Prioritization Criteria Research Articles

Assisted site-dependent selection of the most suitable Airborne Wind Energy system via Fuzzy Analytic Network Process

Over the last decade, the Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) innovation has been evolving with the development of several prototypes by various companies/research institutions. AWE crosswind systems may differ in the electricity generation mode, the wing type, the take-off/landing approaches and the control mechanisms, to name a few. Each system has characteristics which enhance their performance regarding key factors of AWE exploration at the expense of penalizing others. Hence, deciding for the most appropriate system in a possible AWE implementation, targeting a certain location, is a difficult and uncertain scenario. This paper presents a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, using the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP), aiming to determine, from nine alternatives, the most suitable AWE crosswind system for two distinct exploration sites: on-shore rural and off-shore. The importance of key selection criteria for AWE is presented and discussed, alternatives in each criterion are evaluated and compared and, finally, a prioritization of both alternatives and criteria is obtained. The FANP methodology indicates rigid wing pumping-cycle systems with horizontal take-off as the most suitable solution for both investigated sites, revealing Aerodynamic Performance, Mass-to-Area Ratio and Controlability as the most relevant factors in the decision.

Intelligent Emotion and Sensory Remote Prioritisation for Patients with Multiple Chronic Diseases.

An intelligent remote prioritization for patients with high-risk multiple chronic diseases is proposed in this research, based on emotion and sensory measurements and multi-criteria decision making. The methodology comprises two phases: (1) a case study is discussed through the adoption of a multi-criteria decision matrix for high-risk level patients; (2) the technique for reorganizing opinion order to interval levels (TROOIL) is modified by combining it with an extended fuzzy-weighted zero-inconsistency (FWZIC) method over fractional orthotriple fuzzy sets to address objective weighting issues associated with the original TROOIL. In the first hierarchy level, chronic heart disease is identified as the most important criterion, followed by emotion-based criteria in the second. The third hierarchy level shows that Peaks is identified as the most important sensor-based criterion and chest pain as the most important emotion criterion. Low blood pressure disease is identified as the most important criterion for patient prioritization, with the most severe cases being prioritized. The results are evaluated using systematic ranking and sensitivity analysis.

A Clinically Viable Approach to Cell Programming

A Clinically Viable Approach to Cell Programming

Patient generated research priorities to improve diagnostic safety: A systematic prioritization exercise

BackgroundMost people experience a diagnostic error at least once in their lifetime. Patients’ experiences with their diagnosis could provide important insights when setting research priorities to reduce diagnostic error. ObjectiveOur objective was to engage patients in research agenda setting for improving diagnosis. Patient involvementPatients were involved in generating, discussing, prioritizing, and ranking of research questions for diagnostic error reduction. MethodsWe used the prioritization methodology based on the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI). We first solicited research questions important for diagnostic error reduction from a large group of patients. Thirty questions were initially prioritized at an in-person meeting with 8 patients who were supported by 4 researchers. The resulting list was further prioritized by patients who scored questions on five predefined criteria. We then applied previously determined weights to these prioritization criteria to adjust the final prioritization score for each question, resulting in 10 highest priority research questions. ResultsForty-one patients submitted 171 research questions. After prioritization, the highest priority topics included better care coordination across the diagnostic continuum and improving care transitions, improved identification and measurement of diagnostic errors and attention for implicit bias towards patients who are vulnerable to diagnostic errors. DiscussionWe systematically identified the top-10 patient generated research priorities for diagnostic error reduction using transparent and objective methods. Patients prioritized different research questions than researchers and therefore complemented an agenda previously generated by researchers. Practical valueResearch priorities identified by patients can be used by funders and researchers to conduct future research focused on reducing diagnostic errors. FundingThis project was funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Evaluation of Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance System Electronic Laboratory Processing in Florida: Automating Case Creation, Reporting, and Closure of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Cases.

