Consultation Service Research Articles

A global assemblage of tax haven clusters: profit shifting, tax dodging and money laundering

In this paper we explore a selection of tax haven clusters in the US and Europe as diverse but recognisable species of some fifty of the phenomena worldwide that have been seldom studied from an economic geography or spatial planning viewpoint. We treat the objects of study as being almost perfect expressions of the classical, canonical cluster configuration. They are: spatial agglomeration, untraded as well as market dependencies, small and medium-sized enterprise status, associative or agentic relationships, interaction with large firms inside or outside the cluster and knowledge acquisition, advisory, consultancy and knowledge translation services from research and innovation intermediaries - public and/or private. However, we think their characteristics demand further recognition of the interactive and often innovative communication networks by means of which these cluster incumbents interact globally. This is because they are set within a worldwide system that can be conceptualised as an exemplar of the well-known construct known as an ‘assemblage’ (Deleuze and Guattari, 2004a). Unlike more recent treatments from De Landa (2019) and others, we try to concentrate on the motive power of the ‘agentic’ impulses of ‘desire’ that motivate human action (e.g. regarding ‘God, Gold or Glory’ as commonly-rehearsed motivators for colonialism of various kinds). It has been more common to use ‘assemblage theory’ to analyse the interlocking ‘machinic’ elements of complex systems like power networks or laboratory interactions. To unlock the mysteries of system interlocking in our selected tax havens, which comprise Wilmington, Delaware (US), Ireland (EU) and Gibraltar (former EU, now British Overseas Territory) – post-Brexit - occupying a ‘quantum’ space ‘in which both the colonial and post-colonial find expression’ (Perera, 2021). Methodologically, we seek ‘pattern recognition’ to identify the lineaments that explain these clusters and the ‘agentic’ actors that motivate them.

A person-centred consultation intervention to improve shared decision-making about, and uptake of, osteoporosis medicines (iFraP): a pragmatic, parallel-group, individual randomised controlled trial protocol

Background Good quality shared decision-making (SDM) conversations involve people with, or at risk of osteoporosis and clinicians collaborating to decide, where appropriate, which evidence-based medicines best fit the person’s life, beliefs, and values. We developed the improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug treatments (iFraP) intervention comprising a computerised Decision Support Tool (DST), clinician training package and information resources, for use in UK Fracture Liaison Service consultations. Two primary objectives to determine (1) the effect of the iFraP intervention on patient-reported ease in decision-making about osteoporosis medicines, and (2) cost-effectiveness of iFraP intervention compared to usual NHS care. Secondary objectives are to determine the iFraP intervention effect on patient reported outcome and experience measures, clinical effectiveness (osteoporosis medicine adherence), and to explore intervention acceptability, mechanisms, and processes underlying observed effects, and intervention implementation. Methods The iFraP trial is a pragmatic, parallel-group, individual randomised controlled trial in patients referred to a Fracture Liaison Service, with nested mixed methods process evaluation and health economic analysis. Participants aged ≥50 years (n=380) are randomised (1:1 ratio) to one of two arms: (1) iFraP intervention (iFraP-i) or (2) comparator usual NHS care (iFraP-u) and are followed up at 2-weeks and 3-months. The primary outcome is ease of decision-making assessed 2 weeks after the consultation using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). The primary objectives will be addressed by comparing the mean DCS score in each trial arm (using analysis of covariance) for patients given an osteoporosis medicine recommendation, alongside a within-trial cost-effectiveness and value of information (VoI) analysis. Process evaluation data collection includes consultation recordings, semi-structured interviews, and DST analytics. Discussion The iFraP trial will answer important questions about the effectiveness of the new ‘iFraP’ osteoporosis DST, coupled with clinician training, on SDM and informed initiation of osteoporosis medicines. Trial registration ISRCTN 10606407, 21/11/2022 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10606407

An Examination of the Benefits of Lactation Consultant Services in NICUs for Mothers and Their Newborn: A Systematic Review.

