Assessment Of Priorities Research Articles

Assessment of risk priorities by Cause of Construction Safety Accidents: A Case Study of Falling Accidents in South Korea

Assessment of risk priorities by Cause of Construction Safety Accidents: A Case Study of Falling Accidents in South Korea

Approaches to assessing the socio-economic effects of the implementation of strategic priorities in regional economic systems: The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug case

Subject. The article deals with a review and formation of approaches to the assessment of strategic priorities of resource-oriented regions. Objectives. The study aims at preparation of systems approaches to the assessment of strategic priorities of resource-oriented regions and regional economic systems in general, for further implementation in the adapted model of interperiod choice. Methods. The study rests on the theory of strategy and methodology of strategizing by V.L. Kvint, a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and employs econometric, statistical, and cognitive methods. Results. I presented an overview of existing approaches to assessing strategic priorities, formulated proposals for formalizing and systematizing the priority assessment system based on specific and inclusive approaches. The paper shows how the results of this analysis can be implemented in the model of interperiod choice. Conclusions. The findings can be used by public authorities when devising strategies for socio-economic development, while theoretical insights can be adapted for use not only in regional economic systems, but also in the analysis of strategic development of other systems.

"Ups and Downs, Joys and Sorrows" - Assessment and Clinical Relevance of Patient Priorities in an Interdisciplinary Parkinson's Disease Clinic.

Barriers to communication and inaccurate provider assumptions about patient priorities limit the delivery of comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered care (PCC) to people with Parkinson's (PWP). This study aimed to analyze priorities of PWP using a qualitative, unstructured single-question survey and to test associations with validated quality of life (QOL) measures. During appointments at a subspecialty, interdisciplinary clinic, PWP (n=139) provided written responses to the prompt: "What is important for your care team to know about you?" Patient Health Questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Hoehn and Yahr scales were obtained through retrospective chart review. Key qualitative themes were identified through grounded theory analysis, and associations with quantitative health measures were tested with correlation analyses. Common themes included participant health (eg, PD-related goals and comorbidities), non-illness identities (eg, family or community role), and the psychosocial impact of PD (eg, losing independence and uncertainty). Positive sentiments (n=73), such as motivation and optimism, were more common than negative sentiments (n=45), such as loss and fear. There was moderate concordance between worsened mental health and uncertainty (rho=0.206, p=0.02) and inverse concordance between worsened mobility and gratitude (rho=-0.174, p=0.04). The range of priorities that PWP want to share with their care team is more diverse than that of common provider assumptions, is correlated with clinical outcomes such as mental health and mobility, and may not be captured by existing QOL assessment tools. An open-ended, qualitative prompt should be incorporated into routine specialist care for PWP as a valuable QOL indicator.

Aligning stakeholder goals: Implications for inclusive urban sustainability

The implementation of local sustainability policies is often hampered by differences between multi-level policy goals and the development priorities of local stakeholders. This study evaluates how an assessment of the differences between public, national, and international sustainable development priorities, such as the SDGs, might inform inclusive sustainability policies at the local level. Specifically, this paper aims to demonstrate the use of multi-stakeholder goal-alignment assessment through content analysis and public opinion surveys administered in three cities across Henan Province, China. The findings 1) draw from the systematic assessment of stakeholder priorities to identify three typologies of goal-alignment or misalignment that have implications for the design of initiatives that offer co-benefits and for the mediation of trade-offs in meeting sustainability goals, and 2) demonstrate an integrative approach to developing urban sustainability policies and programs using both top-down prescriptive sustainability goals and human-centered experiential priorities.

Innovative Approaches to Assessing the Competitiveness of Business Structures Using the Method of Analysis of Hierarchies in Multi-Criteria Ranking

The primary objective of this paper is the practical testing of a multi-criteria rating methodology for assessing the competitiveness of business structures. This aims to evaluate critical functional areas of their operations and justify specific managerial decisions to ensure sustainable competitiveness. Maintaining the competitiveness of business structures becomes a primary task in the context of high uncertainty and competition, as well as the presence of crises and politico-economic problems. To achieve the set objective, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), developed by T. Saaty, was utilized. This practical method allows for multi-criteria comparisons using expert evaluations and calculations of eigenvectors and values, providing systematization and quantitative assessment of criteria and alternatives' priorities. AHP includes procedures for synthesizing multiple judgments and obtaining priorities, allowing for consideration of the 'human factor' in decision-making preparation. The study results demonstrate that the multi-criteria approach to rating the competitiveness of business structures effectively accounts for all areas of their activities and forms an adequate comprehensive measure of competitiveness. Within the study's framework, three business structures with different performance trends were analyzed. The comparative importance of criteria and sub-criteria for competitiveness assessment was determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, considering the specifics of the business structures and their business activities. The proposed methodology for multi-criteria rating of business structures' competitiveness allows for a comprehensive assessment of their activities and justification of specific managerial decisions to ensure sustainable competitiveness. The use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process helps to consider the influence of various factors and conditions, contributing to a more objective assessment and strategic decision-making. The application of the proposed methodology is universal and can be effectively used in various sectors of business structures' activities, showcasing its adaptability.

