11 research outputs found
Value Deliberation: Towards mutual understanding of stakeholder perspectives in policymaking
No full textThis research is part of the Values4Water project, which includes TU Delft, Waterschap de Dommel, Deltares, Royal HaskoningDHV and Synmind as consortium partners. Policymaking can involve as many perspectives as there are stakeholders. In case of complex societal policies, many interpretations of the problem are possible and often there is no optimal solution. Such problems have also been referred to as wicked problems. Stakeholders are increasingly participating in policymaking to ensure that all perspectives are considered. In a wicked problem, stakeholder perspectives can be so different that they are conflicting. So before a solution can be accepted, stakeholders need mutual understanding of each others’ perspectives. This thesis uses a dialogic action research approach to explore the role of values in facilitating mutual understanding by using deliberation, not necessarily to find consensus but to allow for the exploration of stakeholder perspectives.Information and Communication Technolog
Group proximity and mutual understanding: Measuring onsite impact of a citizens' summit
No full textTo better understand the impact of deliberations during participatory policymaking events, we introduce and explore the concept of group proximity. An example of such events is citizens' summits, during which many parallel groups deliberate on solutions for a policy issue. At the summit that was studied, each group followed a value deliberation process with the aim to increase mutual understanding among participants. They were asked to rank the solutions in their order of preference before and after the deliberation. From these rankings, group proximity can be calculated with a rank correlation, enabling a precise comparison of participants' preferences in each deliberative group. High group proximity indicates very similar rankings in a deliberative group, while low group proximity demonstrates the opposite. Comparing group proximity of the before and after rankings shows if a group ranked convergent, unchanged or divergent. This measure allows for a quantitative analysis of early-stage public policymaking processes.</p
The Role of Value Deliberation to Improve Stakeholder Participation in Issues of Water Governance
No full textStakeholder participation is a requirement for environmental decision-making in the European Union. Despite this, numerous instances can be seen in water governance in which stakeholders feel undervalued and unheard, thereby creating unfavourable procedural outcomes, resistance and conflict. In this article, we propose that a process of early-stage deliberation constructed around the values of the stakeholders involved can reduce, and even prevent such conflicts. We suggest that if values that stakeholders perceive as relevant can be identified and discussed as part of the deliberation process then (1) stakeholder preferences can change, and (2) participants can develop a mutual understanding of each other’s values and perspectives. To explore these propositions, facilitated workshops were conducted at two Dutch water institutes, based around the topics of land subsidence and the pharmaceutical contamination of water systems. Participants deliberated on values that they considered relevant. The results suggest that mutual understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives increases as a result of value-based deliberation.Information and Communication TechnologyEthics & Philosophy of Technolog
A study on the ambient noise field at a hydroacoustic array near Robinson Crusoe Island
No full textContinuous long-term sound sources are recorded at hydroacoustic station H03S, a threeelement hydrophone array south of Robinson Crusoe Island between 2014 April 23 and 2017 August 20. The origin of the signal between 3 and 20 Hz is investigated by using cross-correlation, array processing using plane wave beamforming and spectral analysis. Onebit normalization is successfully applied as a cross-correlation pre-processing step in order to suppress undesired earthquake events in the data. Traveltimes retrieved from averaged cross-correlations do not yield a coherent array direction of arrival. Averaged envelopes of the cross-correlations, however, indicate a coherent signal approaching H03S from a south. southwest direction. Beamforming indicates two dominant backazimuth directions: 172°-224° (Antarctica) and 242° (Monowai Volcanic Seamount). This continuous source field creates possibilities to investigate the applicability of acoustic thermometry at hydrophones H03 S1. S2. Cross-correlation and array processing indicate significant directional variation in local propagation, most likely related to the steep slope in the bathymetry near H03S. In addition, it is demonstrated that the ambient noise field is not sufficiently equipartitioned. It is shown that this causes a large error in the estimated temperature, primarily due to the short receiver spacing. These large errors have not been addressed in previous studies on deep-ocean acoustic thermometry. Hence, it is shown that acoustic thermometry does not perform well on small arrays such as H03S. The power spectral density yields a strong broadband signal in January. March, most likely related to iceberg noise. A narrow banded signal around 17 Hz between April and September corresponds to whale calls. The best-beam sound pressure levels towards Antarctica are compared to ERA5 climatologies for sea ice cover and normalized stress into the ocean, supporting the hypothesis of iceberg noise.Applied Geophysics and PetrophysicsAircraft Noise and Climate Effect
