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In this paper, we present an activity to introduce the idea of public-key cryptography and to make pre-service STEM teachers explore fundamental informatics and mathematical concepts and methods. We follow the Theory of Didactical Situations within the Didactical Engineering methodology (both widely used in mathematics education research) to design and analyse a didactical situation about asymmetric cryptography using graphs. Following the phases of Didactical Engineering, after the preliminary analysis of the content, the constraints and conditions of the teaching context, we conceived and analysed the situation a priori, with a particular focus on the milieu (the set of elements students can interact with) and on the choices for the didactical variables. We discuss their impact on the problem-solving strategies the participants need to elaborate to decrypt an encrypted message. We implemented our situation and collected qualitative data. We then analysed a posteriori the different strategies that participants used. The comparison of the a posteriori analysis with the a priori analysis showed the learning potential of the activity. To elaborate on different problem-solving strategies, the participants need to explore and understand several concepts and methods from mathematics, informatics, and the frontier of the two disciplines, also moving between different semiotic registers.

Research on Artificial Intelligence, especially in the field of machine learning, has exploded in the twenty-first century. AI research in universities has long been funded by a combination of government and corporate sources. The funding of AI research in the contemporary university includes technology companies as both funders and generators of research areas. This paper looks at the links between technology companies and AI research in three areas: first, the ways in which technology companies influence both the content and practices of AI research in universities; second, how university research policies enable conditions that blur traditional boundaries between corporate and academic AI research; and third, how an ethos of 'open science', that is increasingly corporatised, moves ideas about AI from universities to companies. We conclude that technology companies influence AI research within established feedback loops in the transformed relationships between economy, society, research, and the contemporary university.

This study examines how the rise in the share of higher education graduates leads to over-qualification, by focusing on the demand-side drivers. We propose that the benefits of investments in higher education depend on the levels of innovation and economic growth in each national economy. We use a configurational method (Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis) to identify combinations of factors that lead to a high incidence of over-qualification in 17 European countries. The results show that over-qualification is greater in countries in which an increase in the number of graduates is accompanied by a failure to transition to a knowledge-based economy and poor economic growth. Furthermore, a low weight of high-tech manufacturing sectors in the GDP is a necessary condition for over-qualification to occur. These arguments explain the more pronounced mismatch in Southern Europe and Austria compared to other European countries. As for policy implications, this study shows that investment in education did not lead to expected benefits in some countries because this investment did not boost competitiveness in high-tech sectors. Thus, alternative policies must be implemented. Besides investment in education, some kind of industrial policy seems necessary in a number of European countries.

To date, several studies have investigated the potential benefits of using Quizlet and podcasts for vocabulary development. However, they have mainly focused on the use of available material, and its effects on receptive vocabulary acquisition and students' motivation. In contrast, relatively little has been done to study the effects of student-generated podcasts and Quizlet flashcards sets on second language vocabulary acquisition including productive skills. Hence, the present study seeks to analyze and compare how student-created podcasts and Quizlet flashcards affect vocabulary retention, taking into account both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge. Twenty-three adults, aged 18-61, participated in the study. The instruments used were vocabulary tests as pre-tests to check students' prior knowledge, and as immediate post-tests to measure receptive and productive vocabulary acquisition, and a questionnaire to gauge students' perceptions of the two methods. Results showed that although there was no significant difference between the two methods regarding receptive or productive vocabulary acquisition, and both techniques helped students to retain new vocabulary, participants expressed a greater preference for the Quizlet methodology.

Students must be taught to understand the ethical issues associated with engineering and technology, which includes microethics and macroethics. This research examined the influence of cultural environment by comparing ethics-related education outcomes between educators in (1) the United States, (2) non-US Anglo, and (3) Western European countries who teach engineering students. In an increasingly globalised world where companies and projects draw from talent across countries, it is important to understand how different cultures educate future engineers about their ethical responsibilities. Survey results revealed that a majority of educators in all three groups viewed undergraduate and postgraduate education on ethics as insufficient. A higher percentage of non-US Anglo and Western European educators taught sustainability and environmental issues in their courses compared to US respondents. US educators taught codes of ethics, ethics in design, and safety more than those in Western Europe. Open-ended responses illuminated challenges and opportunities to improve ethics education.

