Allowing for stratification in sample size planning of two-arm trials with continuous or binary outcome: Overview and tutorial

More often than not, clinical trials and even nonclinical medical experiments have to be run with observational units sampled from populations to be assumed heterogeneous with respect to covariates associated with the outcome. Relevant covariates which are known prior to randomization are usually categorical in type, and the corresponding subpopulations are called strata. In contrast to randomization which in most cases is performed in a way ensuring approximately constant sample size ratios across the strata, sample size planning is rarely done taking stratification into account. This holds true although the statistical literature provides a reasonably rich repertoire of testing procedures for stratified comparisons between two treatments in a parallel group design. For all of them, at least approximate methods of power calculation are available from which algorithms or even closed-form formulae for required sample sizes can be derived. The objective of this tutorial is to give a systematic review of the most frequently applicable of these methods and to compare them in terms of their efficiency under standard settings. Based on the results, recommendations for the sample size planning of stratified two-arm trials are given.

Online Training in Accessibility and Design for All: A Tool to Train Post-COVID Inclusive Graduates

Agenda 2030 expresses, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and in particular through No. 4, the need to ensure an inclusive and equitable education, which promotes learning opportunities for all. At the university level, all students are urged to acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to promote sustainable development, so that they become graduates capable of facing the challenges of the future and the real demands of a society marked by heterogeneity, including the needs of people with some kind of disability. In this sense, the present work analyzed the impact of a transversal training program in Design for All on university degree students. For this purpose, a descriptive and comparative ex post facto study was developed in which the impact of an online training program was quantified by establishing comparative pre- and post-training. The results indicate that the approach, through the delivery of a training xplain eon Design for All, contributed to a change in the perceptions of students regarding disability, its role in the university and in the future workplace. Furthermore, it increased the knowledge of institutional action undertaken in terms of awareness and approach to human disability.

Differentiated Integration: Project Competition and Contradictions of the EU Integration Process

Introduction. In 2017 the European Commission proposed five scenarios for the future of the EU, one of which was ‘those who want to do more do more’. However, it was not specific enough and ignored the variability of this way of integration. Methods and materials. Ignoring the characteristics of various types of differentiated integration is a common problem in scientific research, which leads to uncertainty and incorrect conclusions. This is largely due to the fact that researchers miss the analysis of interests and the negotiation process, focusing more on finding a common institutional design for all participants of integration. The intergovernmentalism that sees differentiated integration as a special institutional design that helps overcome the impasse in negotiations caused by the growing heterogeneity of member states is lacking. This approach has the potential for research and planning of integration processes in other regions, especially in the Post-Soviet space. Analysis. The article shows that differentiated integration has a long tradition in the EU, but that has little relation to the projects of the European future discussed in recent years (often with the same name). We have focused on the differences in the positions of European governments and groups of countries, trying to explain their motives and to answer the question of whether an intergovernmental approach is justified. The greatest attention is paid to French-German discussions, analysis of the UK’s role prior to EU secession, and the special stand of Scandinavian and Central-Eastern European countries. Results. The author concludes that the discussions on differentiated integration are not so much a search for unity in diversity, but are aimed at achieving ambitions, redistributing resources and fight against dirigisme. However, EU reform challenges integration leaders to choose between unprecedented concessions and the need to ignore the positions of many countries. In addition to EU heterogeneity, it also helps to exclude alternatives to differentiation in the future. Since the change of leadership in 2019, the EU has entered a new stage in its development, but there is nothing to suggest that its members are able to find common approaches. For the first time it is not possible to formulate a common compromise out of a wide variety of future options, and an attempt to avoid reform could aggravate the crisis of the integration process.

The effect of solvent on reactivity of the Li2S–P2S5 system in liquid-phase synthesis of Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte

Synthesis technology for sulfide-based solid electrolytes based on liquid-phase processing has attracted significant interest in relation to achieving the optimal design for all-solid-state batteries. Herein, guidelines to solvent selection for the liquid-phase synthesis of superionic conductor Li7P3S11 are described through systematic examination. 70Li2S–30P2S5 system, a source of Li7P3S11, is treated via a wet chemical reaction using eight organic solvents with different physical and chemical properties (i.e., dielectric constant, molecule structure, and boiling point). We reveal that the solvent’s polarity, characterized by the dielectric constant, plays an important role in the formation of crystalline Li7P3S11 via wet chemical reaction. In addition, acetonitrile (ACN) solvent with a high dielectric constant was found to lead to high-purity crystalline Li7P3S11 and intrinsically high ionic conductivity. Further, solvents with a high boiling point and ring structures that cause steric hindrance were found to be unfavorable for the wet chemical synthesis of Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte. Overall, we demonstrate that ACN solvent is the most suitable for the liquid-phase synthesis of a crystalline Li7P3S11 solid electrolyte with high purity based on its dielectric constant, molecular structure, and boiling point.

Design and Evaluation of Polygonal Trough Solar Concentrator

In this paper, a solar concentrator is designed in the form of a concave half-cylindrical mirror consisting of polygonal reflective surface plates. The plates are arranged to give a hemispherical shape to the design. These surfaces work to receive solar radiation and focusing by reflecting it to the receiver that is placed in front of the reflecting surfaces. The results are compared with a system consisting of a concave reflecting surface of the same dimensions to obtain a good criterion for evaluating the design performance. The results showed a low acceptance angle for the design for all the samples used due to the geometrical design nature. The optical efficiency affected by the angle of incidence greatly by all the samples used, which differ in the concentration ratio, width and location of the receiver.

