Investigating technology development in the energy sector and its implications for Indonesia

Innovations for a low-carbon economy and carbon neutrality are the focal points of technology development in the energy sector. This paper aims to investigate the progress of technology and advancements in the energy sector and the implications for Indonesia via two routes, viz., renewable energy and energy efficiency. The methodology employed in this research is divided into two parts. Firstly, an extensive literature review was conducted to identify prevalent research trends within the energy sector. Second, a case study method was performed to gain a comprehensive understanding of energy transformation within the electricity and steel sectors. The study presents two key findings. First, the energy sector has experienced significant technological disruption, providing the opportunity for Indonesia to transition towards a low-carbon development. This includes smart grids, energy-intensive industries, electric vehicles, and storage (pumped storage and battery). Second, lessons from the steel industry show that the technology selection is sensitive to parent company, and this is not easily captured in literature studies. Indonesian has gained many benefits from the global technological disruption, but this is not sufficient without developing changes in support system and consumer behavior.

Retention and the Intersection of Structural Inequities in a Breastfeeding Intervention Study

Introduction

Women below the poverty threshold have lower representation and retention in breastfeeding studies.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a longitudinal randomized controlled self-management for breast and nipple pain during breastfeeding study. Participants completed online surveys at discharge, weeks 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24, with face-to-face interviews at 6 and 24 weeks. Text messages were sent to participants when modules and surveys were due. Retention was assessed in R with descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, Pearson's chi-square, and Cox Proportional Hazard Regression.

Results

Two hundred and forty-four women (89 ≤$50,000 and 155 >$50,000) were recruited. Retention rates at 1 (93%), 2 (87%), 6 (82%), 9 (77%) and 24 (72%) weeks. For women of low income compared to those of high income there was a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.5 (p=0.0001) for retention. For non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women compared to the combined non-Hispanic White and Other group, HRs for retention were 3.3 and 2.6 respectively (p=0.0001). Adjustment for age in the final hazard regression model of income, age, race and ethnicity decreased the HR for women of low income to 1.6 and HRs for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women to 2.1 and 1.9, respectively (p=.0001). However, none of the individual factors in the model achieved statistical significance.

Discussion

Retention in breastfeeding studies impacts breastfeeding duration, a key lifelong preventative health behavior. Despite accessible study design, retention of women desiring to breastfeed was adversely affected by the intersection of income, race and ethnicity, and age.

[Robots in visceral and thoracic surgery-Quo vadis?]

Robotic surgical systems are now an inherent part of the German hospital landscape. In recent years, there has been an enormous increase in installed systems and operations performed, especially in abdominal surgery. Even though there is a lack of studies with the highest grade of evidence, the advantages of the technique are obvious-particularly technically demanding operations can now be performed safely and less invasively for patients. Robotics are now being implemented in many non-university institutions. At the Israelite Hospital (Israelitisches Krankenhaus) Hamburg it could be demonstrated that with systematic and modular training, i.e. execution of certain surgical steps, it is possible to significantly flatten the learning curve while maintaining excellent oncological quality, postoperative morbidity and mortality. The costs to have a system up and running are the main limitations for the implementation of robotic surgery. The acquisition, material and maintenance costs are substantial so that the type of intervention and the training of prospective surgeons are limited by the costs. The robotic approach will fully unroll its disruptive character compared to laparoscopy once it is competitive not only qualitatively in the field of medical contents but also economically. In the future the ROBIN working group of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV) wants to create the basic prerequisites for valid studies by working with registers and could act as an independent central intermediary between hospitals and the industry to promote practical innovations and systematic training for surgeons.

Disruptive Technology, Leadership and the Future of Nursing

Nurses need to take a strategic leadership role in managing disruptive health technologies that can be adopted to improve health and care within the population. While innovative technology developments continue to advance quickly, systematic changes to the health and care systems are not always geared to take advantage of these advances at the same rate. This panel will look at how disruptive technology will impact nursing practice and strategic leadership factors that shape acceptance/resistance to new technologies.