Background: It is well accepted that lactation consultant (LC) services can enhance the breastfeeding success in mother-infant dyads. However, despite such advantages, not all neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) offer LC services. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the available evidence on the effect of LC service on breastfeeding outcomes for mothers whose infants are in the NICU. Methods: The PRISMA Extension for Systematic Reviews were used to conduct this systematic review. The following databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL, and Cochrane library were searched. An initial 464 studies were obtained. Duplicates and studies that did not fit the inclusion criteria were removed, leaving 30 full-text articles to review. Nineteen were further excluded after full-text review. A total of 11 studies were included. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, a meta-analysis could not be performed, instead a qualitative numerical summary was conducted. Results: Overall, 10/11 (90%) of studies observed a 6-31% increase in the number of infants who received mother's own milk, and 11-27% in the number of infants who received direct breastfeeds associated with the implementation of LC services in the NICU. The two most common types of LC services studied included: i) multidisciplinary lactation support-described as a team-based approach that includes at least one LC and ii) designation of LC formal role in the NICU. Conclusions: This review highlights that having LC services in the NICU is vital for meeting the unique needs and enhancing breastfeeding outcomes for mothers whose infants are in the NICU.

Optimizing Dermatological Care Triage in a Safety-Net Hospital: Retrospective Analysis of Diagnoses and In-Person Referrals.

Teledermatology is a cost-effective and efficient approach to delivering care and is particularly beneficial for patients with limited access to specialized services. Considering the rapid expansion of telehealth, it is crucial to focus on optimization. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the triaging of dermatologic care in an electronic consultation (e-consultation) service in a safety-net hospital. This was a 2-year retrospective review of a dermatology asynchronous store-and-forward e-consultation service. A total of 1425 patients completed 1502 e-consultation. Of these e-consultations, 46% of the patients had Medicaid and 44% were Black or African American. The top three diagnoses were dermatitis unspecified, neoplasm of uncertain behavior, and acne/rosacea. Most (68%) were managed via e-consultation and did not require an in-person appointment. Children and adolescents were more likely to require an in-person appointment (74%) compared with adults (30%, P < 0.0001). Patients with a chief complaint of hair loss or skin lesion were more likely to require in-person evaluation (58% and 41%, respectively) compared with rash (24%) and acne (18%) (P < 0.0001). There was no difference found in recommendations for in-person evaluation based on race, non-English-language preference, or insurance status. E-consultation services seem well suited for certain concerns, and underserved populations can be evaluated by teledermatology.

Comparing the trends of MBS telepsychiatry and consultant physician telehealth services from 2017 to 2022: A retrospective study.

The Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) telehealth items were expanded in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured the use of MBS telepsychiatry items compared to consultant physician telehealth items within the context of these item changes, to understand differences in telepsychiatry and physician telehealth utilisation. Monthly counts of face-to-face and telehealth (videoconferencing and telephone) MBS items for psychiatrists and physicians from January 2017 to December 2022 were compiled from Services Australia MBS Item Reports. Usage levels were compared before and after telehealth item expansion. Usage trends for MBS telepsychiatry and physician telehealth items were compared in time-series plots. Telehealth item expansion resulted in a greater rise of telepsychiatry services from 3.8% beforehand to 43.8% of total services subsequently, compared with physician telehealth services (from 0.6% to 20.0%). More physician telehealth services were by telephone compared with telepsychiatry services. Time-series of both telehealth services displayed similar patterns until mid-2022, when physician telehealth services declined as telephone items were restricted. Telepsychiatry services consistently comprised a greater proportion of total services than physician telehealth services. MBS psychiatrist services showed a more substantial and persistent shift to telehealth than physician services, suggesting a greater preference and use of telepsychiatry.

Second Opinions for Diagnoses of Psychotic Disorders: Delivering Stage-Specific Recommendations.

The impact of obtaining second-opinion consultations on diagnoses of schizophrenia spectrum disorders was evaluated. A retrospective chart review was conducted for 177 patients referred to a psychosis consultation service at an academic medical center from January 1, 2017, to October 1, 2023; these consultations aimed to clarify a diagnosis of psychosis. Diagnoses made before and after consultations were compared, and treatment recommendations resulting from the consultation visit were summarized. Among patients without a preconsultation diagnosis of schizophrenia, 28% (N=28 of 100) received a postconsultation diagnosis of schizophrenia. Among 62 patients with a postconsultation diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), 56% (N=35) received this diagnosis only after consultation. Nearly all of these patients were advised to begin taking clozapine, and electroconvulsive therapy was less commonly recommended. Expert consultation facilitates timely identification and optimal treatment of schizophrenia and its more severe subtype, TRS.

Everyday Ethics or Deference to Expertise: Experiences of Pediatric Palliative Care Teams with Ethics Consultancy.

