Stakeholder Engagement in Early Stage Product-Service System Development for Healthcare Informatics

Abstract:

This article presents the findings from four case studies on stakeholder engagement in new healthcare information and communication technology (ICT) product-service system (PSS) development. The degree of connectivity between the new healthcare ICT PSS and its intended operating environment has emerged to be an important contextual factor that may impact decisions concerning stakeholder engagement in the early stage development process. The four propositions of stakeholder identification and engagement in the development process, put forward in this article, provide important directions for future work in exploring the implications of PSS characterization in early-stage new healthcare PSS development process.     

From global to local: impact assessment and social implications related to wind energy projects in Oaxaca,Mexico

In order to forecast likely impacts, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been applied worldwide. There are numerous social and cultural impacts that can hardly be addressed in a single EIA, and raise the awareness of social issues and proper assessment therein. This paper analyzes the social conflicts related to wind development projects in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico using a qualitative approach. By conducting a Constellation Analysis (CA) in our case studies, this article aims at: 1) identifying the challenges and improvement opportunities for the social and environmental assessment of wind energy projects in Oaxaca, and 2) presenting CA as a novel approach to visualize and identify social and environmental issues. This paper emphasizes the relevance of earlier assessment of social implications to projects. This example can contribute to a better understanding of further research at Mexico’s regional and national levels, as well as in other regions or countries with similar development patterns.

Abbreviations: CA: Constellation Analysis; CDM: Clean Development Mechanism; CFE as in Spanish: Federal Electricity Commission; CIC: Community Interest Company; EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment; ESF: Environmental and Social Framework; FPIC: Free, Prior and Informed Consent; IFC: International Finance Corporation; ILO: International Labour Organization; LGEEPA as in Spanish: General Law on Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection; NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act; PDD: Project Design Document; SEMARNAT as in Spanish: Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources; SENER as in Spanish: Secretariat of Energy; SIA: Social Impact Assessment; UNFCCC: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change; WB: World Bank.     

Strategic environmental assessment-related research projects and journal articles: an overview of the past 20 years

This paper provides an overview of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) related research projects as well as publications in international refereed English language journals of the past 20 years. This is based on a survey with international SEA researchers and the results of a content analysis of 263 SEA papers, published in the three most preeminent international refereed English language journals for SEA: Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal and Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management. It is concluded that, while more empirical evidence has been produced than is frequently acknowledged, the main challenge is to raise the level of awareness of what is already out there and to make this the baseline for the future SEA research agenda.     

Human health frames in EIA – the case of Swedish road planning

How human health is framed provides boundaries for choices in practice and bias for certain actions in health assessments in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This study examines health frames in legislation and policies of importance for EIA in Swedish road planning and their implications for practice. The emphasis is on different approaches, such as promotion of health and prevention of ill-health. Indicators of the choices in practice for which the health frames exert bias are further analysed through a review of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for road planning and comparison with a similar study conducted about 10 years ago. The indicators studied are: health determinants included, health impacts assessed, and aspects of the affected population concerned in the EISs. There are fundamentally different health frames in Swedish legislation and policies, but this range is not yet reflected in EISs, which mainly focus on environmental health rather than on broader health determinants and health equity. The results indicate that this situation becomes a dilemma for EIA practitioners and a challenge for the field.     

Reflecting on the preparation of guidelines for strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of nuclear power programmes

In this paper, the ‘guidelines for strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of nuclear power programmes’ by the International Atomic Energy Agency are introduced. This includes a reflection on their preparation process and contents as well as consultation feedback. The preparation process started with two meetings of international nuclear and SEA experts and the creation of a writing team which prepared an initial set of draft guidelines. This was followed by various consultation exercises. The guidelines are organised along an allocation of tasks within a tiered system of energy related policies, plans, programmes and projects. Whilst consultation showed that there was agreement on the approach to most issues, no consensus was present on the extent to which economic and social issues should be fully integrated with environmental considerations. Strong support was given to the way quality review is designed, going beyond focusing on the main SEA reports to cover procedural and participatory aspects next to elements of a comprehensively tiered decision making framework, the ability to influence decisions as well as the quality (expertise and experience) of those involved in conducting the SEA.