Disruptive Technologies for Achieving Supply Chain Resilience in COVID-19 Era: An Implementation Case Study of Satellite Imagery and Blockchain Technologies in Fish Supply Chain

In supply chains where stakeholders belong to the economically disadvantaged segment and form an important part of the supply chain distribution, the complexities grow manifold. Fisheries in developing nations are one such sector where the complexity is not only due to the produce being perishable but also due to the livelihood dependence of others in the coastal regions that belong to the section of economically disadvantaged. This paper explains the contextual challenges of fish supply chain in a developing country and describes how integrating disruptive technologies can address those challenges. Through a positive deviance approach, we show how firms can help unorganized supply chains with economically disadvantaged suppliers by carefully redesigning the supply chain through the integration of satellite imagery and blockchain technology. With COVID-19 in the backdrop, we highlight how such technologies significantly improves the supply chain resilience and at the same time contributes to the income generating opportunities of poor fisherfolks in developing nations. Our study has important implications to both developing markets and food supply chain practitioners as this paper tackles issues such as perishability, demand-supply mismatch, unfair prices, and quality related data transparency in the entire value chain.

A process-driven and need-oriented framework for review of technological contributions to disaster management

An escalation in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters is observed over the last decade, forcing the community to develop innovative technological solutions to reduce disaster impact. The multidisciplinary nature of disaster management suggests the collaboration between different disciplines for an efficient outcome; however, any such collaborative framework is found lacking in the literature. A common taxonomy and interpretation of disaster management related constraints are critical to develop efficient technological solutions. This article proposes a process-driven and need-oriented framework to facilitate the review of technology based contributions in disaster management. The proposed framework aims to bring technological contributions and disaster management activities in a single frame to better classify and analyse the literature. A systematic review of benchmark disruptive technology based contributions to disaster management has been performed using the proposed framework. Furthermore, a set of basic requirements and constraints at each phase of a disaster management process have been proposed and cited literature has been analysed to highlight corresponding trends. Finally, the scope of computer vision in disaster management is explored and potential activities where computer vision can be used in the future are highlighted.

Monochromatic X-rays: The future of breast imaging

PURPOSE

To present details about the innovative and disruptive technology of monochromatic X-rays and its application to breast imaging.

METHODS

To analyze results of studies done using a prototype system for breast imaging that generates monochromatic X-rays through fluorescence emission. To assess signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a measure of image quality at different doses in breast phantoms of different sizes and review the comparison of parameters with a standard mammography system.

RESULTS

Monochromatic X-rays reduce the radiation dose per mammogram by a factor of 5 to 10 times. For phantom simulating thick breast (9 cm), the SNR for monochromatic system was 2.6 times higher and the dose 4.2 times lower than the respective values obtained with the conventional system within the same 5 mm × 5 mm square area of the 100% glandular step wedge. For the conventional broadband system to equal the SNR of the monochromatic system, it would require a dose of 19 mGy, 29 times higher than the dose delivered by the monochromatic system. Contrast-enhanced digital mammography with monochromatic X-rays is shown to provide a simpler and more effective technique at substantially lower radiation dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Lowering radiation dose by a factor of 5 to 10 while maintaining image quality implies a major reduction in total exposure from breast cancer screening and dramatically less risk of radiation-induced cancers in at-risk women. The high SNRs for very thick breast phantoms provide strong evidence that screening with lower breast compression is possible while maintaining image quality.

Countering violent extremism using social media and preventing implementable strategies for Bangladesh

Globally, more than 85% of youth use social media daily in the medium of Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, etc., which is more than 70% for Bangladesh. The young population of Bangladesh is rapidly embracing social media through the internet and afflicted with the malaise of countering violent extremism (CVE), often through Facebook. Given the increasing connectedness that the internet and social media offer, it is crucial that the fight against CVE shift to the digital space. Extremists are increasingly adopting novel ways and means based on technology to draw unsuspecting youth to their cause. It is essential to establish effective implementable strategies to stop the CVE activities using social media in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify existing initiatives globally in the space of disruptive online technologies that have yielded some success in preventing CVE. Various publications such as journal and news articles, TV news, and blogs have been used as data sources for this study. Also, fifteen expert interviews have been conducted to identify the most effective strategies for CVE in Bangladesh. Through the content analysis, the study highlights successful efforts and explores technology-based initiatives that can be deployed in Bangladesh to minimize the impact of VE activities through online technology. Finally, recommendations for strategies to restrict VE activities through technologies have been suggested that can be potentially implemented by the Bangladesh government by coordinating with international donor agencies and CVE practitioners. The research output recommends that Bangladesh and other less developed countries can concurrently deal with CVE by successfully using cutting-edge online/digital technologies.

