Access regulation and the transition from copper to fiber networks in telecoms

In this paper we study the impact of different forms of access obligations on firms' incentives to migrate from the legacy copper network to ultra-fast broadband infrastructures. We analyze three different kinds of regulatory interventions: geographical regulation of access to copper networks-where access prices are differentiated depending on whether or not an alternative fiber network has been deployed; access obligations on fiber networks and its interplay with wholesale copper prices; and, finally, a mandatory switch-off of the legacy copper network-to foster the transition to the higher quality fiber networks. Trading-off the different static and dynamic goals, the paper provides guidelines and suggestions for policy makers' decision

Loss of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) expression and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters in pancreatic carcinoma

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has an important role in the clinical and research area representing one of the lowest five-year rates as well as a global mortality rate of 4.8% due to its late and poor diagnosis. Therapeutic strategies have also an unsatisfactory response. Even after surgery, the recurrence or appearance of metastasis are frequent, leading to a poor overall survival. The PC has been related with several mutations, including K-RAS; P16; TP53; HER2. Besides, it is also associated with the deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4 (DPC4), also known as the suppressor mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) which is present in nearly 50% of the diagnosed patients with PC. Preceding studies proved that SMAD4 loss expression plays an important role in tumorigenesis and in the promotion of pancreatic carcinoma´s growth. Therefore, it is highly relevant in late stages suggesting that SMAD4 may be a molecular biomarker in prognostic results. The main goal of this review is to highlight the foregoing findings focused on SMAD4 deletion and its influence in clinicopathological parameters in pancreatic carcinoma by referring some of the investigations and clinical trials made in this field. Furthermore, it is also required to contemplate some of the therapeutical strategies and the influence of SMAD4 in future therapiesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

a case study from Portugal

publishersversionpublishe

Comparing Digital Health Strategies and COVID-19 Response in European Union Member States

Abstract Background In 2019, Digital Health was on the agenda of the European Union (EU) and its Member States (MS), and the digital health transformation of both healthcare services and Public Health has been well underway for several years. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis required an unexpectedly quick adaptation of social norms and exerted great pressure on healthcare and public health systems. Although implemented strategies and results have varied, Digital Health tools emerged as a fundamental aspect of the pandemic fight across the EU. Methods The objective of this study was to determine and compare Digital Health Strategies and COVID-19 Response in EU MS 43% had no interoperability with other apps. We analyzed the 27 MS of the EU and determined several parameters relevant before and during the pandemic: 1 - Preexisting national digital health strategy in 2019; 2 - COVID-19 General Information Website; 3 - Real time updated COVID-19 online dashboard; 4 - Mobile application for contact tracing; 4.1 - Mobile app launch date; 4.2 - Interoperability with other mobile apps; 5 - Shift to telemedicine; 6 - Official public health communication through social media; 7 - Dedicated COVID-19 Information System for Public Health Workforce. Information from publicly available sources. Results All EU MS had a preexisting digital health strategy before the pandemic, developed a dedicated COVID-19 General Information Website and a COVID-19 dashboard with real-time updates on relevant statistics. The majority of MS (79%) developed a mobile app for contact tracing (43% had no interoperability with other apps), and of those that had not developed an app as of April 30th 2021, 50% had one under development. Most apps were launched in the first trimester of 2021. Other results were heterogeneous. Conclusions In some aspects, there is a clear convergence between EU MS in the deployment of digital health tools to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Key messages All European Union Member States used digital health tools to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of national level deployment of specific digital health tools must be assessed in order to develop a more integrated digital health response plan at the European level in the future. </jats:sec

eLiteracy on covid among portuguese women: web-based survey study

Abstract Background Digital tools are recognized public health tools for literacy. Their effectiveness is relatively unknown - some studies describe 40% of adults with literacy levels below the necessary for optimal use. eLiteracy has been a buzzword during the pandemic, but we still don't understand who benefits from it. This study aims to understand the ability of women to identify and use COVID-19 online information and its link with knowledge and behavior Methods Web-based survey conducted on female adults. Coronavirus eHealth literacy scales measured skills to apply information (CoV-eHEALHS) and COVID-19−related knowledge, conspiracy beliefs, and adherence to protective behaviors (COVID-19 KAPs). Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to identify association between CoV-eHEALHS and COVID-19 KAP, and between these and age, income, and level of education Results Higher CoV-eHEALS were seen in higher level of education (χ2=17,03; p = 0,002), higher knowledge (β = 0,19; p = 0,000), lower conspiracy (β=-0,27; p = 0,000) and higher adherence to protective measures (β = 0,24; p = 0,000). Higher knowledge was seen in greater ages (β = 0,11; p = 0,000), higher education (χ2=36,40; p = 0,000) and greater income (χ2=19,96; p = 0,001). Lower conspiracy was seen in higher education (χ2=31,50; p = 0,000) and higher income (χ2=9,71; p = 0,046). Higher adherence to protective measures had no correlation with socioeconomical factors. Conclusions There was association between higher eHealth literacy and COVID-19 KAP, reinforcing public health stakeholders to invest on disseminating digital information. There were worse results in younger women of lower education and income, suggesting information should be adapted to this population Key messages Digitally disseminated information is important because of the association between higher eHealth literacy and knowledge and protective behavior. It should be adapted for younger women with lower levels of education and income to maximize results. </jats:sec

Delineating markets for bundles with consumer level data: The case of triple-play

The question of whether bundles of telecommunication services are relevant product markets is addressed. As a first step, demand for bundles of services, as well as the associated services, is modeled as a discrete choice problem with a potentially large number of products. A unique invoice based consumer level data set from Portuguese telecommunications firms is collected. This choice based data set is combined with survey data to characterize the market shares of all potential combinations of services available. Several discrete choice models are estimated. A Cross-Nested logit model is the most parsimonious description of the substitution patterns between the large number of products available. The demand model used, coupled with the definition of choice alternatives proposed, generates flexible substitution patterns, which produce reasonable price elasticities of demand. The demand for triple-play products is elastic, with own-price elasticities for the larger firms ranging between 3.2 and 1.3, and a market own-price elasticity of 1.4. Some of the products analyzed are found to be complementary. Our results indicate that triple-play bundles are a relevant product market