Reviews a range of intervention strategies which have been developed and introduced to deal with identified barriers to females' involvement with technology in Western Europe. Includes separate interventions affecting elementary school age, secondary age, older girls and young women, and older women. (ML)

Background: The evolution of eHealth development has shifted from standalone tools to comprehensive digital health environments, fostering data exchange among diverse stakeholders and systems. Nevertheless, existing research and implementation frameworks have primarily emphasized technological and organizational aspects of eHealth implementation, overlooking the intricate legal, ethical, and financial considerations. It is essential to discover what legal, ethical, financial, and technological challenges should be considered to ensure successful and sustainable implementation of eHealth. Objective: This review aims to provide insights into barriers and facilitators of legal, ethical, financial, and technological aspects for successful implementation of complex eHealth technologies, which impacts multiple levels and multiple stakeholders. Methods: A scoping review was conducted by querying PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ACM Digital Library (2018-2023) for studies describing the implementation process of eHealth technologies that facilitate data exchange. Studies solely reporting clinical outcomes or conducted outside Europe were excluded. Two independent reviewers selected the studies. A conceptual framework was constructed through axial and inductive coding, extracting data from literature on legal, ethical, financial, and technological aspects of eHealth implementation. This framework guided systematic extraction and interpretation. Results: The search resulted in 7.308 studies that were screened for eligibility, of which 35 (0.48%) were included. Legal barriers revolve around data confidentiality and security, necessitating clear regulatory guidelines. Ethical barriers span consent, responsibility, liability, and validation complexities, necessitating robust frameworks. Financial barriers stem from inadequate funding, requiring (commercial) partnerships and business models. Technological issues include interoperability, integration, and malfunctioning, necessitating strategies for enhancing data reliability, improving accessibility, and aligning eHealth technology with existing systems for smoother integration. Conclusions: This research highlights the multifaceted nature of eHealth implementation, encompassing legal, ethical, financial, and technological considerations. Collaborative stakeholder engagement is paramount for effective decision-making and aligns with the transition from standalone eHealth tools to integrated digital health environments. Identifying suitable stakeholders and recognizing their stakes and values enriches implementation strategies with expertise and guidance across all aspects. Future research should explore the timing of these considerations and practical solutions for regulatory compliance, funding, navigation of responsibility and liability, and business models for reimbursement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper centres the colonial pre-histories of 'the digital' to complicate posthumanist theorisations of subjectivity. Posthumanism helpfully undercuts human exceptionalism by presenting subjectivity as always-already co-constituted by technology. However, this paper argues that it insufficiently engages the human as the historico-political effect of negating the assumed non-technological colonial Other. Focusing on liberal humanism between the 16th and 19th centuries, the paper theorises the modern human as bound up in 'technological onticide'. The presumed absence of technology became a (theo-centric, ratio-centric, bio-centric) measure of the Other's sub-humanity, at the same time as this Other was expected to be humanised through its technologisation. An emphasis on technological onticide complicates universalist theories of subjectivity that take it as always a matter of human-technology co-constitution. The paper argues that, to confront the legacies of ontological murder, conceptual room needs to be made for in human, counter human or un human theories of subjectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Digital health interventions are becoming increasingly important for adults, children, and young people with cancer and palliative care needs, but there is little research to guide policy and practice. Objectives: To identify recommendations for policy development of digital health interventions in cancer and palliative care. Design: Expert elicitation workshop. Setting: European clinical (cancer and palliative care, adult and pediatric), policy, technical, and research experts attended a one-day workshop in London, England, in October 2022, along with MyPal research consortium members. Methods: As part of the European Commission-funded MyPal project, we elicited experts' views on global, national, and institutional policies within structured facilitated groups, and conducted qualitative analysis on these discussions. Results/Implementation: Thirty-two experts from eight countries attended. Key policy drivers and levers in digital health were highlighted. Global level: global technology regulation, definitions, access to information technology, standardizing citizens' rights and data safety, digital infrastructure and implementation guidance, and incorporation of technology into existing health systems. National level: country-specific policy, compatibility of health apps, access to digital infrastructure including vulnerable groups and settings, development of guidelines, and promoting digital literacy. Institutional level: undertaking a needs assessment of service users and clinicians, identifying best practice guidelines, providing education and training for clinicians on digital health and safe digital data sharing, implementing plans to minimize barriers to accessing digital health care, minimizing bureaucracy, and providing technical support. Conclusions: Developers and regulators of digital health interventions may find the identified recommendations useful in guiding policy making and future research initiatives. MyPal child study Clinical Trial Registration NCT04381221; MyPal adult study Clinical Trial Registration NCT04370457 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The integration of stakeholders is crucial in developing smart living technologies to support the autonomy of elderly populations. Despite the clear benefits of these technologies, there remains a significant gap in comprehensive research. Methods: This study presents the viewpoints of 19 stakeholders from Europe and Japan, focusing on the sustainability of smart living solutions for Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA). Data were gathered through qualitative semi-structured interviews and analysed using a Framework Analysis approach. Results: Analysis of the interviews revealed six key sustainability categories: addressing the unmet needs of older adults, functionalities of the smart living coach, integration within organizations, identified barriers, financial considerations, and the social role of the smart living coach. Conclusions: This