Court innovations and access to justice in times of crisis

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has disrupted not only the health sector but also justice systems. Courts around the world have had to respond quickly to the challenges presented by the pandemic and the associated social distancing restrictions. This has created significant challenges for the justice system and such challenges are likely to be further compounded in the post-pandemic era as there is a 'tsunami' of COVID-19-related disputes predicted.

METHODS

This study will examine how global court responses have transitioned from being primarily traditional, face-to-face proceedings to online court processes (as supported by internet technology). By adopting a comparative approach, we will analyse how some countries have adapted to this shift to online mode while also maintaining a focus on access to justice.

RESULTS

We argue that online modes of dispute resolution, often referred to as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), can promote resolution while facilitating social distancing in this new COVID-era. The rapid shift from traditional court processes to an online mode has further assisted the public, lawyers and experts to access the justice system in some jurisdictions, even during the crisis. In light of the scale of recent changes, there have been concerns about the capacity of courts to adopt newer technologies as well as issues relating to the impact of a new online model of justice, particularly in terms of the barriers for more vulnerable members of society. Further, the use of disruptive technologies in some courts have posed questions around whether outcomes generated by these innovations reflect the meaning of 'justice' in its traditional sense.

CONCLUSIONS

This article argues that courts should embrace newer technologies that support court services while being mindful of possible tech-related issues that can impact on justice objectives. We argue that by placing further emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods and ODR into the future, this might offset the likely tsunami of COVID-related litigation which would enable courts, hospitals, medical professionals and patients to settle disputes in a just, equitable and more efficient manner.

Using Holograms to Enhance Learning in Health Sciences and Medicine

With the increasing volume of information for students to learn in a health sciences and medicine degree, tertiary educators need teaching resources that can maintain up-to-date information and educate effectively across a range of diseases and illnesses. Holograms may be the disruptive technology that can assist in this goal.

Attendee Survey and Practical Appraisal of a Telegram®-Based Dermatology Congress During the COVID-19 Confinement

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak introduced dramatic changes in all our lives, daily practice, and medical conferences. In search of a tool to spread dermatologic knowledge during confinement, an online medical meeting was held on April 25th to 26th, 2020. In this study, we aimed to assess the characteristics, opinion and satisfaction of the attendees to a free-of-charge online congress. Secondarily, we intended to explain how this meeting was prepared.

Material and Methods

Online survey administered to the attendees to an online congress organised via the Telegram® Messenger App. Its organisation and planning, which needed no financial support and was done by volunteer organisers, moderators and speakers, is described step by step.

Results

The satisfaction of both speakers and attendees was very high. All participants considered that this format had a great present and future, and most of them rated it as superior to regular face-to-face meetings. Female gender and predominantly private practice favoured this opinion.

Discussion

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of most scientific gatherings. This has been seen by some authors as an excellent opportunity, encouraging medical societies and organisations to lead the change to virtual meetings. Although confinement did not allow real contact, our online meeting showed it was possible to ensure interaction and participation between attendees, moderators and speakers. Dermatologists enjoyed some dermatologic science, even despite the extraordinary circumstances disrupting their daily clinical practice. Most of them felt they were participating in something new and compelling that many felt superior to traditional meetings.

Attendee Survey and Practical Appraisal of a Telegram®-Based Dermatology Congress During the COVID-19 Confinement

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak introduced dramatic changes in all our lives, daily practice, and medical conferences. In search of a tool to spread dermatologic knowledge during confinement, an online medical meeting was held on April 25th to 26th, 2020. In this study, we aimed to assess the characteristics, opinion and satisfaction of the attendees to a free-of-charge online congress. Secondarily, we intended to explain how this meeting was prepared.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Online survey administered to the attendees to an online congress organised via the Telegram® Messenger App. Its organisation and planning, which needed no financial support and was done by volunteer organisers, moderators and speakers, is described step by step.

