scholarly journals Conceptual uncertainties in modelling the interaction between engineered and natural barriers of nuclear waste repositories in crystalline rocks

2018 ◽  
Vol 482 (1) ◽  
pp. 261-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Finsterle ◽  
B. Lanyon ◽  
M. Åkesson ◽  
S. Baxter ◽  
M. Bergström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Nuclear Waste ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Coupled System ◽  
Rock Interaction ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Bentonite Buffer ◽  
Waste Repositories ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Natural Barriers

AbstractNuclear waste disposal in geological formations relies on a multi-barrier concept that includes engineered components – which, in many cases, include a bentonite buffer surrounding waste packages – and the host rock. Contrasts in materials, together with gradients across the interface between the engineered and natural barriers, lead to complex interactions between these two subsystems. Numerical modelling, combined with monitoring and testing data, can be used to improve our overall understanding of rock–bentonite interactions and to predict the performance of this coupled system. Although established methods exist to examine the prediction uncertainties due to uncertainties in the input parameters, the impact of conceptual model decisions on the quantitative and qualitative modelling results is more difficult to assess. A Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company Task Force project facilitated such an assessment. In this project, 11 teams used different conceptualizations and modelling tools to analyse the Bentonite Rock Interaction Experiment (BRIE) conducted at the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory in Sweden. The exercise showed that prior system understanding along with the features implemented in the available simulators affect the processes included in the conceptual model. For some of these features, sufficient characterization data are available to obtain defensible results and interpretations, whereas others are less supported. The exercise also helped to identify the conceptual uncertainties that led to different assessments of the relative importance of the engineered and natural barrier subsystems. The range of predicted bentonite wetting times encompassed by the ensemble results were considerably larger than the ranges derived from individual models. This is a consequence of conceptual uncertainties, demonstrating the relevance of using a multi-model approach involving alternative conceptualizations.

scholarly journals Non-human primate and human malaria: past, present and future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spinello Antinori ◽  
Cecilia Bonazzetti ◽  
Andrea Giacomelli ◽  
Mario Corbellino ◽  
Massimo Galli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Human Malaria ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Zoonotic Malaria ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Human Plasmodium ◽  
Human Primate

Abstract Background Studies of the malaria parasites infecting various non-human primates (NHPs) have increased our understanding of the origin, biology and pathogenesis of human Plasmodium parasites. This review considers the major discoveries concerning NHP malaria parasites, highlights their relationships with human malaria and considers the impact that this may have on attempts to eradicate the disease. Results The first description of NHP malaria parasites dates back to the early 20th century. Subsequently, experimental and fortuitous findings indicating that some NHP malaria parasites can be transmitted to humans have raised concerns about the possible impact of a zoonotic malaria reservoir on efforts to control human malaria. Advances in molecular techniques over the last 15 years have contributed greatly to our knowledge of the existence and geographical distribution of numerous Plasmodium species infecting NHPs, and extended our understanding of their close phylogenetic relationships with human malaria parasites. The clinical application of such techniques has also made it possible to document ongoing spillovers of NHP malaria parasites (Plasmodium knowlesi, P. cynomolgi, P. simium, P. brasilianum) in humans living in or near the forests of Asia and South America, thus confirming that zoonotic malaria can undermine efforts to eradicate human malaria. Conclusions Increasing molecular research supports the prophetic intuition of the pioneers of modern malariology who saw zoonotic malaria as a potential obstacle to the full success of malaria eradication programmes. It is, therefore, important to continue surveillance and research based on one-health approaches in order to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between NHPs, mosquito vectors and humans during a period of ongoing changes in the climate and the use of land, monitor the evolution of zoonotic malaria, identify the populations most at risk and implement appropriate preventive strategies.

The end of the laboratory developed test as we know it? Recommendations from a national multidisciplinary taskforce of laboratory specialists on the interpretation of the IVDR and its complications

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul C. D. Bank ◽  
Leo H. J. Jacobs ◽  
Sjoerd A. A. van den Berg ◽  
Hanneke W. M. van Deutekom ◽  
Dörte Hamann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Large Impact ◽  
Guidance Document ◽  
Scientific Societies ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe in vitro diagnostic medical devices regulation (IVDR) will take effect in May 2022. This regulation has a large impact on both the manufacturers of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD) and clinical laboratories. For clinical laboratories, the IVDR poses restrictions on the use of laboratory developed tests (LDTs). To provide a uniform interpretation of the IVDR for colleagues in clinical practice, the IVDR Task Force was created by the scientific societies of laboratory specialties in the Netherlands. A guidance document with explanations and interpretations of relevant passages of the IVDR was drafted to help laboratories prepare for the impact of this new legislation. Feedback from interested parties and stakeholders was collected and used to further improve the document. Here we would like to present our approach to our European colleagues and inform them about the impact of the IVDR and, importantly we would like to present potentially useful approaches to fulfill the requirements of the IVDR for LDTs.

scholarly journals Patient preferences for use of virtual consultations in an orthopaedic rehabilitation setting: Results from a discrete choice experiment

2021 ◽  
pp. 135581962110354
Author(s):  
Anthony W Gilbert ◽  
Emmanouil Mentzakis ◽  
Carl R May ◽  
Maria Stokes ◽  
Jeremy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Discrete Choice Experiment ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Patient Preferences ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Problem Area ◽  
Fractional Factorial ◽  
The Impact