Each year, Florida Department of Health staff process hundreds of thousands of electronically received laboratory results for chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (GC). These processing steps are currently performed manually in Florida's surveillance system and divert from other sexually transmitted disease prevention efforts. We developed processes that would automate these procedures and evaluated the impact on potential programmatic time savings. We evaluated 575,952 electronic CT/GC laboratory results from January 2019 to December 2021. Laboratory results were processed through the newly automated procedures and algorithms. Expected time savings were projected using conservative estimates of 1 minute saved every time an automated process replaced a current manual procedure: profile matching, profile creation, event record creation, case review, and case reporting. Exceptions to automatic case reporting applied to certain higher-priority populations needing intervention. During this period, 297,348 electronic CT/GC laboratory results were received for people with no previous recorded history of sexually transmitted diseases and required profile creation. In total, 386,763 new surveillance infection records were created for reporting. Of reported cases, 127,345 were from higher-priority groups. The proposed automations would have saved an estimated 33,121 hours of staff time, about 11,040 hours or the work of 5.3 full-time staff annually. Automating current CT/GC laboratory processing would save thousands of personnel hours that could be redirected to higher-priority activities. Flexibility in prioritization criteria for automated case reporting allows programs to adjust automation to disease prevention priorities and resources. Similar automation procedures could be developed by other jurisdictions or health programs.

Seismic risk reduction through retrofitting of school masonry buildings from Romania

Retrofitting the existing building stock is needed since it can cause significant losses as in case of a damaging earthquake, particularly in structures used for public services, such as schools. Effective and optimal seismic retrofitting measures applied to existing masonry constructions should arise from a strong understanding of the vulnerabilities associated with each structural typology and construction practice. Using representative structural configurations of the masonry buildings used in the education sector from Romania, the paper aims to evaluate the seismic risk associated to the existing buildings and to support informed decision-making for seismic retrofitting measures. Starting from a broad database of school masonry buildings, potential losses were evaluated considering two seismic hazard scenarios. For an earthquake having a 63% exceedance probability in 50 years, losses estimated for the education sector comprising masonry structures reached almost 240 mil. € and 2,500 potential casualties. For highlighting that investments in retrofitting masonry structures from the education sector lead to significant reductions of potential losses, prioritization criteria were proposed and cost–benefit analysis was carried out for about 15,000 buildings. Results are presented through graphs and maps that illustrate the distribution of annual failure probabilities at the national level. Therefore, the methodology proposed and the results presented in this paper can represent a valuable tool for substantiating public policies aiming at reducing the seismic risk, in particular for existing masonry structures.

Prioritisation of criteria for sustainable and agile global manufacturing outsourcing partner selection using simulation based stochastic fuzzy PIPRECIA method

Prioritisation of criteria for sustainable and agile global manufacturing outsourcing partner selection using simulation based stochastic fuzzy PIPRECIA method

Health technology assessment 2025 and beyond: lifecycle approaches to promote engagement and efficiency in health technology assessment.

Lifecycle considerations have always been part of health technology assessment (HTA). However, the concept of taking a fuller, more holistic "lifecycle approach" is gaining interest in the HTA community. The 2022 HTAi Global Policy Forum (GPF) discussed how adopting a lifecycle approach could promote stakeholder engagement and robust evidence generation, and whether it could enhance information sharing and transparency across stakeholder groups. This article summarizes the discussions held at the 2022 HTAi GPF and subsequent HTAi Annual Meeting panel session that debated some of the key challenges and opportunities, with particular focus on the pre- and postmarket and disinvestment phase activities. Core themes and recommendations identified that collaboration and patient involvement are happening but still needs to be strengthened, and moving to disease-based approaches may help, although individual contexts still need to be considered. Appropriately developed and mandated core outcome sets may help with information sharing and efficiency in all lifecycle activities. Further, methods for the appropriate use of big data and digital data collection should be developed and driven by the HTA community. The value of lifecycle activities should be reviewed; in particular, scientific advice appears valuable, but the magnitude of effect is somewhat unknown due to the challenges around the confidential nature of these activities. Not all lifecycle activities can be conducted for every technology, and while there is a move away from disinvestment phase activities, more structured prioritization criteria are required. This article ends with suggested next steps to bring forward some of the priority recommendations.

