applied by state and local authorities in the development and implementation of a socially-oriented and environmentally-saving strategy for ESD in the agro-industrial complex and the RA.

The Aristotelian law of the excluded middle and the language “Pitfalls” of modern scientific pedagogical dialogue

Modern dialogue in the semantic context of educational sciences plays an extremely important role as a tool for making science-based decisions as a means of assessing the efficiency of innovations proposed by various authors. However, the practice of modern scientific discussions in pedagogy reveals a lot of problems. Analysis of the research topic literature shows that the core of this problem is the failure to observe the rules of logically correct discourse by the dialogue participants. In the pedagogical dialogues, in particular, there is a simplified application of the logical law of the excluded middle introduced by Aristotle, which does not reflect the rich assortment of the educational field. It has a solid methodological basis in mathematics, in the humanities though (and in pedagogy, in particular), it is often used to analyze phenomena, objects, and scientific facts that go beyond the area of its adequate applicability. It is often used: a) for vague classification forms; b) for insufficiently and accurately defined objects; c) for pairs of events that are not opposite (in terms of probability theory) and mutually exclusive. It results in dialogues participants: a) solving the problems of choosing conceptual foundations and practical decisions for implementation in education incorrectly; b) coming to rigid, rigorous conclusions; c) unjustifiably abandoning many educational traditions, replacing them with insufficiently verified innovations. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the participants in pedagogical dialogues lack mastery of stylistic resources, the use of which allows the inceptors of pedagogical ideas to achieve an adequate understanding of their inferences and conclusions made by other participants. These circumstances, supported by the provisions of the European researchers of education, determine the relevance of the chosen topic. The purpose of this article is: a) to find ways to conduct a logically correct pedagogical dialogue that actively uses the Aristotelian law of the excluded middle (both in a constructive format and in terms of prohibition criteria); b) to find stylistic resources of such a dialogue, combining the scientific rigor of the humanitarian logical form and stylistic aesthetic appeal. The results of the conducted research are the conclusions that an effective pedagogical dialogue using the law of the excluded middle is conditioned by: a) replacement of dichotomous, rigid forms in the logic “either – or” with a concomitant format of combination of “both the one and the other at the same time; but neither one nor the other separately”; b) appropriate stylistic tools, including: stylistic gradation, metaphor, oxymoron, and emphatic transposition. As negativity that must be overcome in every possible way, there are the “traps” of pedagogical dialogues that require constructive and prohibiting formats of the excluded middle principle: a) incorrect “play” on a high degree of uncertainty of the original defended premise; b) deliberate scientifically dishonest methods of substantiating their own conclusions, forcing opponents to recognize the correctness and validity of the dichotomous form applied to the phenomena to which it cannot be applied.

Management decisions: approaches to adoptation and implementation in an educational organisation

The article considers approaches to management decisions in an educational organisation. Special attention is given to the key factors in making and implementing management decisions. The authors emphasize that decision making is a complex process including a few logical steps presented in the article. The article justifies styles of decision making which include: autocratic, persuasive, consultative, cooperative; shows key actions and stakeholders. The evidence is given that the adequacy of the effectively implemented decision depends on a clearly defined sequence of steps and on the members of the management team responsible for the implementation of the decision. The conclusion is made that to minimize negative effects under the decision making process it is necessary to apply effective techniques for qualitative consideration of the problem at a rational level. The literacy and effectiveness of decision making depend on a plan of actions, analysis of progress in solving the problem, as well as building clear relationships between the members of the management team who are responsible for the decision-making process. The important conclusion in the article is that the effective implementation of decisions depends on the ability of the head of the educational organisation to adapt and take technological and social changes.

