Virtual Reality Based Simulation of Hysteroscopic Interventions

Virtual reality based simulation is an appealing option to supplement traditional clinical education. However, the formal integration of training simulators into the medical curriculum is still lacking. Especially, the lack of a reasonable level of realism supposedly hinders the widespread use of this technology. Therefore, we try to tackle this situation with a reference surgical simulator of the highest possible fidelity for procedural training. This overview describes all elements that have been combined into our training system as well as first results of simulator validation. Our framework allows the rehearsal of several aspects of hysteroscopy—for instance, correct fluid management, handling of excessive bleeding, appropriate removal of intrauterine tumors, or the use of the surgical instrument

Evaluation of a new virtual-reality training simulator for hysteroscopy

BACKGROUND: To determine realism and training capacity of HystSim, a new virtual-reality simulator for the training of hysteroscopic interventions. METHODS: Sixty-two gynaecological surgeons with various levels of expertise were interviewed at the 13(th) Practical Course in Gynaecologic Endoscopy in Davos, Switzerland. All participants received a 20-min hands-on training on the simulator and filled out a four-page questionnaire. Twenty-three questions with respect to the realism of the simulation and the training capacity were answered on a seven-point Likert scale along with 11 agree-disagree statements concerning the HystSim training in general. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants had performed more than 50 hysteroscopies ("experts") and 36 equal to or fewer than 50 ("novices"). Four of 60 (6.6%) responding participants judged the overall impression as "7 - absolutely realistic", 40 (66.6%) as "6 - realistic", and 16 (26.6%) as "5 - somewhat realistic". Novices (6.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.28-6.7) rated the overall training capacity significantly higher than experts (6.08; 95% CI 5.85-6.3), however, high-grade acceptance was found in both groups. In response to the statements, 95.2% believe that HystSim allows procedural training of diagnostic and therapeutic hysteroscopy, and 85.5% suggest that HystSim training should be offered to all novices before performing surgery on real patients. CONCLUSION: Face validity has been established for a new hysteroscopic surgery simulator. Potential trainees and trainers assess it to be a realistic and useful tool for the training of hysteroscopy. Further systematic validation studies are needed to clarify how this system can be optimally integrated into the gynaecological curriculum

Can hedge fund-like returns be replicated in a regulated environment ?

Ucits were a series of directives issued by the European Commission whose aim was the facilitation of cross-border marketing and selling of collective investment schemes. This regulatory framework has recently gained popularity as an investment vehicle for hedge fund strategies. This trend can be explained in part by customers shying away from direct investments into hedge funds and their lack of transparency. For some, the importance of Ucits is inevitable and the competition will grow over time. For others, the constraints imposed by the Ucits regulatory environment will prevent these investment vehicles from seriously competing with hedge funds. In this chapter, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the Ucits framework. In particular, we study the different solutions that are proposed and analyze how adequate they are to offer hedge fund-like returns. For each strategy or hedge fund style, we then emphasize the strengths and weaknesses of the Alternative Ucits solution

Facebook’s digital currency venture “Diem” ::the new frontier ... or a galaxy far, far away?

This article focuses on Facebook's new digital currency, initially called "Libra" and renamed in December 2020 "Diem", that has been designed and proposed by the Diem Association (formerly the Libra Association). It briefly reflects on the historical meaning of money and currency, as well as "local currencies" viewed as precursors to the new "digital currencies" or "cryptocurrencies". The paper presents a general overview of the Diem project, particularly from the perspective of financial theory and practise. It looks specifically into Diem's business model and analyzes the project's planned and potential revenue streams, according to official documents published by the Diem Association. The research identifies potential obstacles and hurdles this digital currency would (since it has not happened yet) face on launch day and assesses whether the project is feasible in its current form. In the authors' view, although some early concerns were addressed in the Diem White Paper 2.0, the Diem project is only questionably ready for commercial launch in its current state. Speaking directly to the financial aspects of the Diem Association's project, the current regulatory hurdles and institutional pressures seem difficult to bypass without making some additional noticeable and meaningful changes to Diem

Alternative risk premia ::is the selection process important?

Alternative Risk Premia (ARP) are rule-based strategies. They should reward investors exposed to non-traditional systematic risk factors. Yet, allocation to ARP is not straightforward. First, there are many ARP indices proposed by different providers that claim to capture the same underlying risk premia. Second, a proposed index may not automatically mimic an existing risk premium whose performance is sustainable or persistent. Our findings confirm these suspicions. If some categories of indices show risk-return characteristics that are rather homogeneous, others are highly heterogeneous. Stated otherwise, performance is provider dependent making the choice of an index an important component of the allocation process. Differences between simulated past results and live data are then calculated. Results are indisputable. There is a significant overfitting bias. Once launched, the performance of ARP indices dropped significantly, thus questioning their sustainability. To summarize, this research paper shows that investors should take no short cuts. When it comes to allocating capital to ARP, an extensive due diligence process is required

Alternative risk premia ::is the selection process important?

Alternative Risk Premia (ARP) are rule-based strategies. They should reward investors exposed to non-traditional systematic risk factors. Yet, a allocation to ARP is not straightforward. First, there are many ARP indices proposed by different providers that claim to capture the same underlying risk premia. Second, a proposed index may not automatically mimic an existing risk premium whose performance is sustainable or persistent. Our findings confirm these suspicions. If some categories of indices show risk-return characteristics that are rather homogeneous, others are highly heterogeneous. Stated otherwise, performance is provider dependent making the choice of an index an important component of the allocation process. Differences between simulated past results and live data are then calculated. Results are indisputable. There is a significant overfitting bias. Once launched, the performance of ARP indices dropped significantly. To summarize, this research paper shows that investors should take no short cuts. When it comes to allocating capital to ARP, an extensive due diligence process is required