research underscores the importance of evaluating user needs through the involvement of various stakeholders, including the elderly, their caregivers, professionals, technicians, service providers, and government bodies. Collaborative efforts are essential to generate new evidence demonstrating the value of smart living solutions in facilitating Active and Healthy Ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ontology-based AI promises a more flexible and cost-effective approach to the validation of cancer registry data over traditional approaches and may allow a more straightforward means of federating centralised data-harmonisation processes. The advantage of using ontologies is that they unite the conceptual and logical aspects of a given domain and, therefore, provide an inherent means for expressing data validation rule sets. The idiosyncrasies of data validation, however, impose certain constraints on the ontology structure of AI-based reasoning and require design patterns that are not immediately obvious. The design patterns presented in this work are generic to other domains beyond cancer registries and serve to point out the types of issues that validation ontologies have to confront, with proposed solutions for tackling them. Data validation in cancer registration is a critical operation but is resource-intensive and has traditionally depended on proprietary software. Ontology-based AI is a novel approach utilising machine reasoning based on axioms formally described in description logic. This is a different approach from deep learning AI techniques but not exclusive of them. The advantage of the ontology approach lies in its ability to address a number of challenges concurrently. The disadvantages relate to computational costs, which increase with language expressivity and the size of data sets, and class containment restrictions imposed by description logics. Both these aspects would benefit from the availability of design patterns, which is the motivation behind this study. We modelled the European cancer registry data validation rules in description logic using a number of design patterns and showed the viability of the approach. Reasoning speeds are a limiting factor for large cancer registry data sets comprising many hundreds of thousands of records, but these can be offset to a certain extent by developing the ontology in a modular way. Data validation is also a highly parallelisable process. Important potential future work in this domain would be to identify and optimise reusable design patterns, paying particular attention to avoiding any unintended reasoning efficiency hotspots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is a major staple food around the world; some of this production requires storage. The need for storage is largely driven by climatic conditions which dictate when the crop should be planted and harvested. The objective of potato storage is always to keep the crop in its best possible condition throughout, limiting inputs and interventions to those that achieve this aim, whilst minimizing losses and wastage. Increasingly, the storage techniques used to provide a consistent supply of potatoes to meet demand have to be sustainable. This focus on efficiency is important as cost pressures increase. Strategically, for those who are now without CIPC in Europe, the loss of chemistry has re-focused their approach to storage. It is now necessary to consider the wider impact of multiple factors on storage.'Genotype x environment' interactions need to be better understood now that a major non-specific control (CIPC sprout suppressant) is not available. This genetic base is crucial to provide a good starting point with new varieties. Better natural dormancy and improved low temperature tolerance will reduce the need for chemical solutions and lower the risk from acrylamide. Risk must be understood better to forecast potato performance in store so crops can be identified in advance as having better prospects of delivering markets' needs. Having a 'one-size-fits-all' tool like CIPC allowed industry to lose sight of the holistic challenges of sustainability. The pace of development of storage solutions slowed, and it was easier to take a simple — but flawed — approach that relied on a single solution. Now that CIPC is no longer there, the European storage industry has some re-focusing and catching up to do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on geographies of knowledge sourcing examines the organizational structure of innovation activities within the firm, the mechanisms by which knowledge is extracted from various external sources and the geography of these different activities. We augment this literature by exploring knowledge sourcing within multi-plant firms operating in Europe. Analysis makes use of linked patent-firm data recording the location of knowledge production and its ownership. The results add value to existing research in three ways. First, the establishments of multi-plant firms are shown to produce different kinds of knowledge in different locations. Second, the patents generated within a firm's establishments are linked to the knowledge stocks of the regions where they operate, supporting a vision of geographical knowledge sourcing. Third, the complexity of knowledge produced within firms is positively related to the number of plants in which they innovate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in innovation and technology have become a main point of interest for researchers in the field. Previous researches show high dependence of the tertiary sector upon strategy, together with lagging digitalization in European economies. This to gain insight into digital innovation strategy and actual technological implementation within companies in South-Eastern European economies. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative/quantitative methods. It was carried out through structured interviews. These interviews involved the use of a straightforward assessment tool to collect quantitative responses along with qualitative justifications for those responses. In total, we collected 102 validated interviews from various company managers, ensuring that no more than one assessment per company was included in our analysis. Results show deficiencies in some managers' understanding of digital strategies cascading down to insufficient or improper usage of technological tools to implement digital innovation. Initiatives in combating lagging digitalization should thus contain a significant educational component for managers and decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Railways are the backbone of complex and multimodal transport systems in Europe. To secure a larger share of the transport market and attract existing and future freight customers, further improvement in services is required. To achieve this goal, the use of new technologies in the era of railway automation and digitalization is required. Automatic train operation (ATO) in rail transport is considered a promising solution for providing cost-effective rail products. In this study, we define ATO as autonomous train operation and the feasibility of ATO deployment in rail freight is investigated. For this purpose, a knowledge-based approach is introduced to identify opportunities, problems, and