Risk Assessment Technology Research Articles

Sexual dysfunction or sexual discipline? Sexuopharmaceutical use by men as prevention and proficiency

In the first decade following Viagra’s appearance, feminist and critical scholars documented the sexuopharmaceutical expansion of definitions of erectile dysfunction and its target consumer. As we approach Viagra’s 30th anniversary, while feminist scholarship on the medicalization of sexuality flourishes, the impact of erectile medication has received much less attention. This paper (re)casts a critical lens on popularized erectile medication sexual health messages in the context of current pharmaceutical marketing targeting users as neoliberal aspirational sexual subjects. Discourse analysis reveals that online advice about erectile medication use leverages the increased preoccupation with health risk assessment and prevention technologies to normalize erectile dysfunction as a risk for all men, irrespective of age and health status. Erectile dysfunction is presented as inevitable, pathological, and requiring vigilance and expert consultation; penile performance acts as a predictive health gauge. Erectile medication users are situated as model masculine subjects, (medically) augmenting sexual proficiency in romantic or sexually experimental contexts.

Study on Urban Fire Station Planning based on Fire Risk Assessment and GIS Technology

Abstract This paper focuses on the planning of fire station in Lanshan District, Linyi City, Shandong Province. It mainly aims at the deficiency of the fire protection planning in Lanshan district and the new problems brought by the rapid development of the city. The fire risk of city buildings in Lanshan District was identified and evaluated. On the basis of fire risk assessment, GIS technology was introduced to solve the problem of site selection of those new fire stations and layout of old fire stations. The research results suggest that 4 new fire stations should be added, which are close to the great fire risk places. Meanwhile, the new fire stations are also required to be close to the main roads of the city as far as possible. The paper provides some scientific basis and suggestion for the layout optimization of fire stations in Linyi City by the comprehensive utilization of various methods.

MODEL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PROJECT FINANCING RISK ASSESSMENT

Context. The investigation of the actual problem of information technology mathematical models of risk assessment projects regarding the security of their financing, using fuzzy math to various investment entities is done. Development of this technology will allow adequately review the projects; increase the degree of decisions making validity in case of investments and increase economic security and management. Objective of this work is to develop a mathematical model of fuzzy information technology risk assessment for commercial projects regarding the security of their financing. Method. The two-level fuzzy mathematical model to obtain aggregate risk assessment of the project to combine expert opinions in groups criteria in the final assessment and risk project is designed. The set of criteria for risk assessment projects of different origin, which is divided into groups, is formed. The rules of belonging of the resulting term-evaluation for risk criteria groups for the knowledge base building are formulated. The presented model for risk assessment regarding the security of financing for the project, using a systematic approach based on: fuzzy models of the project evaluation, depending on its origin; fuzzy evaluation model of the industries in which commercial project will be implemented and aggregate risk assessment project valuation. Result. The resulting study is the result of the risk assessment model commercial projects regarding the security of their financing, the release of which is linguistic assessment on the proposed project. The rationality of this assessment show the advantages of the model. Conclusions. The paper solved scientific-practical task of development of a mathematical model of information technology for commercial projects risk assessment regarding the security of their financing. The model project evaluation of different origin in conditions of fuzzy expert evaluations based system of fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic. The practical significance of the results, in particular the developed model for risk assessment regarding the security of funding for the project could be implemented in the work of investment and venture funds. The proposed model is a useful tool for increased safety and validity of investment decision-making entities which wish to finance commercial projects of various origins.

Framework for the quality assurance of ’omics technologies considering GLP requirements

‘Omics technologies are gaining importance to support regulatory toxicity studies. Prerequisites for performing ‘omics studies considering GLP principles were discussed at the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) Workshop Applying ‘omics technologies in Chemical Risk Assessment. A GLP environment comprises a standard operating procedure system, proper pre-planning and documentation, and inspections of independent quality assurance staff. To prevent uncontrolled data changes, the raw data obtained in the respective ‘omics data recording systems have to be specifically defined. Further requirements include transparent and reproducible data processing steps, and safe data storage and archiving procedures. The software for data recording and processing should be validated, and data changes should be traceable or disabled. GLP-compliant quality assurance of ‘omics technologies appears feasible for many GLP requirements. However, challenges include (i) defining, storing, and archiving the raw data; (ii) transparent descriptions of data processing steps; (iii) software validation; and (iv) ensuring complete reproducibility of final results with respect to raw data. Nevertheless, ‘omics studies can be supported by quality measures (e.g., GLP principles) to ensure quality control, reproducibility and traceability of experiments. This enables regulators to use ‘omics data in a fit-for-purpose context, which enhances their applicability for risk assessment.