Abbreviation: SEA: Strategic Environmental Assessment; EIA: Environmental Impact Assessment; IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency     

Development aid: Regulatory Impact Assessment and conditionality

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine how Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) can contribute to decision-making processes of Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans and grants. The point of departure for the discussion is the phenomenon that RIA, within a context of ODA, is applied by International Finance Institutions mainly in the context of Development Policy Loans, to introduce or strengthen country systems for Regulatory Impact Assessment. However, ODA grants, and loans, particularly when specific policy or regulatory conditions are attached to them, significantly impact economic and social conditions within the beneficiary country. This article examines what role RIA can play in facilitating a coherent decision-making process affecting the ODA allocation within a context of conditionalities requiring the introduction of new, or changes to existing, policies and regulations. The discussion considers the nexus between development aid effectiveness, conditionality and ownership, and RIA. The article argues a justification for applying RIA to ODA loans and grants which carry regulatory and policy conditionalities.     

Biofuel Production: Utilizing Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Abstract

The use of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels is growing in the United States and other countries in part because of economic and environmental concerns. One of the technologies for biofuels production is fast pyrolysis; however, to increase manufacturing of fast pyrolysis units, a better understanding of stakeholders’ requirements and perspectives is needed. This is a complex decision problem. Due to the diversity of perspectives, each group of stakeholders has their own unique requirements, which in total will determine the right manufacturing approach. Previous studies either investigated optimal sizing from a single viewpoint or have combined a subset of perspectives. This study applies multiple tools to develop a more comprehensive view of stakeholders’ perspectives. Individual subject matter experts were asked to review and prioritize a set of requirements that reflected different stakeholders’ perspectives, including economic, environmental, technical, social, and legal. The perspectives were then used to analyze multiple fast pyrolysis units to determine which size was the most effective in meeting the perspectives in total. The analysis indicated that the smallest unit, able to process an average of 50 tons per day, is the best alternative when viewed from the economic, technical, social, and legal perspectives. However, when viewed from the environmental perspective, a medium-sized unit, able to process in the range of 200–500 tons per day, is the best alternative. This work provides the basis for further discussions about the individual perspectives, including the economic and environmental perspectives of biofuel production. Potential avenues for further work in assessment of stakeholders’ requirements are also noted.     

Environmental impact assessment of an automotive component using eco-indicator and CML methodologies

The environmental conscious manufacturing and climate change made automotive manufacturing organisations to recognise sustainability as a vital concept for survival in the global competitive scenario. Many components of automobiles are manufactured using plastics which play imperative role in ensuring sustainability. This research article deals with the application of Life Cycle Assessment on instrument panel of an electric car which is made of ABS (Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene). The case study has been conducted in an Indian instrument panel manufacturing plant. First, a life cycle model of ABS sheet which is particularly used in instrument panel manufacturing was built, and the environmental impact assessment of the instrument panel was done using Eco-indicator and CML methodologies. In life cycle perspective, the environmental hot spots have been found out. Later the results have been interpreted based on environmental impact assessment factors. The relative comparison of impact factors at different stages in the life cycle enables the generation of improvement options. The sustainability index of instrument panel before and after implementing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been computed. The results are statistically validated, and the managerial implications have been derived.     

瓦楞纸箱生产工艺生命周期评价案例研究

通过生命周期评价(LCA)技术框架,采用生命周期影响评价末端计量方法(LIME),对瓦楞纸箱生产过程的物耗、能耗及向环境排放的计算与特征化分析,对瓦楞纸箱生产工艺进行了环境影响评价。结果表明,其所导致的环境影响主要是化石能源消耗、全球变暖、酸化和富营养化。进一步对瓦楞纸箱生产过程中制板、印刷和成箱3工序的环境影响量化指标值做对比分析,指出了各工序导致环境影响的主要原因。并在瓦楞纸箱设计、生产工艺、废气和污水处理以及噪声治理等方面,为改善瓦楞纸箱生产工艺的环境性能提出了改进建议。     