RESULTS

The satisfaction of both speakers and attendees was very high. All participants considered that this format had a great present and future, and most of them rated it as superior to regular face-to-face meetings. Female gender and predominantly private practice favoured this opinion.

DISCUSSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of most scientific gatherings. This has been seen by some authors as an excellent opportunity, encouraging medical societies and organisations to lead the change to virtual meetings. Although confinement did not allow real contact, our online meeting showed it was possible to ensure interaction and participation between attendees, moderators and speakers. Dermatologists enjoyed some dermatologic science, even despite the extraordinary circumstances disrupting their daily clinical practice. Most of them felt they were participating in something new and compelling that many felt superior to traditional meetings.

Recent Technical Advancements of Endoscopic Spine Surgery with Disparate or Disruptive Technologies and Patents

There have been numerous technical advancements in the field of endoscopic spine surgery since it began in the 1980s and its use further expanded in the 1990s. At present, there are many newer technical advancements in this field, each trying to expand the indications and afford more accurate execution of this procedure. We predict some technologies which can be classified as being disruptive and have the potential of being game changers in this exciting field in the near future.

Blockchain Technology: Principles and Applications in Medical Imaging

Blockchain is an immutable, encrypted, distributed ledger technology. While initially devised for and most commonly referenced with cryptocurrencies, there are an increasing number of applications outside finance, many of which are relevant to medical imaging. In this paper, the concepts and principles underlying the technology and applications relevant to medical imaging are discussed, in addition to potential challenges with implementations such as public versus private key access, distributed ledger size constraints, speed, complexity, and security pitfalls. Potential use cases for blockchain specifically relevant to medical imaging include image sharing including direct patient ownership of images, tracking of implanted medical devices, research, teleradiology, and artificial intelligence. While blockchain offers exciting ways to facilitate the storage and distribution of medical images, similar to the advent of picture archiving and communication systems decades ago, it does have several key limitations of which healthcare providers of medical imaging and imaging informatics professionals should be aware.

New windows into retroviral RNA structures

Background

The multiple roles of both viral and cellular RNAs have become increasingly apparent in recent years, and techniques to model them have become significantly more powerful, enabling faster and more accurate visualization of RNA structures.

Main body

Techniques such as SHAPE (selective 2’OH acylation analysed by primer extension) have revolutionized the field, and have been used to examine RNAs belonging to many and diverse retroviruses. Secondary structure probing reagents such as these have been aided by the development of faster methods of analysis either via capillary or next-generation sequencing, allowing the analysis of entire genomes, and of retroviral RNA structures within virions. Techniques to model the three-dimensional structures of these large RNAs have also recently developed.

Conclusions

The flexibility of retroviral RNAs, both structural and functional, is clear from the results of these new experimental techniques. Retroviral RNA structures and structural changes control many stages of the lifecycle, and both the RNA structures themselves and their interactions with ligands are potential new drug targets. In addition, our growing understanding of retroviral RNA structures is aiding our knowledge of cellular RNA form and function.

Establishing benchmarks and metrics for disruptive technologies, inappropriate and obsolete tests in the clinical laboratory

Benchmarks and metrics related to laboratory test utilization are based on evidence-based medical literature that may suffer from a positive publication bias. Guidelines are only as good as the data reviewed to create them. Disruptive technologies require time for appropriate use to be established before utilization review will be meaningful. Metrics include monitoring the use of obsolete tests and the inappropriate use of lab tests. Test utilization by clients in a hospital outreach program can be used to monitor the impact of new clients on lab workload. A multi-disciplinary laboratory utilization committee is the most effective tool for modifying bad habits, and reviewing and approving new tests for the lab formulary or by sending them out to a reference lab.

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Laboratory test overutilization is 2.9% to 56% of all lab tests ordered.

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Guidelines may have a positive publication bias.

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Choosing Wisely is 35 medical subspecialty groups targeting overused tests or therapies.

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Utilization of disruptive technologies requires time for appropriate use to be established.

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Client test utilization by speciality can help predict needs to meet future outreach growth.