Network Security Risk Assessment System Based on Attack Graph and Markov Chain

Network security risk assessment technology can be found in advance of the network problems and related vulnerabilities, it has become an important means to solve the problem of network security. Based on attack graph and Markov chain, this paper provides a Network Security Risk Assessment Model (NSRAM). Based on the network infiltration tests, NSRAM generates the attack graph by the breadth traversal algorithm. Combines with the international standard CVSS, the attack probability of atomic nodes are counted, and then the attack transition probabilities of ones are calculated by Markov chain. NSRAM selects the optimal attack path after comprehensive measurement to assessment network security risk. The simulation results show that NSRAM can reflect the actual situation of network security objectively.

Applying 'omics technologies in chemicals risk assessment: Report of an ECETOC workshop

Prevailing knowledge gaps in linking specific molecular changes to apical outcomes and methodological uncertainties in the generation, storage, processing, and interpretation of 'omics data limit the application of 'omics technologies in regulatory toxicology. Against this background, the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) convened a workshop Applying 'omics technologies in chemicals risk assessment that is reported herein. Ahead of the workshop, multi-expert teams drafted frameworks on best practices for (i) a Good-Laboratory Practice-like context for collecting, storing and curating 'omics data; (ii) the processing of 'omics data; and (iii) weight-of-evidence approaches for integrating 'omics data. The workshop participants confirmed the relevance of these Frameworks to facilitate the regulatory applicability and use of 'omics data, and the workshop discussions provided input for their further elaboration. Additionally, the key objective (iv) to establish approaches to connect 'omics perturbations to phenotypic alterations was addressed. Generally, it was considered promising to strive to link gene expression changes and pathway perturbations to the phenotype by mapping them to specific adverse outcome pathways. While further work is necessary before gene expression changes can be used to establish safe levels of substance exposure, the ECETOC workshop provided important incentives towards achieving this goal.

The challenge of the application of 'omics technologies in chemicals risk assessment: Background and outlook

This survey by the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) highlights that ‘omics technologies are generally not yet applied to meet standard information requirements during regulatory hazard assessment. While they are used within weight-of-evidence approaches to investigate substances’ modes-of-action, consistent approaches for the generation, processing and interpretation of ‘omics data are not applied. To date, no ‘omics technology has been standardised or validated. Best practices for performing ‘omics studies for regulatory purposes (e.g., microarrays for transcriptome profiling) remain to be established. Therefore, three frameworks for (i) establishing a Good-Laboratory Practice-like context for collecting, storing and curating ‘omics data; (ii) ‘omics data processing; and (iii) quantitative WoE approaches to interpret ‘omics data have been developed, that are presented in this journal supplement. Application of the frameworks will enable between-study comparison of results, which will facilitate the regulatory applicability of 'omics data. The frameworks do not constitute prescriptive protocols precluding any other data analysis method, but provide a baseline for analysis that can be applied to all data allowing ready cross-comparison. Data analysis that does not follow the frameworks can be justified and the resulting data can be compared with the Framework-based common analysis output.

The Impact of Research on the Future of Dental Education: How Research and Innovation Shape Dental Education and the Dental Profession.

Scientific inquiry and discovery are the fuel for education, research, technology, and health care in all the health professions: dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. The progression of discoveries from basic or fundamental to clinical research is followed by the progression from clinical to implementation and improved health outcomes and processes. Generally, implementation science is the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings (e.g., basic, translational, behavioral, socioeconomic, and clinical) as well as other related evidence-based practices into standards of care, thereby improving the quality, effectiveness, and cost benefits of health care services. There is little doubt that science has and will continue to provide the essential fuel for innovations that lead to new and improved technologies for risk assessment, prevention, diagnosis, treatments and therapeutics, and implementation for addressing oral and craniofacial diseases and disorders. The history of the U.S. dental profession reviewed in this article gives testimony to the continued need for investments in scientific inquiry that accelerate progress in comprehensive health care for all people. This article was written as part of the project "Advancing Dental Education in the 21st Century."