CAT HPPR: a critical appraisal tool to assess the quality of systematic, rapid, and scoping reviews investigating interventions in health promotion and prevention

BackgroundFor over three decades researchers have developed critical appraisal tools (CATs) for assessing the scientific quality of research overviews. Most established CATs for reviews in evidence-based medicine and evidence-based public health (EBPH) focus on systematic reviews (SRs) with studies on experimental interventions or exposure included. EBPH- and implementation-oriented organisations and decision-makers, however, often seek access to rapid reviews (RRs) or scoping reviews (ScRs) for rapid evidence synthesis and research field exploration. Until now, no CAT is available to assess the quality of SRs, RRs, and ScRs following a unified approach. We set out to develop such a CAT.MethodsThe development process of the Critical Appraisal Tool for Health Promotion and Prevention Reviews (CAT HPPR) included six phases: (i) the definition of important review formats and complementary approaches, (ii) the identification of relevant CATs, (iii) prioritisation, selection and adaptation of quality criteria using a consensus approach, (iv) development of the rating system and bilingual guidance documents, (v) engaging with experts in the field for piloting/optimising the CAT, and (vi) approval of the final CAT. We used a pragmatic search approach to identify reporting guidelines/standards (n = 3; e.g. PRISMA, MECIR) as well as guidance documents (n = 17; e.g. for reviews with mixed-methods approach) to develop working definitions for SRs, RRs, ScRs, and other review types (esp. those defined by statistical methods or included data sources).ResultsWe successfully identified 14 relevant CATs, predominantly for SRs (e.g. AMSTAR 2), and extracted 46 items. Following consensual discussions 15 individual criteria were included in our CAT and tailored to the review types of interest. The CAT was piloted with 14 different reviews which were eligible to be included in a new German database looking at interventions in health promotion and prevention in different implementation settings.ConclusionsThe newly developed CAT HPPR follows a unique uniformed approach to assess a set of heterogeneous reviews (e.g. reviews from problem identification to policy evaluations) to assist end-users needs. Feedback of external experts showed general feasibility and satisfaction with the tool. Future studies should further formally test the validity of CAT HPPR using larger sets of reviews.

Determination of Factors Influencing Pharmacists While Recommending Immune-Enhancing Products via Analytic Hierarchy Process.

Immune enhancers are attracting attention day by day. Besides, during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been an increasing demand for immune enhancers. Pharmacists are seen as trustable providers of complementary and alternative medicines, dietary and herbal supplements, immune-enhancers, and so on. This study aims to prioritization criteria that affect community pharmacists' recommending behavior regarding immune enhancers. This paper adopts the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to rank different criteria substantial for affecting community pharmacists' recommending behavior regarding immune enhancers. In this direction, firstly seven criteria were identified through literature review and views of pharmacists who have community pharmacy experiences. These are; (i) ease of access, (ii) selling price, (iii) package, (iv) content (appropriateness to patient health status), (v) expectation of patient, (vi) quality, and (vii) trust in the manufacturer. Then, a questionnaire including criteria was prepared and delivered to community pharmacists. The data obtained from 93 participants were transferred to the Super Decisions software. The hierarchical structure of the AHP was established and pair-wise comparisons were made. This study showed that the most important criterion was the ease of access (28%). Secondly, pharmacists give importance to the content of the product, while advising immune-enhancers (22%). Besides, it was determined that the least important criterion was the package of the product (4%). This study will contribute to the literature by facilitating the process of assessing factors that pharmacists pay attention to while recommending immune-enhancing products. Additionally, the present study results will shed light on firms producing such products, to shape their supply chain management strategies, especially for marketing and sales.

Optical genome mapping and revisiting short-read genome sequencing data reveal previously overlooked structural variants disrupting retinal disease−associated genes

