scholarly journals Thoughts Unlocked by Technology—a Survey in Germany About Brain-Computer Interfaces

NanoEthics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Schmid ◽  
O. Friedrich ◽  
S. Kessner ◽  
R. J. Jox
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Disruptive Technology ◽  
Human Machine Interaction ◽  
Initial Development ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Classic Form ◽  
The One ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

AbstractA brain-computer interface (BCI) is a rapidly evolving neurotechnology connecting the human brain with a computer. In its classic form, brain activity is recorded and used to control external devices like protheses or wheelchairs. Thus, BCI users act with the power of their thoughts. While the initial development has focused on medical uses of BCIs, non-medical applications have recently been gaining more attention, for example in automobiles, airplanes, and the entertainment context. However, the attitudes of the general public towards BCIs have hardly been explored. Among the general population in Germany aged 18–65 years, a representative online survey with 20 items was conducted in summer 2018 (n = 1000) and analysed by descriptive statistics. The survey assessed: affinity for technology; previous knowledge and experience concerning BCIs; the attitude towards ethical, social and legal implications of BCI use and demographic information. Our results indicate that BCIs are a unique and puzzling way of human–machine interaction. The findings reveal a positive view and high level of trust in BCIs on the one hand but on the other hand a wide range of ethical and anthropological concerns. Agency and responsibility were clearly attributed to the BCI user. The participants’ opinions were divided regarding the impact BCIs have on humankind. In summary, a high level of ambivalence regarding BCIs was found. We suggest better information of the public and the promotion of public deliberation about BCIs in order to ensure responsible development and application of this potentially disruptive technology.

scholarly journals Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Activity of Physicians Working in the Areas of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (03) ◽  
pp. e258-e266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Paulo Kowalski ◽  
Rui Imamura ◽  
Gilberto de Castro Junior ◽  
Gustavo Nader Marta ◽  
Aline Lauda Freitas Chaves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Acute Infection ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Head And Neck Region ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infection caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and it is highly transmissible, especially through respiratory droplets. To prepare the health system for the care of these patients also led to a restriction in the activity of several medical specialties. Physicians who work with patients affected by diseases of the head and neck region constitute one of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and also most affected by the interruption of their professional activities. Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists in Brazil. Methods An anonymous online survey of voluntary participation was applied, containing 30 questions regarding demographic aspects, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), and impact on the routine of head and neck surgeons and otorhinolaryngologists, as well as clinical oncologists and radiation oncologists who work with head and neck diseases. Results Seven hundred and twenty-nine answers were received in a period of 4 days, ∼ 40 days after the 1st confirmed case in Brazil. With professionals working in public and private services, there was a high level of concerns with the disease and its consequences, limited availability of PPE and a significant decrease in the volume of specialized medical care. Conclusion The study demonstrated a direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice of specialties related to the treatment of patients with diseases of the head and neck region already in the beginning of the illness management in Brazil.

scholarly journals Identifying Users’ Requirements for Emergency Mapping Team Operations in the Dominican Republic

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Gregorio Rosario Michel ◽  
Santiago Muñoz Tapia ◽  
Fernando Manzano Aybar ◽  
Vladimir Guzmán Javier ◽  
Joep Crompvoets
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Geospatial Information ◽  
Data Infrastructure ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Impact

In recent years, a growing number of stakeholders have been taking part in the generation and delivery of geospatial information and services to reduce the impact of severe natural disasters on the communities. This is mainly due to a huge demand for accurate, current and relevant knowledge about the impacted areas for a wide range of applications in risk-informed decision makings. The aim of this paper is to identify users’ requirements for emergency mapping team (EMT) operations in the Dominican Republic (DR). An online survey was applied to collect data from key users involved in the Inter-Institutional Geospatial Information Team in DR. Our findings suggest a set of users’ requirements for EMT operations: (1) standardization; (2) establishing and maintaining a spatial data infrastructure; (3) partnership; (4) effective communication among stakeholders; and (5) capacity building. A better understanding of the users’ requirements and the associated information workflows will lead to a superior level of readiness for EMT operations in DR. This knowledge will support future studies/practices at the local and national levels in the Caribbean region, which share similar challenges in terms of natural hazards and development issues.

scholarly journals The impact of global purchasing and supplier integration on product innovation