Background: Little is known about the extent to which pediatric palliative care (PPC) clinicians are engaged in ethics consults or how they perceive interactions with ethics consultants. Objective: Describe the extent to which PPC team members serve in pediatric health care ethics (PHCE) consultancy roles and to describe their experiences interacting with pediatric ethic consultant services. Design: Online survey distributed to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Care pediatric and ethics section and special interest groups in the United States. Results: Eighty-six responses were obtained (response rate 45%) from PPC teams in 70 different children's hospitals located in 34 states. Almost all (97%) reported a functional ethics consult service such that PPC is not expected to meet the ethics need of the institution. A person involved on the PPC team also performed ethics consults in half (49%) of the settings, predominantly the PPC physician. Most respondents who perceive PPC teams engage in ethics-relevant work as part of their everyday PPC work. Formal ethics training was lacking among PPC members involved in ethics consults with few ethics degrees (15%), certifications (6%), or fellowships (2%). Discord (67%), conflict (49%), limitations to treatment (48%), and distress (41%) were cited as the most frequent reasons for which PPC teams consult ethics. PPC respondents identified role clarity, coordinated engagement, timely presence, and open communication as strong PHCE consultant practices. Conclusions: PPC team members performing ethics consults may benefit from additional ethics education and training. Further research is warranted to delineate scope of ethics consultancy relevant to PPC and role clarity.

Clinical utility and impact of a diagnostic oncology clinic.

74 Background: Oncologists have expertise in the work-up and management of patients with a suspected diagnosis of cancer. Patients diagnosed with cancer during acute care hospitalization often have poorer outcomes than those diagnosed as outpatients. For these patients, time to appropriate cancer diagnosis, management of cancer-related symptoms, and timely initiation of treatment are key to improved outcomes. Outpatient new diagnosis clinics may improve patient outcomes by improving access to subspecialty care. Methods: Patients seen by the inpatient oncology consult service over a two-month period (8/1/23-8/31/23 and 10/1/23-10/31/23) were included in this analysis. Inpatient management of disease was defined as an invasive procedure to treat the disease or a complication of the disease, initiation of systemic anti-neoplastic treatment, or radiation therapy. Surveys regarding perceived barriers to timely outpatient oncology care were distributed to oncology fellows and attendings. A Diagnostic Oncology Clinic (DOC) was started 2/1/2024 with the goal to decrease time to first outpatient oncology by a median of 12 days to less than 10 days, decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), improve outpatient management of cancer related symptoms, and improve time to treatment. Results: A total of 95 patients were evaluated. 74 (78%) of patients had a new diagnosis of cancer. Most patients had gastrointestinal cancer (n = 40, 42%) or thoracic cancer (n = 24, 25%). 51 patients (53.7%) had metastatic disease. 48 patients (50.5%) had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 at the time of consultation. The median hospital LOS was 11 days (IQR, 5-19). 13 patients (13.7%) had an inpatient PET scan and 43 patients (45.3%) required inpatient management of their disease or disease-related complication. 57 patients (60%) were discharged home, 21 (22%) to an extended care facility, and 17 (18%) expired or transitioned to hospice. 35 patients (37%) were seen as new outpatients with a median time to visit of 12 days (IQR 7-20). The median time to initiation of anti-neoplastic therapy as an outpatient was 24 days (IQR 18-33). There were 29 survey respondents corresponding to a response rate of 69%. 16 (55%) felt that about half the time or less patients will have timely follow-up with an oncologist after discharge, and 19 (65%) felt half the time or less patients will have appropriate cancer-related symptom management after discharge. Conclusions: Most patients seen by the inpatient oncology consult service with a new diagnosis of cancer have advanced and symptomatic disease. Historically, there has been significant time to outpatient care and cancer-specific management led by an oncologist. Creation of a diagnostic oncology clinic may shift some diagnostic testing and symptom management from the inpatient to outpatient setting, decrease time to first outpatient visit, and improve provider workflow for a vulnerable patient population. Analysis of this intervention is ongoing.

Satisfaction With Virtual Consultation Services and Associated Factors Among Health Care Providers in Government Health Clinics in Selangor, Malaysia.

