Showing papers on "White paper published in 2020"

A Brave New World

Abstract: Whereas up to 1950s the two major activities of academic Pathology—diagnostic and experimental—were both practiced by a single individual, thereafter, scientific, academic and economic factors created the conditions that favored monothematic practitioners. In this white paper, I argue that now, at the beginning of the 21st century, this separation is detrimental to the discipline, and I propose changes that would reunite the two strands.

An EAPC white paper on multi-disciplinary education for spiritual care in palliative care

Abstract: The EAPC White Paper addresses the issue of spiritual care education for all palliative care professionals. It is to guide health care professionals involved in teaching or training of palliative care and spiritual care; stakeholders, leaders and decision makers responsible for training and education; as well as national and local curricula development groups. Early in 2018, preliminary draft paper was written by members of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) spiritual care reference group inviting comment on the four core elements of spiritual care education as outlined by Gamondi et al. (2013) in their paper on palliative care core competencies. The preliminary draft paper was circulated to experts from the EAPC spiritual care reference group for feedback. At the second stage feedback was incorporated into a second draft paper and experts and representatives of national palliative care organizations were invited to provide feedback and suggest revisions. The final version incorporated the subsequent criticism and as a result, the Gamondi framework was explored and critically revised leading to updated suggestions for spiritual care education in palliative care. The EAPC white paper points out the importance of spiritual care as an integral part of palliative care and suggests incorporating it accordingly into educational activities and training models in palliative care. The revised spiritual care education competencies for all palliative care providers are accompanied by the best practice models and research evidence, at the same time being sensitive towards different development stages of the palliative care services across the European region. Better education can help the healthcare practitioner to avoid being distracted by their own fears, prejudices, and restraints and attend to the patient and his/her family. This EAPC white paper encourages and facilitates high quality, multi-disciplinary, academically and financially accessible spiritual care education to all palliative care staff.

The European Legal Framework for Medical AI

Abstract: In late February 2020, the European Commission published a White Paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and an accompanying report on the safety and liability implications of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. In its White Paper, the Commission highlighted the “European Approach” to AI, stressing that “it is vital that European AI is grounded in our values and fundamental rights such as human dignity and privacy protection”. It also announced its intention to propose EU legislation for “high risk” AI applications in the nearer future which will include the majority of medical AI applications.

An Unnecessary KIS? The UK’s Key Information Set, was it really needed and what was its real purpose?

Abstract: This paper provides a critical analysis of the United Kingdom’s higher education Key Information Set (KIS), which was implemented following the 2011 UK White Paper ‘Students at the Heart of the System’. It argues that one of the central tenets of the KIS – providing information that students within a free market can make an informed choice and, through this process of consumer choice improve the quality of teaching, is untenable because a central component of the KIS, the National Student Survey (NSS), is unreliable when used for comparing university courses. Further, it argues that the KIS reified a neoliberal perspective about the worth and value of higher education qualification, positioning it as a commodity of value only to the paying individual rather than being something of value to society as a whole. It will be of particular interest to academics and policy makers from outside of the United Kingdom, where governmental and regulatory agencies may be implementing similar policies.

6G White Paper on Edge Intelligence

Abstract: In this white paper we provide a vision for 6G Edge Intelligence. Moving towards 5G and beyond the future 6G networks, intelligent solutions utilizing data-driven machine learning and artificial intelligence become crucial for several real-world applications including but not limited to, more efficient manufacturing, novel personal smart device environments and experiences, urban computing and autonomous traffic settings. We present edge computing along with other 6G enablers as a key component to establish the future 2030 intelligent Internet technologies as shown in this series of 6G White Papers. In this white paper, we focus in the domains of edge computing infrastructure and platforms, data and edge network management, software development for edge, and real-time and distributed training of ML/AI algorithms, along with security, privacy, pricing, and end-user aspects. We discuss the key enablers and challenges and identify the key research questions for the development of the Intelligent Edge services. As a main outcome of this white paper, we envision a transition from Internet of Things to Intelligent Internet of Intelligent Things and provide a roadmap for development of 6G Intelligent Edge.

A 6G White Paper on Connectivity for Remote Areas

Abstract: In many places all over the world rural and remote areas lack proper connectivity that has led to increasing digital divide. These areas might have low population density, low incomes, etc., making them less attractive places to invest and operate connectivity networks. 6G could be the first mobile radio generation truly aiming to close the digital divide. However, in order to do so, special requirements and challenges have to be considered since the beginning of the design process. The aim of this white paper is to discuss requirements and challenges and point out related, identified research topics that have to be solved in 6G. This white paper first provides a generic discussion, shows some facts and discusses targets set in international bodies related to rural and remote connectivity and digital divide. Then the paper digs into technical details, i.e., into a solutions space. Each technical section ends with a discussion and then highlights identified 6G challenges and research ideas as a list.