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1295-1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin von Haartman ◽  
Lars Bengtsson
Keyword(s):  
Product Innovation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supplier Integration ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Purchasing Department ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The interest in global purchasing has increased significantly in recent years, but the impact on product innovation is not well understood. The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyse the impact of global purchasing on product innovation sourced from suppliers, while taking into account how firms integrate their suppliers. Design/methodology/approach – The data used in this study are from the International Purchasing Survey, an international online survey on purchasing and supply management conducted in 2009. The data are analysed using factor and regression analyses. Findings – The paper shows that global purchasing has no direct impact on product innovation performance. However, supplier integration is more strongly associated with product innovation performance for firms purchasing globally compared to firms purchasing regionally. Practical implications – The implication is that when companies purchase globally, they must have a highly developed purchasing department in order to sustain a high level of innovation. For firms purchasing only regionally, the role of the purchasing department is diminished, at least in terms of contributing to innovation. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the discussion of potential advantages and disadvantages of global purchasing. First, the paper provides an explanation for the ambiguous results of previous research. Product innovation does not depend on whether firms are purchasing globally or not, it depends on how they purchase. This paper has showed that when purchasing globally, the role of the purchasing department becomes crucial for product innovation. The proficiency and activities of the purchasing department largely determine the success, in terms of supplier product innovation, of global purchasing.

scholarly journals Perspectives and experiences of autistic multilingual adults: A qualitative analysis. (Under revision)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Nolte ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson ◽  
Antonella Sorace ◽  
Andrew Stanfield ◽  
Bérengère Galadriel Digard
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Please note this paper is being peer-reviewed for publication in Autism in Adulthood:Nolte, K., Fletcher-Watson, S., Sorace, A., Stanfield, A., & Digard, B.G. (2021). Perspectives and experiences of autistic multilingual adults: A qualitative analysis. (Under revision for Autism in Adulthood)Please do not cite this preprint.Background: The combined experience of autism and bilingualism is poorly understood, leading to poor support and guidance for autistic people in multilingual environments or interested in languages, and for their families. While most studies available focus on the language and cognitive profiles of autistic bilinguals, or on the experiences of parents, little is known about the lived experiences of autistic multilinguals. Methods: To address this question, this study examined the impact of autism and multilingualism on the lives of 54 autistic multilingual adults who completed an online survey assessing the profiles of autistic bi- and multilinguals. Thematic analysis was used to process responses to the survey’s open-ended questions to explore motivations for learning languages, and the perceived benefits linked to being both autistic and multilingual. Results: There was a wide range of language profiles in the sample, with various levels of proficiency, ages of acquisition, and learning environments. Respondents reported various motivating factors for the acquisition of multiple languages, including social aspects and a predisposition for language learning. Respondents reported many benefits of multilingualism, such as opportunities, relationships, social skills, and self-confidence. Conclusions: Unlike previous work with autistic multilinguals involving case studies, the larger sample involved here offers valuable insight into the profiles and experiences of this overlooked population. Like their neurotypical peers, autistic people can become multilingual without being language savants, and they can acquire languages through life circumstances, education, or by choice, reaching varying levels of proficiency. According to our respondents, being autistic can both positively and negatively influence language learning. Importantly, autistic people can experience numerous benefits from multilingualism, especially regarding social communication, opportunities, and self-confidence. These findings will have implications for language education practices as well as for multilingual families and the practitioners who support them.

scholarly journals One-loop corrections to the two-body decays of the charged Higgs bosons in the real and complex NMSSM

2021 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thi Nhung Dao ◽  
Margarete Mühlleitner ◽  
Shruti Patel ◽  
Kodai Sakurai
Keyword(s):  
Cp Violation ◽  
Higgs Bosons ◽  
Supersymmetric Extension ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Standard Model ◽  
Charged Higgs ◽  
Charged Higgs Bosons ◽  
The One ◽  
Higher Order Corrections ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWe evaluate the full next-to-leading order supersymmetric (SUSY) electroweak and SUSY-QCD corrections to the on-shell two-body decays of the charged Higgs bosons in the framework of the next-to-minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (NMSSM) allowing also for CP violation. We furthermore provide the possibility to choose between different renormalization schemes in the electroweakino and the squark and slepton sectors. Our corrections are implemented in the code and thus complete the one-loop corrections of the charged Higgs boson decays which so far only included the state-of-the-art QCD corrections and the resummed SUSY-electroweak and SUSY-QCD corrections. We investigate the impact of the NLO corrections including the newly computed higher-order corrections for each decay mode in a wide range of the parameter space that is allowed by the theoretical and experimental constraints as well as the effect of CP violation and the dependence on the choice of the renormalization scheme. The new version of is made publicly available.