In Malaysia, virtual consultation services (VCSs) have been implemented by the Ministry of Health (MOH) since 2019 to complement current healthcare service delivery in government health clinics. Although the services have been proven to benefit patients, little is known about the satisfaction of healthcare providers (HCPs) who run the services. This study utilizes the extended Technology Acceptance Model to evaluate the satisfaction of HCPs with VCS and identify associated factors to further improve these services. In this study, we aimed to determine the proportion of HCPs who were satisfied with the VCS and identify factors contributing to this satisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 government health clinics in Selangor, Malaysia, using an online survey comprising a validated questionnaire of the extended Technology Acceptance Model. A total of 137 HCPs from various categories responded to the online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The majority of the respondents (72.3%) were satisfied with the VCSs, with a mean score of 14.47 ± 3.391. Two factors were found to be significantly associated with HCPs' satisfaction: perceived usefulness (adjusted odds ratio = 9.396; 95% confidence interval = 3.196-27.625) and behavioral intention (adjusted odds ratio = 8.311; 95% confidence interval = 2.494-27.694). Our results indicated a moderately high percentage of HCPs in government health clinics of Selangor who were satisfied with VCS (72.3%). Perceived usefulness and behavioral intention of HCPs were two strong determinants of satisfaction with VCS. Therefore, efforts should be directed towardimproving satisfaction with VCS by addressing these factors to ensure the sustainability of these services to best benefit patients.

Strategic implementation of a new robotic mitral repair program: Early experience and outcomes

BackgroundDespite numerous reported benefits of robotic mitral repair, the absolute number of procedures performed remain low in part to uncertainties about the necessary steps to launch a program. In this report, we describe our early outcomes and strategy with launching a successful new robotic mitral repair program. MethodsOur multimodal strategic plan emphasized team education, hands-on technical preparation, stepwise advancement, and careful patient selection. Consultant service analytics and team debriefings allowed for iterative improvements. ResultsBetween March 2022 and February 2024, 50 patients underwent robotic mitral repair at our institution. Average age at time of operation was 62 years with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score of 0.58. Successful repairs were performed in 98% of patients. There was 1 conversion to sternotomy. There were no deaths, and there was minimal perioperative morbidity. On both predischarge and follow-up echocardiography, no patients had greater than mild mitral regurgitation. ConclusionsOur work provides a model for establishing a successful robotic mitral program. An up-front emphasis on team education, careful preparation, proper patient selection, and feedback-driven improvements can accelerate the attainment of standards set by high-volume centers.

Standardizing the evaluation and management of iron deficiency anemia secondary to heavy menstrual bleeding in the emergency department.

Comprehensive guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) presenting to the emergency department (ED) are lacking, leading to variability in care. We aimed to standardize the evaluation and management of these patients through the development and implementation of an evidence-based algorithm using quality improvement methodology. Baseline data of the target population identified variability across four key measures of clinical management: therapy choice and administration, laboratory evaluation, hematology service consultation, and patient disposition. Literature review and consensus from pediatric hematology and gynecology providers informed a draft algorithm that was refined in an iterative multidisciplinary process. From December 2022 to July 2023, we aimed to achieve a 25% relative increase in patients to receive optimal management per the algorithm, while using sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Process measures focusing on provider documentation and balancing measures, such as ED length of stay, were assessed concurrently. Forty-nine patients were evaluated during four PDSA cycles. Improvement of ≥40% above baseline regarding recommended therapy administration was achieved across four PDSA cycles. Adherence to recommended therapy choice improved from 57% (baseline) to 100%, minimal laboratory evaluation from 14% to 83%, hematology consultation from 36% to 100%, and appropriate disposition from 71% to 100%. ED length of stay remained stable. Implementation of a standardized algorithm for management of IDA secondary to HMB in adolescents in the ED increased adherence to evidence-based patient care.

136 Creating a Virtual Extension of the Academic Medical Center Through TelEmergency and Layered, Acute Service Consultations

136 Creating a Virtual Extension of the Academic Medical Center Through TelEmergency and Layered, Acute Service Consultations

Development Of Strategy Map And Measuring Corporate Performance With Sustainability Balanced Scorecard Approach (Case Study On Renewable Energy Consultant Services Company Pt Xyz)

Development Of Strategy Map And Measuring Corporate Performance With Sustainability Balanced Scorecard Approach (Case Study On Renewable Energy Consultant Services Company Pt Xyz)

Development Of Strategy Map And Measuring Corporate Performance With Sustainability Balanced Scorecard Approach (Case Study On Renewable Energy Consultant Services Company Pt Xyz)