Наслідки сучасної міграційної політики Європейського Союзу

The article analyzes the state of state regulation of migration processes, as well as the consequences resulting from the implementation of modern migration policy. In the course of the research it is proved that the world events taking place today have actualized a number of main migration problems in the EU. COVID-19, for example, contributes to a historic halt in global mobility, increases inequalities among populations of immigrant origin and, due to existing circumstances, weakens state support for them. At the same time, persistent refugee crises have attracted less attention, due to both the socio-political and financial situation within the EU. On top of this, migrants stranded by the COVID-19 pandemic have begun to put pressure on host and transit countries. Because of the fall of the government in Afghanistan, there is now a mass migration of Afghans, the diversification of migration flows, and the «weaponization» of migration for geopolitical purposes. Important in migration policy today is the establishment of dialogue and partnership with countries of origin and transit on the basis of solidarity and shared responsibility, with a global approach to migration and mobility to be seen as an essential basis for EU migration policy processes, its complementary foreign policy and development cooperation. A number of decisive measures have been taken in recent years in response to migration pressures, but a concerted effort to create an effective, humane and safe European migration policy must be intensified. Governments, the private sector, civil society, as well as local authorities and regional organizations must commit themselves to maximizing the positive aspects of migration and reducing the negative consequences of ill-conceived migration policy implementation decisions.

Green cost premium as the dynamics of project management practice: A critical review

Across the globe, the corollary of Green Cost Premium (GCP) obstructs the implementation of Sustainable Buildings (SB). Extensive studies into GCP proliferate, but the research norms rarely traversed theoretical contexts of GCP. The purpose of this paper was to explore the drivers of GCP from the contexts of the prevailing practice of SB using the theoretical lens of practice theory. Secondary literature comprising mainly peer-reviewed publications spanning 20years was critically reviewed. The results show some uncertainty regarding the effect of prevailing practice on the size of GCP due to the dearth of empirical studies. Secondary literature, however, showed that GCP is liable to variations in practice related to the level of knowledge and the implementation processes. The knowledge domain argued that the scope of GCP depends on regional issues including misperceptions, cost management deficiencies and sustainability accounting gaps. During implementation, GCP could also modify in response to changes in cost drivers, factors limiting innovative processes and challenges and barriers in the project environment. Engagements with practice have, however failed to embed this understanding into SB project implementation decisions and dynamics, as limited documented efforts aimed at mitigating the GCP exist. The paper offers a non-conventional perspective for assessing the dynamics of converging regional practices in SB that can contribute to GCP as well as lower the GCP when the practices are improved. GCP is susceptible to practice variations and answers to projects practices across regions. This portrays that the GCP can lessen through innovation of practice elements such as competencies and inputs (materials and procedures). The elements of scientific inquiry for GCP must be disconnected from currently established knowledge about SB systems to regional practices related to knowledge and procedures.

Valuation of construction work on architectural heritage and its influence on project implementation decision

The article deals with the description of the methodology for determining the prices of construction work used most often in the reconstruction of historic buildings. The procedure is based on parametric estimating of buildings and on traditional tools and principles of pricing. The historic building is divided into structural parts and technological units. Structural elements are individually valued at the unit price, which was created on the basis of sub-budget. Very strict rules are set for the financing of cultural monuments and the method of valuation is based on the price systems’ methodology. The research also included an analysis of market prices and a subsequent comparison with indicative prices. Proper estimate of historic buildings’ reconstruction cost is also an important input for the decision-making process regarding the actual implementation of the project, its method of execution and its life cycle cost determination.

Biological effect and chemical monitoring of Watch List substances in European surface waters: Steroidal estrogens and diclofenac - Effect-based methods for monitoring frameworks.