The role of values
Full text linkDecision-making processes involving multiple stakeholders can be rather cumbersome, turbulent and lengthy. The stance of some stakeholders, upholding their individual interests, can slowdown or even block such processes. Recent research suggests that a focus on the values of the stakeholders could benefit those decision-making processes. However, the role of the values is not yet fully understood. To investigate the interaction between values, norms, and resulting actions in decision-making processes, we introduce a conceptual model to explore the relations between these concepts. The conceptual model presented in this paper is a first step towards a framework to model decision-making processes with the aim of understanding the role that values play in decision-making processes
Understanding hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis: lessons from genetically modified apoe and ldlr mice
Full text linkHyperlipidemia is the most important risk factor for atherosclerosis, which is the major cause of cardiovascular disease. The etiology of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is complex and governed by multiple interacting genes. However, mutations in two genes have been shown to be directly involved, i.e., the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Genetically modified mouse models have been instrumental in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms in lipid metabolism. In this review, we focus on the use of two of the most widely used mouse models, ApoE- and LDLR-deficient mice. After almost a decade of applications, it is clear that each model has unique strengths and drawbacks when carrying out studies of the role of additional genes and environmental factors such as nutrition and lipid-lowering drugs. Importantly, we elaborate on mice expressing mutant forms of APOE, including the APOE3Leiden ( APOE3L ) and the APOE2 knock-in ( APOE 2k) mouse models. These models have outstanding potential, as they are highly responsive to dietary factors and pharmacological interventions
The endothelial function biomarker soluble E-selectin is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Full text linkBackground & Aims Plasma soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) is a frequently used biomarker of systemic endothelial dysfunction. The present study explored the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and plasma sE-selectin levels. Methods Expression of E-selectin in liver, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and muscle was studied in relation to plasma sE-selectin in severely obese individuals (n = 74). The course of hepatic E-selectin expression in relation to hepatic steatosis and inflammation was examined in C57BL/6J LDLR-/- mice on a Western-type diet. The relationship between biomarkers of NAFLD, that is, plasma aminotransferase (ALT) and NAFLD susceptibility genes (rs738409 [PNPLA3] and rs1260326 [GCKR]), and plasma sE-selectin was studied in the combined CODAM (n = 571) and Hoorn (n = 694) studies. Results E-selectin expression in liver, not VAT or muscle, was associated with plasma sE-selectin in severely obese individuals (beta = 0.26; 95% CI: 0.05-0.47). NAFLD severity was associated with hepatic E-selectin expression (P = .02) and plasma sE-selectin (P = .003). LDLR-/- mice on a Western-type diet displayed increased hepatic E-selectin expression that followed the same course as hepatic inflammation, but not steatosis. In the CODAM study, plasma ALT was associated with plasma sE-selectin, independent of potential confounders (beta = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.16-0.34). Both rs738409 and rs1260326 were associated with higher plasma sE-selectin in the combined CODAM and Hoorn studies (P = .01 and P = .004 respectively). Conclusions NAFLD and related markers are associated with higher expression of hepatic E-selectin and higher levels of plasma sE-selectin. Further studies are required to investigate the role of E-selectin in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the applicability of sE-selectin as a plasma biomarker of NAFLD/NASH.Molecular Epidemiolog
Surgeon Agreement on the Presence of Pathologic Anterior Instability on Shoulder Imaging Studies
No full textBackground: In the setting of anterior shoulder instability, it is important to assess the reliability of orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose pathologic characteristics on the 2 most common imaging modalities used in clinical practice: standard plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Purpose: To assess the intra- and interrater reliability of diagnosing pathologic characteristics associated with anterior shoulder instability using standard plain radiographs and MRI.
Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.
Methods: Patient charts at a single academic institution were reviewed for anterior shoulder instability injuries. The study included 40 sets of images (20 radiograph sets, 20 MRI series). The images, along with standardized evaluation forms, were distributed to 22 shoulder/sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons over 2 points in time. Kappa values for inter- and intrarater reliability were calculated.
