Piloting Phase Research Articles

Implementation of INEWS to Improve Patient Outcomes in a Community Hospital

Abstract Background It is imperative to identify at risk older patients with clinical deterioration as soon as possible. The Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS)1 is used to detect clinical deterioration at an early stage based on each patient's vital sign records. It can then initiate a communication mechanism between nurses and doctors to enable early patient care. Data on the effectiveness of the INEWS in patients admitted to community rehabilitation wards, the barriers and difficulties encountered during implementation, are still scarce, despite the development and implementation in acute settings. There are not enough standardised tool available to identify patients' deterioration for community hospitals. Methods This pilot quality improvement programme was conducted in a community hospital's rehabilitation section. Data were gathered seven weeks after the deployment of INEWS and fourteen weeks before. Issues were studied to determine the underlying cause, created a driver diagram to comprehend the factors that lead to unexpected outcomes, educated and gathered feedback from the clinical care teams involved, measured adherence to the INEWS during the six-week pilot project implementation period, and assessed results by looking back at the deteriorating patient data and INEWS compliance using Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles. Results During the pre-INEWS introduction phase (14 weeks), there were 11.9 events per week (7.8 events with infection or septic workups, 9.6 events with onsite management, 1.0 acute care transfers, 0.28 per week unexpected deaths). In the post-INEWS piloting phase (6 weeks), there were 3.6 events per week (2.5 infection or septic workup, 1.8 onsite management and 1.1 acute care transfers per week with no unexpected deaths). Conclusion Conclusion Early detection and rapid management through the INEWS can enhance patient care; however, increased stakeholder engagement in escalation response may enhance patient outcome in resource limited community setting. Reference https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/qps-improvement/deteriorating-patient-improvement-programme-partnership-dpipp/

Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Using AI (QUADAS-AI): Protocol for a Qualitative Study.

Quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS), and more recently QUADAS-2, were developed to aid the evaluation of methodological quality within primary diagnostic accuracy studies. However, its current form, QUADAS-2 does not address the unique considerations raised by artificial intelligence (AI)-centered diagnostic systems. The rapid progression of the AI diagnostics field mandates suitable quality assessment tools to determine the risk of bias and applicability, and subsequently evaluate translational potential for clinical practice. We aim to develop an AI-specific QUADAS (QUADAS-AI) tool that addresses the specific challenges associated with the appraisal of AI diagnostic accuracy studies. This paper describes the processes and methods that will be used to develop QUADAS-AI. The development of QUADAS-AI can be distilled into 3 broad stages. Stage 1-a project organization phase had been undertaken, during which a project team and a steering committee were established. The steering committee consists of a panel of international experts representing diverse stakeholder groups. Following this, the scope of the project was finalized. Stage 2-an item generation process will be completed following (1) a mapping review, (2) a meta-research study, (3) a scoping survey of international experts, and (4) a patient and public involvement and engagement exercise. Candidate items will then be put forward to the international Delphi panel to achieve consensus for inclusion in the revised tool. A modified Delphi consensus methodology involving multiple online rounds and a final consensus meeting will be carried out to refine the tool, following which the initial QUADAS-AI tool will be drafted. A piloting phase will be carried out to identify components that are considered to be either ambiguous or missing. Stage 3-once the steering committee has finalized the QUADAS-AI tool, specific dissemination strategies will be aimed toward academic, policy, regulatory, industry, and public stakeholders, respectively. As of July 2024, the project organization phase, as well as the mapping review and meta-research study, have been completed. We aim to complete the item generation, including the Delphi consensus, and finalize the tool by the end of 2024. Therefore, QUADAS-AI will be able to provide a consensus-derived platform upon which stakeholders may systematically appraise the methodological quality associated with AI diagnostic accuracy studies by the beginning of 2025. AI-driven systems comprise an increasingly significant proportion of research in clinical diagnostics. Through this process, QUADAS-AI will aid the evaluation of studies in this domain in order to identify bias and applicability concerns. As such, QUADAS-AI may form a key part of clinical, governmental, and regulatory evaluation frameworks for AI diagnostic systems globally. DERR1-10.2196/58202.

