The Raw Materials Summit 2019: connecting innovation in the Raw Materials Sector

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Common Genetic Variation Near Melatonin Receptor 1A Gene Linked to Job-Related Exhaustion in Shift Workers

Study Objectives: Tolerance to shift work varies; only some shift workers suffer from disturbed sleep, fatigue, and job-related exhaustion. Our aim was to explore molecular genetic risk factors for intolerance to shift work. Methods: We assessed intolerance to shift work with job-related exhaustion symptoms in shift workers using the emotional exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, and carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using Illumina's Human610-Quad BeadChip (n = 176). The most significant findings were further studied in three groups of Finnish shift workers (n = 577). We assessed methylation in blood cells with the Illumina HumanMethylation450K BeadChip, and examined gene expression levels in the publicly available eGWAS Mayo data. Results: The second strongest signal identified in the GWAS (p = 2.3 x 10E-6) was replicated in two of the replication studies with p Conclusions: These findings suggest that a variant near MTNR1A may be associated with job-related exhaustion in shift workers. The risk variant may exert its effect via epigenetic mechanisms, potentially leading to reduced melatonin signaling in the brain. These results could indicate a link between melatonin signaling, a key circadian regulatory mechanism, and tolerance to shift work.Peer reviewe

Multicriteria Methods for Group Decision Processes: An Overview

Important decisions are often taken by groups of decision-makers who need to choose among several alternatives in view of multiple objectives, in recognition of the interests of stakeholders. Such decision problems can be supported with the methods and processes of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) which foster collaboration, lend structure to the decision process, and help in managing problem complexity. In this chapter, we examine rationales for using MCDA methods in group decision processes, outline typical phases of these processes, summarize widely used MCDA methods and discuss some of their recent methodological extensions. We also provide guidelines for the design and implementation of MCDA-assisted group decision processes, based on an examination of behavioral factors and a structured review of selected case studies. We conclude with an outlook for the future in light of recent developments and trends.Peer reviewe

Path dependence in Operational Research-How the modeling process can influence the results

In Operational Research practice there are almost always alternative paths that can be followed in the modeling and problem solving process. Path dependence refers to the impact of the path on the outcome of the process. The steps of the path include, e.g. forming the problem solving team, the framing and structuring of the problem, the choice of model, the order in which the different parts of the model are specified and solved, and the way in which data or preferences are collected. We identify and discuss seven possibly interacting origins or drivers of path dependence: systemic origins, learning, procedure, behavior, motivation, uncertainty, and external environment. We provide several ideas on how to cope with path dependence.Peer reviewe

On preference elicitation processes which mitigate the accumulation of biases in multi-criteria decision analysis

AVAA TIEDOSTO, KUN ARTIKKELI ON JULKAISTU. EMBARGO 12 KUUKAUTTAIn the practice of multi-criteria decision analysis, biased responses to the preference elicitation questions may impact the outcome of the process. In particular, there is a risk that the effects of biases accumulate in favor of a single alternative or a subset of alternatives. In this paper, we develop new bias mitigation techniques for multi-criteria decision analysis, which are based on the idea that the effects of biases can cancel out each other in the preference elicitation process. The benefits of the techniques include that the decision maker does not need to try to change her behavior to avoid biases, and there are no numerical adjustments of her judgements. The new techniques that we propose are: (1). Introducing a virtual reference alternative in the decision problem. (2). Introducing an auxiliary measuring stick attribute. (3). Rotating the reference point. (4). Restarting the decision process at an intermediate step with a reduced set of alternatives. We simulate computationally how these techniques help mitigate biases in the Even Swaps process when the decision maker exhibits the loss aversion bias, the measuring stick bias, and makes random response errors. The techniques can also be applied in weight elicitation using the SWING and trade-off methods to reduce the aforementioned biases.Peer reviewe

Why pay attention to paths in the practice of environmental modelling?

Taking the ‘path perspective’ helps to understand and improve the practice of environmental modelling and decision making. A path is the sequence of steps taken in a modelling project. The problem solving team faces several forks where alternative choices can be made. These choices determine the path, together with the impact of uncertainties and exogenous effects. This paper discusses phenomena that influence the problem solvers' choices at the forks. Situations are described where it can be desirable to re-direct the path or backtrack on it. Phenomena are identified that can cause the modelling project to get stuck on a poor path. The concept of a path draws attention to the interplay of behavioral phenomena and the sequential nature of modelling processes. This helps understand the overall effect of the behavioral phenomena. A path checklist is developed to help practitioners detect forks and reflect on the path of the modelling projectTuomas Lahtinen acknowledges the financial support by Emil Aaltonen Foundation (grant 160133 K)

Geology, lithogeochemistry and paleotectonic setting of the host sequence to the Kangasjärvi Zn-Cu deposit, central Finland: implications for volcanogenic massive sulphide exploration in the Vihanti–Pyhäsalmi district

The Kangasjärvi Zn-Cu deposit is a highly deformed and metamorphosed Paleoproterozoic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit located in the Vihanti-Pyhäsalmi\ud base metal mining district of central Finland. The host sequence to the deposit, referred to as the Inner Volcanic Sequence (IVS), is comprised of a bimodal suite of metavolcanic rocks and a regionally extensive tonalite-trondhjemite gneiss (sub-volcanic intrusions?).\ud A separate and perhaps younger sequence of mafi c volcanic rocks, with irregular intervals of undifferentiated intermediate to felsic schists and metalimestones, referred\ud to as the Outer Volcanic Sequence (OVS), are separated from the IVS sequence by intervals of metagreywacke and U-P-bearing graphitic schists. A stratigraphic scheme for rocks within the IVS is proposed based on outcrop observations, locally preserved volcanic textures, aspects of seafl oor-related hydrothermal alteration and lithogeochemistry. In this scheme, rare andesites form the lowermost volcanic stratigraphy and are overlain by typical island-arc basalts that were erupted in a subaqueous setting. Tonalite-trondhjemite subvolcanic intrusions were locally emplaced within andesites and coeval rhyolites were extruded on the basaltic substrate. The extrusion of rhyolites, including high-silica rhyolites, was coeval with regional-scale, pre-metamorphic seafloor hydrothermal alteration and local sulphide mineralization. Extensively altered rhyolites envelope massive sulphides and are underlain by altered basalts. The latter rocks are now characterized by a variety of low-variance metamorphic\ud mineral assemblages (e.g. orthoamphibole-cordierite rocks) and define a domain of intense pre-metamorphic chlorite ± sericite alteration in the stratigraphic footwall of the deposit. The altered nature of these rocks is attributed to reaction with seawater-related hydrothermal fluids within a zone of upflow at or near the seafloor. The fundamental controls on convective hydrothermal circulation and subsequent alteration and massive sulphide mineralization at Kangasjärvi, and possibly elsewhere in the district, share many characteristics with other well-described, ancient VMS deposits (e.g. massive sulphide deposits in the Flin Flon Belt, Manitoba, Canada). These characteristics\ud include: 1) an association with bimodal volcanism developed in extensional settings; 2) a close spatial association with regionally extensive felsic subvolcanic intrusions;\ud and 3) petrogenesis of ore-associated volcanic rocks (e.g. high-silica rhyolites, felsic subvolcanic intrusions) indicative of substantial heat transfer from the mantle to\ud the upper crust and the development of anomalous thermal corridors. These features translate into geochemically distinctive rock types that, when combined with aspects of\ud stratigraphy and pre-metamorphic alteration, may be used to develop regional exploration strategies in the Vihanti-Pyhäsalmi district