Three steroidal estrogens, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), 17β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac have been included in the first Watch List of the Water Framework Directive (WFD, EU Directive 2000/60/EC, EU Implementing Decision 2015/495). This triggered the need for more EU-wide surface water monitoring data on these micropollutants, before they can be considered for inclusion in the list of priority substances regularly monitored in aquatic ecosystems. The revision of the priority substance list of the WFD offers the opportunity to incorporate more holistic bioanalytical approaches, such as effect-based monitoring, alongside single substance chemical monitoring. Effect-based methods (EBMs) are able to measure total biological activities (e.g., estrogenic activity or cyxlooxygenase [COX]-inhibition) of specific group of substances (such as estrogens and NSAIDs) in the aquatic environment at low concentrations (pg/L). This makes them potential tools for a cost-effective and ecotoxicologically comprehensive water quality assessment. In parallel, the use of such methods could build a bridge from chemical status assessments towards ecological status assessments by adressing mixture effects for relevant modes of action. Our study aimed to assess the suitability of implementing EBMs in the WFD, by conducting a large-scale sampling and analysis campaign of more than 70 surface waters across Europe. This resulted in the generation of high-quality chemical and effect-based monitoring data for the selected Watch List substances. Overall, water samples contained low estrogenicity (0.01-1.3ng E2-Equivalent/L) and a range of COX-inhibition activity similar to previously reported levels (12-1600ng Diclofenac-Equivalent/L). Comparison between effect-based and conventional analytical chemical methods showed that the chemical analytical approach for steroidal estrogens resulted in more (76%) non-quantifiable data, i.e., concentrations were below detection limits, compared to the EBMs (28%). These results demonstrate the excellent and sensitive screening capability of EBMs.

Business strategy and management method on the example of Samsung

As the world we live in today is becoming more and more interconnected and the global market is constantly evolving, enterprises are required to adopt innovations and implement precise managerial decisions that are of great accuracy. Considering the challenges that are incorporated in doing business, companies are obliged to choose the adequate strategies to execute and achieve success. Moreover, the understanding of factors that affect business is of importance since conducting a successful business is never accidental. Long-term preparation is the key for prosperity. Additionally, in order to operate on an increasingly competitive level, it is important to take into account competitions way of doing business as well as the importance of planning for entering foreign markets. To fully grasp what is needed in order to succeed, the aim of this paper to, even remotely, showcase the needed steps for establishing a business. The example taken into consideration is based on the example of Samsung, a South Korean chaebol, which has been one of the most successful businesses in the world.

POTENTIAL OF ROMANIAN VINE WASTES AS A NATURAL RESOURCE OF TRANS-RESVERATROL

The methods for producing natural resveratrol are of big interest due to the numerous health benefits of this substance and its increasing use in functional foods, food supplements and para-pharmaceutical preparations, especially with the recent permission of resveratrol as a novel food ingredient in the European Union (Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1190). Since annually a large amount of waste is produced in vine pruning, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of vine shoots from ten grape varieties (Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat de Hamburg, Tămâioasă, Coarnă Neagră, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Regală and Burgund Mare) from two different locations to be used as a natural source of trans-resveratrol. To reach this goal, two different solvents were explored, two different storage periods, three different time of collecting of samples in two different years. Moreover, a correlation between the type of vine (red or white) and trans-resveratrol content was analyzed. Maceration solvent diethyl-ether:ethanol, 1:4 ratio, showed a higher yield of extraction of trans-resveratrol than methanol 80%. Increasing the storage time by another 6 weeks positively affected the concentration of resveratrol for 5 samples, and for another 7 negatively. The time of collecting the samples had a high influence on the resveratrol content on shoots samples, highlighting the fact that autumn is the optimal time for harvesting. No correlation could be established among the grape varieties (red or white) and the trans-resveratrol content. The highest concentration of resveratrol was recorded for the Fetească Neagră variety – 2367.37 mg/kg. D.W.

Classification and action rules in identification and self-care assessment problems.

