Expert Discussion Research Articles

Cross-Country Marathon

Circumstances require a correction of trade and economic relations between Russia and China, which necessitates an in-depth expert discussion and practical study of new forms and mechanisms of long-term cooperation.

An integrated approach to the conservative management of patients with hemorrhoids. Resolution of the scientific and practical conference — interdisciplinary expert discussion club (March 30, 2024)

An integrated approach to the conservative management of patients with hemorrhoids. Resolution of the scientific and practical conference — interdisciplinary expert discussion club (March 30, 2024)

ДИНАМИКА ЧИСЛЕННОСТИ И ТЕНДЕНЦИИ МИГРАЦИИ МОЛОДЕЖИ НОВГОРОДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ: ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ ЗА ПОСЛЕДНИЕ ГОДЫ

The article, based on demographic statistics, analyzes the dynamics of the number of youths aged 14 to 34 years in the Novgorod region from 2018 to 2023. The topic of demographic reproduction of youth has recently acquired relevance, since during this period there has been a decrease in the number of youths in the region, which tends to increase in the near future. One of the mechanisms for maintaining the number of young people is the migration of high school stu-dents and young professionals to the region as part of interregional and international migration. Therefore, the purpose of the work is to study the demographic development, scale and direction of migration movements of youth groups in the Novgorod region. Youth migration data over the past three years show an increase in the number of young people aged 15-24 arriving in the region. However, the scale of negative migration growth in the age groups of 25-29 years and 30-34 years, recorded in 2022, raises concerns. A comparison of interregional and international youth migration flows makes it possible to rank them, from which it can be seen that the former significantly pre-dominate in the region over the latter. Another of the tasks set in the work is to analyze the dynam-ics of the population group under 14 years of age, since in the near future it will be precisely this that will influence the demographic processes in the youth group as a whole. From a comparative analysis of the children's group, it is clear that within it there are subgroups with differently directed demographic processes - the numerical decline of some and growth of other groups. The data obtained during the study can become the basis for developing models for predicting the process of youth migration in the region, as well as a topic for expert discussion of the complex impact of demographic processes on the education system and labor market in the region. To realize the pos-itive potential of educational and labor migration, the author proposes to concentrate on research activities to analyze groups of youth, the number of which will decline in the coming years.

The Phonological Process in the Plurality of Pashto Nouns

This research aims to provide a comprehensive representation of the intricate phonological processes involved in Pashto noun pluralization. The study focuses on identifying these phonological processes, examining the patterns of plural formation, and understanding their implications for Pashto's phonological structure. To obtain the objectives of the study, the researchers collected the data from the native speakers of Pashto especially joined the elders. Along with this, the data were collected from Pashto books, magazines and dictionaries followed by the discussion of experts. The finding of the study showed that Pashto carries complicated pluralization of noun phonologically. It revealed that there are nouns having single pattern, two patterns, three patterns, four patterns and some nouns even don’t carry plural form. This complexity underscores Pashto's versatility conveying precise meanings and contextual differences through diverse pluralization forms, distinguishing it from other languages.

EPP모델을 활용한 영업사원 역량 모델링 - 국내 A 보안업체 중심으로

This study conducted competency modeling on sales representatives from a domestic A security company who perform both management and sales tasks, in response to the society's demand for versatile talents who can fulfill various roles. Drawing upon the Power Model of the Education Planning Process Model (EPP) developed by Hewlett-Packard(HP) and Spencer&Spencer's(1993) competency model for sales and management positions, a pool of competencies was identified. Through expert panel discussions and the utilization of McClelland's(1973) Behavior Event Interview (BEI), a final set of 13 competencies and 86 performance outcomes were determined.
 These findings provide guidance when analyzing competencies for job roles that require expansion or a combination of responsibilities. Additionally, they contribute to the direction of what competencies sales representatives who perform diverse roles should possess and develop in the future. The study is noteworthy for its application of the EPP model, which incorporates various research techniques such as expert panel discussions, high-performer interviews, and surveys, focusing on the expertise and success stories of high performers. Furthermore, the study enhances its theoretical reliability by combining the traditional overlay method of Dubois(1993) and the BEI technique of McClelland(1973).