Genetics in the cardiovascular ICU

In Brief There is currently an increase in the use of genetic technologies for risk assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of inheritable causes of mortality and morbidity.1 Patients and families are relying more and more on their nurse's understanding of genetics to guide their care. This article offers a review of the clinical applications of genetics relevant to the nurse practicing in the cardiovascular ICU. There is currently an increase in the use of genetic technologies for risk assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of inheritable causes of mortality and morbidity. Patients and families are relying more and more on their nurse's understanding of genetics to guide their care. This article offers a review of the clinical applications of genetics relevant to the nurse practicing in the cardiovascular ICU.

Sea Ice Management for Oil and Gas Platforms in the Bohai Sea

Abstract Bohai is a typical marginal oil field in an ice region, where most of the oil and gas platforms are economical. Sea ice is the main factor that affects the safety of oil and gas platforms in Bohai. Due to the complexity of the ice load and ice-induced vibrations, there are large security risks when developing Bohai oil and gas in the winter. It is difficult to ensure the safe production of oil and gas in winter using existing sea ice disaster warning technologies. Based on winter oil and gas production in the Bohai Sea’s Liaodong Bay, a set of suitable sea ice management systems is proposed in this paper. These systems integrate sea ice monitoring, risk assessment and risk prediction technologies. Based on the risk warning system, an ice management model of a Bohai ice platform has been put into practice, which ensures the safe production of the platform in winter.

Risk Assessment of Technology of Preparation Based on Recombinant Human Interleukin-7 and Its Perspective Validation

Background . Quality management is a very important activity of any industrial enterprise, especially when it comes to manufacturing products in health care (drugs, including medical immunobiological preparations, medical devices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, etc.). Risk-oriented thinking enables an organization to identify factors that may cause rejection of its processes and its quality management system for planned results to establish preventive controls to minimize negative impacts and the greatest possible shaft advantage of the opportunities as they arise. The logical continuation of the risk assessment is validation processes. This article is a fragment of the complex scientific and technical work on the development and standardization of biotechnology products based on recombinant human interleukin-7 (rhIL-7). Objective. Justification for approaches to risk assessment in the technology for getting preparation based on rhIL-7 in the form of nasal spray and particularly risk assessment of the production process, and perspective validation of developed technologies. Methods. The methodology of risk assessment according to ISO 14971:2009 “Medical devices. Guidelines for risk management” was used. Pharmacopoeial methods were used to control the process and product quality (potentiometric determination of pH, osmolality, sterility). The integrity of the filters was determined by the method according to the manometer producer. Results. The work consistently study approaches to risk assessment in the technology for getting preparation based on rhIL-7 in the form of nasal spray and particularly risk assessment of the production process, and the validation of promising technologies developed. Selection of guidelines on risk assessment was conducted for Guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2005, and ISO 14971:2009. The greater acceptability of the use of the past two standards was showed. Technological production scheme is presented and qualitative approach to analyze the identified risks is applied. For the most critical stage of production (preparation of sterile solution) the validation process is conducted. Conclusions. The feasibility of risk assessment in the technology for getting preparation based on rhIL-7 in the form of nasal spray according to ISO 14971:2009 together with the system using risk analysis and critical control points is theoretically justified. It was found that the most critical step in the production is part of the preparation of a sterile solution, which includes the preparation of intermediate filtering and sterilizing drug. The conducted prospective validation of the most critical stages of the technology demonstrated its stability and compliance with established eligibility criteria.

