1. Sustainability framework for assessing urban freight transportation measuresEftihia G. Nathanail, Lambros Mitropoulos, Ioannis Karakikes, Giannis Adamos, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: The salient scope of this paper is to enable the knowledge and understanding of urban freight transportation and provide guidance for implementing sustainable policies and measures in a city. To achieve this goal, an evaluation framework for city logistics policies and measures is developed, which demonstrates the complexity of urban freight transportation systems, through selected performance indicators, taking into account divergent stakeholders’ interests, conflicting business models and operations. Evaluation follows a hierarchical process; sustainability disciplines (economy and energy, environment, transportation and mobility, society), applicability enablers (policy and measure maturity, social acceptance and users’ uptake), multiple criteria and indicators, capturing the lifecycle impact of policies and measures and multiple stakeholders. Apart from the multicriteria context, the framework embeds methodologies, including, Impact Assessment, Social Cost Benefit Analysis, Transferability and Adaptability, and Risk Analysis. To demonstrate its applicability a case study is set for the City of Graz assessing the establishment of an Urban Consolidation Center. Results show that there is an overall improvement of 2.2% in the Logistics Sustainability Index when comparing before and after implementation cases of the Urban Consolidation Center. Keywords: framework, logistics assessment, sustainability, urban logistics Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 49; Downloads: 9 Full text (1,28 MB) This document has many files! More... |
2. Multilingual framework for risk assessment and symptom tracking (MRAST)Valentino Šafran, Simon Lin, Jama Nateqi, Alistair G. Martin, Urška Smrke, Umut Arioz, Nejc Plohl, Matej Rojc, Dina Běma, Marcela Chavez, Matej Horvat, Izidor Mlakar, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The importance and value of real-world data in healthcare cannot be overstated because it offers a valuable source of insights into patient experiences. Traditional patient-reported experience and outcomes measures (PREMs/PROMs) often fall short in addressing the complexities of these experiences due to subjectivity and their inability to precisely target the questions asked. In contrast, diary recordings offer a promising solution. They can provide a comprehensive picture of psychological well-being, encompassing both psychological and physiological symptoms. This study explores how using advanced digital technologies, i.e., automatic speech recognition and natural language processing, can efficiently capture patient insights in oncology settings. We introduce the MRAST framework, a simplified way to collect, structure, and understand patient data using questionnaires and diary recordings. The framework was validated in a prospective study with 81 colorectal and 85 breast cancer survivors, of whom 37 were male and 129 were female. Overall, the patients evaluated the solution as well made; they found it easy to use and integrate into their daily routine. The majority (75.3%) of the cancer survivors participating in the study were willing to engage in health monitoring activities using digital wearable devices daily for an extended period. Throughout the study, there was a noticeable increase in the number of participants who perceived the system as having excellent usability. Despite some negative feedback, 44.44% of patients still rated the app’s usability as above satisfactory (i.e., 7.9 on 1–10 scale) and the experience with diary recording as above satisfactory (i.e., 7.0 on 1–10 scale). Overall, these findings also underscore the significance of user testing and continuous improvement in enhancing the usability and user acceptance of solutions like the MRAST framework. Overall, the automated extraction of information from diaries represents a pivotal step toward a more patient-centered approach, where healthcare decisions are based on real-world experiences and tailored to individual needs. The potential usefulness of such data is enormous, as it enables better measurement of everyday experiences and opens new avenues for patient-centered care. Keywords: multilingual framework, risk assessment, symptom tracking, chronic diseases, patient-centered care, real-world data Published in DKUM: 12.08.2024; Views: 74; Downloads: 8 Full text (5,29 MB) |
