DSpace Collection: IET - WPS http://hdl.handle.net/10362/1682 IET - WPS Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:02:02 GMT 2014-04-19T12:02:02Z Equity in access to MRI equipment: the Portuguese case http://hdl.handle.net/10362/11362 Title: Equity in access to MRI equipment: the Portuguese case Authors: Maia, Maria João Abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of image diagnose proven to be of undeniable importance when it comes to neuro and cardio related diseases. In fact, these diseases (such as: ischemic heart disease, stroke and acute myocardial infection) have high incidence in Portugal. For these reasons, the allocation of this medical technology should not be considered with light thoughts. In fact, making decision of resource allocation in health care can be a very complex and contested matter. The impacts of new technology allocation, such MRI, can be assessed in a variety of ways. However, a fundamental component should always be present: the use of evidence-based decision-making methods. One of these methods is Technology Assessment (TA). This paper aims to characterize the equity on access of the Portuguese population in general, to a specific medical device such as MRI, under the TA point of view. It is hoped to promote a bridge of scientific knowledge between the gap on research and policy-making through TA that can emerge as a tool to aid decision-makers in the organization of health systems. There are gaps in providing healthcare, due to geographical imbalances, with some areas unable to provide certain specialized services, as hospitals in the countryside do not provide all medical specialties. Portugal has also a large independent private sector that provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to NHS users under contracts called conventions. These medical contracts cover ambulatory health facilities for laboratory tests and examinations such as diagnostic tests and Radiology. However, there is no convention from the NHS when concerning the MRI exam. Therefore, this reality can be considered a limitation in the access of the general population to this kind of clinical exam. TA can play an useful and important role in helping the decision-makers to explore potential gains that might be achieved by introducing a more rational decision making into health care management, namely into the Radiology area, regarding the allocation of MRI equipment. Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10362/11362 2013-02-01T00:00:00Z Robots and humans as co-workers? The human-centred perspective of work with autonomous systems http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10980 Title: Robots and humans as co-workers? The human-centred perspective of work with autonomous systems Authors: Moniz, António Abstract: The design of work organisation systems with automated equipment is facing new challenges and the emergence of new concepts. The social aspects that are related with new concepts on the complex work environments (CWE) are becoming more relevant for that design. The work with autonomous systems implies options in the design of workplaces. Especially that happens in such complex environments. The concepts of “agents”, “co-working” or “human-centred technical systems” reveal new dimensions related to human-computer interaction (HCI). With an increase in the number and complexity of those human-technology interfaces, the capacities of human intervention can become limited, originating further problems. The case of robotics is used to exemplify the issues related with automation in working environments and the emergence of new HCI approaches that would include social implications. We conclude that studies on technology assessment of industrial robotics and autonomous agents on manufacturing environment should also focus on the human involvement strategies in organisations. A needed participatory strategy implies a new approach to workplaces design. This means that the research focus must be on the relation between technology and social dimensions not as separate entities, but integrated in the design of an interaction system. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10980 2013-03-01T00:00:00Z A constructive technology assessment of stationary energy storage systems: prospective life cycle orientated analysis http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10858 Title: A constructive technology assessment of stationary energy storage systems: prospective life cycle orientated analysis Authors: Baumann, Manuel Abstract: Environmental concerns over the use of fossil fuels and their resource constraints have increased the interest in generating electric energy from renewable energy sources (RES) to provide a sustainable electricity supply. A main problem of those technologies (wind or solar power generation) is that they are not constant and reliable sources of power. This results inter alia in an increased demand of energy storage technologies. Related stake holders show a big interest in the technical, economic and ecologic aspects of new emerging energy storage systems. This comes especially true for electrochemical energy storage systems as different Li-Ion batteries, Sodium Sulfur or Redox Flow batteries which can be utilized in all grid voltage levels, a wide range of grid applications as well as end user groups (e.g. private households, industry). A prospective and active Constructive Technology Assessment (CTA) can help to minimize potential mismatches, wrong investments, possible social conflicts, and environmental impacts of new energy storage technologies in an early development stage. It is insufficient to exclusively look at the operation phase to assess a technology. Such an approach can lead to misleading interpretations and can furthermore disregard social or ecological impact factors over the whole life cycle. Different energy storage technologies have to be evaluated in a prospective manner with a full integrated sustainability and life cycle approach to form a base for decision making and to support technology developers in order to allow distinctions between more or less sustainable battery technology variations. Therefore CTA is used as a scientific approach using several “neighbouring” engineering orientated disciplines e.g. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) or Life Cycle Costs (LCC) and their methodologies which were initially developed for other purposes. The aim of the presented PhD Thesis is to make an economic, technological and ecological comparison of Energy storage technologies based on a life cycle sustainability Analysis (LCSA), multi criteria Analysis (or evaluation) (MCA) and to develop a suitable LCSA-MCA model through a new combined highly interdisciplinary approach in frame of CTA. Description: Based on the presentation and discussion at the 3rd Winter School on Technology Assessment, December 2012, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Portugal), Caparica Campus, PhD programme on Technology Assessment Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10858 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z Análise de um processo decisório controverso: a co-incineração em Souselas http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10617 Title: Análise de um processo decisório controverso: a co-incineração em Souselas Authors: Maia, Maria João; Moiteiro, Ana Isabel; Horstink, Lanka; Farelo, Mário; Antunes, Rosa Abstract: A controvérsia científica gerada em torno do destino a dar à fração perigosa dos resíduos industriais produzidos em Portugal e a forma como o país lidou com essa situação foi o que mais se salientou no caso de Souselas. Aqui o aspeto dominante da análise centrou-se na implementação de uma solução para o tratamento de resíduos industriais perigosos (RIP). Estes resíduos são resultantes de processos industriais e contém ou estão contaminados por substâncias que, em determinadas concentrações, representam risco para a saúde humana e, ou para o ambiente. O seu tratamento pode ser feito por co-incineração em cimenteiras existentes. Tendo como pano de fundo a análise de um processo controverso ambiental, através da construção da história dos vários atores intervenientes, o caso de Souselas foi o nosso objeto de estudo. Numa primeira fase, foram identificados e caracterizados os atores intervenientes no processo, tem termos de posição, interesses e/ou preocupações. Esta análise foi reforçada com a reunião de elementos de análise documental. Numa segunda fase foi elaborado o historial do processo. Estavam assim reunidas as condições para se fazer uma interpretação do que realmente se passou no processo, identificando que partes do mesmo foram bem e mal sucedidas, e interpretando o porquê desses sucessos e insucessos. Assim, após a identificação das variáveis chave e dos leverage points, foi elaborado um diagrama causal, bem como um esquema de simulação do comportamento de referência no caso de Souselas. Conclui-se que o processo de Souselas foi um marco significativo no que respeita à organização social e espontânea de atores locais em situações de oposição a decisões da administração central com impacto local. Foi também um ponto de viragem na governança segundo o modelo da democracia representativa, cujo carácter tecnocrático e elitista é posto em causa. O caso de Souselas salientou-se como um microcosmo do conflito de interesses que verificamos a nível global, agudizado desde os anos 90 e que opõe governos (e os atores que lhes estão mais próximos) às organizações da sociedade civil, aos restantes cientistas e aos cidadãos em geral. Description: Trabalho avaliado na unidade “Métodos Interactivos de Participação e Decisão” do Programa Doutoral em Avaliação de Tecnologia na FCT-UNL sob orientação da Profª Lia Vasconcelose do Prof. Nuno Videira. [Relatório entregue em Dezembro de 2011] Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10617 2012-10-01T00:00:00Z