吹雪の危険度評価技術に関する研究（6） －吹雪による道路の吹きだまり発生箇所に関する調査－

吹雪の危険度評価技術に関する研究（6） －吹雪による道路の吹きだまり発生箇所に関する調査－

Achieving Aesthetic Results by Using Laser in Minimally Invasive Dentistry Approach

The preservation of healthy human body and function for every patient should be the goal of all health practitioners. Dentistry is not an exception to this philosophy. In past few decades, the improvements of scientific method and technology has led to a better understanding of oral microflora and dental materials resulted in the shifting of caries management method from G. V. Black’s “extension for prevention” to the modern “minimally invasive” approach in dentistry. The minimally invasive approach to dental caries establishes a proper doctor-patient relationship, thus empowering and educating the patient to take responsibility for their own dental health. The proper sequence of caries management should be the introduction of preventive strategies such as oral hygiene instructions, reminialization regiments, and risk assessments followed by minimal surgical interventions. Using the laser technology in the aspect of surgical intervention has many clinical advantages. Some of the clinical benefits include its selectivity for carious tissue, reduction of needs for local anesthesia, decontamination effect of preparation surfaces, minimal thermal stimulus to pulp chamber, increase in surface adhesion for composite materials, and other soft tissue applications. The combination of caries prevention program, disease control, risk assessment, and laser technology application on the surgical intervention significantly reduces the long-term restorative needs and thus preserves more healthy natural tooth structures, which complement the concept of minimally invasive dentistry. In cosmetic surgery, the same rules apply. The same laser types are used as well.

Sorting Research of Ocean Engineering Enterprise Informatization Projects based on Risk Assessment

Due to limited time and resources, ocean enterprise usually give priority to low level of risk project to realize informatization. According to informatization projects content of ocean engineering project, constructing an index system of ocean engineering informatization project based on risk assessment of personnel, capital, organization and technology in total of four perspectives. Utilizing the advantage of Fuzzy TOPSIS of multiple attribute decision-making and limited amount of information decision advantage. The propose of the study is to develop a sorting model of ocean engineering informatization project based on risk level, then sorts the risk of four candidates ocean engineering informatization project ,and proceeding the empirical analysis. By observing the result, A1 has the minimum risk level of informatization, which is ocean enterprise informatization preferred.

The Role of Law in Managing the Tension between Risk and Innovation: Introduction to the Special Issue on Regulating New and Emerging Technologies

Technological innovations are crucial drivers of economic, social, and environmental progress. While innovations lead the evolution of our societies and permeate all domains of human life, they also pose significant risks both to humans and the environment. Law and regulation are expected to enable innovation, while at the same time protecting society from unintended consequences. However, assessing new technological risks confronts deep uncertainty and limited knowledge. In contrast to simple risks (e.g. car accidents), technological risks (such as risks stemming from new health technologies, nanotechnology, biotechnology, or robotics as discussed in this special issue) cannot be calculated according to traditional technocratic models, namely as a statistically foreseeable function of probability and effects. It is widely recognised that regulating new and emerging technologies is challenging for law due to problems of uncertainty and limited knowledge in the assessment and management of technological risks. To address this challenge it is crucial to study the ways in which law and regulation can successfully respond and adapt to technological progress.

Technology Readiness Assessment of Model Predictive Control in Medium- and High-Voltage Power Electronics

Model predictive control (MPC) technologies could deliver numerous competitive advantages for power electronics converters and systems with varying impact and benefits. However, assessing the benefits of such advanced and relatively complex control methods at both converter and system level for specific industrial applications is a serious challenge. Moreover, industry must move these technologies from the research and development stage to a maturity level where integrating them into commercial products is relatively low risk and offers economic advantages to customers. First, a generic technology readiness and risk assessment framework is discussed in this paper. Key developments of MPC technologies in power electronics are mapped across their technology readiness levels. Two cases in the area of medium-voltage motor drives are outlined in more detail. Both steady-state and dynamic performance benefits are considered and an attempt to translate them into more tangible economic benefits is reported.

A modified ANP and fuzzy inference system based approach for risk assessment of in-house and third party e-procurement systems

Purpose The increasing complexity and dynamism of new technology implemented or to implement have imposed substantial uncertainties and subjectivities in the risk assessment process. This paper aims to present a risk assessment methodology for e-procurement implementation based on modified analytic network process (ANP) coupled with fuzzy inference systems. Design/methodology/approach ANP is modified in such a way that the experts can provide necessary data precise numerical value, a range of numerical values, a linguistic term or a fuzzy number. The proposed methodology incorporates knowledge and judgements obtained from experts to carry out identification of risk factors and to assess the risk magnitude of the identified risk factors based on factor index, risk likelihood and risk severity. Findings Risk magnitude of third party systems are found to be minor with a belief of 100 per cent, and for in-house systems, the risk is found to be between minor with a belief of 30 per cent and major of 70 per cent. The results indicate that by using the proposed methodology, the technological risk assessment of new technology can be done effectively and efficiently. Research limitations/implications Using the results of this study, the practitioners can better know the pros and cons of implementing both in-house and third party e-procurement systems. Originality/value The modified ANP is used mainly to structure and prioritize the diverse risk factors. Finally, an illustrative example on technological risk assessment of both in-house and third party e-procurement systems is used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology in real life situations.

