Expert Advisory Research Articles

Implementation of an Advisory Expert System for Evaluating the Quality of Asphalt Concrete

Implementation of an Advisory Expert System for Evaluating the Quality of Asphalt Concrete

A Rule-Based Expert System for Academic Advising and Guidance Toward Undergraduate Students

The provision of academic guidance to undergraduate students is a crucial and significant duty for the academic faculty in most prestigious universities. Expert systems are often regarded as one of the most successful areas in the field of artificial intelligence. The system utilizes a rule-based decision engine to assist individuals lacking experience in enhancing their skills. Nevertheless, a significant number of students are required to meet with their advisors to arrange their study schedule. This thesis is driven by the belief that the successful development of an academic advisory expert system will result in an expansion of the range and extent of challenges that students, academic staff, and other academic activities can effectively address, leading to a higher level of achievement in the university learning process. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of an advisory expert system is constrained by the caliber of the acquired knowledge, specifically in the context of academic advisory expert systems. The performance of such systems is primarily determined by the quality of the framework employed for academic expert knowledge acquisition. The objective of this study is to suggest a revision of the current knowledge acquisition framework in order to make it appropriate for implementation in higher education institutions. The proposed modification aims to create a prototype rule-based expert system specifically designed for academic advising of undergraduate students. The system's output also offers a precise and conflict-free course proposal for the undergraduate student. It functions as a mentor, providing undergraduate students with guidance and recommendations for suitable subjects based on their completed courses, prerequisites, and project scope, as defined by the student themselves. According to the empirical findings, the utilization of the proposed model for an undergraduate advisory expert system resulted in a noteworthy enhancement in performance.

Implementing artificial intelligence empowered financial advisory services: A literature review and critical research agenda

Robo-advisors, also known as robo-advisory services, significantly reshape customer service in financial advisory industries, transforming retail investor markets by substituting human financial advisory experts with artificial intelligence empowered services. However, existing literature remains scattered across disciplines, with theories on financial customer service predominantly focused on Internet banking, neglecting artificial intelligence empowered interactions. Thus, service providers need a framework for implementing robo-advisors in frontline service and researchers require an advanced agenda to stimulate future research. Through a systematic, interdisciplinary literature review based on Belanche et al.’s service robot framework, this article contextualizes service robot theories into financial advisory services, synthesizing knowledge on artificial intelligence empowered customer service. We contribute to literature on service robots by contextualizing, refining, and extending the original framework by Belanche et al. and by developing a research agenda with critical perspectives. Moreover, the study yields practical and theoretical insights into artificial intelligence empowered financial advisory services.

The human touch in a digital era: Culture, technology and capabilities at precursor assurance

While technological advancements have reshaped numerous industries, the human factor remains paramount, providing unmatched advisory expertise. A central element of the storyline in this paper is the company Precursor Assurance. This local Singaporean accounting firm exemplifies how technological advancements, and the involvement of humans are seamlessly integrated. With KG Tan as its leader, the company promotes a work environment that values transparency, respect, and trust while emphasising grit and flexibility. The case depicts a scenario wherein technology amplifies human potentials in accounting rather than supplanting them.

Screening for Hypertension in Asymptomatic Individuals in Nepal: An Expert Consensus Statement

Hypertension affects a substantial proportion of the general population in Nepal with prevalence ranging from 20 to 30 percent. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for undiagnosed hypertension and is possible through hypertension screening. The aim of this paper is to provide unified consensus recommendations for the effective screening of hypertension in Nepal. In two National Advisory expert consensus meetings, a total of 42 experts participated, discussed and voted on the key statements for formulating the consensus. Each key statement was scored on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 9 and a mean score was calculated. The consensus statement was accepted if the mean score was seven or more with the voting of more than two-thirds of the experts. The main consensus recommendations are the following. First, screening for hypertension should start among adults from 18 years of age. Second, effective screening of hypertension can aid in the early diagnosis, control, and improve the cardiovascular disease outcomes. Third, in asymptomatic adults, re-screening is necessary every 3 to 6 months and every 3 to 5 years for initial blood pressure levels of 130-139/80-89 mmHg and <130/85 mmHg, respectively. Fourth, hypertension screening is cost-effective in a resource-limited setting. The use of consensus recommendations will help in a unified community screening of hypertension among the asymptomatic adult population of Nepal. Screening of hypertension should be promoted by all the stakeholders in healthcare services.