Mapping roof coverings of asbestos-cement, the first step to control the technical condition/threat and establish priorities for replacement in developing countries

This paper presents a systematic and data-driven approach to prioritize interventions in urban areas with asbestos cement (AC) roofs, addressing the urgent need to mitigate asbestos-related risks. The objective is to propose a comprehensive methodology that considers multiple criteria at the neighborhood level, allowing for a nuanced assessment of intervention priorities.The methodology involves the normalization of various parameters, including population density, facility density, and the area covered by asbestos-cement roofs. In addition, an innovative aspect is introduced by incorporating weathering status identification data, represented as an index, validated in previous research, further enriching the evaluation process. The integration of these diverse factors allows for a holistic understanding of the risk landscape associated with AC roofs in urban settings.The cornerstone of the proposed approach is the development of a Priority Intervention Index (PII) at the neighborhood level. This index serves to standardize the assessment of intervention priorities, enabling a fair and transparent comparison across different regions. To enhance practical application, the PII is discretized into three categories, low, mid and high intervention priority. The results obtained are robust, replicable in other scenarios, and practical for decision-makers. The new methodology provides a structured and quantifiable approach to identify and prioritize areas for asbestos-related interventions based on well-defined criteria at the neighborhood level. The resulting prioritization strategy offers urban planners and local officials a clear and evidence-based tool to allocate resources efficiently and effectively manage the inherent risks associated with AC roofs in urban environments. The paper will describe how the prioritization can be applied “at the neighborhood level” by urban planners and local officials.

A GIS-Based Approach for Assessing Urban Development Potential in Federal Capital Territory Nigeria

Urban development potential assessment is essential for guiding the spatial expansion of cities, optimizing land use, and ensuring sustainable urban growth. In the context of rapidly urbanizing regions, such as Nigeria, understanding development potential helps mitigate the challenges of urban sprawl, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation, hence, this study is aimed at a GIS based approach for assessing urban development potential in federal capital territory Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to: identify and categorize the key factors influencing urban development in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria; assess the reliability of the identified factors using consistency index and sensitivity analysis; determine the potential areas for urban development in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria using analytical hierarchical process; and produce an urban development potential map defining the extent of urban development potential across the urban landscape of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The study employed the assessment of relative priorities in modelling and mapping urban development potential in Federal Capital Territory Nigeria. This assessment was based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including slope, elevation, proximity to road network, population density and proximity to developed areas. The Analytical Hierarchical Process was utilized to compare and establish the relative importance of these criteria by means of matrix comparisons. Subsequently, these criteria were assigned relative weights. Weighted Overlay technique was applied to generate the final development potential map. The study revealed that Abuja Municipal Area had the highest potential development area, covering an area 851.40 km2, with Bwari and Kuje Area Councils as having the second and third highest development potential with an area coverage of 312.40 km2 and 279.69 km2 respectively. Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils were ranked fourth and fifth with a developable area coverage of 180.20 km2 and 127.60 km2 respectively, while Abaji Area Council was ranked the least with developable area coverage of 40.27 km2. The study successfully integrated an approach to investigate development potential within the Federal Capital Territory. This evaluation approach, is hereby recommended to be used as tool for planning and decision making in urban development in the study area.

Assessment of Strategic ESG Priorities by the Republic of Korea’s International Trade SMEs Using AHP Method

Assessment of Strategic ESG Priorities by the Republic of Korea’s International Trade SMEs Using AHP Method

An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructures

Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world’s infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO STIMULATING INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY

The article clarifies the principles of innovation management, taking into account participatory management as a new approach to project management. Based on an assessment of the current state and trends in the country's socio-economic development in the conditions of an innovative economy, a conceptual model for the formation and assessment of socio-economic development priorities has been developed. The conceptual provisions of the new paradigm of socio-economic development are revealed and justified. A set of theoretical provisions and practical tools for assessing the impact of innovative projects has been developed. The criticality of stakeholders in the management of innovation activities has been determined and assessed. A methodology and methods have been developed for integrating the management of innovation activities into the management system. A method is proposed for taking into account the influence of mutual risks and assessing changes in the cost part of the project taking into account risks based on determining the factors of interaction of innovative projects.