Development of an electronic patient reported outcome and an electronic case report form to assess and present health in young people visiting Youth Health Clinics

Background: In Sweden, Youth Health Clinics (YHC) offer care for young people, age 13-25. Early detection of poor health in young people is important to avoid long-term lower quality of life. The overall objective was to develop an electronic health report system, for use in assessment of young people’s health, to identify health-risks in early stages, to increase health, and quality of life. Methods and Results: The project had a participatory research approach on consultative level, with different stakeholders; young people 16-23 years old, YHC healthcare professionals, and an expert panel. An Information Technology (IT) company took part in the hands-on development of the health report system. The project included three sub-studies. Sub-study I: Interviews with 15 young people, explored their opinions on using electronic Patient-Reported Outcome (ePRO) at the YHC, what to include, and how to design an ePRO. The participants were positive to use an ePRO and had suggestions for design and content. These results affected the content and design interface of the ePRO and the summary of its results in an electronic Case Report Form (eCRF). Sub-study II: The study consisted of two parts; a) Development of the Youth Health Report System: A literature search and consultative expert panel discussions formed the base of inclusion of validated questionnaires for an electronic Health Report Form (eHRF). b) Usability evaluation of the eHRF and the eCRF: The usability was evaluated with four young people, three YHC healthcare providers and seven participants in an expert panel. Data from interviews and a usability questionnaire were analyzed accordingly. Both the eHRF and the eCRF were found usable for YHCs. The participants informed on improvements in further development and contributed to the use of the eCRF. Thus, the revisions were made and an education program for healthcare professionals was created. Sub-study III: The Youth Health Report System’s electronic Evaluation Questionnaire (eEQ) and the eCRF were assessed for feasibility in a YHC clinical setting. Eleven YHC healthcare professionals participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were collected from the eEQ, from 54 young people. Conclusion: The participation of young people, YHC healthcare professionals and expert panel contributed with a wide perspective that directly contributed to both content and design in the development of the Youth Health Report System for YHC. The system was found usable and feasible to use in future effect studies. Lessons learned: Differences in YHC governance organization required a pragmatic project design. The recruitment of young people was affected by the Corona-pandemic, commitment challenges and drop-outs. Some healthcare professionals were unfamiliar with computers and digital Health and Welfare Technology (HWT). This project contributes with knowledge about developing HWT for young people and how it can be used in clinical work. Next step: is to evaluate if the Youth Health Report System leads to improved health, health-related behavior and quality of life compared to treatment as usual.

An analysis of the strategies for overcoming digital supply chain implementation barriers

This study aims to identify and prioritize the strategies for overcoming digital supply chain (DSC) implementation barriers. Twenty-five DSC barriers and seventeen DSC strategies are formulated through an extensive literature review and expert discussion. An integrated Modified Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) based framework has been used to fulfil the research objective. A case study in the automotive industry is undertaken to assess the applicability of the proposed framework. With the help of experts, a pairwise comparison matrix has been developed for critical DSC barriers and DSC strategies. The result shows that “absence of urgency for SC digitalization”, lack of proper innovation strategies”, and “Inadequate leadership to lead digital transformation “are the highest-ranked DSC barriers that needs to be overcome on a priority basis, and “determined top management commitment to digitalization to gain a competitive edge”, “planning and coordination for implementing digital technologies in SC”, and “Adequate management of investment for comprehensive digitalized business” are the top-ranked DSC strategies which has to be considered on priority basis by the management to overcome most of the barriers. Accordingly, the management should effectively plan to mitigate the DSC barriers and implement strategies phase-wise for successful DSC implementation. This study will also guide the practitioner to select the optimal strategies within the available resources. Sensitivity analysis has also been done for the obtained results, whose analysis shows that the proposed research model is robust as ranking strategies are relatively sensitive to barrier weights.