Assessing food security performance from the One Health concept: an evaluation tool based on the Global One Health Index

BackgroundFood systems instantiate the complex interdependencies across humans, physical environments, and other organisms. Applying One Health approaches for agri-food system transformation, which adopts integrated and unifying approaches to optimize the overall health of humans, animals, plants, and environments, is crucial to enhance the sustainability of food systems. This study develops a potential assessment tool, named the global One Health index-Food Security (GOHI-FS), aiming to evaluate food security performance across countries/territories from One Health perspective and identify relevant gaps that need to be improved for sustainable food systems.MethodsWe comprehensively reviewed existing frameworks and elements of food security. The indicator framework of GOHI-FS was conceptualized following the structure-process-outcome model and confirmed by expert advisory. Publicly available data in 2020 was collected for each indicator. The weighting strategy was determined by the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. The data for each indicator was normalized and aggregated by weighted arithmetic mean. Linear regressions were performed to evaluate the associations of GOHI-FS with health and social-economic indicators.ResultsThe GOHI-FS includes 5 first-level indicators, 19 second-level indicators and 45 third-level indicators. There were 146 countries/territories enrolled for evaluation. The highest average score of first-level indicators was Nutrition (69.8) and the lowest was Government Support and Response (31.3). There was regional heterogeneity of GOHI-FS scores. Higher median scores with interquartile range (IQR) were shown in North America (median: 76.1, IQR: 75.5–76.7), followed by Europe and Central Asia (median: 66.9, IQR: 60.1–74.3), East Asia and the Pacific (median: 60.6, IQR: 55.5–68.7), Latin America and the Caribbean (median: 60.2, IQR: 57.8–65.0), Middle East and North Africa (median: 56.6, IQR: 52.0–62.8), South Asia (median: 51.1, IQR: 46.7–53.8), and sub-Saharan Africa (median: 41.4, IQR: 37.2–46.5). We also found significant associations between GOHI-FS and GDP per capita, socio-demographic index, health expenditure and life expectancy.ConclusionsGOHI-FS is a potential assessment tool to understand the gaps in food security across countries/territories under the One Health concept. The pilot findings suggest notable gaps for sub-Saharan Africa in numerous aspects. Broad actions are needed globally to promote government support and response for food security.

장애학생을 위한 STEAM기반 경제교육 프로그램 개발

The purpose of this study is to develop a STEAM-based economic education program that supports the self-reliance of students with disabilities after graduation. To achieve this, a content system for this program was devised through a Delphi survey run by experts; furthermore, the validity was verified by developing an implementation program. In this study, the draft based on previous research was revised and supplemented through interviews with advisory experts in special education, STEAM education, and economic education to form structured questionnaire items. The specific research results are as follows. First, the content system of the STEAM-based economics education program was structured through expert interviews, and the draft of the content dealt with in economics education for general students was structured into 8 major areas, 27 sub areas, and 51 content elements, and a Delphi survey was conducted. Second, through the Delphi survey, it was found that 6 major areas, 17 sub areas, and 34 content elements were appropriate. Third, the preliminary validity of the final program of STEAM-based economic education was verified for 7 students with disabilities in the special class of elementary school, and a positive effect was found. The results were discussed, and the necessity of establishing infrastructure for the implementation of STEAM-based economics education programs was suggested.

Paediatric drug development and evaluation: Existing challenges and recommendations

Despite various international regulatory initiatives over the last 20 years, many challenges remain in the field of paediatric drug development and evaluation. Indeed, drug research and development is still focused essentially on adult indications, thereby excluding many paediatric patients, limiting the feasibility of trials and favouring competing developments. Off-label prescribing persists and the development of age-appropriate dosage forms for children remains limited. Against this background, the members of this panel (TR) recommend the launch of multi-partner exchange forums on specific topics in order to focus new drug research and development on the real, unmet medical needs of children and adolescents, and in keeping with the underlying mechanisms of action. Scientific information sharing and cooperation between stakeholders are also essential for defining reference evaluation methods in each medical field. These forums can be organised through existing paediatric facilities and research networks at the French and European level. The latter are specifically dedicated to paediatric research and can facilitate clinical trial implementation and patient enrolment. Moreover, specific grants and public/private partnerships are still needed to support studies on the repositioning of drugs in paediatric indications, and pharmacokinetic studies aimed at defining appropriate dosages. The development of new pharmaceutical forms, better suited for paediatric use, and the promotion of resulting innovations will stimulate future investments. Initiatives to gather observational safety and efficacy data following off-label and/or derogatory early access should also be encouraged to compensate for the lack of information available in these situations. Finally, the creation of Ethics Committees (EC) with a specific "mother-child" advisory expertise should be promoted to ensure that the current regulation (Jardé law in France) is implemented whilst also taking into account the paediatric specificities in medical trials.