Cytochrome b gene as a potential DNA barcoding marker in ecoraces of tropical Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury

BackgroundTropical Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury plays a very crucial role in the economic development of the country employing around 9.76 million people in rural and semi-urban areas. Since the population of this species has spread over many states with varying environmental factors, the population has been isolated into many pockets, specifically adapted to that niche, and are called as “ecoraces”. Even though phenotypically these ecoraces may look similar to some level but the intra-generic genotypic variability between them is correlated to the economically important yield traits of their cocoons. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene of mitochondrial genome as a potential DNA barcoding marker for identification of these ecoraces as to are they really ecoraces, and attempts to establish the first country report of DNA barcode reference library of this silkworm species. Methods and resultsDNA was extracted from pupae of pure ecoraces collected from core ecozones. PCR amplicon was bead purified and further subjected to Sanger Sequencing. The parsimony tree was also created using the MEGA 11 software. The genetic distance, gene flow and relation among the ecoraces was evaluated. The conserved regions of Cyt b gene were identified along with the documentation of the mode and tempo of nucleotide variation and evolution. ConclusionThe present study confirms the efficiency of Cyt b gene as a potential DNA marker for identification of ecoraces of Tasar silkworm and is the first country report on barcoding of A. mylitta Drury. Apart from being used as an early-warning system for ecological degradation, this knowledge will help in assessing the evolutionary relationship of these economically important ecoraces and identify their position in the process of evolution aiding in the assessment of conservation priorities.

Global Assessment of Palliative Care Need: Serious Health-Related Suffering Measurement Methodology

ContextInequities and gaps in palliative care access are a serious impediment to health systems especially in low- and middle-income countries and the accurate measurement of need across health conditions is a critical step to understanding and addressing the issue. Serious Health-related Suffering (SHS) is a novel methodology to measure the palliative care need and was originally developed by The Lancet Commission on Global Access to Palliative Care and Pain Relief. In 2015, the first iteration – SHS 1.0 – was estimated at over 61 million people worldwide experiencing at least 6 billion days of SHS annually as a result of life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. ObjectivesIn this paper, an updated methodology - SHS 2.0 - is presented building on the work of the Lancet Commission and detailing calculations, data requirements, limitations, and assumptions. Methods and ResultsThe updates to the original methodology focus on measuring the number of people who die with (decedents) or live with (non-decedents) SHS in a given year to assess the number of people in need of palliative care across health conditions and populations. Detail on the methodology for measuring the number of days of SHS that was pioneered by the Lancet Commission, is also shared, as this second measure is essential for determining the health system responses that are necessary to address palliative care need and must be a priority for future methodological work on SHS. ConclusionsThe methodology encompasses opportunities for applying SHS to future policy making assessment of future research priorities particularly in light of the dearth of data from low- and middle-income countries, and sharing of directions for future work to develop SHS 3.0.

Population Genetic Assessment Model Reveals Conservation Priorities for Gymnocypris Species Resources on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) has nurtured a rich diversity of species because of its unique geographical and environmental conditions. Gymnocypris species (subfamily Schizopygopsinae) are primitive fishes that live in the special environment of the plateau, and their evolution and distribution are inseparable from the historical changes of the QTP. Recently, the resources of Gymnocypris species have been decreasing due to habit deterioration and the intensification of human activities. Therefore, the scientific conservation of the genetic resources of Gymnocypris species is urgently required. In this study, we established two models for the priority conservation assessment of germplasm resources of Gymnocypris species on the basis of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of 674 individuals from eight Gymnocypris species populations. The results show that the Gymnocypris potanini (GPO), Gymnocypris eckloni (GE), and Gymnocypris przewalskii (GPR) populations are the most genetically diverse in terms of combined genetic diversity values and should be prioritized for conservation. In terms of genetic contribution, the GPO, GE, and GPR populations have a positive impact on maintaining the distinctiveness and diversity of the entire Gymnocypris species population and should be prioritized for conservation. However, in terms of different evolutionary clades, the Gymnocypris namensis, Gymnocypris waddellii, Gymnocypris dobula, and GE populations in clade A should be given priority for protection, the GE population in clade B should be given priority, and the GPR population in clade C should be given priority. In conclusion, the two models and assessment of conservation priorities will provide a scientific basis for the conservation of Gymnocypris species.