The interdiscursive appeal of risk matrices: Collective symbols, flexibility normalism and the interplay of ‘risk’ and ‘uncertainty’

In this paper, we investigate risk matrices as an increasingly popular technology of risk assessment and visualization. Drawing on governmentality studies and Jürgen Link's interdiscourse analysis, we analyze the interdiscursive character of risk matrices, the ways in which they appeal to a variety of users in different organizational contexts and disciplines and act as technologies that mediate between specialized and everyday discourses. We illustrate the interdiscursive appeal of risk matrices in terms of the ways in which they have been promoted as functional in different disciplines and application contexts, and we analyze the specific symbolism engaged by risk matrices in these different discursive contexts. Based on Link's interdiscourse theory, we argue that risk matrices ‘speak to’ the user and work as application templates for processes of identification through semantic connotations and analogies that go far beyond concerns with precise measurement and mathematically correct manipulation of risk-related data. Risk matrices become ‘understood’ and are powerful precisely because they point beyond the specific events and processes represented on the matrix. As such, the widespread appeal of risk matrices is fundamentally constituted through their symbolic connotations by means of which complex and potentially not well understood processes come to appear simple, imaginable and ‘manageable’. More broadly, Link's interdiscourse theory contributes a semantic analysis to governmentality studies in accounting. It draws attention to the semantic connotations and analogies by means of which visual technologies of government mediate between broader programmatic ideas and the practices of local users. Furthermore, this analysis contributes to the debate on the visual nature of calculative inscriptions, illustrating how specific visual elements of risk matrix inscriptions relate to their (inter-)discursive promotion and proliferation, and it discusses how ideals of ‘judgment’, in combination with ideals of algorithmic formulation, are at play in the promotion of calculative inscription devices.

Research on the Food Risks Evaluation Based on GIS Software

In order to design food-risk prevention and control planning better, according to a detailed investigation of food-risk information, in this study, GIS software is applied to determined and quantify the food-risk evaluation index, the weights were gotten using a method combining the qualitative analysis with quantitative calculation, food-risk risk was evaluated in weighted sum method. Food accidents threaten the safety of life and property, affecting the sustainable social and economic development. Risk assessment is scientific and effective basis for the implementation of accident prevention and mitigation measures. The combination of GIS technology and accident risk assessment is rapidly becoming the global accident research focus is the irreversible trend of development.

Identification of knowledge deficits of pharmacy students at the beginning of the fifth year of pharmacy practice experience: Proposals to change the content of academic programs

In France, community pharmacy students performed a hospital pharmacy practice experience during the 5th year of the university curriculum. The purpose of a part of the content of the academic teaching program delivered before this practice experience is to prepare the students for their future hospital activities. It should enable them for the practical use of knowledge in order to improve pharmacotherapy, laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of patients' care. The aim of this study was to show if there are gaps in this program. Fourteen students performing their clerkship in a teaching hospital were invited to highlight these gaps when they were gradually immersed in the pharmaceutical care. They did so under the careful observation of hospital pharmacist preceptors. These practitioners referred to professional guidelines, documentary tools used in daily clinical practice and publications supporting their pharmaceutical care practices. Shortcomings and gaps identified were: how to communicate with other healthcare professionals and the content of verbal exchanges, how to conduct a patient-centered consultation, documentation tools required for relevant pharmacist' interventions, codification of pharmacist's interventions, risks related to drug packaging and benefit risk assessment of health information technologies. These gaps represent a handicap by delaying the process that led to move from student to healthcare professional. Hospital pharmacist preceptors have to fill in these gaps before engaging students in pharmaceutical care. These results invite to revise partly the content of the academic teaching program delivered before the 5th year hospital pharmacy practice experience.