scholarly journals Biomarker Testing: Piercing the Fog of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Denis Horgan ◽  
Flavio Nobili ◽  
Charlotte Teunissen ◽  
Timo Grimmer ◽  
Dinko Mitrecic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developed Countries ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Concerted Action ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Biomarker Testing ◽  
Late Discovery ◽  
Detection And Diagnosis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementia is one of the growing threats to the sustainability of health and care systems in developed countries, and efforts to find therapies have had scant success. The main reasons for this are lack of efficient therapy, which is linked to too late discovery of the disease itself. With this in mind, biomarkers are recognised as an element which can bring a major contribution to research, helping elucidate the disease and the search for treatments. They are also playing an increasing role in early detection and timely diagnosis, which are considered the principal hopes of effective management in the absence of an effective drug. The current arsenal of biomarkers could already, if more widely deployed, provide an effective minimum service to patients and health systems. A concerted action by policy makers and stakeholders could drive progress in access to AD biomarker testing to provide an optimum service in the medium term. This paper discusses how to improve the use of and access to biomarker testing in the detection and diagnosis of AD and other diseases featuring dementia, and how EU healthcare systems could benefit. It outlines the challenges, lists the achievements to date, and highlights the actions needed to allow biomarker testing to deliver more fully on their potential in AD.

scholarly journals QUALICOPC – Primary care study on quality, costs and equity in European countries: The Hungarian branch

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (35) ◽  
pp. 1396-1400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imre Rurik ◽  
W. G. Wienke Boerma ◽  
László Róbert Kolozsvári ◽  
Levente István Lánczi ◽  
Lajos Mester ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Quality Costs ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Hungarian Experience ◽  
The Developed Countries ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
And Function

The importance of primary care has already been recognized in the developed countries, where the structure and function of primary care is very heterogeneous. In the QUALICOPC study, the costs, quality and equity of primary care systems will be compared in the 34 participating countries. Representative samples of primary care practices were recruited in Hungary. An evaluation with questionnaire was performed in 222 practices on the work circumstances, conditions, competency and financial initiatives. Ten patients in each practice were also questioned by independent fieldworkers. In this work, the methodology and Hungarian experience are described. The final results of the international evaluation will be analyzed and published later. It is expected that data obtained from the QUALICOPC study may prove to be useful in health service planning and may be shared with policy makers. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1396–1400.

Guidelines for the Clinical and Economic Assessment of Health Technologies

1985 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon Guyatt ◽  
Michael Drummond
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Adequate Evaluation

That new health technologies often diffuse into the health care systems of developed countries without adequate evaluation has long been a cause of concern (I). In addition, where clinical or economic assessments have been carried out, they often contain methodological weaknesses which reduce their usefulness to health policy makers or clinical practitioners (5,6).

scholarly journals Promoting Clusters and Networks for Small and Medium Enterprises to Economic Development in the Globalization Era

SAGE Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824401769715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Foghani ◽  
Batiah Mahadi ◽  
Rosmini Omar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Global Challenges ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Global Arena ◽  
Asian Developing Countries

This research attempts to explore the importance of cluster-based systems in preparation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to go global, and it is an ongoing research. The findings of this research are aimed at providing insights to policy makers, academicians, and practitioners with the objective of creating initiatives, strategies, and policies, which reflect the primary aim of supporting SMEs in managing global challenges. SMEs that are cluster-based have the potential to facilitate the successful inclusion of SMEs in the growth of productivity and networks of global distribution. Most Asian developing countries are in the dark when it comes to this matter. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relations between the capabilities of the networks and clusters in developing SMEs’ preparedness in facing business players in the global arena. This study’s scope includes specific Asian developing countries. Even though the issue of clusters in SMEs has been well researched in developed countries, such empirical studies are still lacking in the Asian region despite its prevalent collectivism practice. In the concluding analysis, the study intends to develop a model emphasizing the cluster-based industrial SMEs toward globalization.