Disability, especially in children, is a very important and current problem. Lack of proper diagnosis and care increases the difficulty for children to adapt to disabilities. Disabled children have many problems with basic activities of daily living. Therefore, it is very important to support diagnosticians and physiotherapists in recognizing self-care problems in children. The aim of this paper is to extract classification and action rules, useful for those who work with children with disabilities. First, features and their impact on the accuracy of classification are determined. Then, two models are built: one with all features and one with selected ones. For these models the classification rules are extracted. Finally, action rules are mined and the next step in treatment process is predicted. Seventeen features with the greatest impact on classifying a child into a particular group of self-care problems were identified. Based on the implemented algorithms, decision and action rules were obtained. The obtained model, selected attributes and extracted classification and action rules can support the work of therapists and direct their work to those areas of disability where even a minimal reduction of features would be of great benefit to the children.

The Sociological Measurement of the Population Subjectivity in the Context of the National Projects Implementation

The article raises the problem of sociological measurement of the subjectivity of the population. The subjectivity of the population is examined through the prism of studying the existing social relations in the power-society system on the example of the implementation of 12 national projects. It is noted that the solution to this problem is possible through the development of a system of empirical indicators. Based on the results of the sociological study, the following groups of indicators for measuring the subjectivity of the population have been identified. First, these are indicators that assess the position of an individual in relation to the work of the authorities and administration; secondly, indicators characterizing the level of activity of an individual’s life position; thirdly, these are the social and status characteristics of potential participants and their resource potential; and finally, these are indicators aimed at identifying social attitudes towards interaction with authorities and readiness for social self-organization. Special attention is paid to the issue of the possibility of sociological measurement of the level of subjectivity of the population. Three levels of such subjectivity are proposed: high, medium and low. The indicators that influence the level of manifestation of subjectivity of the population are highlighted. These include the degree of significance for the individual of the implemented management decision (in this case, a specific national project); forecasting the circle of people who will benefit from the implementation of national projects; the degree of scale of the population’s appeals to various subjects of regional development. In addition, the level of subjectivity of the population is influenced by the degree of interest in interacting with the authorities to discuss significant problems, as well as the willingness to defend their interests. The higher the parameters under consideration, the higher the level of manifestation of subjectivity is.

Influencing Factor Analysis for the Implementation of Transport Research Results

This paper investigates the conditions and factors that influence the decision to proceed to the implementation of the results of a given research project and (eventually) produce innovation. It does this with reference to research projects in the transport sector, especially Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), by an investigation in two fronts. On the one hand, by a number of in-depth interviews with well-known experts in the field of transport and on the other by a comprehensive statistical analysis of the results of a pan-European questionnaire survey conducted among transport entities involved in, or related with, transport research. This investigation resulted in a number of interesting factors and conditions that seem to be influencing the (decision for the) implementation of research results in the ITS sector. These factors were derived from a longer list of initial potentially influencing factors that was formulated by our face-to-face interviews as well as an extensive bibliographic search of relevant previous work. Our analysis pointed as the most significant influencing factors: the so-called knowledge assimilation capability of the entity i.e., its ability to analyse, interpret and understand externally acquired knowledge; its ability to exploit new knowledge by changing its processes and adapting them for exploitation; its size; its research experience; familiarity (good working relations) with other research project partners; and issues relating to the thus called “implementation environment” e.g., the customisation and standardisation requirements; the ease with which new business models and entities can be formed and accepted; and the existence of substantial private funds interested in investing in research and innovation activities. Existence of an experienced team and especially the involvement of senior personnel in the research project itself, also plays an important role for the subsequent exploitation/implementation of the results of this research. The results of the study presented in this paper, can help in the planning and setting of the rules of operation (i.e., the terms of reference) for publicly funded research programmes as well as in setting incentives and procedures that would enhance and promote increased implementation of research results in the future.