3. Multi-attribute assessment of digital maturity of SMEsMirjana Kljajić Borštnar, Andreja Pucihar, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to keep pace with large enterprises, thus they need to digitally transform. Since they usually lack resources (budget, knowledge, and time) many countries have their support environment to help SMEs in this endeavor. To be able to ensure the right kinds of support, it is crucial to assess the digital maturity of an enterprise. There are many models and assessment tools for digital maturity, however, they are either theoretical models, partial, vendor oriented, or suited for large enterprises. In this paper, we address the problem of assessing digital maturity for SMEs. For this purpose, we developed a multi-attribute model for assessment of the digital maturity of an SME. We followed the design science research approach, where the multi-attribute model is considered as an IT artifact. Within the design cycle, the decision expert (DEX) methodology of a broader multi-attribute decision making methodologies was applied. The developed model was validated by a group of experts and upgraded according to their feedback and finally evaluated on seven real-life cases. Results show that the model can be used in real business situations. Keywords: digital transformation, digital maturity assessment, multi-attribute model, small and medium-sized enterprises Published in DKUM: 07.08.2024; Views: 108; Downloads: 13 Full text (3,07 MB) This document has many files! More... |
4. Critical review of the use of the Rorschach in European courtsIgor Areh, Fanny Verkampt, Alfred Allan, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: In relation to the admissibility of evidence obtained using projective personality tests arose in F v. Bevándorlási és Állampolgársági Hivatam (2018). The Court of Justice of the European Union has held that an expert's report can only be accepted if it is based on the international scientific community's standards, but has refrained from stipulating what these standards are. It appears timely for European psychologists to decide what standards should be applied to determine whether or not a test is appropriate for psycholegal use. We propose standards and then apply them to the Rorschach because it was used in this case and is an exemplar of projective tests. We conclude that the Rorschach does not meet the proposed standards and that psychologists should abstain from using it in legal proceedings even in the absence of a clear judicial prohibition. Keywords: psychology, law, forensic assessment, courts, professional standard, ethics, evidential value, acceptability, projective test, Rorschach Published in DKUM: 06.08.2024; Views: 87; Downloads: 6 Full text (839,17 KB) This document has many files! More... |
5. New challenges in scientific publications : referencing, artificial intelligence and ChatGPTIgor Švab, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Saša Zupanič, 2023, other scientific articles Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in scientific publications, some of which have bypassed the usual peer-review processes, leading to an increase in unsupported claims being referenced. Therefore, the need for references in scientific articles is increasingly being questioned. The practice of relying solely on quantitative measures, such as impact factor, is also considered inadequate by many experts. This can lead to researchers choosing research ideas that are likely to generate favourable metrics instead of interesting and important topics. Evaluating the quality and scientific value of articles requires a rethinking of current approaches, with a move away from purely quantitative methods. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools are making scientific writing easier and less time-consuming, which is likely to further increase the number of scientific publications, potentially leading to higher quality articles. AI tools for searching, analysing, synthesizing, evaluating and writing scientific literature are increasingly being developed. These tools deeply analyse the content of articles, consider their scientific impact, and prioritize the retrieved literature based on this information, presenting it in simple visual graphs. They also help authors to quickly and easily analyse and synthesize knowledge from the literature, prepare summaries of key information, aid in organizing references, and improve manuscript language. The language model ChatGPT has already greatly changed the way people communicate with computers, bringing it closer to human communication. However, while AI tools are helpful, they must be used carefully and ethically.In summary, AI has already changed the way we write articles, and its use in scientific publishing will continue to enhance and streamline the process. Keywords: scientific articles, referencing, artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, peer review, research assessment Published in DKUM: 15.07.2024; Views: 85; Downloads: 10 Full text (211,38 KB) This document has many files! More... |