Token-Based Crowdfunding: Investor Choice and the Optimal Timing of Initial Coin Offerings

This article examines the operating and financial performance of venture firms conducting initial coin offerings (ICOs) with different types of investors and at different points along a venture’s life-cycle. Relative to purely crowdfunded ICO ventures, institutional investor-backed ICO ventures exhibit weaker operating performance and fail earlier. However, conditional on survival, these ventures financially outperform their peers that do not receive institutional investor support. The diverging effects of investor backing on financial and operating performance are consistent with our theory of “certification exploitation” through a new form of a pump-and-dump scheme. Institutional investors exploit their reputation to drive up ICO valuations and quickly exit the venture post-ICO, with the difference in pre- versus post-certification token prices being their exploitation profit in liquid markets for startups. Our findings further indicate that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between the financial success of an ICO and the timing along a venture’s life-cycle, with the product piloting phase representing the pivotal point. JEL Codes: G24, G32, K22, L26

The Use of Tanjungpura University’s e-Learning-Moodle LMS during Online Learning: Problems, Solutions and Continuation

This study aims to investigate the problems, solutions, and opinions about the use of the Tanjungpura University’s e-learning-Moodle LMS as learning media during the covid-19 pandemic by students of the Elementary School Teacher Education Study Program at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of Tanjungpura University in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Respondents in this study were selected based on the characteristics of gender, and semester classifications. The qualitative research approach was employed in this study, utilizing semi-structured interviews where the interview questions underwent a piloting phase. The results of the study showed that the challenges faced by the students in using Moodle LMS included network instability, application errors, application disadvantages and the level of technology literacy which were followed up by shortcut tricks and strategies the respondents came up with to overcome them. In general, respondents gave a positive response to the use of Moodle LMS which can be seen from their preference for Moodle LMS over other LMS’s, claim of its suitability for use in learning, and willingness to recommend it to other potential users. However, all respondents revealed that they prefer face-to-face learning to online learning.

Classification and identification level ambiguity in error annotation

• Numerous L2s have syncretism in their grammars complicating learner error annotation. • We concluded into two levels of error ambiguities: classification and identification. • Tree-structure representations are useful to encode error annotation relationships. • Error annotation relationships helps enumerate all error annotation possibilities. • Recording error annotation relationships may increase the Inter-Annotator Agreement. The vast majority of corpus annotation projects goes through a piloting phase in which the annotation scheme is gradually shaped through iterative annotation cycles until its final version is produced and applied to the collected data. The differences in annotators’ choices are usually recorded and reflected by the ‘Inter-annotator Agreement’ (IAA) that serves as a proxy to understand and resolve the raised issues. However, little has been reported on how to formulate a systematic approach to: (i) tracing the source of the differences in the annotators’ choices and (ii) provide attainable solutions that would considerably increase IAA. In this paper, the ‘Greek Learner Corpus II’ (GLCII) -the largest online greek learner corpus will serve as a basis to shed light on two commonly met types of ambiguity in error annotation that are closely related to target languages in which syncretism is ubiquitous in grammar (e.g., Greek and Romanian): a classification level and an identification level ambiguity.

A Comparison of the Use of Three Vocabulary Learning Methods by Pre-Service English Language Teachers

The present study aimed to construct the piloting phase of a more extensive investigation on the effectiveness of the keyword technique, rote memorisation and semantic mapping as vocabulary learning methods in word retention rates of 16 third-grade pre-service teachers studying at English Language Teaching Department of a large Turkish university. The effectiveness of the methods for vocabulary learning was tested using three experimental learning conditions;the conditions were administered to all the participants for their learning of carefully selected 24 low-frequency English words. The results from the immediate post-tests indicated that the keyword technique provided the highest success in recalling the target words. Besides,the rote memorisation method was as successful as the keyword technique. However, the semantic mapping technique has created moderately lower scores both in immediate and delayed post-tests. After an interval of seven weeks, no significant differences were observed between methods. The study yielded suggestions for future larger-scale studies regarding the sample group’s size, the field of study,and variety in the target language.