Make science evolve into a One Health approach to improve health and security: a white paper.

Abstract: The World One Health Congresses are biennial gatherings of approximately 1500 professionals from relevant international organisations, OIE, FAO, WHO, World Bank, leading scientific experts and researchers in the field of One Health, animal production and trade, food safety, animal health, human health and environmentology/ecology, government representatives in public health, human health, food safety, environmental health and global health security. The Congress is organized by the One Health Platform. This white paper summarizes highlights of the 5th International One Health Congress in Saskatoon, Canada, June 2018 and serves as a roadmap for the future, detailing several concrete action points to be carried out in the run-up to the 6th World One Health Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2020.

5G Evolution and 6G

Abstract: 5G is now commercial phase globally. Taking into account issues of initial 5G and market needs, R&D for5G enhancements is undergoing in NTT DOCOMO. Studies on beyond 5G/6G are initiated in the world and conference on this topic is taking place by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan. NTT DOCOMO is studying 5G evolution and 6G aggressively and published the white paper on these topics in January, 2020. In this presentation, contents of the white paper and our latest study results will be explained. Our requirements for advanced semiconductor 1C technologies in terms of 5G evolution and 6G will be explained, also.

Recovery planning and resilience of SMEs during the COVID-19: experience from Saudi Arabia

Abstract: The aim of this study is to tell a story about how the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), using Saudi Arabia as an example. In particular, this study explores how SMEs in Saudi Arabia address needed changes in their survival strategy in the market during the COVID-19 pandemic.,This reflective essay is based on the “White Paper 3” of the Global SME Policy Network (GSPN). The GSPN is a global think tank based in Saudi Arabia. As one of the founding leaders of the GSPN and one of the authors of White Paper 03, the author writes this reflective essay based on the interviews of the Chief Executive Officers of 111 SMEs in Saudi Arabia. The interviewees were from six administrative areas including Al-Baaha, Eastern Region, Madinah, Makkah, Qassim and Riyadh. Importantly, 84.7%interviewees were from Riyadh.,The government has provided significant efforts and stimulus package to keep stable employment and small and medium businesses. A majority of the companies were satisfied with the stimulus packages announced by the government. The author believes that organizations need to monitor and evaluate all the developments associated with the spread of the emerging virus and to develop and implement contingency plans to meet any undesirable circumstances arising from COVID-19 pandemic.,The author believes that the role of SMEs in economic transformation and Vision 2030 is imperative. The author observes that Saudi Arabia is working to increase the contribution of SMEs to gross domestic product from 20% to 35%. Other countries should continuously evaluate the SME impact because of the COVID-19 and continue the support based on the evaluation report such as Saudi Arabia.

Multifunctionality of Forests: A White Paper on Challenges and Opportunities in China and Germany

Abstract: Both in Germany and in China, there is strong expertise regarding the different aspects of forest management, as well as forest products management. Nevertheless, forestry in both countries is facing challenges, some of which are regional, but many of which are shared. Therefore, experts from both countries (Technical University of Munich Germany; Northwest AF Forestry Academy of Shaanxi, China; Thunen Institut, Germany; FEDRC GIZ Forest Policy Facility (Forestry Economics Development and Research Center of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH), Germany; and Center for Natural Forest Protection in Shaanxi, China) met to share their knowledge and deduce recommendations for future multifunctional forest management for the temperate zone. The workshop, held at the Northwest A&F University in September 2018, included presentations and intensive discussions, as well as a field tour. The results of the workshop that are summarized in this white paper are meant to provide an overview of the multi-faceted nature of the topic for interested scientists and forest practitioners, describe tools that can be used to analyze various aspects of multifunctionality and, in an exemplary fashion, highlight gathered experience from long- and short-term experiments. Included are social demands, economic goals, and scientific baselines. The topics reach from economic evaluations of forest ecosystem services over forest management practices, including afforestation, restoration, and preparations to face climate change, to wood/forest products utilization and participation of local people for poverty reduction. Overall, an optimistic picture emerges, showing that by using adapted forest management practices, which try to embrace the concept of multifunctionality, various use schemes and demands can be integrated at single sites, allowing us to achieve both environmental protection and productive forests, including societal demands, as well as aspects of tradition and national identity.