The state of capacity development evaluation in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management

AbstractCapacity development is critical to long-term conservation success, yet we lack a robust and rigorous understanding of how well its effects are being evaluated. A comprehensive summary of who is monitoring and evaluating capacity development interventions, what is being evaluated and how, would help in the development of evidence-based guidance to inform design and implementation decisions for future capacity development interventions and evaluations of their effectiveness. We built an evidence map by reviewing peer-reviewed and grey literature published since 2000, to identify case studies evaluating capacity development interventions in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. We used inductive and deductive approaches to develop a coding strategy for studies that met our criteria, extracting data on the type of capacity development intervention, evaluation methods, data and analysis types, categories of outputs and outcomes assessed, and whether the study had a clear causal model and/or used a systems approach. We found that almost all studies assessed multiple outcome types: most frequent was change in knowledge, followed by behaviour, then attitude. Few studies evaluated conservation outcomes. Less than half included an explicit causal model linking interventions to expected outcomes. Half of the studies considered external factors that could influence the efficacy of the capacity development intervention, and few used an explicit systems approach. We used framework synthesis to situate our evidence map within the broader literature on capacity development evaluation. Our evidence map (including a visual heat map) highlights areas of low and high representation in investment in research on the evaluation of capacity development.

Population-Based Testing for Undiagnosed Hepatitis C: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations.

Recognising the significant public health threat posed by hepatitis C, international targets have been established by the World Health Organization with the aim of eradicating the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. With the availability of safe and effective therapies, the greatest challenge to achieving elimination is the identification and treatment of those currently undiagnosed. This systematic review aimed to identify and appraise the international literature on the cost-effectiveness of birth cohort, universal, and age-based general population testing for identifying people with undiagnosed chronic HCV infection. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken in Medline, Embase and grey literature sources to identify studies published between 1 January 2000 and 17 July 2020. Retrieved citations were independently reviewed by two reviewers according to pre-defined eligibility criteria. Data extraction and critical appraisal were completed in duplicate. Study quality, relevance and credibility were assessed using the Consensus for Health Economic Criteria and the ISPOR questionnaires. All costs were reported in 2019 Irish Euro following adjustment for inflation and purchasing power parity. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of €20,000 and €45,000 were adopted as reference points for interpreting cost-effectiveness in the narrative synthesis. The systematic review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Overall, 4622 citations were retrieved in the literature search. Of these, 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six (22%) of the 27 studies were rated as low quality, 17 (63%) were moderate quality and four (15%) were high quality. Compared with no testing or risk-based testing: 14 of 16 (88%) cost-utility analyses found that birth cohort testing was cost effective, eight of nine (89%) analyses found that universal testing was cost effective, and eight of eight (100%) analyses found that age-based general population testing was cost effective. Cost effectiveness was influenced by disease prevalence and progression, testing and treatment uptake, treatment eligibility of those identified by testing, the cost of treatment and the proportion of those treated that achieve sustained virological response. Overall, the international evidence supports the potential cost effectiveness of birth cohort, universal, and age-based general population testing, but is caveated by study generalisability, specifically the transferability of findings from one jurisdiction to another, and institutional variations in healthcare delivery systems and budgetary constraints. The cost effectiveness of each approach will vary according to population- and health system-specific characteristics such as epidemiological context, testing coverage, linkage to care and capacity to treat. Given issues regarding the transferability of economic evaluations (for example, model inputs and assumptions) and the significant resources required to implement these interventions, jurisdiction-specific economic evaluations and budget impact analyses will likely be required to inform investment and implementation decisions. PROSPERO, CRD42019127159. Registered 29 April 2019.

Lead users as idea supplier in online community platform: How to choose the right ideas to implement?

Crowdsourcing ideas from users in online communities are becoming common practice in the development of high-tech products. While most studies focus on sourcing ideas from ordinary users (i.e., non-experts), high-tech firms commonly rely more on ‘lead users’. Despite the importance of lead users' peer-evaluation activities on a firm's user community platform, research on the relationship between these activities and a firm's actual implementation decision is scarce. We draw on lead user theory and a large dataset from a high-tech firm's platform to examine whether an idea's popularity, the comments it receives and sentiment are good predictors of a firm's consideration and implementation decisions. We find that in addition to the number of votes and comments, sentiment is a predictor of an idea's further development and implementation. Furthermore, implementing a lead user's ideas decreases the user's motivation marginally to contribute continuously to the platform. These findings have implications for the design and operations management of user community platforms.