Pathways of REDD+ Piloting in Enhancing Sustainable Forest Management: The Case of Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem, Western Tanzania.

In Tanzania, the piloting phase for the Reduced Emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation lasted for almost 8 years, between 2008 and 2016. REDD+ pilot projects were implemented to document critical lessons that would inform the development of REDD policy in the country, including the development of REDD strategy and Action Plan that the government endorsed in March 2013. Major thematic areas for piloting were to understand the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, community engagement approaches, alternative livelihoods in the context of REDD+, measurement, reporting and verification of carbon issues in the context of REDD+ and financing questions. In western Tanzania, REDD+ was implemented in the same vein, with several activities employed with the involvement of state and non-state actors. This study evaluated the success and failure of the REDD+ mechanism in the Masito-Ugalla Ecosystem to draw lessons for future REDD+ implementation. This study employed a cross-sectional design that applied a mixed methods approach in collecting primary and secondary data, including 528 questionnaires, eight focus group discussions and data from direct observations. Before the REDD+ pilot, results indicate the existence of different forms of forest management, both traditional and modern, with traditional approaches being stricter than conventional and whose strength lost over time. The rise of conventional approaches was to alleviate deforestation that started in the aftermath that necessitated the development and implementation of conservation projects, whereby the REDD+ pilot is credited for stakeholder involvement and awareness creation programmes. However, it was challenging to balance conservation under REDD+ and community socio-economic development to achieve sustainable forest management targets, including alleviating shifting cultivation. The lack of completion of REDD+ activities such as the sale of carbon credits due to its short lifespan was an indication of REDD+ failure to achieve its milestones. Results illustrate further that transparency in planning for benefits distribution among actors, community empowerment, equity and equality and community responsiveness are necessary to foster community participation in SFM processes. Unless the transfer of tenure rights from the government (especially in JFM) to communities surrounding forests, it will be hard for local communities to effectively participate in future SFM activities. Findings highlight the need to clearly define how local communities surrounding forests can sustainably be engaged in management and conservation and benefit from their engagement in such processes.

A standard framework for assessing the costs and benefits of restoration: introducing The Economics of Ecosystem Restoration

While the policy momentum behind ecosystem restoration has never been stronger, restoration finance remains insufficient. A crucial information gap to unlock finance is the lack of robust and consistent data on the costs and benefits of restoration. This is due in part to the wide variety of contexts, interventions, and objectives of restoration projects, and to the absence of well‐defined standards and protocols for cost and benefit data collection. To fill this gap, we developed a standard framework to assess the costs and benefits of restoration projects and specific restoration interventions. The associated template for data collection, which was tested for usability during a piloting phase, is the first output of The Economics of Ecosystem Restoration (TEER), a multi‐partner initiative under the aegis of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It is the first attempt ever to improve the robustness and comparability of data on the economics of ecosystem restoration collected from the field at a global scale. Widespread adoption of this framework and associated template by a wide range of organizations implementing or financing restoration would allow for standardized data to be fed into a jointly owned database of restoration costs and benefits and serve as a basis for the further investigation of the economics of ecosystem restoration, including cost‐benefits analysis. Better information on costs and benefits will help to inform accurate budgeting access to finance for restoration projects, and make them more likely to achieve their set goals and desired quantitative outcomes (e.g. area restored).

Integrating Welfare Technology in Long-term Care Services: Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey Study.