Резолюція Консультативної експертної ради щодо вдосконалення підходів до ведення пацієнтів із легеневою гіпертензією в Україні

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The Real-Time Approach to Solving the Problems for the Multicriterial Choice of Alternatives in the Knowledge Bases of Onboard Real-Time Advisory Expert Systems

The Real-Time Approach to Solving the Problems for the Multicriterial Choice of Alternatives in the Knowledge Bases of Onboard Real-Time Advisory Expert Systems

Recognition and Status of Response Equipment Related to Chemical Accidents and Terrorism

This study analyzes the perception, status, and problems of domestic firefighters related to chemical accidents and chemical terror response equipment. “How to use on-site response facilities and equipment” was 10% when “0 times” and 28.4% when “1 to 4 times,” indicating that the importance of the ‘experience’ category is greatly increased when there is a lack of relative experience. As for whether measurement equipment is retained, 20.0% of negative responses in the ‘special structure’ were found to differ in function by “Duty.” The effects of equipment-related proficiency and preference appear to be differences in equipment primarily held by special and chemical rescue teams. Problems with on-site response will require advisory experts on post-processing and analyses and the training of professional firefighters. Accordingly, through intensive interest and analyses in the field of special disaster responses, securing expertise, and fostering professional personnel, these problems can be addressed.

A qualitative study to identify critical attributes and attribute-levels for a discrete choice experiment on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery among young people in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa

BackgroundThe uptake and adherence of daily oral PrEP has been poor in high-risk populations in South Africa including young people. We used qualitative research methods to explore user preferences for daily and on-demand oral PrEP use among young South Africans, and to inform the identification of critical attributes and attribute-levels for quantitative analysis of user preferences, i.e. a discrete choice experiment (DCE).MethodsData were collected between September and November 2018 from eight group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews with young people 13 to 24 years in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Using a convenience sampling strategy, participants were stratified by sex and age. Interviewers used a semi-structured interview guide to discuss several attributes (dosing regimen, location, costs, side effects, and protection period) for PrEP access and use. Group discussions and in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. We used framework analysis to explore context-specific attributes and attribute-levels for delivering oral PrEP in South Africa. The adolescent community advisory board, expert and study team opinions were consulted for the final DCE attributes and levels.ResultsWe enrolled 74 participants who were 51% (n = 38/74) male, had a median age of 18.5 [Interquartile range = 16–21.25] years, 91% (n = 67/74) identified as heterosexual and 49% (n = 36/74) had not completed 12th grade education. Using the qualitative data, we identified five candidate attributes including (1) dosing regimen, (2) location to get PrEP, (3) cost, (4) route of administration and (5) frequency. After discussions with experts and the study team, we revised the DCE to include the following five attributes and levels: dosing regime: daily, and on-demand PrEP; location: private pharmacy, public clinic, mobile clinic, ATM); cost: free-of-charge, R50 (~2GBP), R265 (~12GBP); side effects: nausea, headache, rash; and duration of protection: fulltime protection versus when PrEP is used).ConclusionsThere is limited literature on qualitative research methods describing the step-by-step process of developing a DCE for PrEP in adolescents, especially in resource-constrained countries. We provide the process followed for the DCE technique to understand user preferences for daily and on-demand oral PrEP among young people in South Africa.

Current status of poliomyelitis in Latin America.

Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) has been instrumental in controlling the polio epidemic, and stands out for its safety, efficacy, ease of oral administration, and low cost. However, despite these advantages, as it is a live attenuated virus vaccine, there is the possibility of mutations that confer neurovirulence. Therefore, surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is important, whether associated with live vaccines (VAPP) or vaccine-derived viruses (VDPV). In this review we present important data from Latin America in recent years, where data on VDPV of community transmission, of ambiguous origin and associated with immunodeficiencies are reviewed. Due to the presence of VDPV, it is important to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance system for AFP, with data much lower than those recommended in recent years in the Americas. Additionally, it is essential to improve vaccination coverage to reduce the number of infants at risk of acquiring poliomyelitis. Consequently, we present the vaccination coverage rates with the inactivated vaccine against poliovirus (IPV) in the region and analyze the vaccination programs against poliomyelitis in accordance with the recommendations of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE; minimum 3 doses of IPV) and the WHO Strategic Advisory Expert Group (SAGE) on Immunization (minimum 2 doses of IPV). The study concludes with recommendations from the authors for the change from OPV to exclusive use of IPV, to increase vaccination coverage and to strengthen surveillance for AFP in the region.

Prioritizing suicide prevention guideline recommendations in specialist mental healthcare: a Delphi study

BackgroundThe Delphi technique is a proven and reliable method to create common definitions and to achieve convergence of opinion. This study aimed to prioritize suicide prevention guideline recommendations and to develop a set of quality indicators (QIs) for suicide prevention in specialist mental healthcare.MethodsThis study selected 12 key recommendations from the guideline to modify them into QIs. After feedback from two face-to-face workgroup sessions, 11 recommendations were rephrased and selected to serve as QIs. Next, a Delphi study with the 11 QIs was performed to achieve convergence of opinion among a panel of 90 participants (23 suicide experts, 23 members of patients’ advisory boards or experts with experiences in suicidal behavior and 44 mental healthcare professionals). The participants scored the 11 QIs on two selection criteria: relevance (it affects the number of suicides in the institution) and action orientation (institutions or professionals themselves can influence it) using a 5-point Likert scale. Also, data analysts working in mental healthcare institutions (MHIs) rated each QI on feasibility (is it feasible to monitor and extract from existing systems). Consensus was defined as 70% agreement with priority scores of four or five.ResultsOut of the 11 recommendations, participants prioritized five recommendations as relevant and action-oriented in optimizing the quality of care for suicide prevention: 1) screening for suicidal thoughts and behavior, 2) safety plan, 3) early follow-up on discharge, 4) continuity of care and 5) involving family or significant others. Only one of the 11 recommendations early follow-up on discharge reached consensus on all three selection criteria (relevance, action orientation, and feasibility).ConclusionsThe prioritization of relevant and action-oriented suicide prevention guideline recommendations is an important step towards the improvement of quality of care in specialist mental healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence Agents in the Knowledge Databases of Onboard Real-Time Advisory Expert Systems for the Typical Situations of the Functioning of an Anthropocentric Object

When developing the intelligence support systems designed for the crew of anthropocentric objects that recommend a method of solving the arising tactical-level problem for the crew (real-time targeting + construction of a method for attaining a real-time assigned target of functioning), it is extremely important to adequately understand the subject domain of the database of such systems. One way to accomplish this is to use dynamic fragments of problematic subsituations in a knowledge database with intelligence agents incorporated into them. The general structure of intelligence agents used in the knowledge databases of onboard teal-time advisory expert systems for the typical situations of the functioning of anthropocentric objects is given from the viewpoint of the “Stage” conceptual model of an anthropocentric object. Certain intelligence agents and their use in the knowledge database of a certain onboard real-time advisory expert system for the typical situation of the functioning of anthropocentric objects are considered as an example.

Reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of acupuncture: the PRISMA for acupuncture checklist

BackgroundAcupuncture is widely used worldwide, and systematic reviews on acupuncture are increasingly being published. Although acupuncture systematic reviews share several essential elements with other systematic reviews, some essential information for the application of acupuncture is not covered by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Considering this, we aimed to develop an extension of the PRISMA statement for acupuncture systematic reviews.MethodsWe used the PRISMA statement as a starting point, and conducted this study referring to the development strategy recommended by the EQUATOR network. The initial items were collected through a wide survey among evidence users and a review of relevant studies. We conducted a three-round Delphi survey and one-day face-to-face meeting to select items and formulate the checklist. After the consensus meeting, we drafted the manuscript (including the checklist) and sent it to our advisory experts for comments, following which the checklist was refined and circulated to a group of acupuncture systematic review authors for pilot test. We also selected a sample of acupuncture systematic reviews published in 2017 to test the checklist.ResultsA checklist of five new sub-items (including sub items) and six modified items was formulated, involving content related to title, rationale, eligibility criteria, literature search, data extraction, and study characteristics. We clarified the rationales of the items and provided examples for each item for additional guidance.ConclusionThe PRISMA for Acupuncture checklist is developed for improving the reporting of systematic reviews of acupuncture interventions.Trial registrationWe have registered the study on the EQUATOR network (http://www.equator-network.org/library/reporting-guidelines-under-development/#91).