PurposeStructural variants (SVs) play an important role in inherited retinal diseases (IRD). Although the identification of SVs significantly improved upon the availability of genome sequencing, it is expected that involvement of SVs in IRDs is higher than anticipated. We revisited short-read genome sequencing data to enhance the identification of gene-disruptive SVs. MethodsOptical genome mapping was performed to improve SV detection in short-read genome sequencing−negative cases. In addition, reanalysis of short-read genome sequencing data was performed to improve the interpretation of SVs and to re-establish SV prioritization criteria. ResultsIn a monoallelic USH2A case, optical genome mapping identified a pericentric inversion (173 megabase), with 1 breakpoint disrupting USH2A. Retrospectively, the variant could be observed in genome sequencing data but was previously deemed false positive. Reanalysis of short-read genome sequencing data (427 IRD cases) was performed which yielded 30 pathogenic SVs affecting, among other genes, USH2A (n = 15), PRPF31 (n = 3), and EYS (n = 2). Eight of these (>25%) were overlooked during previous analyses. ConclusionCritical evaluation of our findings allowed us to re-establish and improve our SV prioritization and interpretation guidelines, which will prevent missing pathogenic events in future analyses. Our data suggest that more attention should be paid to SV interpretation and the current contribution of SVs in IRDs is still underestimated.

Optimal allocation of vaccines in a pandemic

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of approaches to the allocation of scarce vaccine doses during a pandemic. Price and non-price methods are outlined to determine whom to prioritize. It is argued that depending on viral and vaccine properties, it may be superior to use epidemiological criteria than health risk criteria for prioritization. The paper concludes by noting that the key trade-offs between health risk and epidemiological properties have received too little study to systematically inform allocation during a public health emergency. Moreover, the evaluation criteria for vaccines themselves need to be adjusted to take potential short-term scarcity into account.

A novel fuel supply system modelling approach for electric vehicles under Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets

Various companies have developed electric vehicle (EV)-based multiple fuel supply system modeling approaches (FSSMAs). Nonetheless, no superior approach concurrently satisfies all essential criteria, including ‘sustainability’ and ‘fuel consideration’ criteria. Furthermore, benchmarking the FSSMA alternatives to determine the most sustainable ones does not come without issues. The five main most common concerns are the use of various evaluation criteria, effecting the weights of the criteria with sublayers, criteria prioritization, trade-offs among the criteria, and data variations. Thus, this study proposes a novel FSSMA for EV benchmarking based on two methods—the Pythagorean probabilistic hesitant fuzzy sets and fuzzy weighted zero inconsistency (PPH–FWZIC) and the measurement of alternatives and ranking according to the compromise solution (MARCOS)—which are integrated as a single method. The PPM–FWZIC method was developed to solve the criteria prioritization issue, while the MARCOS method was developed to solve the various evaluation criteria, trade-offs among the criteria, and data variation issues to benchmark the FSSMA for EV alternatives. The integrated multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) method allows the system to perform a backward scoring process (BSP) and derive a scoring decision matrix from the formulated decision matrices that are performed based on the feed-forward data presentation (FFDP) procedure to solve the multiple criteria layers that affect the proper assessment of the impact of a certain criterion and its subcriteria in the weighting purpose issues. Subsequently, the FSSMAs for EVs are benchmarked, and the most sustainable approach is selected. The results were tested via sensitivity analysis and the Spearman correlation coefficient. The present study is also compared with a benchmark study based on a benchmarking checklist.

Effects of discordance between species and gene trees on phylogenetic diversity conservation.

Phylogenetic diversity indices such as the Fair Proportion (FP) index are frequently discussed as prioritization criteria in biodiversity conservation. They rank species according to their contribution to overall diversity by taking into account the unique and shared evolutionary history of each species as indicated by its placement in an underlying phylogenetic tree. Traditionally, phylogenetic trees were inferred from single genes and the resulting gene trees were assumed to be a valid estimate for the species tree, i.e., the "true" evolutionary history of the species under consideration. However, nowadays it is common to sequence whole genomes of hundreds or thousands of genes, and it is often the case that conflicting genealogical histories exist in different genes throughout the genome, resulting in discordance between individual gene trees and the species tree. Here, we analyze the effects of gene and species tree discordance on prioritization decisions based on the FP index. In particular, we consider the ranking order of taxa induced by (i) The FP index on a species tree, and (ii) The expected FP index across all gene tree histories associated with the species tree. On the one hand, we show that for particular tree shapes, the two rankings always coincide. On the other hand, we show that for all leaf numbers greater than or equal to five, there exist species trees for which the two rankings differ. Finally, we illustrate the variability in the rankings obtained from the FP index across different gene tree and species tree estimates for an empirical multilocus mammal data set.