Recommendations on the European Commission’s WHITE PAPER on Artificial Intelligence - A European approach to excellence and trust, COM(2020) 65 final (the 'AI White Paper')

Abstract: The present paper was prepared and submitted as part of the European Commission's public consultation to give stakeholders the opportunity to express their views on the questions raised and policy options proposed in the White Paper on Artificial Intelligence.

White paper on 6G drivers and the UN SDGs

Abstract: The commercial launch of 6G communications systems and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UN SDGs, are both targeted for 2030. 6G communications is expected to boost global growth and productivity, create new business models and transform many aspects of society. The UN SDGs are a way of framing opportunities and challenges of a desirable future world and cover topics as broad as ending poverty, gender equality, climate change and smart cities. The relationship between these potentially mutually reinforcing forces is currently under-defined. Building on the vision for 6G, a review of megatrends, on-going activities on the relation of mobile communications to the UN SDGs and existing indicators, a novel linkage between 6G and the UN SDGs is proposed via indicators. The white paper has also launched the work of deriving new 6G related indicators to guide the research of 6G systems. The novel linkage is built on the envisaged three-fold role of 6G as a provider of services to help steer and support communities and countries towards reaching the UN SDGs, as an enabler of measuring tool for data collection to help reporting of indicators with hyperlocal granularity, and as a reinforcer of new ecosystems based on 6G technology enablers and 6G network of networks to be developed in line with the UN SDGs that incorporates future mobile communication technologies available in 2030. Related challenges are also identified. An action plan is presented along with prioritized focus areas within the mobile communication sector technology and industry evolution to best support the achievement of the UN SDGs.

Covid-19: UK government response was overcentralised and poorly communicated, say peers.

Abstract: The UK government’s response to the covid-19 pandemic was “hampered by overcentralised, poorly coordinated, and poorly communicated” policies and the sidelining of local providers, a House of Lords committee has concluded.1 The pandemic, which saw thousands of older and disabled people die in residential care homes, “accentuated systemic frailties” in the care sector, said the Lords public services committee. The peers called on the government to commit at the earliest opportunity to an interim sustainable funding settlement for adult social care, and to publish its long awaited white paper on the sector “as a matter of urgency.” In the first comprehensive analysis of how public services responded to the pandemic, the …

‘As if by osmosis’: How Ofsted’s new deficit model emerged, fully formed, as cultural capital:

Abstract: This paper considers recent developments in English education policy as, confirming promises made in the 2016 White Paper, Educational Excellence Everywhere, schools are now to concentrate on the r...

Facing an Aging Society: Taiwan’s Universities in crisis

Abstract: As a result of the phenomenon of a rapidly aging population and low birth rates, Taiwanese universities face a shortage of traditionally aged students and as a result must respond to older learners' needs. In response to this demand, the Ministry of Education issued the Lifelong Learning Act in 2002 and White Paper for implementing education for older persons in an aging society in 2006. Universities now face unprecedented challenges as they play a leading role in facilitating these programs. The purpose of this article is to explore the challenges Taiwanese universities face in educating an aging society and to provide some suggestions. First, this article notes current challenges. Second, the development of the status quo of senior education is presented. Third, the changing landscape of universities is discussed. Finally, some suggestions are presented for both university administration and program developers. In conclusion, universities should grasp this opportunity to modify strategies for involving older adults.

A Critical Analysis of Disability Policy and Practice in Flanders: Toward Differentiated Manifestations of Interdependency

Abstract: Notions of citizenship and disability rights denote abstract, ambiguous, and contested principles, and realizing these ideas entails complexity in practice. This is particularly the case since the welfare state is no longer conceived as the principal provider of welfare services and resources in many European welfare states. In that vein, we critically analyze the underlying principles, rationales, values, and potential implications of the White Paper "Perspective 2020: a new support policy for disabled people" in Flanders (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium). We tease out which understanding of the disabled human subject is promoted by this so-called innovative social policy and excavate how policy makers and a diversity of actors involved in the policy implementation process consider the provision of care and support. Our main argument entails that the welfare state should acknowledge and vindicate differentiated manifestations of interdependency rather than reinforcing a dichotomy that is based on notions of in/dependent human subjects.