Digital Transformation – The “Design for All” Approach: European Accessibility for The Disabled

Both the UN and the European Commission have been strengthening their regulations concerning the accessibility of products and services by persons with disabilities. Although this is not a new topic, the new regulations are designed to be more binding and to reduce remaining inequity between persons with and without disabilities. Although the topic of accessibility is increasingly better understood and discussed in terms of online systems, it applies just as much to more established technologies such as ATMs or the telephone and even to live human interactions. That said, the new regulations do robustly address the online space. In addition, the COVID 19 pandemic has, (because so many societal interactions have moved online), drawn even greater attention to existing barriers. The purpose of this study was to outline the framework of legal regulations referring to this problem and to show and analyse the broader context of the changes that are expected once the European Accessibility Act takes effect in 2025.

Unconventional Well Test Analysis for Assessing Individual Fracture Stages through Post-Treatment Pressure Falloffs: Case Study

Researchers and operators have recently become interested in the individual stage optimization of unconventional reservoir hydraulic fracture. These professionals aim to maximize well performance during an unconventional well’s early-stage and potential Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) lifespan. Although there have been advances in hydraulic fracturing technology that allow for the creation of large stimulated reservoir volumes (SRVs), it may not be optimal to use the same treatment design for all stages of a well or many wells in an area. We present a comprehensive review of the main approaches used to discuss applicability, pros and cons, and a detailed comparison between different methodologies. Our research outlines a combination of the Diagnostic Fracture Injection Test (DFIT) and falloff pressure analysis, which can help to design intelligent production and improve well performance. Our field study presents an unconventional well to explain the objective optimization workflow. The analysis indicates that most of the fracturing fluid was leaked off through natural fracture surface area and resulted in the estimation of larger values compared to the hydraulic fracture calculated area. These phenomena might represent a secondary fracture set with a high fracture closure stress activated in neighbor stages that was not well-developed in other sections. The falloff pressure analysis provides significant and vital information, assisting operators in fully understanding models for fracture network characterization.

Recreation and Therapy in Urban Forests—The Potential Use of Sensory Garden Solutions

Urban forests are not only woodlands or groups of trees, but also individual trees, street trees, trees in parks, trees in derelict corners, and gardens. All of which are located in urban and peri-urban areas and diversify the landscape and provide a wide range of social benefits. Sensory gardens play a specific therapeutic and preventive role. Designing such gardens as a recreational infrastructure element can successfully enrich urban forests. Following the principles of universal design may provide enjoyment for all city-dwellers, with special attention given to the needs of individuals with disabilities. We studied 15 gardens and one sensory path located in various regions in Poland. The inventory was carried out on the basis of the features considered important in spatial orientation by blind and partially sighted people. The results showed that the solutions used were only partly adequate for the needs of selected users. We found neither tactile walking surface indicators (e.g., communication lines and terrain), spatial models, nor applications in mobile devices. However, these could be useful for all visitors. We confirmed that although problems with the use of forest tourist space are dependent on the type of disability, by implementing the idea of universal design for all elements of recreational infrastructure, forests may be accessible for all users.

Can hospitals impact users’ experience? Application of an evaluation tool to enhance Design for All

Background Design for All (DfA) strategy addressing human diversity, social inclusion and equality, can have an impact on users' well-being in healthcare facilities. However, evaluation tools are needed to identify the extent to which DfA influences users' experience and service quality. This study explores the application of the Design for All A.U.D.I.T. (Assessment Usability Design & Inclusion Tool). Methods The tool's structure is based on a multicriteria framework that evaluate hospital areas through a rating system. The hierarchical framework includes three Categories of DfA outcomes (Physical-spatial quality; Sensorial-cognitive quality and Social quality) with related criteria, indicators and requirements. The tool has been applied in the evaluation of two private hospitals, one in Buffalo (US) and one in Milan (Italy). Results The analysis of findings addressed both spatial and DfA qualities. For spaces, Horizontal circulation had the best scores in both hospitals (76% Italy, 88% US). The Italian hospital Vertical circulation had the lowest score (46%), while in the Buffalo facility Outdoor spaces had the lowest scores. Regarding DfA qualities, the Italian hospital obtained the highest score in Environmental Factors (84%), due to a sustainable design approach, while Social Inclusion got the lowest score (54%). The Buffalo facility scored higher on Social Inclusion (87%) because it provides diverse services for users. Both the hospitals had problems with Wayfinding due to layout and signs, scoring low on this criterion (59% Italy, 39% US). Conclusions The analysis of the hospitals demonstrated that the tool can evaluate spaces and DfA outcomes along dimensions of health and well-being. The system can be used to identify critical aspects and suggest design strategies, defining priorities for interventions. Further research directions will consider applications in different hospitals to ensure the tool scalability and application to new building projects. Key messages The evaluation tool enhances Public Health by measuring hospital quality in terms of Design for All and user needs. The tool can be applied in the decision-making process during design and renovation of specific areas of hospitals to implement Inclusive Design.