Integrating Multiple Stakeholder Interests into Conceptual Design

Abstract

The engineering design process transforms stakeholder needs into design specifications. This study focuses on the engineering design process for systems of products and services known as product-service systems (PSS) and proposes a novel way to analyze PSS ideas by four characteristics: customer perceived value level, connectivity number, type and degree of connectivity, and configuration type. The process to apply this characterization scheme examines the interdependencies within a PSS and between the PSS and its environment and holistically incorporates the interests of customers, end-users, and social and environmental stakeholders early in the development process. This process clarifies design specifications in seven cases across five industries.     

Monitoring the social gradient: Inequalities in use of blood pressure monitors in the HUNT study

AimTo investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal social gradient in use of blood pressure monitors, an innovative health technology.BackgroundThis is one of the first studies of social inequalities in the utilization of an end-user health technology in a universal health care context. The diffusion of innovation (DoI) and fundamental cause (FCT) theories predicts a widening of inequalities with the introduction of a new technology.Data and methodsTwo waves (N > 18,000) of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), conducted in 1997 and 2008. Dependent variables were three self-reported indicators of blood pressure monitor use. Independent variables were educational attainment and income quartiles. Control variables were gender, age, and blood pressure.ResultsFor the blood pressure monitor variable from 1997, there was evidence of an educational gradient. No social inequalities were found for the 2008 monitor variable. When interacting socio-economic status with a survey wave dummy, results showed a social gradient from 1997 becoming smaller or non-significant in 2008. These results are supportive of the DoI and FCT, suggesting that the use of technology may initially generate health inequalities, which decrease as the technology is diffused across all social strata.     

Examining public understanding of the environmental effects of an energy-from-waste facility

This research examined public understanding of the environmental effects of a proposed energy-from-waste facility from the perspective of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practitioner. Disparities were identified between the public perceptions examined and the results of the EIA, notably on air quality and health effects from chimney emissions; the facility's noise characteristics; traffic volumes and associated air quality, noise and amenity effects; daylight, sunlight and overshadowing effects; and cumulative effects. Lessons for EIA practitioners are drawn that enable better appreciation of specific areas of public concern. Ways in which communications might be improved in future EIAs to aid public understanding are also identified.     

Unconventional shale gas development: challenges for environmental policy and EA practice

Abstract

The growth of unconventional shale gas development has been accompanied by controversy over its environmental and social impacts. This paper reviews recent literature to clarify what is known and not known about the physical, chemical and toxicological properties of the process chemicals and wastewaters generated in hydraulic fracturing, the mechanisms and pathways by which they enter surface water and groundwater aquifers and the risks posed to human and ecosystem health. Assessing the impacts of unconventional shale gas development is clearly constrained by a lack of baseline information, complex hydrogeological histories for natural migration of hydrocarbons, lack of tracers to monitor and verify the source, timing and mechanism of contaminant migration into water resources. This is compounded by lack of transparency and accountability in policy decisions. The paper argues that managing the social and environmental risks of unconventional shale gas development calls for a new generation of impact assessment, one that marries the ideals of strategic environmental assessment, cumulative effects assessment, backcasting and deliberative and inclusive processes of community engagement towards collective risk management.     

Impact Assessment: assessing the social dimensions of fisheries research projects in the Asia-Pacific Region

Interest in understanding the social impact of publicly funded science research is growing globally. However, practical examples demonstrating how the social impacts of research for development are measured are negligible. This paper illustrates the utility of Impact Assessment (IA), Social Impact Assessment (SIA) in particular to measure and articulate the social dimensions of research for development. We employed substantive aspects of SIA to assess the social impacts of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded fisheries research projects across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Island Countries. Data were collected through a survey, in-depth interviews, and case studies. Results illustrate that SIA can offer a nuanced understanding of the contribution of research for development to changes in culture, community health and wellbeing, livelihood and economy, and governance and politics, among others. We suggest that researchers, policymakers and research for development organisations consider incorporating SIA in their projects not only as a tool to assess impact but also as a process to manage and understand the social dimensions of science research.     