the most appropriate grade of automation in rail freight. In a multi-stage process, Delphi questionnaires were combined with the analytic network process (ANP) method to investigate, define, and weight the determinants for ATO deployment. The final phase of the survey estimated the potential costs and drivers for different grades of automation. The results show that, in addition to the positive impacts of ATO, there are numerous challenges and risks that need to be analysed before ATO is implemented. In addition, the Delphi-ANP approach was used to identify the key determinants for decision-making prior to ATO implementation and the most viable alternative based on them. Investment cost, level of safety, energy saving, and reliability of management system are the most important determinants for the decision to implement ATO. The results of this study can effectively support rail infrastructure managers and operators in strategic planning and decision-making for ATO implementation in rail freight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines mobile cyberloafing, i.e. the use of phones for non-study purposes among Gen Z students, the first generation of digital natives. Drawing from research on misbehaviour and cyberloafing, we developed and tested a model with moral disengagement and subjective norms as predictors and psychological detachment and cognitive engagement as outcomes of cyberloafing. We also hypothesise that multitasking self-efficacy moderates the relationships between the antecedents and cyberloafing. Data were collected from 254 Gen Z students from a large state university in Europe. The findings show that subjective norms are negatively related to cyberloafing in class, while moral disengagement is positively related to it. In turn, cyberloafing is positively related to psychological detachment and negatively to cognitive engagement. The results also show a significant moderating effect for multitasking self-efficacy. Implications for research and practice are discussed, as well as future research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on analyzing the range of factors that influence the transformation of leadership styles by technologies. The aim is to evaluate the level of transformation achieved by influence of technologies in certain post-socialist countries in Southeastern Europe (SEE). The theoretical part of the research identifies two sets of factors (endogenous and exogenous) that are important in understanding the influence of technologies on leadership transformation. Key factors were identified, including readiness of organization, perceived-easy of use, customer pressure, law regulations, and leader's attitude. In the quantitative section of the research, the impact of these factors on the transformation of leadership styles was evaluated. The hypothesis is that these factors significantly impact leadership style transformation in the selected countries, and by understanding their advantages, leaders can improve their performance. The multiple linear regression method was used to research the perception of the impact of selected factors. A mathematical model based on multiple linear regression analysis was created to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (the level of transformation of leadership style) and the selected independent variables. The results have confirmed the validity of the hypothesis and, consequently, the selected factors have the high influence to the transformation of leadership styles in the analyzed countries. The study concludes that the evaluation of the current status of selected factors presents opportunities that leaders should consider to survive the effects of globalization and open markets. The selected factors explain the situation in leadership to a great extent in the observed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disasters induced by extreme weather events and terrorism-related activities, causing mass casualty incidents (MCIs) in Europe, are expected to increase in the upcoming years. This challenging scenario demands a high level of readiness and coordinated multi-disciplinary response to reduce morbidity and mortality. The European Society of Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) is one of the 23 partners of the European-funded project Novel Integrated Toolkit for Enhanced Pre-Hospital Life Support and Triage in Challenging and Large Emergencies (NIGHTINGALE), whose primary objective is to promote the exchange in experiences and define the best practices among first responders. Additionally, the project promotes multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional efforts to achieve technological innovation that will enhance preparedness in MCI management. This manuscript aims to describe the challenges of MCI triage, the education and training programs for MCI response in Europe, and the technological innovation that may aid optimal response. These three elements were discussed by ESTES Disaster and Military Surgery Section members during the German Society for Trauma Surgery session at the ECTES 2022 in Oslo "TDSC® and beyond: ideas and concepts for education and training in Terror Preparedness", additionally the manuscript describes the first steps of the cooperation between ESTES and the rest of the NIGHTINGALE consortium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges of current health systems is the improvement of the services provided without increasing the existing costs or decreasing costs without worsening the quality of the provided care services. Given the complexity of current health care services, the accurate calculation of the actual costs is an arduous task, which requires knowledge of the various elements involved in the health care cycle provided to a patient with a certain medical condition. With this investigation, we aim to study the care cycle provided to a patient, from breast tumour prevention to treatment. Through this study we seek to understand, within the current care cycle provided, where there are opportunities for technology to help reduce the costs currently existing. To achieve this research objective, we performed a documental analysis of articles, books, and other sources of information on medical procedures performed by a patient with a breast tumour. Based on this analysis, the result obtained was a better understanding of the care cycle, which encompasses the different stages and elements involved in the possible process carried out in the case of a breast tumour. With this investigation, it is possible to systematize different phases of this care cycle and perceive the opportunities for intervention to increase its efficiency, namely with the use of communication and image technologies. This preliminary study provides knowledge and the basis to prepare the survey that will be applied to physicians responsible for breast cancer units around Europe, as well as the perception of the existing opportunities to introduce technology to help to reduce the current costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential growth of the world population in the last decades (approx. eight billion people in 2022), corroborated with spectacular development of various sectors of activity such as transport, construction, information, and communication