1. The cost of systemic therapy for metastatic colorectal carcinoma in Slovenia : discrepancy analysis between cost and reimbursementTanja Mesti, Biljana Mileva Boshkoska, Mitja Kos, Metka Tekavčič, Janja Ocvirk, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: The aim of the study was to estimate the direct medical costs of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and to question the healthcare payment system in Slovenia. Methods. Using an internal patient database, the costs of mCRC patients were estimated in 2009 by examining (1) mCRC direct medical related costs, and (2) the cost difference between payment received by Slovenian health insurance and actual mCRC costs. Costs were analysed in the treatment phase of the disease by assessing the direct medical costs of hospital treatment with systemic therapy together with hospital treatment of side effects, without assessing radiotherapy or surgical treatment. Follow-up costs, indirect medical costs, and nonmedical costs were not included. Results. A total of 209 mCRC patients met all eligibility criteria. The direct medical costs of mCRC hospitalization with systemic therapy in Slovenia for 2009 were estimated as the cost of medications (cost of systemic therapy + cost of drugs for premedication) + labor cost (the cost of carrying out systemic treatment) + cost of lab tests + cost of imaging tests + KRAS testing cost + cost of hospital treatment due to side effects of mCRC treatment, and amounted to %3,914,697. The difference between the cost paid by health insurance and actual costs, estimated as direct medical costs of hospitalization of mCRC patients treated with systemic therapy at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in 2009, was %1,900,757.80. Conclusions. The costs paid to the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana by health insurance for treating mCRC with systemic therapy do not match the actual cost of treatment. In fact, the difference between the payment and the actual cost estimated as direct medical costs of hospitalization of mCRC patients treated with systemic therapy at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana in 2009 was %1,900,757.80. The model Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (AR-DRG) for cost assessment in oncology being currently used is probably one of the reasons for the discrepancy between pay-outs and actual costs. We propose new method for more precise cost assessment in oncology.
Keywords: cost of treatment, metastatic colorectal cancer, cost of targeted therapy, monitoring costs
Published in DiRROS: 17.04.2024; Views: 56; Downloads: 12
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2. Behaviour of the backfilled right bank of the Mavčiče damPavel Žvanut, Rude Brinšek, 2018, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: The Mavčiče concrete gravity dam, part of the corresponding hydro-power plant, was built on the Sava River, in Slovenia, in 1986. It has a maximum structural height of 38.5 m, and the dam crest has a length of 149 m. The dam structure consists of an erection bay, a machine hall, and two spillways, followed by an embankment dam. Most of the dam is founded on permeable Quaternary conglomerate bedrock, so that a cut-off grout curtain had to be constructed to a depth of up to 60 m below the ground surface, where a layer of impermeable Oligocene marine clay occurs. However, the erection bay, which is located on the right bank of the dam, is founded on a layer of gravel backfill, up to about 25 m thick, which lies on top of the conglomerate bedrock. Long-term manual technical monitoring of the behaviour of the dam began in 1986, and an automated monitoring system was established between 2003 and 2005. In general, the results of measurements and visual inspections did not show any abnormalities. However, this was not the case for the erection bay located on the top of the backfilled right bank of the dam, where the results of measurements of vertical displacements showed increasing settlements. By 1999, i.e. over a period of 12 years, these settlements had increased to 22 mm. The results of investigations, by drilling three research boreholes in 1993, and another six such boreholes in 1996, indicated that the settlements were the consequence of the secondary consolidation of the backfill, and probable also due to scouring of fine material from the backfill. Due to the resulting differential settlements, the crane rail which connects the erection bay to the machine hall, as well as the crane rail which is located along the crest of the dam, became nonfunctional, and needed height corrections. For this reason rehabilitation works of the backfill and of the substratum of the right bank of the dam were performed between September 1999 and August 2000, using 50 m long grouted boreholes. This grouting was performed using a combination of water reactive polyurethane and a cement-bentonite mixture. Measurements performed since than have shown that the settlement rate has slowed down slightly (by 2017, i.e. over the last 17 years, the settlements had increased by up to 8 mm), but from the point of view of the operation of the two crane rails the settlement process needed to be stopped. Additional investigations, involving the drilling of two research boreholes, as well as appropriate laboratory and field measurements, were performed between November 2015 and March 2016. According to the results of these most recent investigations, the newer settlements were the consequence of additional scouring of fine material from the backfill. In order to achieve a final solution to the problem of the subsidence of the erection bay, additional rehabilitation works of the backfill and substratum of the right bank of the dam, by grouting the permeable zones, would be needed in order to stop both the scouring of fine material from the backfill, as well as any internal erosion of the cavernous conglomerate at the base of the backfill. The latter concerns the long-term stability of the right bank of the dam with potentially serious results.