Results: The overall response rate was 91 %. For shoulder radiographs, interrater agreement was fair to moderate for the presence of glenoid lesions (kappa = 0.49), estimate of glenoid lesion surface area (kappa = 0.59), presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion (kappa = 0.35), and estimate of Hill-Sachs surface area (K - 0.50). Intrarater agreement was moderate for radiographs (kappa = 0.48-0.57). For shoulder MRI, interrater agreement was fair to moderate for the presence of glenoid lesions (kappa = 0.44), glenoid lesion surface area (kappa = 0.35), Hill-Sachs lesion (kappa = 0.33), Hill-Sachs surface area (kappa = 0.28), humeral head edema (kappa = 0.41), and presence of a capsulolabral injury (kappa = 0.36). Fair agreement was found for specific type of capsulolabral injury (kappa = 0.21). Intrarater agreement for shoulder MRI was moderate for the presence of glenoid lesion (kappa = 0.59), presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion (kappa = 0.52), estimate of Hill-Sachs surface area (kappa = 0.50), humeral head edema (kappa = 0.51), and presence of a capsulolabral injury (kappa = 0.53), and agreement was substantial for glenoid lesion surface area (kappa = 0.63). Intrarater agreement was fair for determining the specific type of capsulolabral injury (kappa = 0.38).
Conclusion: Fair to moderate agreement by surgeons was found when evaluating imaging studies for anterior shoulder instability. Agreement was similar for identifying pathologic characteristics on radiographs and MRI. There was a trend toward better agreement for the presence of glenoid-sided injury. The lowest agreement was observed for specific capsulolabral injuries.T.J.M. has received educational support from DJO, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker. K.A.M. has received educational support from Alliqua Biomedical and Arthrex; honoraria from Alliqua Biomedical; consulting fees from Arthrex, Stryker, and Zimmer Biomet; speaking fees from Alliqua Biomedical and Arthrex; and hospitality payments from Amniox Medical, Apollo Surgical Group, and Wright Medical. C.M.H. has received research support from Rotation Medical, Tornier, Wright Medical, and Zimmer Biomet; nonconsulting payments from Pacira Pharmaceuticals; and hospitality payments from Arthrex. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto
Long Range Single Pulse Raman Distributed Temperature Sensor Using Standard Single Mode Fiber "code 181726"
No full textCLEO: Applications and Technology, A and T 2022 -- 15 May 2022 through 20 May 2022 -- -- 181726We present a single pulse Raman distributed temperature sensor using standard single mode fiber and having ~5.2 m spatial resolution at 18.5 km sensing distance with an averaging time of ~3.3 minutes. © Optica Publishing Group 2022, © 2022 The Author(s)was made possible through access to the data and findings generated by the 100 000 Genomes Project (Patient 34). The 100 000 Genomes Project is managed by Genomics England Limited (a wholly owned company of the Department of Health). The 100 000 Genomes Project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and NHS England. The Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council have also funded research infrastructure. The 100 000 Genomes Project uses data provided by patients and collected by the National Health Service as part of their care and support. Research reported in this manuscript was supported by the NIH Common Fund, through the Office of Strategic Coordination/Office of the NIH Director to the Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN) and the NIH Undiagnosed Disease Program (Award numbers: U01HG007690 and U01HG007703). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.We thank all our patients and their families for taking part in this study. This research was supported by the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre. We also acknowledge support from the UK Department of Health via the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre award to Guy's and St. Thomas' National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in partnership with King's College London. The research team acknowledges the support of the National Institute for Health Research, through the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, Department of Health or Wellcome Trust. Sequencing for Patient 37 was provided by the University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics (UW-CMG) and was funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute grant HG006493 to Drs Debbie Nickerson, Michael Bamshad, and Suzanne Leal. M.A.K. is funded by an NIHR Research Professorship and receives funding from the Sir Jules Thorn Award for Biomedical Research, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Charity (GOSHCC) and Rosetrees Trust. M.A.K., K.E.B., L.A., D.S., A.N., N.T. and E.M. are supported by the NIHR GOSH BRC. K.M.G. received funding from Temple Street Foundation. L.A. is funded by the Swiss National Foundation. E.M. received funding from the Rosetrees Trust (CD-A53), and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. A.S.J. is funded by NIHR Bioresource for Rare Diseases. S.A.I. and M.H. are supported by the NINDS Intramural program. K.P.B. is PI of the Movement disorders centre (MDC) at UCL, Institute of Neurology which has been funded by the BRC. He has grant support by EU Horizon 2020. M.E.D-H. has clinical training grant through Tourette Association of America, but the research