Устойчивое развитие как инструмент обеспечения благополучия жизни человека (публично-правовые аспекты)

The article notes that formal articulation of sustainable development takes place in the full semantic meaning identical to that of international acts or, for lack of a better word, segmentary (primarily in terms of economic and environmental aspects). The author points out that differentiated forms of regulation of sustainable development show diversity, dynamism and ability to adapt to various legal systems. However, it is emphasized that there still remain unavoidable risks of devaluation of sustainable development. The favorable breeding ground for the origination of such risks appears due to differentiated approaches towards the value scale for the assessment of priorities of the correlation of economic growth goals, tasks and ratios, environmental policy angle, social development paths.

Spatial assessment of biodiversity and conservation priorities in Hamedan Province, Iran, using a landscape ecology approach

Spatial assessment of biodiversity and conservation priorities in Hamedan Province, Iran, using a landscape ecology approach

Urban Revitalization in Small Cities across the Atlantic Ocean

City centers and riverfronts across the Atlantic Ocean have undergone substantial transformation over the last two decades. This paper analyzes walk-only precincts and waterfront revitalization in two pairwise cases (PCs) of small city exemplars on two continents in locations at about the same latitude but separated by the Atlantic Ocean. The argument is twofold. First, to be fully effective, city center revitalization interventions need to be coordinated with appropriate institutional programs to create collaborative management opportunities among multiple civic and business agents. Second, multiple cultural offerings, environmental amenities, and pro-active leadership positionalities have contributed positively to the evolution of waterfront community economic redevelopment opportunities in riverfront locations. The methods involved multiple site visits to cities of various sizes on the Iberian Peninsula and the Northeast of the United States at different times during the last twenty years, extensive literature reviews and syntheses, data analyses, assessment of policy priorities, and interviews with employees in various economic sectors, business owners, residents, elected officials, planning professionals, and community leaders. Two of the main conclusions are that, to be fully effective, the public space interventions on the Iberian Peninsula had to be coordinated with appropriate regulatory and institutional programs to generate collaborations with multiple civic and business agents and that the Northeastern cities have attempted to revitalize their riverfronts by conserving water-based and urban historic assets and amenities from further erosion due to downpours and floods as well as socio-economic and cultural transformations.

Quantum information technology: Current status and prospects

In the early decades of the 20th century, the inception of quantum mechanics catalyzed the first quantum revolution, resulting in groundbreaking technological advances, such as nuclear energy, semiconductors, lasers, nuclear magnetic resonance, superconductivity, and global satellite positioning systems. These innovations have promoted significant progress in material civilization, fundamentally changed the way of life and societal landscape of humanity. Since the 1990s, quantum control technology has made significant strides forward, ushering in a rapid evolution of quantum technologies, notably exemplified by quantum information science. This encompasses domains such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum precision measurement, offering paradigm-shifting solutions for enhancing information transmission security, accelerating computational speed, and elevating measurement precision. These advances hold the potential to provide crucial underpinning for national security and the high-quality development of the national economy. The swift progression of quantum information technology heralds the advent of the second quantum revolution. Following nearly three decades of concerted efforts, China’s quantum information technology field as a whole has achieved a leap. Specifically, China presently assumes a prominent international role in both the research and practical application of quantum communication, leading the global domain in quantum computing, and achieving international preeminence or advanced standing across various facets of quantum precision measurement. Presently, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the developmental priorities in the realm of quantum information in China for the forthcoming 5 to 10 years, in alignment with national strategic priorities and the evolving landscape of international competition. This will enable the proactive establishment of next-generation information technology systems that are secure, efficient, autonomous, and controllable.

Prioritizing ecological connectivity among protected areas in Colombia using a functional approach for birds

Ecological connectivity among Protected Areas (PAs) is essential to improve biodiversity conservation and management effectiveness under global change. In Colombia, developing strategic plans and locating spatial priorities for PA connectivity is fundamental for conserving its extraordinary bird diversity in the face of multiple threats, including deforestation and climate change. Here, we develop a multispecies bird connectivity model to identify critical sites for preserving and enhancing the ecological connections among PAs in Colombia. We focused our analyses on 26 forest-dependent bird species, determining their potential suitable habitat across Colombia using species distribution models and climatic variables. Expert knowledge guided the construction of movement resistance surfaces across these distributions to describe how different land covers impede or facilitate species movement. Using these inputs, we mapped Least-Cost Corridors (LCCs) connecting national and subnational PAs meeting the area requirements for the selected species. Additionally, we used circuit and least-cost models to locate conservation priorities and restoration opportunities, estimating the potential connectivity gains through the Equivalent Connected Area (ECA) index. We aggregated individual species results to create multispecies composite maps highlighting spatial agreements for corridors, priority conservation areas, and restoration opportunities. We found 581,531 km2 belonging to corridors among PAs for all focal species. Priority sites for movement within corridors covered 212,551 km2 and were predominantly located across Andean and Amazonian forests. Restoration opportunities covered 79,203 km2 and were concentrated in agricultural lands of the Andes and Caribbean regions. Restoring these areas could increase the national forest cover by 7% and connectivity by 14%. Our results provide a national-level assessment of functional connectivity priorities to maintain and improve the interconnections among PAs in Colombia. This assessment could guide efforts related to conservation, restoration, and implementation of management tools that facilitate the movement of native species across transformed lands. These actions are crucial to meet the targets outlined in the post-2020 global biodiversity framework to achieve well-connected systems of PAs during this decade and until 2050.