This study aims to develop a Strategy Map of PT XYZ based on the company's vision, mission, strategic goals and analyze the company's performance as measured using the Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) method. The research method used is qualitative, which involves conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing company documents. According to the research results, the PT XYZ Strategy Map consists of a vision, mission, 17 company strategic goals and 34 measurement indicators. The company performance of PT XYZ in 2021 and 2022, measured by the 5 SBSC perspectives can be indicated as sufficient performance, which obtained a total scorecard of 0. Based on 34 measurement indicators, 13 obtained a good assessment, 13 obtained a poor assessment, 3 obtained a sufficient assessment, and 5 could not be calculated because the company did not have related numerical documents. In the future, PT XYZ needs to increase its efforts to improve company performance and improve company data management so that it is easier to identify the company's achievements or performance to a measurable extent. Further, PT XYZ needs to integrate sustainability goals that become the company's vision into the company's business strategy, one of which is using SBSC as a company performance measurement tool. In addition, PT XYZ needs to integrate its vision of contributing to sustainability development into the company's business strategy, one of which is the use of SBSC as a corporate performance measurement tool.

End Of Life Care in Nursing Home Residents Supported Through a Nursing Home Specialist Liaison Service

Abstract Background Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a crucial aspect of ensuring that nursing home residents receive care aligned with their preferences and values, especially as they approach the end of life. Supportive end of life care planning involves discussion with the person and/or their support person, symptom management and multidisciplinary collaboration. Evidence shows that even where an ACP has been recorded there can be significant barriers to enabling end of life care in the nursing home. We examined the role of a nursing home specialist liaison team in supporting implementation of ACPs towards end of life. Methods Retrospective analysis of medical and nursing care records from deceased residents referred to the liaison service in 2023 across four nursing homes in the hospital catchment was examined. Data included recording and/or reviewing of ACP at time of liaison consultation, anticipatory medication prescribing, cause and location of death. Results 41 resident reviews conducted by Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner and/or Consultant Geriatrician. 16 (39%) of residents had an ACP in place at the time of initial review. 18 (26%) residents had anticipatory medications prescribed prior to liaison service consultation. Following consultation ACP documentation in residents increased to n=40 (97%). A further 11 (26%) residents were charted anticipatory medications at time of review as they were actively dying. Five (12%) residents required referral to specialist palliative care services for complex symptom management. All 41 residents passed away in the nursing home. Cardiac related issue was documented in 63% of reviews as cause of death. Conclusion Documentation of ACPs was low in this cohort of nursing home residents towards end of life. Input from the nursing home liaison service supported resident’s end of life care through consultation, support with ACP and anticipatory medication prescribing.

What Influences A Taxpayer’s Decision Making To Choose A Tax Consultant?

The Indonesian Minister of Finance believes that Indonesia can continue to protect society and the economy through the countercyclical and shock absorber function of the APBN (Indonesia, 2023). There are many aspects to taxation and it is very complex and dynamic. One cannot just learn it once, then apply it all the time. Often people feel confused and difficult. So this is where the role of consultant services is needed. Tax Consultants are an extension of the state to socialize, provide input, so that Taxpayers fulfill their tax obligations according to the rules. Consultants play a role in influencing taxpayers’ compliant behavior and helping taxpayers carry out their tax obligations. This research aims to analyze taxpayers’ perceptions of the use of tax consultants in providing consulting services and what influences taxpayers’ decisions in choosing their tax consultants. The hope is that it will provide input for practitioners and the academic community to prepare themselves to meet market desires. The data analysis technique used is thematic narrative analysis technique by conducting in-depth interviews and a questionnaire containing a summary of the interview results in the form of a statement. Involving 15 informants selected based on certain criteria. The result is that the public perception in Bali regarding the use of tax consultants is positive. Users of Tax Consultant services, or Taxpayers feel very helped in terms of consultations. Not only in terms of calculating, paying and reporting tax, personal taxes, corporate taxes, but also providing advance advice regarding tax planning, financial management planning, restitution and responses if taxpayers receive a letter from the Directorate General of Taxes. Factors that influence a Taxpayer’s decision in choosing a Tax Consultant are mastery of tax knowledge and regulations, responsibility and integrity, trustworthiness, service quality, communication skills, ethics and Tax Consultant educational background. The majority of users of Tax Consultant services make decisions based on various decisions, including recommendations and testimonials from trusted parties, as well as consideration of individual consultant assessments based on the criteria above.