BackgroundWelfare technologies are often described as a solution to the increasing pressure on primary health care services. However, despite initiating welfare technology projects in the health care sector and different government incentives, research indicates that it is difficult to integrate welfare technology innovations in a complex and varying setting, such as long-term care.ObjectiveWe aim to describe the types of welfare technology and the extent to which welfare technology is provided in long-term care (ie, nursing homes and home care services); examine whether the extent of welfare technology provision differs on the basis of municipal characteristics (ie, population size, centrality, the proportion of older inhabitants, and income); and identify how local governments (ie, municipalities) describe their efforts toward integrating welfare technologies in long-term care.MethodsQuantitative and qualitative data about welfare technology from a larger cross-sectional survey about the provision of long-term care services in Norwegian municipalities were combined with registry data. Representatives of 422 Norwegian municipalities were invited to participate in the survey. Frequencies were used to describe the distribution of the types and extent of welfare technologies, whereas the Fisher exact test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance were used to determine the association between the extent of welfare technology and municipal characteristics. Free-form text data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 277 municipalities were surveyed. Technology for safety was the most widespread type of welfare technology, whereas technology for social contact was the least prevalent. Two-thirds of the sample (183/277, 66.1%) in nursing home and (197/277, 71.1%) in home care services reported providing one or two different types of welfare technology. There was a statistically significant association between the extent of welfare technology and population size (in both nursing homes and home care services: P=.01), centrality (nursing homes: P=.01; home care services: P<.001), and municipal income (nursing homes: P=.02; home care services: P<.001). The extent of welfare technology was not associated with the proportion of older adults. The municipalities described being in a piloting phase and committing to future investment in welfare technology. Monetary resources were allocated, competency development among staff was initiated, and the municipalities were concerned about establishing collaborations within and between municipalities. Home care services seem to have a more person-centered approach in their efforts toward integrating welfare technologies, whereas nursing homes seem to have a more technology-centered approach.ConclusionsMany municipalities provide welfare technologies; however, their extent is limited and varies according to municipal characteristics. Municipal practices still seem dominated by piloting, and welfare technologies are not fully integrated into long-term care services. Innovation with welfare technology appears top-down and is influenced by national policy but also reflects creating a window of opportunity through the organization of municipal efforts toward integrating welfare technology through, for example, collaborations and committing personnel and financial resources.

Developing a Competency Model for EAP Teachers: Insights from Internationalization of Higher Education

The teachers' competencies in the process of internationalization of higher education (IHE) are of vital importance (Brandenburg & Federkeil, 2007; van der Werf, 2012). The extent of IHE in a university is in a close relationship with the teachers' competencies (Harari, 1981). However, the required competencies of teachers in IHE are not a well-studied topic. Similarly, the dearth of literature on EAP professional (Blaj-Ward, 2014, p. 113) has complicated exploring the EAP teachers' competencies. The absence of a competency model addressing the needs of EAP teachers to effectively engage in the education fitting the IHE objectives and policies gave impetus to this study. In line with this objective, an instrument measuring EAP teachers' competencies was designed and validated. The following steps were taken to develop the instrument: the theme extraction and item generation phase, the piloting phase, and the validation phase. The extensive review of the literature and interviews with IHE experts and EAP teachers yielded 8 competencies. This initial framework led to the development of the preliminary version of a 22-item questionnaire. The piloting phase resulted in 23 items. 74 EAP teachers from both camps (language and content) participated in the final administration. Various factor analyses, internal consistency, and correlation of all of the items were performed. The data obtained confirmed a sufficiently reliable and valid scale, consisting of 6 components (with the same underlying themes of 8 competencies extracted earlier) and 23 items for measuring the EAP teachers' competencies.

Automatic Museum Audio Guide.