Keywords: concrete dams, gravity dams, Mavčiče Dam, Sava River, technical monitoring, geotechnical investigation, rehabilitation
Published in DiRROS: 05.04.2024; Views: 58; Downloads: 31
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4. Real-time monitoring and analyses of sensory data integrated into the bim platformStanislav Lenart, Veljko Janjić, Uros Jovanovic, Rok Vezočnik, 2021, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Bridges and tunnels, crucial elements of the railway infrastructure, are exposed to various types of deterioration processes. Their condition is a subject of monitoring, as it is important to collect as much as possible information in every life cycle phase to reliably predict their future performance. An enormous quantity of monitoring data is generated during the whole life cycle of these assets. EU funded Shift2Rail research project Assets4Rail which is focusing on measuring, monitoring, and data handling for railway assets, as data management is as important as their generation. This paper presents the major outcomes of the Assets4Rail project and its application to infrastructure projects.
Keywords: monitoring, information management, BIM, information management, bridge, tunnel, Assets4Rail
Published in DiRROS: 23.02.2024; Views: 152; Downloads: 81
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5. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure assessment among active daily commuters to induce behaviour change to reduce air pollutionAnja Ilenič, Alenka Mauko Pranjić, Nina Zupančič, Radmila Milačič, Janez Ščančar, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a detrimental urban air pollutant primarily emitted by traffic and biomass burning, poses disproportionately significant health risks at relatively limited exposure during commuting. Previous studies have mainly focused on fixed locations when assessing PM2.5 exposure, while neglecting pedestrians and cyclists, who often experience higher pollution levels. In response, this research aimed to independently validate the effectiveness of bicycle-mounted low-cost sensors (LCS) adopted by citizens, evaluate temporal and spatial PM2.5 exposure, and assess associated health risks in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The LCS quality assurance results, verified by co-location field tests by air quality monitoring stations (AQMS), showed comparable outcomes with an average percentage difference of 21.29 %, attributed to humidity-induced nucleation effects. The colder months exhibited the highest air pollution levels (μ = 32.31 μg/m3) due to frequent thermal inversions and weak wind circulation, hindering vertical air mixing and the adequate dispersion of pollutants. Additionally, PM2.5 levels in all sampling periods were lowest in the afternoon (μ = 12.09 μg/m3) and highest during the night (μ = 61.00 μg/m3) when the planetary boundary layer thins, leading to the trapping of pollutants near the surface, thus significantly affecting diurnal and seasonal patterns. Analysis of exposure factors revealed that cyclists were approximately three times more exposed than pedestrians. However, the toxicological risk assessment indicated a minimal potential risk of PM2.5 exposure. The collaborative integration of data from official AQMS and LCS can enhance evidence-based policy-making processes and facilitates the realignment of effective regulatory frameworks to reduce urban air pollution.