Objective Virtual Consultations may reduce the need for face-to-face outpatient appointments, thereby potentially reducing the cost and time involved in delivering health care. This study reports a discrete choice experiment (DCE) that identifies factors that influence patient preferences for virtual consultations in an orthopaedic rehabilitation setting. Methods Previous research from the CONNECT (Care in Orthopaedics, burdeN of treatmeNt and the Effect of Communication Technology) Project and best practice guidance informed the development of our DCE. An efficient fractional factorial design with 16 choice scenarios was created that identified all main effects and partial two-way interactions. The design was divided into two blocks of eight scenarios each, to reduce the impact of cognitive fatigue. Data analysis were conducted using binary logit regression models. Results Sixty-one paired response sets (122 subjects) were available for analysis. DCE factors (whether the therapist is known to the patient, duration of appointment, time of day) and demographic factors (patient qualifications, access to equipment, difficulty with activities, multiple health issues, travel costs) were significant predictors of preference. We estimate that a patient is less than 1% likely to prefer a virtual consultation if the patient has a degree, is without access to the equipment and software to undertake a virtual consultation, does not have difficulties with day-to-day activities, is undergoing rehabilitation for one problem area, has to pay less than £5 to travel, is having a consultation with a therapist not known to them, in 1 weeks’ time, lasting 60 minutes, at 2 pm. We have developed a simple conceptual model to explain how these factors interact to inform preference, including patients’ access to resources, context for the consultation and the requirements of the consultation. Conclusions This conceptual model provides the framework to focus attention towards factors that might influence patient preference for virtual consultations. Our model can inform the development of future technologies, trials, and qualitative work to further explore the mechanisms that influence preference.

Changes of Selected Structural and Mechanical Properties of the Strzelin Granites As Induced By Thermal Loads / Wpływ Obciążeń Termicznych Na Zmiany Niektórych Strukturalnych I Mechanicznych Właściwości Granitów Strzelińskich

2012 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 951-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Nowakowski ◽  
Mariusz Młynarczuk
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Nuclear Waste ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Temperature Changes ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Waste Repositories

Abstract Temperature is one of the basic factors influencing physical and structural properties of rocks. A quantitative and qualitative description of this influence becomes essential in underground construction and, in particular, in the construction of various underground storage facilities, including nuclear waste repositories. The present paper discusses the effects of temperature changes on selected mechanical and structural parameters of the Strzelin granites. Its authors focused on analyzing the changes of granite properties that accompany rapid temperature changes, for temperatures lower than 573ºC, which is the value at which the β - α phase transition in quartz occurs. Some of the criteria for selecting the temperature range were the results of measurements carried out at nuclear waste repositories. It was demonstrated that, as a result of the adopted procedure of heating and cooling of samples, the examined rock starts to reveal measurable structural changes, which, in turn, induces vital changes of its selected mechanical properties. In particular, it was shown that one of the quantities describing the structure of the rock - namely, the fracture network - grew significantly. As a consequence, vital changes could be observed in the following physical quantities characterizing the rock: primary wave velocity (vp), permeability coefficient (k), total porosity (n) and fracture porosity (η), limit of compressive strength (Rσ1) and the accompanying deformation (Rε1), Young’s modulus (E), and Poisson’s ratio (ν).

The RUMA Alliance targets: an overview

Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-179
Author(s):  
Chris Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Codes Of Practice ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Ongoing Support ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Roll Out

The Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) was established to promote the highest standards of food safety, animal health and animal welfare in the British livestock industry. It has a current focus to deliver on the Government objective of identifying sector-specific targets for the reduction, refinement or replacement of antibiotics in animal agriculture. The creation and roll out of sector specific targets in 2017 through the RUMA Targets Task Force, has helped focus activity across the UK livestock sectors to achieve a 50% reduction in antibiotic use since 2014. This has been realised principally through voluntary multi-sector collaboration, cross sector initiatives, codes of practice, industry body support and farm assurance schemes. This article provides an overview of RUMA's work to date providing insight into the methods used to create the targets, why they are so important, the impact they are having and how ongoing support and robust data are vital components in achieving the latest set of targets.

European Respiratory Society Statement on Sleep Apnoea, Sleepiness and Driving Risk

2020 ◽  
pp. 2001272
Author(s):  
Maria R Bonsignore ◽  
Winfried Randerath ◽  
Sofia Schiza ◽  
Johan Verbraecken ◽  
Mark W Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Present Report ◽  
Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Accident Risk ◽  
European Respiratory Society ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
The Impact

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is highly prevalent and is a recognised risk factor for motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Effective treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been associated with a normalisation of this increased accident risk. Thus, many jurisdictions have introduced regulations restricting the ability of OSA patients from driving until effectively treated. However, uncertainty prevails regarding the relative importance of OSA severity determined by the apnoea-hypopnoea frequency per hour and the degree of sleepiness in determining accident risk. Furthermore, the identification of subjects at risk for OSA and/or accident risk remains elusive. The introduction of official European regulations regarding fitness to drive prompted the European Respiratory Society to establish a Task Force to address the topic of sleep apnoea, sleepiness and driving with a view to providing an overview to clinicians involved in treating patients with the disorder. The present report evaluates the epidemiology of MVA in patients with OSA, the mechanisms involved in this association, the role of screening questionnaires, driving simulators and other techniques to evaluate sleepiness and/or impaired vigilance, the impact of treatment on MVA risk in affected drivers, and highlights the evidence gaps regarding the identification of OSA patients at risk for MVA.

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