Individual Use of Smartwatches with Self-Monitoring EKG Functionality for Diagnosing Arrhythmias: A Scoping Review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ali
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cardiac Arrhythmias ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Wearable Systems ◽  
The World ◽  
Individual Use

BACKGROUND cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become prevalent in the world. They cause millions of deaths globally with the World Health Organization putting the figure at 17.9 million people every year. These statistics indicate the need for healthcare systems to leverage contemporary advanced technology to detect and diagnose CVDs and provide appropriate and timely care to reduce mortality rates. OBJECTIVE To conduct a scoping review exploring individual use of smartwatches with self-monitoring ECG functionality for diagnosing arrhythmias. METHODS Source were selected from six credible bibliographic databases: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Intervention-related terms were used to identify relevant sources. Additionally, a forward search strategy was used to search the databases and identify appropriate peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS The research returned 230 sources, out of which 40 met the inclusion criterion. The studies revealed that increased research, development, and adoption of smartwatches and other wearable devices have intensified in the past two decades. The studies showed that using smartwatches can detect cardiac arrhythmias although this depends on the algorithms and biometric sensors utilized in the smartwatches. Watches with advanced algorithms, PPG, and EKG functionalities exhibit high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, detecting AFib and other arrhythmias with high efficacy. Therefore, the best way for technology companies to improve their watches’ accuracy is to design and use advanced algorithms and combine PPG, EKG, activity, and biochemical sensors. Conclusion: The contemporary healthcare space is replete with wearable and non-wearable ¬systems and devices central to detecting health conditions and informing the relevant stakeholders to take corrective actions. Smartwatches are wearable devices used chiefly by patients, health, and fitness enthusiasts to detect and monitor a series of conditions, such as heart rate. Their use has fostered timely detection of cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore, caregivers and policy-makers should emphasize their use. CONCLUSIONS Technological systems have proliferated many human spaces in the last three decades, including education, healthcare, and entertainment. Their use has improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, saved lives, and increased organizations’ bottom lines. Healthcare systems use technological devices and appliances to diagnose patients, perform surgeries, improve pharmacy operations, and reduce medical errors. That way, most healthcare facilities provide quality care, attaining positive clinical outcomes. The contemporary healthcare space is replete with wearable and non-wearable ¬systems and devices central to detecting health conditions and informing the relevant stakeholders – caregivers, patients, and family members – to take corrective actions. Smartwatches are wearable devices used chiefly by patients, health, and fitness enthusiasts to detect and monitor a series of conditions, such as heart rate. They are highly effective in detecting cardiac arrhythmias, and therefore, caregivers and policy-makers should emphasize their use.

Macroeconomics of money laundering: effects and measurements

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nella Hendriyetty ◽  
Bhajan S. Grewal
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Tax Evasion ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Tax Revenue ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Macroeconomic Conditions ◽  
Illicit Flows

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review studies focusing on the magnitude of money laundering and their effects on a country’s economy. The relevant concepts are identified on the basis of discussions in the literature by prominent scholars and policy makers. There are three main objectives in this review: first, to discuss the effects of money laundering on a country’s macro-economy; second, to seek measurements from other scholars; and finally, to seek previous findings about the magnitude and the flows of money laundering. Design/methodology/approach In the first part, this paper outlines the effects of money laundering on macroeconomic conditions of a country, and then the second part reviews the literature that measures the magnitude of money laundering from an economic perspective. Findings Money laundering affects a country’s economy by increasing shadow economy and criminal activities, illicit flows and impeding tax collection. To minimise these negative effects, it is necessary to quantify the magnitude of money laundering relative to economic conditions to identify the most vulnerable aspects of money laundering in a country. Two approaches are used in this study: the first is the capital flight approach, as money laundering will cause flows of money between countries; the second is the economic approach for measuring money laundering through economic variables (e.g. tax revenue, underground economy and income generated by criminals) separately from tax evasion. Originality/value The paper offers new insights for the measurement of money laundering, especially for developing countries. Most methods in quantifying money laundering have focused on developed countries, which are less applicable to developing countries.