6. CPR quality assessment in schoolchildren trainingKatia M. G. Oliveira, Maria José C. Carmona, Antonio P. Mansur, Julio Y. Takada, Nino Fijačko, Federico Semeraro, Andrew Lockey, Bernd W. Böttiger, Naomi K. Nakagawa, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Whilst CPR training is widely recommended, quality of performance is infrequently explored. We evaluated whether a checklist can be an adequate tool for chest compression quality assessment in schoolchildren, compared with a real-time software. This observational study (March 2019–2020) included 104 schoolchildren with no previous CPR training (11–17 years old, 66 girls, 84 primary schoolchildren, 20 high schoolchildren). Simultaneous evaluations of CPR quality were performed using an observational checklist and real-time software. High-quality CPR was determined as a combination of 70% correct maneuvers in compression rate (100–120/min), depth (5–6 cm), and complete release, using a real-time software and three positive performance in skills using a checklist. We adjusted a multivariate logistic regression model for age, sex, and BMI. We found moderate to high agreement percentages in quality of CPR performance (rate: 68.3%, depth: 79.8%, and complete release: 91.3%) between a checklist and real-time software. Only 38.5% of schoolchildren (~14 years-old, ~54.4 kg, and ~22.1 kg/m2) showed high-quality CPR. High-quality CPR was more often performed by older schoolchildren (OR = 1.43, 95%IC:1.09–1.86), and sex was not an independent factor (OR = 1.26, 95%IC:0.52–3.07). For high-quality CPR in schoolchildren, a checklist showed moderate to high agreement with real-time software. Better performance was associated with age regardless of sex and BMI. Keywords: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, education, assessment, schoolchildren, basic life support Published in DKUM: 28.06.2024; Views: 151; Downloads: 12 Full text (292,78 KB) This document has many files! More... |
7. Psychometric properties of the Slovenian version of the Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs (CaSUN-SL) measure in post-treatment cancer survivorsŠpela Miroševič, Polona Selič-Zupančič, Judith B. Prins, Vesna Homar, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Background: As the number of cancer survivors is growing, valid instruments for assessing cancer survivors' needs are required. Thus, the aim of this study was to translate and validate the Cancer Survivors Unmet Needs (CaSUN) scale.
Methods: Cancer survivors were recruited from 30 family medicine practices and separated into two samples (sample 1, n = 147; sample 2, n = 148). Factor structure was explored with an exploratory analysis in sample 1 and determined with a confirmatory analysis in sample 2. Psychometric properties were assessed with internal consistency, test-retest reliability and construct validity.
Results: A translation and cultural adaptation of the CaSUN scale resulted in 34 items being included in the final version. The factor structure confirmed the five-factors solution of the CaSUN-SL. Cronbach's alpha was 0.94 for the CaSUN-SL and ranged from 0.71-0.88 for specific domains. Test-retest reliability showed moderate-high stability over time. The CaSUN-SL significantly and positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.49), depression (r = 0.44), health-related quality of life (r = 0.36), and negatively with self-perceived health (r = - 0.36) and resilience (r = - 0.47), which confirms the construct validity. In addition, we found a significant correlation between unmet needs and age (r = - 0.29), gender (r = 0.14), cancer stage (r = 0.20), cancer type (r = 0.19), and time since treatment (r = - 0.20).
Conclusions: Results indicate that CaSUN-SL is a valid and reliable measure to assess the Slovenian cancer survivors' unmet, met and total needs and can be used for further prospective studies. Keywords: Cancer survivors, needs assessment, psychometrics, anxiety, depression, quality of life, cancer, survivol, psychometrics Published in DKUM: 27.06.2024; Views: 130; Downloads: 14 Full text (993,82 KB) This document has many files! More... |
8. Factors associated with a high level of unmet needs and their prevalence in the breast cancer survivors 1–5 years after post local treatment and (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy during the COVID-19 : a cross-sectional studyŠpela Miroševič, Judith B. Prins, Simona Borštnar, Nikola Bešić, Vesna Homar, Polona Selič-Zupančič, Andreja Cirila Škufca Smrdel, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Objective: To assess the prevalence of unmet needs in post-treatment breast cancer survivors and identify sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables associated with reported unmet needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 430 post-treatment breast cancer survivors, ranging between 1 and 5 years after the procedure, completed the Cancer Survivors’ Unmet Needs (CaSUN) questionnaire from September 2021 and January 2022. The multivariate logistic analysis identified factors associated with at least one reported unmet need in the total CaSUN scale and specific domains.