Reduction of Rehospitalization with Addition of Geriatrics/Transitions of Care Consult Service

Older adults are at high risk of rehospitalization after an acute event and at even higher risk of permanently losing an activity of daily living with each hospitalization. This is especially true in those with encephalopathy, delirium, dementia, falls, and failure to thrive. Although it is widely known that rehospitalization rates are higher in patients who discharge to skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, geriatrics consultations have not been shown to consistently decrease this risk. In this study, we added a novel component specific to transitions of care alongside a traditional geriatrics consultation for patients discharging to a skilled nursing or long-term care facility. Results show evidence of significant rehospitalization reduction for patients with markers of cognitive impairment and frailty.

Peritonsillar Abscess: An Update on Diagnosis and Medical-Surgical Management. A Review of the Literature and Case Report

Introduction: Peritonsillar abscess is an acute pharyngeal infection located between the tonsillar capsule and the aponeurosis of the superior constrictor muscle of the pharynx, being an important cause of consultation in emergency services. Its management includes antibiotic treatments and/or emptying of the abscess. Objective: To describe the diagnosis and medical-surgical management of a 47-year-old male patient with peritonsillar abscess; Regarding the case, a review of the updated literature on the topic was carried out. Method: Presentation of the case report: 47-year-old male patient, who attended the Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins Regional Hospital due to increased tonsillar volume. Sudden onset. Clinically, guttural voice, odynophagia, dysphagia, trismus and intermittent fever were notable. Discussion: After the clinical, imaging and laboratory study, a diagnosis of peritonsillar abscess was reached, which underwent medical-surgical management, presenting satisfactory evolution of this case, a review of the literature was carried out in the last 10 years in Spanish. English in the search engines PubMed and Science Direct. Conclusions: Surgical management of peritonsillar abscess continues to be the treatment of choice; however, based on the review of the literature that was carried out, medical management can also be chosen in some cases.

State support for veteran entrepreneurship

Problem setting. In modern conditions, state support for veteran entrepreneurship plays a key role in the socioeconomic development of Ukraine. At the current stage, the veteran policy of Ukraine is being actively modernized and updated in accordance with the actual problems and challenges that arise during the implementation of state policy mechanisms regarding veteran entrepreneurship, however, the reformation requires attention to possible risks that may hinder the successful implementation of the policy. Involvement of war veterans in business activities is considered by the state and society as one of the most important mechanisms of reintegration of veterans, which corresponds to the state interests of Ukraine and the wishes of veterans according to sociological surveys. Purpose of research is to study the current state of legal regulation in Ukraine in the field of reintegration of veterans, in particular, the possibility of their professional adaptation and employment in entrepreneurial activities. Article’s main body. It has been established that promising directions for attracting veterans to entrepreneurship are: providing financial support to veteran business projects and benefits to veteran businesses in the field of public procurement along with related services (consultations, training, etc.), simplifying complex administrative procedures for veterans when receiving such benefits, ensuring equal access to state support programs for veterans.Evaluation of current initiatives and recommendations for their improvement can become the basis for further steps in the development of veteran entrepreneurship in Ukraine. Conclusions and prospects for the development. Modern Ukrainian legislation has ways to develop in the field of veterans’ rights protection, and the state policy of Ukraine is being modernized and updated in accordance with the current problems and challenges that arise during the implementation of state policy mechanisms for veteran entrepreneurship. However, on the way to reforming, those implementing it should pay attention to countermeasures that would make it impossible to reduce existing risks. In addition, laws could be passed to ensure that veterans receive preference in public contracting processes. This will not only support veterans in their transition to civilian life, but also emphasize their valuable skills and experience.

A Multi-Lingual Conversational AI Chatbot for Effective Educational Consultations: A Study of ACE-DS, University of Rwanda

The demand for real-time consultation services from organizations is increasing, leading to prolonged waiting times, primarily due to limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions and language barriers. This study addresses this challenge by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and linguistic technologies to develop a multilingual conversational AI Chabot for managing educational consultation services, using the African Center of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS), University of Rwanda, as a case study. Information and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about ACE-DS were used to train a Deep Learning Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) algorithm to power the Chabot. Language detection and translation APIs were integrated to facilitate seamless multilingual conversations. The result of user survey conducted revealed that over 60% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with the Chabot’s performance including grammar, efficiency, language preferences, and response quality. This study showcases the potential of AI particularly NLP in enhancing educational consultation services, providing a framework for efficient information acquisition.