Assessing renewable energy portfolio futures with multiple perspectives: The case of the northwest US

Renewable energy has become a major driver for the federal and state governments. Many have received funds from recently announced programs. However there have been challenges in determining the optimum portfolio of energy alternatives. Multiple perspectives were operationalized through a prior assessment by the Office of Technology Assessment. Through additional literature review, a model was created to consider all factors and perspectives to be considered in developing a portfolio of renewable energy technologies. A limited demonstration with goal programming and scenarios was included. The case of the state of Oregon was used to demonstrate the approach.     

Integrating ecosystem services in Swedish environmental assessments: an empirical analysis

Given the growing number of policies and laws that encourage inclusion of ecosystem services (ES) in processes, we have investigated environmental impact assessments (EIA) and strategic environmental assessments (SEA) conducted in Sweden in order to analyse whether ES may be integrated to enhance and improve environmental assessment of today. Representative Swedish environmental projects were reviewed. Three cases with different geographic and environmental settings were selected to allow us to study consideration of a wide range of different ES. We investigated the processes and discussions taking place using documentation from the cases. We formalized and labelled the expected impacts into an ES framework. Summarizing each case, we described conformities and divergences in explicit and implicit prioritizations between the actors. We discussed the benefits of integrating ES into current practices and possible improvements in the processes and methodologies. When ES could be integrated into EIAs and SEAs more aspects would be visualized and a larger stakeholder engagement stimulated leading to improved support for decision-making.     

An integrated building information modelling-based environmental impact assessment framework

The application of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies faces many challenges, especially in developing countries. This problem was investigated in the existing literature and via a designed questionnaire among local practitioners. The reasons were mainly attributed to the seclusion of the EIA process across the project’s phases, as well as the complexity of the EIA procedures. Hence, the research argues that Building Information Modelling (BIM) applications can be the key to resolve several associated problems to EIA either directly, or indirectly by streamlining Environmental Management System (EMS). Thus, a keyword-based scientometric analysis was used to define parameters and interrelations and establish network analysis for a proposed BIM-based EIA framework. The proposed framework presents scoring schemes to support three types of assessments: the efficiency of applying BIM techniques for an EIA process (Score A), proper integration of BIM techniques for different EIA steps (Score I) and proper integration of BIM techniques across project phases (Score B). It also shows the interplay of points between the three schemes via a Sankey diagram. The proposed framework was applied to compare three major construction projects in a developing country, the case of Egypt to pinpoint areas of drawbacks. The results pinpointed poor application of advanced BIM models to support sustainability analysis for EIA studies. This is in addition to imbalance of applying BIM applications across different project phases, it was notably less pronounced for the operation and maintenance stage as well as end of life scenarios. Also, poor integration of BIM tools could not support decisions related to the mitigation step. Hence, applying 6-dimensional BIM model shall enable developing mitigation measures and shall support design optimization during building operation and end of life phase. This novel approach presents the required level of verification and quality control procedure needed by decision-makers and environmental engineers to perform EIA studies and pave the way for further related research.

Graphical Abstract

     

Structural applications of adhesives in civil engineering

Abstract

The use of adhesives in civil engineering is reviewed by considering typical applications and experience gained, together with some results of research. The properties and requirements of structural adhesives as used to bond construction materials are discussed briefly. It is concluded that, with an appropriate design of joint, careful selection of a suitable adhesive, and adequate surface preparation, bonded connections may be used in structural applications – at least in the short term. However, caution should be exercised for longer–term applications, particularly if the joint is to be subjected to extreme environmental conditions under sustained load.

MST/271     

X70管线钢焊接接头热影响区的冲击性能

对X70管线钢焊接接头热影响区进行了冲击试验,对结果进行了分析。结果表明：X70管线钢焊接接头热影响区冲击试样的冲击功与断口剪切面积基本成线性比例关系,冲击功越高,剪切面积越大。焊接接头热影响区冲击试样的断口由韧性区、脆性区和韧脆混合区组成。脆性区为解理断裂,韧脆混合区为准解理断裂。