An automatic “museum audio guide” is presented as a new type of audio guide for museums. The device consists of a headset equipped with a camera that captures exhibit pictures and the eyes of things computer vision device (EoT). The EoT board is capable of recognizing artworks using features from accelerated segment test (FAST) keypoints and a random forest classifier, and is able to be used for an entire day without the need to recharge the batteries. In addition, an application logic has been implemented, which allows for a special highly-efficient behavior upon recognition of the painting. Two different use case scenarios have been implemented. The main testing was performed with a piloting phase in a real world museum. Results show that the system keeps its promises regarding its main benefit, which is simplicity of use and the user’s preference of the proposed system over traditional audioguides.

Refugee Escape Room©: a new gamification tool to deepen learning about Migration and Health

Abstract Background The aim of gamification is to provide an experiential exercise that invokes emotions to deepen learning. MyHealth project is interested in developing tools that facilitate healthcare access to newly arrived immigrants in Europe. One important barrier is the low levels of intercultural competency among healthcare professionals and the pervasiveness of negative health-related stereotypes. Methods We aim to demonstrate the educational value and social impact of the Refugee Escape Room©, to 1) raise awareness about the social and health challenges faced by vulnerable migrants and 2) provide an effective intercultural competence and self-efficacy training for hosting community. The game was created in 2017 by healthcare professionals and university students with personal migratory experience. It is divided in two parts. The first part addresses knowledge gaps about relevant aspects of Migration and Health. The second part is a fictional border control exercise with multiple bureaucratic challenges that participants, organized as “families”, must overcome to succeed. A pre-post pilot was executed to test for tool effectiveness. The piloting phase involved carrying out multiple instances of the activity for separate target groups. A questionnaire was developed with items related to knowledge, self-efficacy and intercultural competence. The questionnaire was filled by participants at baseline and post intervention to assess for statistically significant changes in all outcomes. Results while the piloting phase is still ongoing preliminary results show a high level of acceptability and engagement with the tool. Conclusions Refugee Escape Room© is a newly created tool that posits as a promising awareness-raising, competency-building gamification tool that is easily adaptable to multiple settings and participants. Key messages Gamification provides an experiential exercise that invokes emotions to deepen learning. Refugee Escape Room© is a promising tool for raising awareness about challenges faced by vulnerable migrants.

HPV testing for cervical cancer screening: technical improvement of laboratory logistics and good clinical performance of the cobas 6800 in comparison to the 4800 system

BackgroundEuropean guidelines for cervical cancer screening now recommend the use of clinically validated assays for high-risk HPV-DNA sequences as primary test in women older than 30 years, performed in centralized laboratories, and run on systems providing automated solutions for all steps.MethodsWe conducted a comparison study, according to the international guidelines, nested within the organized population-based cervical screening program, between the cobas 4800 and 6800 systems (Roche Diagnostics), to evaluate accuracy and reproducibility of HPV test results and laboratory workflow. In Italy implementation of HPV cervical screening is under way on a regional basis; in Veneto it started in June 2015, following a piloting phase; the assay in use in the three centralized laboratories is the cobas 4800 HPV test, run on the cobas 4800 system. Comparison of HPV results with a new version of the assay (cobas 6800/8800 HPV) run on the cobas 6800 system, and intra- and inter-reproducibility analyses have been conducted in samples collected in PreservCyt medium (Hologic) from women without and with a subsequent diagnosis of high-grade lesion.ResultsSamples from women older than 30 years attending organized cervical cancer screening were used. Clinical sensitivity and specificity were evaluated on 60 cases and 925 controls, respectively; intra-laboratory reproducibility and inter-laboratory agreement by the 6800 system were evaluated on 593 and 460 specimens, respectively. Our results showed a very high agreement (> 98%) for overall qualitative results between the two systems; clinical sensitivity and specificity of the HPV assay run on 6800 were non-inferior to those of the HPV assay run on 4800 (p = 0,0157 and p = 0,0056, respectively, at the recommended thresholds of 90 and 98%); kappa values of 0.967 and 0.969 were obtained for intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility analyses in the 6800 system. The 6800 platform displayed several technological improvements over the 4800 system, with higher throughput and laboratory productivity, and lower operator’s hands-on time.ConclusionsThe new cobas 6800/8800 HPV assay run on the 6800 instrument is suitable for use in large centralized laboratories included within population-based cervical cancer screening programs.