Spatial planning instruments for cropland protection in Western European countries

Cropland, that is land used for the cultivation of crops, is a fundamental resource for feeding the Earth’s population. The loss of the most fertile land owing to urban expansion, infrastructure development and other drivers, has become a prime issue for land systems science and spatial planning. Spatial planning, being about building frameworks to guide the location of development and infrastructures, is a major driving factor for many land-use change processes. However, research on the possible roles of spatial planning in halting the increasing conversion of cropland into urbanised areas is scarce. In this paper, planning instruments for cropland protection currently in force in eleven Western European countries are identified, and discussed according to a framework centred on the different factors and prerequisites promoting the successful implementation of such instruments. Our findings show that the countries investigated have developed a variety of instruments for cropland protection, which can be grouped into two rough categories: (i) prime planning instruments, that is priority areas for agricultural land-use; and (ii) complementary planning instruments, which are national targets to limit land-take and soil function assessment frameworks. Advisory expert panels and pre-emption rights for farmers and farming organisations are also applied complementarily. Our findings indicate that these instruments might be more effective, if they were legally binding all administrative levels and practically applied in multilevel governance arrangements. In addition, we conclude that effective cropland protection requires that planning authorities compensate for the loss of the most fertile land.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AS A BASIS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PLANT CORPS IN THE REGION OF VRANJE

In consideration of big importance of growing and producing plants for the region of Vranje, this work represents the fundamental parameters for raising plants process. The stress is placed on the soil pH, humus quantity and macroelements contents in the soil of 5 villages in Vranje’s surroundings. The soil was analysed three times in the period of every four years, in the Agricultural Advisory Expert Service Ltd in Vranje. We conclude, according to those analyses, that the soil of our region is very suitable for raising plants.

Ракурсы понимания категории психологического сопровождения в системе общего и специального образования

The article discusses and analyzes the issues of the emergence, formation and perspectives of understanding the concept of "psychological support". The specificity of psychological support for the education of children with disabilities in a modern educational environment revealed; substantiates the main types and content of the psychologist's activities: diagnostic, correctional, developmental, expert advisory and coordination. Paper describes new tasks of a psychologist related to determining the development of a child entering school and choosing the optimal educational route for him, developing and implementing special psychological conditions for learning and education, monitoring progress in mastering academic knowledge and shaping the area of life competence. Criteria proposed for evaluating the effectiveness of psychological support for the education of schoolchildren with disabilities under inclusion conditions. The current problems of the psychological education service are analyzed; substantiates the need for its modernization

The phenomenon of psychological adaptation to the professional activities of doctors

Disorders of adaptation of young doctors and students to their the professional activities.The study was designed to develop a system of psychological adjustment and psychoprophylactic support during professional training based on a systematic approach to the study of the mechanisms of formation of psychological adaptation to the professional activities of doctors.It was conducted comprehensive examination of 405 interns and of 615 last year's students of medical universities in Ukraine. 211 interns had adaptation disorders. The data demonstrated individual and personal, social and psychological factors, mechanisms and conditions of psychological adaptation to medical work.The necessary components of psychological readiness for independent productive activities on the basis of high value professional identity, a positive attitude to the profession, perception of the patient as a personality in a certain psychological state, choice of interpersonal relationships and the use of ethical and deontological knowledge and skills at different stages of treatment process.The results showed that females have a higher level of disorders of adaptation to professional activity, compared with males. High level of disadaptation, which requires using of emergency measures was founded at 9.2% of men and 12.5% women; moderate level of desadaptation, which requires mandatory intervention of psychologists, conducting rehabilitation programs - 10.3% men, 14.0% women; mild level of desadaptation, in which the useful work of advisory experts - 36.2% and 42.1% respectively.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.