Does environmental quality reflect on national competitiveness? The evidence from EU-15

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saša Obradović ◽  
Nemanja Lojanica
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Quality ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Export Performance ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
National Competitiveness ◽  
Harmful Emissions ◽  
Future Policy ◽  
Two Parameters

The European Union has set the target that by 2020 harmful emissions and energy consumption should be reduced by 20% compared to the 1990s. This paper examines the impacts of environmental quality on two parameters of national competitiveness (exports and GDP per capita). The study focuses on the EU-15 countries and covers the period from 1960 to 2013. Even though the analyzed economies are developed countries which are the leaders in environment protection, they are still also the leading emitters of greenhouse gases. The paper uses traditional econometric techniques to test the relations between energy use, CO2 emissions, exports and GDP. The results show that the variables are co-integrated. In addition, energy-led growth hypothesis is valid in most of the analyzed economies. The results have also shown that increased CO2 emissions reduce economic activity and export performance. Finally, we will conclude that there are two tasks for future policy makers: first, to strengthen renewable-energy goals, and second, to adjust the economic structure towards less harmful emissions. In such circumstances, we could expect the economies to further develop clean technologies and to obtain their benefits for national competitiveness.

Behavioral scientists and laypeople misestimate societal effects of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cendri Hutcherson ◽  
Constantine Sharpinskyi ◽  
Michael E. W. Varnum ◽  
Amanda Modesta Rotella ◽  
Alexandra Wormley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Expert Judgment ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Societal Change ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Lay People ◽  
Wide Range

Effective management of global crises relies on expert judgment of their societal effects. How accurate are such judgments? In the spring of 2020, we asked behavioral scientists (N = 717) and lay Americans (N = 394) to make predictions about COVID-19 pandemic-related societal change across social and psychological domains. Six months later we obtained retrospective assessments for the same domains (N scientists = 270; N layPeople = 411). Scientists and lay people were equally inaccurate in judging COVID’s impact, both in prospective predictions and retrospective assessments. Across studies and samples, estimates of the magnitude of change were off by more than 20% and less than half of participants accurately predicted the direction of changes. Critically, these insights go against public perceptions of behavioral scientists’ ability to forecast such changes (N layPeople = 203; N academics/policy-makers = 30): behavioral scientists were considered most likely to accurately predict societal change and most sought after for recommendations across a wide range of professions. Taken together, we find that behavioral scientsits and lay people fared poorly at predicting the societal consequences of the pandemic and misperceive what effects it may have already had.

Labour Observatories for Agricultural Policymaking and Sustainable Development

2014 ◽  
pp. 56-63
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Agricultural Policies ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Crop Varieties ◽  
The Right

Assimilation of relevant information within a labour observatory is a key to success of an observatory. Management of such relevant information and its dissemination to the right audience at the right time is also important. In this regard, a labour observatory plays a very important role for successful operationalization of agricultural policies within developing countries. Historical information regarding soil, crop varieties, agricultural practices, and skill of agricultural labourers needs to be maintained by a labour observatory. Information from the observatory has to be communicated to policy makers for making a pragmatic decision in developing countries with large agriculturally dependent populations. These decisions can impact the lives of this population and can impact the sustainable development of these countries. Initiatives related to labour observatory started more than a decade back in developed countries. It has now begun in parts of Africa, too. The chapter highlights these developments and contextualizes the association between these observatories, agricultural policymaking, and sustainable development.

Cloud-Based Healthcare Systems

2015 ◽  
pp. 315-338
Author(s):  
Ahmed Shawish ◽  
Maria Salama
Keyword(s):  
Gross Domestic Product ◽  
Mobile Computing ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
It Infrastructure ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Smart Healthcare ◽  
And Storage

Healthcare is one of the most important sectors in all countries and significantly affects the economy. As such, the sector consumes an average of 9.5% of the gross domestic product across the most developed countries; they should invoke smart healthcare systems to efficiently utilize available resources, vastly handle spontaneous emergencies, and professionally manage the population health records. With the rise of the Cloud and Mobile Computing, a vast variety of added values have been introduced to software and IT infrastructure. This chapter provides a comprehensive review on the new Cloud-based and mobile-based applications that have been developed in the healthcare field. Cloud's availability, scalability, and storage capabilities, in addition to the Mobile's portability, wide coverage, and accessibility features, contributed to the fulfillment of healthcare requirements. The chapter shows how Cloud and Mobile opened a new environment for innovative services in the healthcare field and discusses the open research issues.

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