Mapping users' expectations regarding extended-range forecasts

Abstract. An online survey was used to map the needs and preferences of the Finnish general public concerning extended-range forecasts and their presentation. First analyses of the survey were used to guide the co-design process of novel extended-range forecasts to be developed and tested during the project. In addition, the survey was used to engage the respondents from the general public to participate in a one year piloting phase that started in June 2017. The respondents considered that the tailored extended-range forecasts would be beneficial in planning activities, preparing for the weather risks and scheduling the everyday life. The respondents also perceived the information about the impacts of weather conditions more important than advice on how to prepare for the impacts.

Development of a communication aid for explaining hypertrophic cardiomyopathy genetic test results

BackgroundLarge gene panels are now commonplace for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), increasing the yield of uncertain genetic findings. Few resources exist which aim to facilitate communication of HCM genetic test results. We sought to develop, pilot, and refine a communication aid for probands receiving HCM genetic test results.MethodsDevelopment was a multi-step process involving expertise of a multidisciplinary team, literature review, and empirical experience. The aid went through an iterative revision process throughout the piloting phase to incorporate feedback. HCM probands attending a specialized multidisciplinary HCM clinic, aged ≥ 18 years and genetic test results available for disclosure between May and August 2016, or recently received their gene results (January–April 2015) were eligible. A purposive sampling strategy was employed, recruiting those attending clinic during the study period or those who could attend without difficulty.ResultsWe developed and pilot tested a genetic counsellor-led communication aid. Based on clinical expertise, the aid addresses (a) what genetic testing is, (b) implications for the patient, (c) reasoning for variant classification, and (d) implications for the family. Pilot data were sought to assess knowledge, feasibility, and acceptability using a self-report survey 2 weeks post-intervention. Twelve of 13 participants completed the follow-up questionnaire. Participants valued the individualised nature of the aid, recommended use of the aid, and indicated genetic knowledge, and family communication was better facilitated. Iterative modification of images helped to more simply depict important genetic concepts.ConclusionsWe have developed a tool that is feasible, acceptable, and helpful to patients receiving genetic results. This is an important first step, and trial of the aid to assess effectiveness compared to usual care will follow.

Uncovering young children's motivational beliefs about learning science

AbstractYoung children, ages 5–6 years, develop first beliefs about science and themselves as science learners, and these beliefs are considered important precursors of children's future motivation to pursue science. Yet, due to a lack of adequate measures, little is known about young children's motivational beliefs about learning science. The present two‐part study explores the motivational beliefs of young children using a new measure—the Young Children's Science Motivation (Y‐CSM) scale. Initial measurement development involved a thorough literature review of existing measures, and an extensive piloting phase until a final instrument was reached. To establish scale reliability, measurement invariance as well construct and criterion validity, the final instrument was administered to a new sample of 277 young children, age 5–6 years, in northern Germany. Results reveal that children's motivational beliefs can be empirically differentiated into their self‐confidence and enjoyment in science at this young age. Older children were more motivated in science, but no significant gender differences were found. Importantly, children in preschools with a science focus reported significantly higher science motivation. This finding stresses the importance of early science education for the development of children's motivational beliefs science.

Attitude towards Azeri language in Iran: a large-scale survey research

ABSTRACTThis survey research investigated the attitude of Iranian Azeri native speakers towards Azeri language. A questionnaire was developed and its reliability was estimated (r = 0.74) through a piloting phase on 54 Azeri native speakers. The participants, for the main phase of this study, were 400 Azeri native speakers with different social and educational backgrounds and from some densely Azeri-populated provinces in Iran. They completed either the online or the printed version of the survey, the results of which indicated that Iranian Azeri native speakers have a high level of positive attitude towards their mother tongue in spite of the negligence of this language in the Iranian educational system. The results of this study are discussed from a sociopolitical standpoint and their implications for the Iranian context are provided.