Implementing Cognitive Procurement and its Influence on Supply Chain During the Era of Digital Transformation in Oil and Gas Industry 4.0

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Kannankutty ◽  
Aditya Manoj Menon
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Loop Model ◽  
Human Machine Interaction ◽  
Gas Industry ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The digital transformation is key for every oil and gas organization to implement its fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). Digital transformation in procurement uses artificial intelligence, big data, market intelligence, etc. to create self-learning systems; for the procurement of goods and services. This is also known as cognitive procurement or procurement 4.0. The objective of this paper is to examine the methods of implementing cognitive procurement, the impact it creates in the procurement life cycle, and in the supply chain. The paper also provides insight into three governance models of human-machine interaction that is implemented in stages based on procurement requirement and technology adoption maturity of the organization.Human-in-the-loop modelHuman on-the-loop modelHuman out-of-loop model The data for this study is obtained by preparing a list of relevant questions from multiple sources. An online survey questionnaire is sent to the procurement professionals in different organizations in the oil and gas industry. The questions reveal procurement expert's responses for:Potential challenges for the digital transformation in procurement and supply chain.Methods of enabling technologies to leverage procurement procedures and processes. The results and the observations of the study are used to measure the benefits of implementing cognitive procurement in the oil and gas industry 4.0. The new transformed roles of procurement for industry 4.0 are also discussed in the conclusion, which includes:Daily activitiesProcurement decision-making activitiesStrategic SourcingProcurement to drive organizational profitability, effectiveness and efficiency The paper will benefit oil and gas organizations that are planning to implement cognitive procurement as part of the digital transformation. The paper will also benefit any parties interested in understanding more about cognitive procurement.

Future trends and Italian SMEs

2020 ◽  
pp. 52-59
Author(s):  
Corinne Celant ◽  
◽  
◽  
Irina V. Pustokhina
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Domestic Market ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Foreign Markets ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
The One ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

The stagnation of the domestic market has brought the majority of the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) to their knees, leading them to reinvent their way of doing business and find new strategies in order to survive and grow when the environmental conditions are deeply changing. On the one hand, new trends create a strong disruption on a structural level among the productive fabrics, but on the other hand, they represent also an opportunity, which opens new scenarios and new possibilities for the relaunch of SMEs. Among the most important challenges for Italian SMEs is internationalization, which is the possibility for enterprises to trade their goods not only on the domestic market but also on the foreign markets trying to find new opportunities to obtain some advantages. This is a very complicated process, traumatic and challenging in term of resources, but the possibility to have a genetic patrimony and a productive value, as the ones of the “Made in Italy, gives to the products of Italian enterprises a high level of competition and strong differentiation, making this process more accessible. The growth and competitiveness of enterprises, in particular SMEs, increasingly depend on the ability to apply new knowledge, working methods, and technologies as well as on the opportunity to participate in the commercialization of research developments in order to create new products, services or processes. Therefore, companies should strive to benefit from the opportunities and competitive advantages that innovation brings. SMEs play an important role in economic growth and provide most of the new jobs in Italy. Within the framework of this paper, the insight into the SMEs internationalization process is presented. The article provides an analysis of SMEs in the process of internationalization. Besides it concentrates on the new threats and opportunities represented by the new industrial revolution - Industry 4.0. Analyzing the impact of Industry 4.0 on the internationalization of Italian SMEs, the authors explain the solutions that are being used and the ones that should be taken.