technology, etc. exert a worrying pressure on limited natural resources. Moreover, climate change, environmental degradation, increasing pollution, recent armed conflicts are increasingly real existential threats to the global population in general and to the old continent in particular. In this context, the European Green Deal (EGD) comes to counteract such unhealthy developments and proposes to transform Europe into a society with a modern, high performing and resource-efficient economy, with a goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. EGD involves a series of legislative measures that will support and implement policies on financial and competitive issues related to climate, energy, industry, sustainable and smart mobility, agriculture and biodiversity conservation and protection. From the EGD perspective, the objectives of this research have focused on the transport sector, with a view to ensuring safe, sustainable, green, and smart mobility. The main result of the research consists of the optimization algorithm developed and implemented by authors at one of the largest alliances transport, which calculates the best option for the delivery of goods, respecting the price lists and the proposed carbon dioxide emissions targets. At the same time, in the light of the results and conclusions of the research, the general implications regarding the financial and competitive aspects of the EGD are analysed, as well as the particular ones, specific to the alliance that is the object of the case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The engineering sector of the economy is growing rapidly and in many Eastern European countries, supply and demand are only going up. The terrible events of the pandemic and military actions in the very center of Europe led to mass labor migration of the population. For scientists and practitioners, the question arose of finding ways to ensure safety for them and the formation of proper safe working conditions in new regions with new challenges. This determined the relevance of the research topic. The main goal of the study is the application of mathematical technologies to counteract the main challenges that negatively affect engineering migrant workers in terms of security. The methodology implies the use of modeling methods with the flexibility to change the basic parameters. Based on the results of the analysis, we presented several models to counteract the negative impact of the main challenges faced by engineering labor migrants in modern conditions. The study has a number of limitations and concerns the use of modeling technology for only one region as an example. Further research should concern not only an individual worker in the field of engineering but also entire engineering enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a rapid increase in government efforts to expand electric vehicle markets by deploying fast-charging stations, promoting uptake through greater investment, and by enacting supportive policies. Government support and private investment have contributed to the expansion of electric vehicles in many countries. The aim of this study is to highlight and analyze the most critical aspects of the expansion of the electric vehicle market, regarding technologies, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, opportunities, and barriers in Europe. Our study analyzes the progress of electric vehicles by reviewing recent literature based on technology, policy, and government measurements. This study provides comprehensive information on electric vehicles and perspectives that are critical to policymakers, car manufacturers, consumers, and the community. To achieve favorable results, governments should invest in developing electric vehicles and battery technologies, provide subsidies, and develop charging infrastructure. Furthermore, by analyzing current EV sales in ten countries around the world, we assess the operating costs of electric vehicles. Overall EV cost of ownership is influenced by grid electricity price, cost of financing, location, carbon tax, wind speed, and solar insolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loneliness is a subjective experience escalating worldwide and affecting older adults. Digital solutions can play a major role in addressing loneliness, although its use has been facing resistance due to scarce involvement of older adults in its design. MOAI LABS is an ongoing European project that adopts a co-design process to develop digital solutions to address loneliness in older adults. This study reports the experience of loneliness shared by a group of eight community-dwelling older Portuguese adults (aged 64 to 86 years old), who are "experts by experience" (who feel alone). Findings were obtained from two co-creation sessions that were audio-recorded, and transcribed. The data analysis was performed involving the research team and the "experts by experience." Three themes emerged: 1) loneliness as a detrimental "state of the soul"; 2) loneliness reinforced by features of the aging process; and 3) loneliness builds more loneliness. MOAI LABS co-design process of digital solutions will embrace these experiences and involve frontline gerontological social workers who have experience with older adults' loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial contamination in platelets remain a major public health concern, which prompted the US Food and Drug Administration guidance for bacterial contamination mitigation. Pathogen reduction technology (PRT) is one mitigation strategy that has shown success in Europe over the last decade. Therefore, our center sought to transition from a dual system of bacterial culturing (BacT) and PRT to full PRT.Methods: A 1 month pilot study was conducted to simulate 100% PRT conditions. Our center also collected baseline data on key platelet production metrics in the 4 months prior to 100% PRT and compared it to the 4 months post-implementation.Results: The pilot study showed no statistical differences in split rate, proportion of low-yield products, or proportion of single, double, and triple collections. The only observed difference was an 11 min increase in the average duration of double collections. Our baseline versus post-implementation monitoring showed no difference in split rate, discard rate, percentage of low-yield units, and average yield of low yield units. Statistical differences were detected in the proportion of single, double, and triple collections, as well as the average yield of full dose products. Roughly 20% of our inventory consisted of low-yield products.Discussion: With suitable mitigation strategies, transitioning to a full PRT inventory may result in higher net margins while not adversely affecting overall platelet production. A pilot study is a good way to project potential effects of switching from a dual BacT and PRT inventory to full PRT, and can be adopted by other centers aiming to make the transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on studies assessing engineering bottlenecks of automation. Topics include t digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) displacing a considerable number of work tasks in the coming decades; and implications of divergent employment scenarios for government budgets, poverty or economic inequality.

