34711 research outputs found
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Potential of the industrial metaverse : a taxonomic approach
No full textThe metaverse is often regarded as the next successor of the current internet, and also for the industrial sector, the metaverse has the potential to enhance physical-digital approaches like the Industrial Internet of Things and facilitate the shift from Industry 4.0 to 5.0. To move away from context-specific value and comprehensively grasp its potential, we develop a classification model following the research question: “[RQ] Which dimensions and characteristics are suited to holistically describe use cases of the Industrial Metaverse?” To address, we pursue a taxonomic approach leveraging the reliable taxonomy development method by Nickerson et al. (2013) based on real-world uses cases of the Industrial Metaverse. Guided by the theory of the affordances, the resulting model classifies use cases by (1) IT artifact- (dominant building block, technology materiality, technology origin), (2) Organization- (lifecycle context, environmental context, role of the human) and (3) Affordances- (lifecycle value-add, sustainability pillar, value objective, value direction, impact) -related dimensions. Keeping review- and classification-related limitations in mind, we contribute a “theory for analysis” for science and a “tool to understand and innovate” for practice
Cross-sectionally correlated measurement errors in two-pass regression tests of asset-pricing models
No full textIt is well known that in simple linear regression, measurement errors in the explanatory variable lead to a downward bias in the OLS slope estimator. In two-pass regression tests of asset-pricing models, one is confronted with such measurement errors as the second-pass cross-sectional regression uses as explanatory variables imprecise estimates of asset betas extracted from the first-pass time-series regression. The slope estimator of the second-pass regression is used to get an estimate of the pricing-model’s factor risk-premium. Since the significance of this estimate is decisive for the validity of the model, knowledge of the properties of the slope estimator, in particular, its bias, is crucial. First, we show that cross-sectional correlations in the idiosyncratic errors of the first-pass time-series regression lead to correlated measurement errors in the betas used in the second-pass cross-sectional regression. We then study the effect of correlated measurement errors on the bias of the OLS slope estimator. Using Taylor approximation, we develop an analytic expression for the bias in the slope estimator of the second-pass regression with a finite number of test assets N and a finite time-series sample size T. The bias is found to depend in a non-trivial way not only on the size and correlations of the measurement errors but also on the distribution of the true values of the explanatory variable (the betas). In fact, while the bias increases with the size of the errors, it decreases the more the errors are correlated. We illustrate and validate our result using a simulation approach based on empirical return data commonly used in asset-pricing tests. In particular, we show that correlations seen in empirical returns (e.g., due to industry effects in sorted portfolios) substantially suppress the bias
Support of digital public services in Switzerland : differences between citizens and civil servants
No full textThis study examines factors influencing citizen and civil servant support for digital public services in Switzerland. Using an extended UTAUT framework, the analysis identifies performance expectancy, effort expectancy, digital competencies, organizational transformation, and trust as core predictors. Survey data from 1,000 respondents across three sectors (general population, core public administration, and the broader public sector) reveal that digital competencies and perceived service efficiency are the most consistent drivers. Trust plays a minor role, while collaboration-based organizational change yields mixed effects across contexts. Income and age further shape attitudes toward e-services. The findings underscore the need for tailored digital strategies: while civil servants adopt out of institutional mandate, citizens decide voluntarily, based on usability, perceived benefits, and satisfaction with (digital) local governance
Include all children : a discussion of improving self-report measures of violence for overlooked child populations
No full textTo protect children against violence, we need robust data from every child population. In spite of this, not all child populations are well represented in research. This hampers the usability of results to those left out, and necessitate a discussion of potential solutions. Data collection efforts are hampered by a lack of validated instruments for a number of populations, including but not limited to young children, children with disabilities, and children on the move, including refugees and immigrants. This results in the exclusion from research of many children who are disproportionately affected by violence, but unable to exercise their right to be heard on this matter. In this discussion article, we draw on the co-authors’ research experience and relevant literature to present issues specific to measurement of violence, and recommendations on how to get precise estimates in these underrepresented groups. These include puppet-based interviews for young children, alternative response formats such as validated sign language instruments for children with disabilities, and a range of violence measures which reflect the diverse violence experienced by children on the move. However, the literature also reveals an overall lack of validation and participatory approaches, affecting both research measuring violence against children, and development of instruments for this purpose. This article outlines recommendations and examples of best practice for including these children in research, and for the development and validation of instruments suitable for capturing their self-report of violence. It is our hope that this discussion article, and the potential solutions presented, can inspire further studies on violence on how to include all child populations in research
Gruppenschwangerenvorsorge „zäme schwanger“ – seiner Zeit voraus
No full textDie Schwangerenvorsorge in der Schweiz erfolgt traditionell in Einzelterminen mit einer Hebamme oder einer Ärztin bzw. einem Arzt. In den letzten Jahren wurde jedoch mit „zäme schwanger“ ein neuer Ansatz in Form der Gruppenschwangerenvorsorge am Therapie-, Trainings- und Beratungszentrum Thetriz der ZHAW in Winterthur, Schweiz angeboten. Das Angebot kombiniert medizinische Schwangerenvorsorge, Geburtsvorbereitung und Gesundheitsförderung in Kleingruppen
The GebStart-tool: development and validation of a tool to improve early labour care
No full textBackground: Women during early labour and health care professionals are often challenged to judge the best place to stay during this labour phase. The study aimed to develop and validate a standardised tool for advising the decision for or against hospital admission in early labour.
Methods: We generated an item pool of 99 items based on a scoping review and focus group discussions. After involving an expert panel, the preliminary GebStart-tool with 32 items was designed. It was applied with n=394 women in a multicentre study in six Swiss hospitals. Frequencies of responses, adjusted Cox regression models with time intervals describing care needs as outcomes and adjusted multinomial regression models with the outcome ‘effective decision’ were used for item reduction and validation.
Results: The final GebStart-tool comprised 15 items on contractions, vaginal discharge, physical fitness, food intake, foetal movements, confidence, feeling prepared for birth, support at home and journey time to hospital. The total score ranged from 0 and 60 points with thresholds at 22 points for the decisions between ‘Stay at home’ and ‘Keep in contact’ and 33 points for the decision ‘admission to hospital’. The total score of the tool was significantly associated with all time intervals describing the care needs and with a higher risk for the decision ‘Hospital admission’.
Conclusion: Further research in larger samples, accompanied by implementation research and translation into other languages are required to promote the tool.
Clinical relevance: The evidence based GebStart-tool has the potential to improve early labour care
Applying universal design to playgrounds : expert perspectives
No full textPlaygrounds are essential for providing for children’s right to play, yet often contain barriers that affect all children, including those with disabilities. To address these challenges, human rights and standards documents advocate for inclusive playgrounds using a Universal Design (UD) approach. However, expertise on applying UD to playgrounds remains scarce. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify experts’ experiences and strategies for applying UD in playgrounds. Six UD experts were interviewed using a go-along method at four playgrounds located in Dublin, Ireland. Experts demonstrated a shared understanding of UD, emphasising strategies like adapting environments to children’s diverse needs, fostering teamwork, and creating a positive social atmosphere. Natural elements played a central role, benefiting both children and the community. Importantly, participants did not aim to apply UD to each playground component but to the whole playground environment. In this way, play challenges and social inclusion for diverse users could be maximised