is unrelated to KMT2B. T.L. received funding from Health Research Board, Ireland and Michael J Fox. Foundation. K.A.M. receives funding from the NIH (award number K23NS101096-01A1). N.S. receives funding from the NIH (award number NS 087997 0). D.D. was supported by KIM MUSE Biomarkers and Therapy study grant during this work. B.B.A.d.V. financially supported by grants from the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (912-12-109). J.F. is funded by the Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine. F.L.R. is funded by Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The DDD study presents independent research commissioned by the Health Innovation Challenge Fund [grant number HICF-1009-003], a parallel funding partnership between the Wellcome Trust and the Department of Health, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute [grant number WT098051]. This research was made possible through access to the data and findings generated by the 100 000 Genomes Project (Patient 34). The 100 000 Genomes Project is managed by Genomics England Limited (a wholly owned company of the Department of Health). The 100 000 Genomes Project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and NHS England. The Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council have also funded research infrastructure. The 100 000 Genomes Project uses data provided by patients and collected by the National Health Service as part of their care and support. Research reported in this manuscript was supported by the NIH Common Fund, through the Office of Strategic Coordination/Office of the NIH Director to the Undiagnosed Disease Network (UDN) and the NIH Undiagnosed Disease Program (Award numbers: U01HG007690 and U01HG007703). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.We thank all our patients and their families for taking part in this study. This research was supported by the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre. We also acknowledge support from the UK Department of Health via the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre award to Guy’s and St. Thomas’ National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in partnership with King’s College London. The research team acknowledges the support of the National Institute for Health Research, through the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, Department of Health or Wellcome Trust. Sequencing for Patient 37 was provided by the University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics (UW-CMG) and was funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute grant HG006493 to Drs Debbie Nickerson, Michael Bamshad, and Suzanne Leal.M.A.K. is funded by an NIHR Research Professorship and receives funding from the Sir Jules Thorn Award for Biomedical Research, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity (GOSHCC) and Rosetrees Trust. M.A.K., K.E.B., L.A., D.S., A.N., N.T. and E.M. are supported by the NIHR GOSH BRC. K.M.G. received funding from Temple Street Foundation. L.A. is funded by the Swiss National Foundation. E.M. received funding from the Rosetrees Trust (CD-A53), and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. A.S.J. is funded by NIHR Bioresource for Rare Diseases. S.A.I. and M.H. are supported by the NINDS Intramural program. K.P.B. is PI of the Movement disorders centre (MDC) at UCL, Institute of Neurology which has been funded by the BRC. He has grant support by EU Horizon 2020. M.E.D-H. has clinical training grant through Tourette Association of America, but the research is unrelated to KMT2B. T.L. received funding from Health Research Board, Ireland and Michael J Fox. Foundation. K.A.M. receives funding from the NIH (award number K23NS101096-01A1). N.S. receives funding from the NIH (award number NS 087997 0). D.D. was supported by KIM MUSE Biomarkers and Therapy study grant during this work. B.B.A.d.V. financially supported by grants from the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (912-12-109). J.F. is funded by the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine. F.L.R. is funded by Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. The DDD study presents independent research commissioned by the Health Innovation Challenge Fund [grant number HICF-1009-003], a parallel funding partnership between the Wellcome Trust and the Department of Health, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute [grant number WT098051]. This researchHICF-1009-003; 912-12-109; U01HG007690, U01HG007703; WT098051; National Institutes of Health, NIH: K23NS101096-01A1, NS 087997 0; National Human Genome Research Institute, NHGRI; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS; Utah Department of Health, UDOH; Tourette Association of America, TAA; Wellcome Trust, WT; Health Research Board, HRB; Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, HEFT; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust/Institute of Cancer Research, BRC; Medical Research Council, MRC; National Institute for Health Research, NIHR; Department of Health and Social Care, DH; Cancer Research UK, CRUK; Rosetrees Trust; National Heart and Lung Institute, NHLI: HG006493; Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung, SNF: CD-A53; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, GOSH; Horizon 2020; UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR BRC; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, BRC; NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR GOSH BR