To unravel the challenges in the global diffusion of climate-friendly technologies, this investigation analyzes the diffusion of climate change-related technologies across countries. By using an unbalanced panel of selected European countries over the period 1990-2020, this investigation quantifies the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission effects of the diffusion of climate change-related technologies that are mediated by imports, geographical and technological proximity and free diffusion of technologies. In this study, the effects of domestic development of climate change-related technologies, population and affluence are also accounted for, and the emission effects are estimated using a fixed-effects panel model with instrumental variables. The instrumental variable for foreign technology spillovers is based on the technology support policies adopted in foreign countries. As expected, international spillovers of climate-friendly technologies are negatively linked to CO2 emissions, thus promoting emission reductions across the region. Importantly, emission reductions in Europe are more strongly influenced by international technology spillovers than by domestic innovation activities. Moreover, while all the analyzed technology diffusion channels appear relevant, the results are the most robust regarding import-mediated technology spillovers. Insights from this study support policy recommendations, especially in the trade policy context., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Effectively assessing dental students' knowledge and skills is an important part of their education. Assessment techniques available to teachers, have become more diverse as new technologies are introduced. This study aimed to investigate what dental educators thought about current and future assessment techniques., Methods: This was a mixed method study; quantitative data being collected at an annual dental educators' conference, via on-screen questions requesting: i) demographic information; ii) type of student assessment currently used; iii) impact of Covid-19 on student assessment, and iv) future perceptions of assessment. Questions were posed in real time using the 'Vevox' platform. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed. Qualitative data were collected on 'post-its' and analysed thematically., Results: 101 participants attended the study. 59.1% (n = 60) had >11 years' experience. 64% (n = 55) considered their summative and formative assessments were effective in developing student learning. Few participants reported students' involvement in creating their own assessments (n = 8; 9.75%). 41.68% (n = 36) participants agreed it was a good idea for students to be involved in developing assessments, but only 9.75% (n = 8) reported it was already happening. Qualitative data indicated a reluctance to wholeheartedly embrace technology (including AI) when planning assessments. Most participants were not in favour of Co-creation or the use of some technologies., Conclusions: Participants, reflected on the challenges of adopting a universal assessment approach. Dental educators should be given the institutional support and autonomy to implement the best assessment methods for their students. Most of this cohort of experienced dental educators reported that assessments facilitated student learning., Clinical Significance: The role of assessment for dental students is essential as dental educators must ensure that dental students graduate with appropriate knowledge and technical skills to be safe when in general dental practice. The use of various assessment techniques needs to reflect the diversity of skills the students need to demonstrate., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the authors have any conflict of interest, during the data collection, preparation, writing and production of this manuscript. No fees were involved in this research project., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 meant, in many countries, the establishment of a period of confinement in which families were forced to restrict movement and social contacts with the consequent risk of inactivity. Our objective as to analyze the degree of psychosocial well-being, sociodemographic aspects and use of technological means depending on the educational level of the parents. The sample consisted of 2316 children aged between 3 and 12 years (M = 7.70; SD = 2.86). For the analysis and treatment of the data, the statistical software SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used. We found that the European participants used more video consoles (M = 0.89 ± 1.33) and tablets (M = 1.30 ± 0.95), while the Ibero-Americans obtained higher values in the use of TV (M = 2.28 ± 1.10) and levels higher in a negative state of psychosocial well-being (M = 7.29 ± 1.07) and in tiredness/fatigue (M = 4.34 ± 2.44). We concluded that, during the period of confinement in European areas, higher values were obtained in the time dedicated to Physical Activity (PA), use of tablets, school task performance, artistic activities, family games, reading, free play and hours of sleep; while in Ibero-America, there were longer times in the use of technological devices and performing domestic tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: With complex health technologies entering the market, methods for health technology assessment (HTA) may require changes. This study aimed to identify challenges in HTA of complex health technologies.Methods: A survey was sent to European HTA organizations participating in European Network for HTA (EUnetHTA). The survey contained open questions and used predefined potentially complex health technologies and 7 case studies to identify types of complex health technologies and challenges faced during HTA. The survey was validated, tested for reliability by an expert panel, and pilot tested before dissemination.Results: A total of 22 HTA organizations completed the survey (67%). Advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) and histology-independent therapies were considered most challenging based on the predefined complex health technologies and case studies. For the case studies, more than half of the reported challenges were "methodological," equal in relative effectiveness assessments as in cost-effectiveness assessments. Through the open