Results: A total of 67% of survivors reported at least one unmet need. The most frequently reported unmet needs were the lack of accessible hospital parking (43%) and recurrence concerns (39.5%). The majority of reported unmet needs relate to comprehensive care (44%), followed by the psychological and emotional support domain (35.3%). Younger age (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92–0.99; p < 0.001), three or more comorbidities (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.11–0.71, p < 0.01), a lower quality of life (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01–0.47, p < 0.01) and low resilience (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.99) were associated with a high level of unmet needs in the multivariate regression model. Results are presented for factors associated with a high level of unmet needs for comprehensive cancer care and psychological and emotional support domain.
Conclusion: A high prevalence found in our study could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, where patients may have missed adequate follow-up care, although comparing to studies done in non-pandemic time is difficult. Family physicians should be more attentive toward younger cancer survivors and those with more comorbidities as both characteristics can be easily recognized in the family practice. Keywords: breast cancer, cancer survivors (MeSH term), needs assessment [MeSH], fear of cancer recurrence, quality of life, psycho-oncology, COVID-19, chemotherapy, unmet needs Published in DKUM: 27.06.2024; Views: 129; Downloads: 4 Full text (621,32 KB) This document has many files! More... |
9. The importance of autonomy of European Union member states with regard to the use of genetically modified organisms on the right to healthcare : an analysis of judgements of the Court of Justice of the European UnionKatja Meško Kuralt, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: The European Union Member States (hereinafter: EU MS) have the possibility of restricting or banning the cultivation of GMOs under the Directive 2015/412 but under certain conditions. EU MS must also pay attention to the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the Euro-pean Union or Treaty Establishing the European Community (hereinafter: TFEU), the provi-sions relating to the free movement of goods, which is one of the key objectives of the func-tioning of the European Union. This contribution is based on the data obtained from an analy-sis of Court of Justice of the European Union (hereinafter: CJEU) cases concerning the use of genetically modified organisms (hereinafter: GMO(s)). The analysis highlights the link between environmental risk assessment and the right to healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to make the individual aware of the possibilities they have regarding the use of GMOs. Keywords: Directive 2001/18, Directive 2015/4120, Directive 2018/350, high level of protection of human life and health, possibility of restricting or prohibiting the production of GMOs, free movement of goods, environmental risk assessment Published in DKUM: 26.06.2024; Views: 144; Downloads: 19 Full text (518,32 KB) This document has many files! More... |
10. The Careful Assessment tool for managing patients with medically unexplained symptoms - the experience of Slovenian family medicine trainees : a qualitative studyVojislav Ivetić, Špela Martinjak, Alem Maksuti, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: ntroduction
Primary care physicians use various tools and methods to identify medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). The main purpose of our study is to determine the views of Slovenian family medicine trainees (FMT) about using the “Careful Assessment” tool for managing patients with MUS.
Methods
A qualitative study using open survey questions focused on the experience of family medicine trainees in managing patients with MUS. The sample consisted of surveys from 184 family medicine trainees. These trainees analysed a total of 702 patients with MUS. Manual coding was used for quantitative content analysis.
Results
In the coding process, 49 codes were developed that included broader research fields about using the “Careful Assessment” tool for managing patients with MUS. The codes were grouped into four theoretically grounded, logical categories in accordance with the elaborated theoretical concept: multi-purpose utility; improved patient management; in-depth knowledge and new skills; and patient response.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that, in the view of Slovenian FMT, the “Careful Assessment” tool has multi-purpose utility. The study showed that FMT felt that this tool helps them in systematic patient management. Their opinion is that it helps them establish a trusting relationship with patients, which is a precondition for providing further treatment. Keywords: medically unexplained symptoms, Careful Assessment tool, family medicine, qualitative studies, family medicine, trainees Published in DKUM: 17.06.2024; Views: 151; Downloads: 14 Full text (388,03 KB) This document has many files! More... |