Technology Focus: EOR Operations (June 2015)

Technology Focus What a difference a year can make! Back in June 2014, when the EOR Operations feature last appeared in JPT, Brent was trading at more than USD 100/bbl. At the time of writing this year, the oil price has halved to near USD 50/bbl. However, despite current prices, it is widely believed that the age of easy oil is over and that, as we seek to replace reserves and meet growing energy demand, we will be driven to develop more- technically-difficult and -capital-intensive volumes. This will be through exploration in ever-more-remote and -challenging environments, the development of known but more-difficult reservoirs, or the development of brownfield projects by applying improved-oil-recovery and enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) techniques to existing assets. Worldwide, more oil is left behind in reservoirs than is recovered. The potential of EOR is significant: A 1% increase in the efficiency of hydrocarbon recovery could deliver 3 additional years of annual global production at today’s level. EOR is about monetizing known barrels in well-characterized formations through the application of commercially proven recovery techniques such as miscible-gas and steam injection and with an eye to the maturation of less-widely-applied or emerging EOR technologies such as alkaline/surfactant/polymer flooding or low-salinity flooding. Developing these EOR plays requires the willingness to step beyond our comfort zones and the commitment to longer-term project timelines, which may require a piloting or demonstration phase before large-scale application. That is not very different from opening up a new exploration play, except that we know with certainty that the hydrocarbons exist. Successful implementation of more-complex recovery processes benefits from a systems approach in which every aspect of the project is considered, from the injectant sourcing through to piloting, facilities design, project phasing, surveillance, and reservoir management. Alongside this there is a need to develop and deepen skills to move from primary- or secondary-recovery processes to EOR. SPE plays an important role in this by sharing knowledge and experience of operating projects. The papers summarized in this section and suggested in the recommended additional reading all speak to different aspects of the EOR journey. I hope you will enjoy reading them and be inspired to look for EOR opportunities in your fields.

Transformation of AgCl nanoparticles in a sewer system — A field study

Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP) are increasingly used in consumer products and their release during the use phase may negatively affect aquatic ecosystems. Research efforts, so far, have mainly addressed the application and use of metallic Ag(0)-NP. However, as shown by recent studies on the release of Ag from textiles, other forms of Ag, especially silver chloride (AgCl), are released in much larger quantities than metallic Ag(0). In this field study, we report the release of AgCl-NP from a point source (industrial laundry that applied AgCl-NP during a piloting phase over a period of several months to protect textiles from bacterial regrowth) to the public sewer system and investigate the transformation of Ag during its transport in the sewer system and in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). During the study period, the laundry discharged ~85g of Ag per day, which dominated the Ag loads in the sewer system from the respective catchment (72–95%) and the Ag in the digested WWTP sludge (67%). Combined results from electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed that the Ag discharged from the laundry to the sewer consisted of about one third AgCl and two thirds Ag2S, both forms primarily occurring as nanoparticles with diameters<100nm. During the 800m transport in the sewer channel to the nearby WWTP, corresponding to a travel time of ~30min, the remaining AgCl was transformed into nanoparticulate Ag2S. Ag2S-NP also dominated the Ag speciation in the digested sludge. In line with results from earlier studies, the very low Ag concentrations measured in the effluent of the WWTP (<0.5μgL−1) confirmed the very high removal efficiency of Ag from the wastewater stream (>95%).

Piloting the ‘Children's acceptability of oral formulations (CALF) medicines survey to determine perceptions and practices with paediatrics medicines

AimsThe 2007 EU ‘Paediatric Regulation’ has been a regulatory milestone governing the development and authorisation of medicines for use in children. Children have specific requirements which must be considered when...