questions, we found that most of these challenges actually rooted in data unavailability. Data were reported as "absent," "insufficient," "immature," or "low quality" by 18 of 20 organizations (90%), in particular data on quality of life. Policy and organizational challenges and challenges because of societal or political pressure were reported by 8 (40%) and 4 organizations (20%), respectively. Modeling issues were reported least often (n = 2, 4%).Conclusions: Most challenges in HTA of complex health technologies root in data insufficiencies rather than in the complexity of health technologies itself. As the number of complex technologies grows, the urgency for new methods and policies to guide HTA decision making increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented remote consultations in primary care to protect patients and staff from infection. Aim: The aim of this review was to synthesise the literature exploring patients' and physicians' experiences with remote consultations in primary care during the pandemic, with the further aim of informing their future delivery. Design & setting: Rapid literature review. Method: PubMed and PsychInfo were searched for studies that explored patients' and physicians' experiences with remote consultations in primary care. To determine the eligibility of studies, their titles and abstracts were reviewed, before the full article. Qualitative and quantitative data were then extracted from those that were eligible, and the data synthesised using thematic and descriptive synthesis. Results: A total of 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in the review. Most were performed in the US (n = 6, 25%) or Europe (n = 7, 29%). Patient and physician experiences were categorised into perceived 'advantages' and 'issues'. Key advantages experienced by patients and physicians included 'reduced risk of COVID-19' and 'increased convenience', while key issues included 'a lack of confidence in or access to required technology' and a 'loss of non-verbal communication' which degraded clinical decision-making. Conclusion: This review identified a number of advantages and issues experienced by patients and physicians using remote consultations in primary care. The results suggest that, while remote consultations are more convenient and protect patients and staff against COVID-19, they result in the loss of valuable non-verbal communication, and are not accessible to all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the development of an innovative sound technology, INSIDE-OUT, which aims to alter interoceptive signals in order to enhance well-being and treat various conditions. Topics discussed include the importance of interoception in shaping emotions and decision-making with the potential of interoceptive technologies to improve daily lives and the goals of technology is to create a wearable device to modify interoceptive perceptions through noninvasive stimulation of the insula.

Amongst the drivers of inequality, income distribution between wages and profits at the level of individual industries plays a key role. The factors shaping the parallel evolution of wages and profits are investigated in this article building on Post-Keynesian and evolutionary perspectives. We develop a simultaneous model on wage and profit dynamics identifying as key determinants the capital-labour conflict, the expansion of value added per hour worked, different strategies of technological change and offshoring, and the relevance of trade unions. The empirical investigation includes an industry-level analysis on 38 manufacturing and service sectors for six major European countries from 1994 to 2014. Wage and profit dynamics are shown to be rooted in structural change and capital-labour conflict, with profits driven by product innovation and offshoring, and wages rising faster where new products are relevant and trade unions have a greater role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the widespread stigma and exclusion attached to dementia in dominant narratives of successful ageing, this article addresses a gap in the scientific literature concerning our understanding of the medicalization of cognitive decline as a natural phenomenon. To this end, it explores how a dementia diagnosis acquires its symbolic power of exclusion in later life through an ethnography of cognitive rehabilitation therapy in two memory clinics in a southern European nation. It argues that this symbolic power of exclusion is locally produced through the meaning making practices of therapists and researchers administering regular cognitive training therapy and exercises to support autonomy. It shows how the different steps involved in rehabilitation play a role in dividing later life by defining and reifying a category of abnormal ageing during the cognitive assessment, and by applying a confrontational approach exposing decline. It shows how this approach generates the position of older adults who can be rehabilitated against those who cannot; the latter representing a "failed" ageing in the narrative of successful ageing. This article proposes the adoption of the concept of "technologies of ascription" to characterize this process of exclusion through reification and confrontation of "abnormal cognitive decline." The paper argues that such practices are central to the local production of the symbolic power attached to a dementia diagnosis as well as its capacity to fragment later life. Finally, it argues for the utility of this concept in offering new opportunities for anthropology to characterize exclusion in later life through medicalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2015, the so-called refugee crisis has prompted an explosion of mobile applications and other initiatives aimed at helping refugees navigate the spaces of Fortress Europe, connect with useful resources, access opportunities, and integrate into the destination country. Guided by faith in the power of technologies to initiate change, different fringes of society--humanitarian organizations, private entrepreneurs, tech corporations, volunteers, and grassroots organizations--have increasingly relied on digital solutions to circulate solidarity across borders. This article reflects on the tensions that characterize cross-border digital solidarity by looking at how we can reconcile the ethics of "doing social good" with the more discriminatory practices of data collection that affect the refugee body. The article argues that attention needs to be paid to the implementation of mindful filtering practices as an alternative framework for more ethical uses of technology that center around care as a guiding principle and value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arheološki Vestnik is the property of Scientific Research Centre of Slovenian Academy of Sciences & Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Technology became the new reality in the 21st century, changing the rules of the game in terms of education, employment, social engagement and other vital aspects of the society -- from new instruments of production, new communication tools, medical innovations to new generations that were born in a technological era, craving for more digital content, making it difficult for the labor market to cope with all their requirements and needs. In this context, one can conclude that there is a need for education institutions (especially military ones, which tend to be more conservative) to rethink their strategies and methods used for recruiting the younger generations, so as to be able to meet their expectations, as well as to adapt to the fast changes generated by future technological developments. Therefore, the article aims to define, based on a process of literature review, the main characteristics of the Millennials generation, especially in terms of job expectations and labor market opportunities. Based on their portrait, the article will analyze the digital presence of military higher education institutions across Europe, by conducting a case study based on open source information on the most used social platforms by Millennials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site of LuneryRosieres la-Terre-des-Sablons (Lunery, Cher, France) comprises early evidence of human occupation in mid-latitudes in Western Europe. It demonstrates hominin presence in the Loire River Basin during the Early Pleistocene at the transition between an interglacial stage and the beginning of the following glacial stage. Three archaeological levels sandwiched and associated with two diamicton levels deposited on the downcutting river floor indicate repeated temporary occupations. Lithic material yields evidence of simple and more complex core technologies on local Jurassic siliceous rocks and Oligocene millstone. Hominins availed of natural stone morphologies to produce flakes with limited preparation. Some cores show centripetal management and a partially prepared striking platform. The mean ESR age of 1175 ka ± 98 ka obtained on fluvial sediments overlying the archaeological levels could correspond to the transition between marine isotopic stages (MIS) 37 and 36, during the normal Cobb Mountain subchron, and in particular at the beginning of MIS 36. The Lunery site shows that hominins were capable of adapting to early glacial environmental conditions and adopting appropriate strategies for settling in mid-latitude zones. These areas cannot be considered as inhospitable at that time as Lunery lies at some distance from the forming ice cap., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Recent technological advancements have led to the development and implementation of robotic surgery in several specialties, including neurosurgery. Our aim was to carry out a worldwide survey among neurosurgeons to assess the adoption of and attitude toward robotic technology in the neurosurgical operating room and to identify factors associated with use of robotic technology. The online survey was made up of nine or ten compulsory questions and was distributed via the European Association of the Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in February and March 2018. From a total of 7280 neurosurgeons who were sent the survey, we received 406 answers, corresponding to a response rate of 5.6%, mostly from Europe and North America. Overall, 197 neurosurgeons (48.5%) reported having used robotic technology in clinical practice. The highest rates of adoption of robotics were observed for Europe (54%) and North America (51%). Apart from geographical region, only age under 30, female gender, and absence of a non-academic setting were significantly associated with clinical use of robotics. The Mazor family (32%) and ROSA (26%) robots were most commonly reported among robot users. Our study provides a worldwide overview of neurosurgical adoption of robotic technology. Almost half of the surveyed neurosurgeons reported having clinical experience with at least one robotic system. Ongoing and future trials should aim to clarify superiority or non-inferiority of neurosurgical robotic applications and balance these potential benefits with considerations on acquisition and maintenance costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speed through industrialized construction GOLDBECK is one of Europe's leading commercial construction companies and is an innovation driver in the industry. The focus of the company is on the planning and construction of turnkey commercial real estate, in which the range of services include warehouses and factories, office and school buildings, as well as multi‐storey car parks and residential buildings. Refurbishment and expansion of existing buildings, as well as building‐related services complete the spectrum. In the financial year 2020/2021, the company completed more than 500 projects throughout Europe generating around €4bn total revenues. This is made possible by a certain construction method used since the 1980s: Following the example of the automotive industry, it has systematized its own processes along the entire value chain. Key construction components like columns, ceilings and walls are serially precast in ten proprietary plants in line with the highest quality standards. In addition, there are optimized logistics processes that enable delivery and assembly "just in time" (at the right time) and even "just in sequence" (at the right time and in the right assembly sequence). All in all, this leads to fast, economical and high quality project realization. The report explains the typical GOLDBECK planning and construction methods and gives an insight into practice based on three current projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)