Demonstrating the potential of Picture Pile as a citizen science tool for SDG monitoring

The SDGs are a universal agenda to address the world’s most pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges. The supply of timely, relevant and reliable data is essential in guiding policies and decisions for successful implementation of the SDGs. Yet official statistics cannot provide all of the data needed to populate the SDG indicator framework. Citizen science offers a novel solution and an untapped opportunity to complement traditional sources of data, such as household surveys, for monitoring progress towards the SDGs, while at the same time mobilizing action and raising awareness for their achievement. This paper presents the potential offered by one specific citizen science tool, Picture Pile, to complement and enhance official statistics to monitor several SDGs and targets. Designed to be a generic and flexible tool, Picture Pile is a web-based and mobile application for ingesting imagery from satellites, orthophotos, unmanned aerial vehicles or geotagged photographs that can then be rapidly classified by volunteers. The results show that Picture Pile could contribute to the monitoring of fifteen SDG indicators under goals 1, 2, 11, 13, 14 and 15 based on the Picture Pile campaigns undertaken to date. Picture Pile could also be modified to support other SDGs and indicators in the areas of ecosystem health, eutrophication and built-up areas, among others. In order to leverage this particular tool for SDG monitoring, its potential must be showcased through the development of use cases in collaboration with governments, NSOs and relevant custodian agencies. Additionally, mutual trust needs to be built among key stakeholders to agree on common goals that would facilitate the use of Picture Pile or other citizen science tools and data for SDG monitoring and impact.

The Achilles Heel of Technology: How Does Technostress Affect University Students' Wellbeing and Technology-Enhanced Learning.

This study investigated the effect of technostress on university students’ wellbeing and technology-enhanced learning (TEL) through the stressor-strain-outcome model. Interviews were first used to contextualize and inform the development of the survey instrument. Then, survey data from 796 participants were collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that technostress creators, including techno-complexity, techno-insecurity, and techno-uncertainty, were significantly associated with students’ burnout in TEL, which in turn was negatively associated with their self-regulation, learning agency, and persistence in TEL. Group comparison analyses based on gender, academic disciplines, and willingness to join TEL show that the negative associations between burnout and self-regulation, learning agency, and persistence in TEL were significantly stronger for male students than female students. Similar findings were also found for students joining TEL willingly and unwillingly, with the latter being more strongly affected by burnout. In addition, the positive association between techno-complexity and burnout was greater for students from social sciences than those from engineering and natural sciences. The findings of this study can inform future implementation decisions of TEL in higher education and strategies to preserve university students’ wellbeing.

Enzootic Bovine Leukosis in Italy: Epidemiological Issues after Free Status Recognition and Measures Applied to Tackle the Last Persistent Clusters.

Enzootic Bovine Leukosis (EBL), caused by the bovine leukemia virus (BLV), has been eradicated in over 20 countries, most of which are in Western Europe. The European Commission, in 2017, declared Italy to be an officially EBL-free country by means of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1910, despite the presence of some infection clusters located in four regions of Central-Southern Italy. As a consequence of persisting infection, the Italian Ministry of Health established specific eradication measures in these areas. In collaboration with the National Reference Laboratory for the Study of Ruminant Retroviral Infectious Diseases, the Ministry of Health employed data from the veterinary information system digital platform, combined with a gap analysis exercise, to monitor and verify the progress of control activities within infection clusters during the period 2018–2021. Our aim was to identify any remaining gaps and, consequently, specific measures to eliminate the factors favouring EBL persistence, on the basis of a description and analysis of the current data regarding epidemiological trends in Italian clusters. The final goal is to achieve the implementation of a less expensive surveillance plan in these areas, as well. The results of comprehensive analysis showed that the eradication activities had been effectively implemented by official local veterinary services, resulting in a drastic reduction of EBL outbreaks in most territories during the period 2018–2021.