Keywords: air pollution monitoring, PM2.5 exposure, citizen science, bicycle-mounted low-cost sensors
Published in DiRROS: 30.01.2024; Views: 173; Downloads: 67
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6. Citizen science is a vital partnership for invasive alien species management and researchMichael J.O. Pocock, Tim Adriaens, Sandro Bertolino, René Eschen, Franz Essl, Philip E. Hulme, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Helen E. Roy, Heliana Teixeira, Maarten De Groot, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Invasive alien species (IAS) adversely impact biodiversity, ecosystem functions and socio-economics. Citizen science can be an effective tool for IAS surveillance, management and research, providing large datasets over wide spatial extents and long time periods, with public participants generating knowledge that supports action. We demonstrate how citizen science has contributed knowledge across the biological invasion process, especially for early detection and distribution mapping. However, we recommend that citizen science could be used more for assessing impacts and evaluating the success of IAS management. Citizen science does have limitations and we explore solutions to two key challenges: ensuring data accuracy and dealing with uneven spatial coverage of potential recorders (which limits the dataset’s ‘fit for purpose’). Greater co-development of citizen science with public stakeholders will help us better realise its potential across the biological invasion process and across ecosystems globally while meeting the needs of participants, local communities, scientists and decision-makers.
Keywords: biosecurity, community science, invasion continuum, invasive alien species, monitoring, volunteers
Published in DiRROS: 25.01.2024; Views: 203; Downloads: 112
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7. Comprehensive permanent remote monitoring system of a multi-span highway bridgeAndrej Anžlin, Uroš Bohinc, Doron Hekič, Maja Kreslin, Jan Kalin, Aleš Žnidarič, 2021, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: As part of the reconstruction of a multi-span viaduct on a Slovenian highway, a permanent remote monitoring system with over 200 sensors was established. Several parameters are monitored on different parts of the viaduct by means of temperature sensors, accelerometers, strain gauges, long-gauge deformation and Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors. In this way strains, frequencies and temperatures on external prestressed beam cables, carbon fibre rebarsused for the flexural strengthening of a deck overhang, pier caps and prestressed beams are measured and stored into the on-site central data acquisition system. This paper presents architecture of the permanent bridge monitoring system and preliminary results of the measurements.
Keywords: permanent monitoring, structural health monitoring, bridge WIM, sensors, viaduct
Published in DiRROS: 22.01.2024; Views: 213; Downloads: 98
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8. Monitoring of species’ genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impactsPeter Pearman, Olivier Broennimann, Tsipe Aavik, Tamer Albayrak, Paulo Célio Alves, Filipos Aravanopoulos, Laura Bertola, Aleksandra Biedrzycka, Elena Bužan, Vlatka Čubrić Čurik, Katja Kavčič Sonnenschein, Marjana Westergren, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Genetic monitoring of populations currently attracts interest in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity but needs long-term planning and investments. However, genetic diversity has been largely neglected in biodiversity monitoring, and when addressed, it is treated separately, detached from other conservation issues, such as habitat alteration due to climate change. We report an accounting of efforts to monitor population genetic diversity in Europe (genetic monitoring effort, GME), the evaluation of which can help guide future capacity building and collaboration towards areas most in need of expanded monitoring. Overlaying GME with areas where the ranges of selected species of conservation interest approach current and future climate niche limits helps identify whether GME coincides with anticipated climate change effects on biodiversity. Our analysis suggests that country area, financial resources and conservation policy influence GME, high values of which only partially match species’ joint patterns of limits to suitable climatic conditions. Populations at trailing climatic niche margins probably hold genetic diversity that is important for adaptation to changing climate. Our results illuminate the need in Europe for expanded investment in genetic monitoring across climate gradients occupied by focal species, a need arguably greatest in southeastern European countries. This need could be met in part by expanding the European Union’s Birds and Habitats Directives to fully address the conservation and monitoring of genetic diversity.