Energy White Paper - Powering our Net Zero Future

Abstract: The Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan has set out the measures that will help ensure the UK is at the forefront of this revolution, just as we led the first over two centuries ago. As nations move out of the shadow of coronavirus and confront the challenge of climate change with renewed vigour, markets for new green products and services will spring up round the world. Taking action now will help ensure not just that we end our contribution to climate change by achieving our target of net zero emissions. It will help position UK companies and our world class research base to seize the business opportunities which flow from it, creating jobs and wealth for our country.Following on from the Ten Point Plan and the National Infrastructure Strategy, the Energy White Paper provides further clarity on the Prime Minister’s measures and puts in place a strategy for the wider energy system that:Transforms energy, building a cleaner, greener future for our country, our people and our planet Supports a green recovery, growing our economy, supporting thousands of green jobs across the country in new green industries and leveraging new green export opportunitiesCreates a fair deal for consumers, protecting the fuel poor, providing opportunities to save money on bills, giving us warmer, more comfortable homes and balancing investment against bill impacts.

White paper on business of 6G

Abstract: Developing products, services and vertical applications for the future digitized society in the 6G era requires a multidisciplinary approach and a re-definition of how we create, deliver and consume network resources, data and services for both communications and sensing purposes. This development will change and disrupt the traditional business models and ecosystem roles of digital service providers, as well as open the market for key stakeholders in the 6G era like digital service operators, cloud operators and resource brokers. White paper discusses unprecedented opportunities of enabling and empowering multiple stakeholders to have a more active participation in the future 6G ecosystem via novel sustainable open ecosystemic business models with flexible integration of long tail services with tailored performance attributes. This research adopts a qualitative scenario planning method and portrays three scenario themes resulting in a total of 12 scenarios for the futures of the 6G business. By focusing on key trends, their interactions, and irreducible uncertainties, scenario building generates perspectives for the futures within which alternative 6G business strategies were developed and assessed for a traditional incumbent mobile network operator and a novel 6G digital service provider stemming from redefined sustainable economics. Value-capture in the 6G era requires understanding the dynamics of platforms and ecosystems. Results indicate that, to reach some of the preferred futures, we should pay attention to the privacy and security issues related to business and regulation needs; public/governmental, corporate, community and user(s) perspectives to and aims of governance; ecosystem configuration related to users, decentralized business models and platforms; user empowerment; and the role of location-specificity of services.

Social Cohesion as an External Factor Affecting Families: An Analysis of the White Paper on Families in South Africa.

Abstract: Social cohesion is beneficial to economic restructuring, social change, and political action. At its core, it involves building shared values and communities of interpretation, reducing disparities in wealth and income, and generally enabling people to have a sense of belonging, inclusion, participation, recognition, and legitimacy. A family, as a major social institution, is central to the functioning of any society and is therefore potentially the bedrock of creating and maintaining social cohesion. This article draws inextricable links between the role of the family and the creation of social cohesion by evaluating South Africa’s White Paper on Families. First, it defines and unpacks social cohesion and contextualises the family environment. This is done through an evaluation of the available literature on social cohesion in the family. Second, an evaluation of legislation and the White Paper on family is presented. Third, the aid of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory is used to examine the various environments concerning social cohesion in the family. The White Paper on family recognises the family in aspects other than the concept of the family cycle, a key component of the developing individual who should be nurtured from infancy to adulthood. In addition, gaps in the policy are highlighted by looking at implementation challenges of the constitutional provisions and examining the way in which these gaps lead to social and economic exclusion and attendant poverty as the cardinal result.

Interoperability and Considerations for Standards-Based Exchange of Medical Images: HIMSS-SIIM Collaborative White Paper

Abstract: This white paper explores the considerations of standards-based interoperability of medical images between organizations, patients, and providers. In this paper, we will look at three different standards-based image exchange implementations that have been deployed to facilitate exchange of images between provider organizations. The paper will describe how each implementation uses applicable technology and standards; the image types that are included; and the governance policies that define participation, access, and trust. Limitations of the solution or non-standard approaches to solve challenges will also be identified. Much can be learned from successes elsewhere, and those learnings will point to recommendations of best practices to facilitate the adoption of image exchange.