A Novel Approach for Urban Road Network Maintenance Plans Using Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis and Roadside Conditions: A Case Study of Muroran City, Japan

Urban and residential roads play an integral role in the infrastructure system of a city. Although they take up a large proportion of the national road network, maintenance plans for urban roads are beset by many problems. These include difficulty in collecting enormous volumes of data, implementing analyses, and interpreting results because of complicated frameworks. Thus, this study aims to introduce an effective and reliable method of formulating a maintenance plan using integrated criteria of spatial autocorrelation analysis and roadside conditions. The results demonstrate that defective pavements are clustered in certain areas, for example, mountainous and forested areas, which indicate environmental effects. Using a mixed index as a criterion for prioritization, approximately 55% of roadside residents (represented by the total residential housing floor area) and 90% of commercial and medical facilities surrounding critical sections gained benefit from maintenance activities in the second year. Importantly, the proposed method presents the advantages of simplifying implications and quantitative outcomes that could support local agents in not only implementing but also making decisions and interpreting such decisions for the community.

Familial resemblance, citizenship, and counterproductive work behavior: A combined twin, adoption, parent-offspring, and spouse approach.

Given the well-documented importance of counterproductive workplace behavior and organizational citizenship behavior (together nontask performance), it is important to clarify the degree to which these behaviors are attributable to organizational climate versus preexisting individual differences. Such clarification informs where these behaviors stem from, and consequently has practical implications for organizations (e.g., guiding prioritization of selection criteria). We investigated familial resemblance for nontask performance among twins, nontwin and adoptive siblings, parents and offspring, and midlife and late-life couples drawn from two, large-scale studies: the Minnesota Twin Family Study and the Sibling Interaction Behavior Study. Similarity among family members' (e.g., parents-offspring, siblings) engagement in nontask performance was assessed to estimate the degree to which preexisting individual differences (i.e., genetic variability) and the environment (i.e., environmentality) accounted for variation in counterproductive and citizenship behavior. We found that degree of familial resemblance for nontask performance increased with increasing genetic relationship. Nonetheless, genetically identical individuals correlated only moderately in their workplace behavior (r = .29-.40), highlighting the importance of environmental differences. Notably, family members were more similar in their counterproductive than citizenship behavior, suggesting citizenship behavior is comparatively more environmentally influenced. Spouse/partner similarity for nontask behavior was modest and did not vary between midlife and late-life couples, suggesting spousal influence on nontask performance is limited. These findings offer insight to organizations regarding the degree of nature (individual differences) and nurture (including organizational factors) influences on nontask performance, which has implications for the selection of interventions (e.g., relative value of applicant selection or incumbent interventions). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

OP71 PriTec Tool 2: Adaptation For Selection Of Technologies To Be Assessed For Inclusion Into The Health Care System

IntroductionThe PriTec Tool is an automatically executable multicriteria web application developed in 2009 by the Galician Health Knowledge Agency (avalia-t; ACIS) for the prioritization of technologies susceptible of post-introduction observation or obsolescence. Currently, the tool has been updated and improved to support the selection process of technologies to be assessed for inclusion into the National Public Health Care Portfolio. The aim of this work is to present the updated version of the tool (PriTec Tool 2) with the new functionalities.MethodsThe development of the tool was based on a mixed-method approach, comprising a systematic review, followed by a five-step process: (i) development of the preliminary proposal of prioritization criteria and domains; (ii) contextualization and validation of the criteria and domains by a multidisciplinary group of key stakeholders; (iii) assessment of validity, reliability and suitability of criteria; (iv) weighting of domains; and (v) evaluation of applicability, reliability and reproducibility of the tool.ResultsThe tool consists of 15 criteria categorized in 5 domains. The web application ranks the technologies through automatic computation of the weighted average of the different criteria and generates a comparative analysis of the individual or working group results. The application allows access to different options: working groups, case studies or technology comparison. It allows for individual prioritizations or managing working groups. When applied to prioritize the Spanish Network of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Agencies yearly workplan it achieved an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.62, 0.88).ConclusionsThe updated PriTec Tool-2 can be very useful to guide decision-making regarding the assessments that would be mostly needed to ensure health, equity and sustainability. The tool stands out for its simplicity and ease of application. It is acknowledged that the tool could be of great interest to policy makers, HTA bodies and other health decision-makers worldwide.