Numerical Analysis of Dilution Holes Deterioration Impacting the Performance of a V2500 Combustor

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Konle ◽  
Ludovic de Guillebon ◽  
Lukas Schäflein
Keyword(s):  
Film Cooling ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Air Jets ◽  
Individual Variations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Aero Engine ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Combustor Liner

Abstract In aero engine combustors, dilution air jets are used to additionally tailor the temperature field, the emissions, and the turbine inlet profile. These jets are entering the combustion chamber at different axial and circumferential locations through dedicated holes in the combustor liners. By deterioration, the diameters of these holes can significantly change over operation time. To evaluate the impact of such deterioration in the MRO context, the authors created a numerical model of a V2500 aero engine combustor and analyzed the impact. The data of dilution holes deterioration is based on the nominal design according the engine manual and the deviation measured for three engine combustors during maintenance inspection. The processes inside an aero engine combustor are very complex. To achieve most reliable information, a multi-physics approach was chosen for this evaluation. Validated in the past with a wide range of different academic test cases as well as industrial combustor test rigs, the evaluation allows conclusive analyses of the described deterioration. Back-to-back comparisons of individual variations reveals the most significant dilution holes row and give information about potential local shifts in combustor liner heat loads as well as in the exit profiles. Especially the distortion of the film cooling by the local interaction with the dilution jets could be observed. Since the deterioration of the dilution holes measured for the three combustors inspected is very small compared to the nominal design, the authors payed a lot of attention also on analyzing the model sensitivity. Increasing the spatial resolution, the plausibility of the numerical results were checked by analyzing the flow splits and the dilution jets penetration. The final step was the variation of the dilution holes individually and combined and the evaluation of resulting temperature distribution at the combustor liners and changes in the exit profile. Due to the fact that a multi-physics solver developed in the framework of OpenFOAM could be used, the authors could do these quite intensive CFD studies highly parallelized and, thus, in an acceptable time. The scalability of the solver reported already in former publications could be shown also in this application to the real engine combustor with a high level of complexity.

A survey of complex trauma in families who have children and adults who have a learning disability and/or autism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Baker ◽  
Vivien Cooper ◽  
Winnie Tsang ◽  
Isabelle Garnett ◽  
Noelle Blackman
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disability ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Purpose There is an established literature supporting the idea that families who have children and adults who have a learning disability and/or autism have a greater vulnerability to mental health problems or poor psychological health. There are shortcomings in this literature in that there is a little consideration of the impact the families interaction with services has on their well-being. It is argued that complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), with its focus on prolonged chronic exposure to trauma experiences and the recognition that this can occur in adulthood, may well be an appropriate framework to enable a better understanding of the experiences of families. Design/methodology/approach A total of 214 family members completed a co-produced online survey in relation to potential traumatic events, impacts and support. Findings The experiences of family carers of children and adults with a learning disability and/or who are autistic would appear to be multi-layered and complex, with many experiencing a wide range of traumatic events with the associated emotional and personal sequela. The reported responses are consistent with CPTSD with 10% of having received a diagnosis of PTSD. Their experience was that the system failed not only to provide support but also created additional trauma. Practical implications A trauma-informed approach needs to be adopted by agencies and professionals that serve families to ensure they understand their potential contribution to the trauma families experience. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has attempted to examine the experience of families using the framework of CPTSD.

Treating People with Arthritis with Traditional Chinese Medicine (Tcm): An Examination of the Perception of Tcm Practitioners

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 228-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Yang ◽  
Wenbo Peng ◽  
Jon Adams ◽  
David William Sibbritt
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Safe Patient Care ◽  
Practice Characteristics ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
High Level

Introduction Emerging evidence has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a positive effect on arthritis. This research provides the first critical, systematic examination of TCM practitioners’ perceptions of TCM use for people with arthritis. Methods An online survey was distributed to all TCM professionals including acupuncturists and Chinese herbal medicine practitioners registered with the Practitioner Research and Collaborate Initiative (PRACI) practitioner database. The survey questions focus on practitioner characteristics, practice characteristics and clinical management approaches regarding arthritis care. Results The survey attracted a response rate of 53% (n=52). The average age of the respondents was 49.9 years, more than half were female, and the majority held a bachelor degree or higher qualification. More than two thirds of TCM practitioners in our study worked with other health professionals, while they had a high level of referral relationships with a wide range of conventional, allied health and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers. Most of the TCM practitioners reported that their patients with arthritis used other treatments alongside TCM and a large number of the TCM practitioners who participated believed that TCM was effective for treating arthritis. Conclusions The TCM profession represents a substantial component of the healthcare field in Australia, and treating patients with arthritis appears to be an important area of TCM practice, among others. Further detailed research is needed to help ensure effective, safe patient care for those with arthritis who may be utilising TCM alongside a broader range of conventional medicine, allied health, and other CAM treatments.

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