29 research outputs found
EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015
Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened
An Observational Overview of Solar Flares
We present an overview of solar flares and associated phenomena, drawing upon
a wide range of observational data primarily from the RHESSI era. Following an
introductory discussion and overview of the status of observational
capabilities, the article is split into topical sections which deal with
different areas of flare phenomena (footpoints and ribbons, coronal sources,
relationship to coronal mass ejections) and their interconnections. We also
discuss flare soft X-ray spectroscopy and the energetics of the process. The
emphasis is to describe the observations from multiple points of view, while
bearing in mind the models that link them to each other and to theory. The
present theoretical and observational understanding of solar flares is far from
complete, so we conclude with a brief discussion of models, and a list of
missing but important observations.Comment: This is an article for a monograph on the physics of solar flares,
inspired by RHESSI observations. The individual articles are to appear in
Space Science Reviews (2011
The source of the solar oscillations: Convective or magnetic?
The origin of solar oscillations has not yet been clearly determined.
The downflows due to convective rapid cooling at the surface have been invoked
as a possible source.
In this paper we investigate the properties of the source as inferred from
the local analysis of the intensity-velocity
phase differences.
The same spatial and temporal characteristics of other observed events and their correlation with the Hα bright
points suggests downward plasma jets related to explosive chromospheric evaporation to be another
possible candidate
The GLE on Oct. 28, 2003 – radio diagnostics of relativistic electron and proton injection
A small form-factor and low-cost opto-electronic package for short-reach 40 Gbit/s serial speed optical data links
For the first time we present a small form-factor, low-cost package that is suitable for transmitter optical subassemblies (TOSAs) and receiver optical subassemblies (ROSAs) with serial speeds up to 40 Gbit/s. The TOSA includes a very high speed vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and a driver integrated circuit (IC) inside the package and the ROSA combines a high speed photodiode (PD) with a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) IC. The overall housing concept is based on a TO-can (Transistor Outline) packaging technology in order to realize a hermetically-sealed, high volume and low cost prototype product solution. The radial dimensions of the TOSA/ROSA package are selected to fit easily within standard optical transceiver form-factors for example SFP and QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable)
Reconnection Fluxes in Eruptive and Confined Flares and Implications for Superflares on the Sun
Boost your traditional portfolio: Activate traditional asset classes with alternative investments
Wirtschaftswachstum und die Inzidenz von Arbeitsunfällen in Österreich
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to analyze the impact of economic growth measured by real gross domestic product (GDP) on the incidence of occupational injuries in Austria. METHODS: The relationship between GDP and the occupational injury rate of the wage-earning population between 1955 and 2004 was analyzed using an error correction model. The sample size increased from 1.568,371 persons in 1955 to 2.656,952 in 2004. Occupational injuries were divided into fatal and non-fatal injuries. RESULTS: Occupational injuries (fatal and non-fatal) decreased from 8.59% to 4.08%: non-fatal injuries decreased from 8.56% to 4.07%; fatal injuries decreased from 0.03% to 0.01%. Austrian GDP increased from EUR 37.7 billion to EUR 202.8 billion (base year 1995). Statistical analysis clearly shows that a growing economy is associated with declining injury rates (fatal and non-fatal). Two mechanisms are discussed. Firstly, rising GDP is accompanied by greater investment in safer technologies and occupational safety measures. Secondly, booming economies are associated with a reduced risk of unemployment, which is already known to be a risk factor for occupational injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Economic development appears to have an impact on the incidence of occupational injuries in Austria. Health policy should emphasize the necessity for safety at work particularly in phases of economic slowdown. (author's abstract