Physicians’ and Machine Learning Researchers’ Perspectives on Ethical Issues in the Early Development of Clinical Machine Learning Tools: Qualitative Interview Study

Background Innovative tools leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly being developed for medicine, with new applications emerging in prediction, diagnosis, and treatment across a range of illnesses, patient populations, and clinical procedures. One barrier for successful innovation is the scarcity of research in the current literature seeking and analyzing the views of AI or ML researchers and physicians to support ethical guidance. Objective This study aims to describe, using a qualitative approach, the landscape of ethical issues that AI or ML researchers and physicians with professional exposure to AI or ML tools observe or anticipate in the development and use of AI and ML in medicine. Methods Semistructured interviews were used to facilitate in-depth, open-ended discussion, and a purposeful sampling technique was used to identify and recruit participants. We conducted 21 semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of AI and ML researchers (n=10) and physicians (n=11). We asked interviewees about their views regarding ethical considerations related to the adoption of AI and ML in medicine. Interviews were transcribed and deidentified by members of our research team. Data analysis was guided by the principles of qualitative content analysis. This approach, in which transcribed data is broken down into descriptive units that are named and sorted based on their content, allows for the inductive emergence of codes directly from the data set. Results Notably, both researchers and physicians articulated concerns regarding how AI and ML innovations are shaped in their early development (ie, the problem formulation stage). Considerations encompassed the assessment of research priorities and motivations, clarity and centeredness of clinical needs, professional and demographic diversity of research teams, and interdisciplinary knowledge generation and collaboration. Phase-1 ethical issues identified by interviewees were notably interdisciplinary in nature and invited questions regarding how to align priorities and values across disciplines and ensure clinical value throughout the development and implementation of medical AI and ML. Relatedly, interviewees suggested interdisciplinary solutions to these issues, for example, more resources to support knowledge generation and collaboration between developers and physicians, engagement with a broader range of stakeholders, and efforts to increase diversity in research broadly and within individual teams. Conclusions These qualitative findings help elucidate several ethical challenges anticipated or encountered in AI and ML for health care. Our study is unique in that its use of open-ended questions allowed interviewees to explore their sentiments and perspectives without overreliance on implicit assumptions about what AI and ML currently are or are not. This analysis, however, does not include the perspectives of other relevant stakeholder groups, such as patients, ethicists, industry researchers or representatives, or other health care professionals beyond physicians. Additional qualitative and quantitative research is needed to reproduce and build on these findings.

A Community–Academic Partnership to Explore and Address Cancer Disparities in Southwest Chicago Arab Americans

Abstract: Background: Despite the need to consider multiple sources of evidence to guide locally and culturally relevant interventions, few studies have documented the process by which evidence is integrated. Objectives: We leveraged a community–academic partnership to describe a participatory approach to integrating community and academic sources of evidence to inform cancer programming priorities in the Arab American (ArA) community in Southwest Chicago. Methods: Informed by Intervention Mapping, this study comprised three phases led by community and academic partners: 1) qualitative assessment of cancer-related priorities through eight focus groups with 48 ArA community members, 2) a focused literature review to identify models of cancer interventions implemented with ArAs, and 3) integration of focus group and literature review findings and development of a strategy for a community-based cancer program administered by the community partner. Results: Focus groups revealed attitudes and beliefs across the cancer control continuum. The literature review highlighted two cancer interventions utilizing education, community health workers, and patient navigation components. Through facilitated discussions with community partners, we integrated community and academic sources of evidence to develop a comprehensive cancer program plan that is informed by the data we generated as well as our community partners' preferences and organizational capacity. Conclusions: Our participatory approach for integrating community and academic sources of evidence generated a locally relevant strategy to address cancer burden in the ArA community in Chicago. We discuss the benefits and challenges of utilizing this approach in intervention development.