Keywords: genetics, monitoring, population genetic diversity, Europe
Published in DiRROS: 22.01.2024; Views: 194; Downloads: 84
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9. Extending BIM for air quality monitoringMichael Nicolas Mrissa, Jan Vcelak, László Hajdu, Balázs Dávid, Miklós Ferenz Krész, Jakub Michal Sandak, Anna Malgorzata Sandak, Rok Kanduti, Monika Varkonji, Anja Jutraž, Katja Malovrh Rebec, 2020, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: As we spend more than 90% of our time inside buildings, indoor environmental quality is a major concern for healthy living. Recent studies show that almost 80% of people in European countries and the United States suffer from SBS (Sick Building Syndrome), which affects physical health, productivity and psychological well-being. In this context, environmental quality monitoring provides stakeholders with crucial information about indoor living conditions, thus facilitating building management along its lifecycle, from design, construction and commissioning to usage, maintenance and end-of-life. However, currently available modelling tools for building management remain limited to static models and lack integration capacities to efficiently exploit environmental quality monitoring data. In order to overcome these limitations, we designed and implemented a generic software architecture that relies on accessible Building Information Model (BIM) attributes to add a dynamic layer that integrates environmental quality data coming from deployed sensors. Merging sensor data with BIM allows creation of a digital twin for the monitored building where live information about environmental quality enables evaluation through numerical simulation. Our solution allows accessing and displaying live sensor data, thus providing advanced functionality to the end-user and other systems in the building. In order to preserve genericity and separation of concerns, our solution stores sensor data in a separate database available through an application programming interface (API), which decouples BIM models from sensor data. Our proof-of-concept experiments were conducted with a cultural heritage building located in Bled, Slovenia. We demonstrated that it is possible to display live information regarding environmental quality (temperature, relative humidity, CO2, particle matter, light) using Revit as an example, thus enabling end-users to follow the conditions of their living environment and take appropriate measures to improve its quality
Keywords: Building Information Model, internet of things, environmental quality monitoring, healthy living
Published in DiRROS: 19.01.2024; Views: 164; Downloads: 75
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10. Hydrogeological characterization of karst springs of the white (Proteus anguinus anguinus) and black olm (Proteus anguinus parkelj) habitat in Bela krajina (SE Slovenia)Katja Koren, Rok Brajkovič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The springs west of Črnomelj, in SE Slovenia, are the habitat of the black (Proteus anguinus parkelj) and the white olm (Proteus anguinus anguinus). Some of these springs are also the only known habitat in the world of endemic species of black olm. A steady decline in olm populations has been observed in this area over the past decades. Owing to the rapid runoff and groundwater flow high-resolution monitoring is essential in providing better insight into the hydrogeological characterization of the catchment area of springs. Specific factors and critical parameters of water behind said olm degradation have not yet been defined. Because the olm’s environment is largely aquatic, one potential critical parameter could be the higher water temperatures (>12 °C) or higher nitrate concentration (>9.2mg/l). The six-month observation of the springs (July – December 2021) point to water temperature as a potential critical parameter since the water temperature of the springs exceeded 12 °C in months July and August. Nitrate concentrations could also be a second critical parameter in the degradation of the olm’s habitat. Maximum nitrate concentrations above 9.2mg/l throughout much of the observation period (except for Dobličica spring). Due to less agricultural activity in December in the spring catchment area and a higher dilution rate due to reduced evapotranspiration and increased effective precipitation during this time of the year, the nitrate concentrations are decreased. The results of the measured parameters of groundwater could show the hydrogeological connection between the Otovski and Pački breg springs and between Šotor, Jamnice and Dobličica. The Obršec spring has an independent catchment area. A detailed estimation of the springs catchment area is possible due to a detailed geologic map. It is necessary to determine the origin of the nitrate (nitrate isotope analysis), to quantify the threshold values of the critical parameters, to define precisely all the causes of the olm deterioration, and to make proposals for appropriate measures to limit or even stop the decline of the olm population.
Keywords: hydrogeology, olm, ecology, nitrate, monitoring
Published in DiRROS: 16.01.2024; Views: 152; Downloads: 55
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