Using International Collaborations To Shape Research And Innovation Into Care Homes In Brazil: A White Paper

Abstract: The Brazilian care home sector is underdeveloped, and the limited available evidence suggests that care quality falls below international standards. Development of the Brazilian care home sector could be associated with better outcomes for those receiving care, and more efficient use of resources across health and social care. Research has an important role to play. This article summarises research priorities for Brazilian long-term care homes developed as part of an international workshop held in Brazil and the UK, and attended by 71 clinicians and researchers from 6 Brazilian Universities, supported by an international faculty of 8 Brazilian, 8 British, 2 Dutch and 1 Austrian academics. The research priorities identified were: understanding and supporting multidisciplinary working in care homes, with emphasis on describing availability of multidisciplinary teams and how they operate; dignity and sensitivity to cultural needs, with emphasis on collating accounts from Brazilian stakeholders about dignity in care and how it can be delivered; enriching the care home environment with art, music and gardens, with a focus on developing arts in the care home space in a way that is sensitive to Brazilian cultural identity; and benchmarking quality of care, with emphasis on exploring how international quality benchmarking tools can be adapted for use in Brazilian care homes, taking account of new initiatives to include person-centred outcomes as part of benchmarking. Instrumental to research in these priority areas will be establishing care home research capacity in Brazil.

Regulating Big Tech in Europe: Why, so What, and How Understanding Their Business Models and Ecosystems Can Make a Difference

Abstract: Europe is currently undertaking a frenzy of regulatory action against Big Tech. But the question arises: what will be the actual impact on Big Tech, and how will it actually improve the tech ecosystem in Europe? On the one hand, it is clear that the rise of very large digital platforms and their ecosystems raises new regulatory challenges, as existing tools are unfit to grapple with true power in the digital economy. On the other hand, it also is clear that geopolitics is driving much of the debate, with the EU reacting with profound scepticism to firms based in the USA, which also engage in unfair practices. How do these two driving forces combine to drive regulatory action? What are the key issues raised, and where do we see the power of Big Tech (and in particular, GAF – Google, Apple and Facebook) manifest in Europe? What are the current regulations likely to achieve, and how much might GAF be affected? While other BigTech firms like Amazon surely deserve a closer look, we focused on firms with a disproportionate impact on media- and focus on information. This white paper draws on an extensive project that engaged senior leaders in policy, politics, tech, industry, regulation, consultancies and academia, and also involved deep dives into how the current regulatory fervour might affect GAF, focusing on their business models and their ecosystems of complementors. We report on our expectation for the impact of regulations on GAF: limited, yet not trivial. We argue that the current regulatory discussion is missing two vital elements: an understanding of Big Tech business models, and an appreciation of how regulation will affect the broader ecosystem, both of which we review. We then consider what principles should underpin regulation, stressing the role of business models, monetization and the use of data. We argue that Europe’s best interests lie in a level playing field on the regulatory side, which allows fair competition between participants from Europe, as well as the US and China, coupled with a solid set of principles on business models. Finally, we suggest that neither competition policy nor geopolitically motivated restrictions will suffice to address the real malaise underlying European tech: proactive strategies from industrial leaders alongside a thriving and open ecosystem of tech participants will be equally important in building the foundations for future success.

The Australian Foreign Policy White Paper, gender and conflict prevention: ties that don’t bind

Abstract: After a 14-year gap, Australia’s 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper advanced a ‘comprehensive framework to advance Australia’s security and prosperity in a contested and competitive world’ (Australian...

La diplomacia china hacia América Latina: bases cooperativas para la iniciativa de la Franja y la Ruta

Abstract: In 2008, China disseminated the White Paper to Latin American countries, laying the political foundations of omnidirectional cooperation with its two dimensions - multiple areas of cooperation and differentiated application by country according to its particularities. On the other hand, in 2013 China begins to spread the Belt and Road Initiative. In this context, our research question is: what cooperative baseline can be identified for the integration of Latin American region in the Belt and Road Initiative? The study used the categories of the White Paper to analyze communications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China to the Latin American countries between 2008 and 2016. The method integrated three approaches: agenda studies, content analysis and semantic-lexical analysis. As the main research result, the study on China’s diplomatic agenda towards Latin American countries identified multiple areas of cooperation, but with uniform application to Latin American countries. This allows us to think about new exchange opportunities for Latin American region and, at the same time, about differentiation challenges for cooperative exchange within the framework of Belt and Road project.

Are Cost-Effectiveness Thresholds fit for Purpose for Real-World Decision Making?

Abstract: Cost-Effectiveness Thresholds (CETs) are used in a selected number of countries as tool in decision-making on funding and reimbursements for new healthcare technologies. In this white paper, OHE presents an analysis of the relative merits and shortfalls of current approaches to defining, estimating and applying CETs in Health Technology Assessments. The paper also puts forward a number of policy recommendations to help guide decision makers in ensuring CETs are used to achieve improved health outcomes in the future.