An extended Step-Wise Weighted Assessment Ratio Analysis for improving criteria prioritization process Using PROMETHEE Method

The new Step Wise Weighted Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method incorporates the opinion of experts, advocates or litigants about the importance ratio. The SWARA methodology can be used in the p in a virtual environment Special decision support systems Practical implementation and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Possible polymetallic mineralization Future map of various study datasets Step wise through integration Weighted Ratio Analysis Developed by (SWARA). In the world of external methods PROMETHEE methods are very popular. One of the reasons for this popularity called PROMCALC-Promethee It is very user-friendly calculation software. Many trainers use their multiple criteria PROMCALC to handle problems. However, all users in PROMETHEE methods regarding the consequences of model assumptions made them will not know. We study the application of PROMETHEE outranking methods to portfolio selection problems. Starting from the new formulation of the PROMETHEE V method, based on the concepts of frontier portfolios and c-optimal portfolios we develop several alternative approaches. The Priority Ranking System Method for Saturation Evaluation (PROMETHEE) was used to solve the problem. Alternative is Technological (C1), Economic (C2), Political and legislative (C3), Social (personnel) (C4). Evaluation parameters are biomedical micro electromechanical systems (BioMEMS) (A1), Nano technology (A2), Biotechnology (A3), Biomedical engineering (A4). PROMETHEE methods are the best solution. The solution with the shortest distance from the negative-best solution the longest distance is determined, but comparison of these distances is not considered significant. As a result, technical factors (C1) are ranked first, while economic factors (C2) are ranked lowest.

A participatory approach to map strategic areas for conservation and restoration at a regional scale

Identifying and mapping strategic areas for conservation and restoration actions are essential initiatives to reduce human impact on biodiversity. However, most spatial prioritization does not involve decision-makers and stakeholders, generating a science-application gap. Here, we describe a participatory framework to map strategic areas for conservation of 27 species and their ecosystems (SASC), and strategic areas for ecosystem restoration (SAER) in a highly diverse region of Bahia, Brazil. We had eleven participatory meetings where scientists, decision-makers and stakeholders discussed and agreed with the project and methodology. The participants chose five prioritization criteria: habitat amount, environmental suitability, fire frequency, permanently protected area amount and diversity of phytophysiognomies, in this order of relevance. We generated technical maps based on these criteria, which were adjusted to 11 SASC and 12 SAER, according to participants’ perspectives. Many decisions taken during this process would hardly be taken in a conventional academic prioritization process, as some demands arose from participants. These maps are the first step for many posterior conservation actions (e.g. reducing agricultural impacts and species trade), therefore, the results were made accessible to the general public. This process provided participants a sense of ownership of the knowledge, as they became active agents in the process.

“You Have to Prove that You’re Homeless”: Vulnerability and Gatekeeping in Public Housing Prioritization Policies

Building on theories of symbolic boundaries, this article explores the role of the state as gatekeeper to social programs, such as public housing. Using interviews with 75 randomly sampled households living in public housing in Honolulu County, we link contemporary research on gatekeeping with decades of work on how housing policy drives residential outcomes for marginalized groups. In particular, we consider the largely unexamined case of “local preferences,” which fast-track certain individuals into social programs based on locally established criteria. Our data suggest that these prioritization categories have evolved over time and are now largely focused on providing housing to those experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence. Ultimately, this apparently mundane bureaucratic process mediates relationships between social service agencies, individual needs, and overwhelming housing demand, all collaborating to construct symbolic boundaries across which deservingness is defined and adjudicated. We find that waitlist prioritization criteria cannot be reduced to a basic assessment of need as it necessarily instigates issues of definition (e.g., what is homelessness?) and legibility (e.g., how does one prove homelessness?). These collateral issues amplify the importance of institutional social capital and, in some cases, generate conflict between and within eligible communities.