SPARC 2018 Internationalisation and collaboration : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2018 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the launch of our Doctoral School, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 100 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to take up this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas from your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers

Economic Valuation for Cost–Benefit Analysis of Health Risk Reduction in Drinking Water Systems

Microbial risk mitigation measures in drinking water systems aiming at preventing gastrointestinal disease can provide substantial societal health benefits if implemented properly. However, the procedure of including and monetising the health benefits in cost–benefit analysis (CBA) has been somewhat scattered and inconsistent in the literature, and there is a need for a comparison of available methods. First, through a literature review, we identified the methods to include health benefits in decision support and to monetise these benefits in CBA. Second, we applied the identified health valuation methods in a case study. In the case study, we investigated if changing the health valuation method could change the rank order of the decision alternatives’ net present values. In the case study a risk-based decision model that combined quantitative microbial risk assessment and CBA was used. Seven health valuation methods were identified, each of them including different aspects of health benefits. The results of the case study showed that the choice of the health valuation method can change the rank order of decision alternatives with respect to their net present values. These results highlight the importance of choosing an appropriate health valuation method for the specific application. Although this study focused on the drinking water context, the identified health valuation methods can be applied in any decision support context, provided that input in terms of the health risk reduction is available

Up for Debate: pathways to net zero

The growing partisan divide in recent years has helped transform communication related to U.S. energy policy, once viewed as more functional and less controversial, into highly divisive subject matter. Yet, as is often the case, issues like climate change are becoming less polarizing for subsequent generations. As such, there is an opportunity to implement a new type of conversation about how to achieve mid-century sustainability goals. The energy-related policies put forth in the coming decades will impact the U.S. environment, the health of its citizens, and its economy for generations to come. So, it is imperative that information regarding the various topics related to creating a sustainable energy system be communicated in an effective, entertaining, and digestible manner. And, as opposed to prioritizing conflict amongst its guests for theatre, debates can be utilized to build trust and present balanced arguments regarding available solutions. Thanks to the prevalence of steaming services, the potential to engage with audiences has grown significantly. In this case, science students in high schools and universities, young adult moderates on both sides of the isle. Combine ubiquitous streaming services with a strategic underutilized format, and environmental communications may be able to avoid some of the past pitfalls and raise the level of public discourse. A ground-breaking issue-focused televised debate over nuclear energy help show the potential. Now is the time to seize the opportunity. This paper presents a business plan to develop a streaming television show, depicting issue-focused debates, regarding the merits of potential energy policies and technologies, for high schools, college classrooms, as well as new segments of the general public

Morbidity and mortality trends of the most common cancers in 1990–2019. Poland's position compared to other European countries

Introduction.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the trends in morbidity and mortality of the selected cancer sites in Poland against other European countries. Material and methods.Countries for analysis were selected based on geographical location. Estimates of age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated using the new European 2013 standard population. Lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers were chosen. Time trends for age-standardized rates were  analyzed using Jointpoint Regression software. Results.Poland differed from other analyzed countries mainly in terms of cancer mortality. Poland is a country with one of the smallest amounts of current expenses on health care per capita, which translates into one of the highest levels of cancer mortality in both women and men. Conclusions.Compared to other countries, Poland's cancer outcomes on population level are unsatisfactory. The situation may improve with the introduction of educational and screening programs

Morbidity and mortality trends of the most common cancers in 1990–2019. Poland’s position compared to other European countries

Introduction. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the trends in morbidity and mortality of the selected cancer sites in Poland against other European countries. Material and methods. Countries for analysis were selected based on geographical location. Estimates of age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated using the new European 2013 standard population. Lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers were chosen. Time trends for age-standardized rates were analyzed using Joinpoint Re­gression software. Results. Poland differed from other analyzed countries mainly in terms of cancer mortality. Poland is a country with one of the smallest amounts of current expenditures on health care per capita, which translates into one of the highest levels of cancer mortality in both women and men. Conclusions. Compared to other countries, Poland’s cancer outcomes on population level are unsatisfactory. The si­tuation may improve with the introduction of educational and screening programs

SPARC 2017 retrospect & prospects : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2017 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the 50th anniversary of Salford as a University, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 130 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to exploit this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas to your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers

Clinico-pathological characteristics of mucin-producing colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with persistently high mortality. As a consequence, high demands are placed on research into this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of colorectal carcinoma in the Czech Republic in comparison with worldwide data. We focused on the evaluation of the latest findings in screening and diagnosis, investigated prognostic factors, and also focused on the therapeutic options of CRC. Furthermore, mucin-producing carcinomas are described in detail and mucin itself was confirmed as a risk factor for the prognosis of CRC patients. The experimental part of the study focused on gene mucin MUC13 and the MUC13 - miR-4647 axis, which is associated with adverse prognosis in CRC patients. Samples of CRC and samples of adjacent non-malignant mucosa tissue were used. The samples were collected from patients who underwent surgery at the General University Hospital in Prague, at the Thomayer University Hospital in Prague and at the University Hospital in Pilsen (Czech Republic). The collection of samples took place between 2011 and 2015. The total of 187 samples were collected from patients with sporadic colorectal cancer. The subjects of the study all provided information on their lifestyle habits, body mass index...Kolorektální karcinom (CRC) patří celosvětově k nejčastějším malignitám s přetrvávající vysokou mortalitou. Z toho důvodu jsou kladeny vysoké nároky na výzkum tohoto onemocnění. Cílem naší práce bylo zhodnocení epidemiologie CRC v České republice v porovnání se světem. Zaměřili jsme se na zhodnocení nejnovějších poznatků ve screeningu, diagnostice, zkoumali jsme prognostické faktory a v neposlední řadě terapeutické možnosti u CRC. Dále jsme podrobněji popsali karcinomy produkující mucin a samotný mucin, jako rizikový faktor pro prognózu pacientů s CRC. V experimentální části práce jsme se zabývali genem mucinu MUC13 a osou MUC13 - miR-4647, které jsou právě spojeny s horší prognózou u pacientů s CRC. V naší práci jsme použili vzorky CRC a okolní tkáně bez karcinomu odebraných od pacientů, kteří podstoupili chirurgický zákrok ve Všeobecné fakultní nemocnici v Praze, ve Fakultní Thomayerově nemocnici v Praze a ve Fakultní nemocnici v Plzni. Odběr proběhl v letech 2011 až 2015. Bylo odebráno 187 vzorků od pacientů se sporadickým kolorektálním karcinomem. Subjekty studie poskytly informace o svých životních návycích, body mass index (BMI), cukrovce a rodinném či osobním výskytu rakoviny v anamnéze. Pacienti s kolorektálním karcinomem s vyšší hladinou exprese genu MUC13 v nádorové tkáni měli horší...Chirurgická klinika 1. LF UK a FTNDepartment of Surgery First Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Thomayer University HospitalFirst Faculty of Medicine1. lékařská fakult

Analyzing the sustainability of apple’s competitive advantage

This report presents the case study “Competitive Position of Apple Inc. in 2021”, which describes Apple’s current overall business situation while presenting a comparison to its competitors. This case was designed to be studied at both master and executive level. Furthermore, on this thesis a case analysis is also presented. Following the guidelines of this Field Lab, said analysis starts by reviewing the relevant literature to understand the competitive situation of Apple. Additionally, both an industry and a company analysis were performed by applying the literature review concepts, while also studying the disruptive innovation linked to Apple. So far, Apple’s current strategy is not sustainable in the long run due to both high dependence on oneproduct and to the deviation of consumer’s brand perception. Then, the analysis focus on Apple and the video streaming industry. After a brief introduction about the services sector and its growth, the video streaming industry was presented with its features, trends and significant competitors. Therefore, a Porter’s Five Forces Analysis was conducted in order to understand the level of competitive rivalry in the industry. Finally, Apple Tv + was analyzed, focusing on its differentiation and pricing strategy. The research has led to the conclusion that Apple Tv + is trying to gain sustainable competitive advantage through its differentiation strategy, but for the moment it seems more an efficient marketing tool to promote Apple

Digital Platform Regulation

This Open Access volume provides an in-depth exploration of global policy and governance issues related to digital platform regulation. With an international ensemble of contributors, the volume has at its heard the question: what would actually be involved in digital platform regulation?’. Once a specialised and niche field within internet and digital media studies, internet governance has in recent years moved to the forefront of policy debate. In the wake of scandals such as Cambridge Analytica and the global ‘techlash’ against digital monopolies, platform studies are undergoing a critical turn, but there is a greater need to connect such analysis to questions of public policy. This volume does just that, through a rich array of chapters concretely exploring the operation and influence of digital platforms and their related policy concerns. A wide variety of digital communication platforms are explored, including social media, content portals, search engines and app stores. An important and timely work, ‘Digital Platform Regulation’ provides valuable insights into new global platform-orientated policy reforms, supplying an important resource to researchers everywhere seeking to engage with policymakers in the debate about the power of digital platforms and how to address it