A SCALE TO MEASURE THE PERCEPTION OF STAFF TOWARDS STUDENT READY PROGRAMME

This study aimed to develop a robust scale for measuring staff perception towards the Student READY Programme (SRP) using Likert’s summated rating scale methodology. Fifty statements were initially enlisted based on literature review and expert discussions. Relevancy ratings were sought from 160 scientists and extension specialists affiliated with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural University (SAU). Sixty-six judges responded within a month, leading to the isolation of 38 statements in the initial screening. The first stage of screening focused on identifying statements with relevancy weightage scores exceeding 0.70, relevancy percentages surpassing 70 per cent, and mean relevancy scores exceeding 3.70. This process resulted in the final selection of 24 statements after modifications and additions based on expert comments. These statements underwent item analysis with 48 agriculture staff from non-sample areas, ultimately narrowing down to a final set of 19 statements based on ‘t’ values (>1.75) from the analysis. The reliability of the scale was determined through a split-half method, resulting in an ‘r’ value of 0.759, exceeding the standard of 0.70. This indicates the scale’s high reliability and validity. The instrument developed to measure staff perception towards SRP is deemed reliable and can be utilized by researchers in similar studies.

Data-driven framework for analyze the visual quality of streets: A systematic measurement of street quality through street view images utilizing deep learning algorithms

The study developed a framework that utilizes deep learning algorithms to analyse the visual quality of streets (VQOS) through street view images (SVIs), while overcoming the constraints observed in existing practices. The study consisted of four main stages, including literature reviews and expert discussions, development of deep learning algorithms, testing of developed algorithms, and validation. The study developed both convolutional neural network (CNN) and feed forward neural network (FFNN) algorithms, using 2684 street view images extracted from Google Street View images and Cityscape datasets, rated by an expert panel and the general public. The proposed framework comprises stages such as the collection and rating of street view images, image processing, developing and training the CNN, and testing and validating stages. The proposed framework achieved 90.51% internal validation accuracy using the accuracy metric in Keras and 86.7% external validation accuracy, with an accepted level of kappa accuracy of 80%. Urban planners, designers, architects, and landscape architects can use this framework as a tool for quantitatively measuring and mapping the visual quality of streets and assessing the impact of proposed developments and guidelines on the visual quality of streets. This proposed framework will enhance the effectiveness of their new proposals and designs.

The Development and Validation of The Indonesian Insulin Adherence Influence Factor Questionnaire (IIAIFQ)

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) is a metabolic disease due to abnormalities in insulin secretion. Insulin is one of DMT2 therapy. Objective: This study aimed to validate a modified the insulin adherence influence factor questionnaire based on the health belief model (HBM) among Indonesian patients with DMT2. Methods: The Indonesian insulin adherence influence factor questionnaire (IIAIFQ) was developed based on modified some literature reviews and internal expert discussions. The study included 30 participants aged ≥ 17 y.o years old who had been taking insulin in the previous two months. The questionnaire consists of seven dimensions to measure HBM : perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, cues to action and insulin adherence. Results: The construct validity test showed that of the 34 question items in the questionnaire, 10 items were invalid, 24 others were demonstrated valid based on the Pearson Correlation (>r table 0.361; p<0.05; loading factor > 0.5). Furthermore, 24 valid items were tested for reliability at a significance level of 0.05, and the results showed that each size had a Cronbach's Alpa > 0.6 with an overall score was 0.858, indicating that all domains in the questionnaire were reliable. Conclusion: IIAIFQ based The HBM theory is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing insulin adherence in diabetes mellitus patients.

An ecological network for large carnivores as a key tool for protecting landscape connectivity in the Carpathians

ABSTRACT The main aim of our study was to delineate a coherent ecological network for large carnivores, using a unified methodology, which would be flexible and serve as a basis for nature and habitat connectivity protection across the Carpathians. We applied a comprehensive methodological approach based on habitat suitability modelling followed by connectivity modelling. For the habitat suitability modelling, we used a robust set of large carnivores occurrence data, which allowed us to build a solid model. From the model, we derived a layer of patches of suitable habitat of required quality and resistance surface to express landscape permeability. Both outputs were crucial for the connectivity modelling. We applied Random Walk and Least-Cost Path models and combined them to determine feasible connections between suitable habitats. With expert discussions and editing/improvement of modelled corridors, we developed a unique ecological network consisting of various components adapted to the heterogeneity of the Carpathian landscape.

A public sector financial management maturity model for developing countries: the case of Iran

Maturity models (MMs) are used as a reference framework in various fields. In the public sector (PS), the principles of good governance have necessitated an evolution in financial reporting. This study aimed to design a model of accounting and financial maturity for PS reporting units. This study has a mixed-methods design. The initial MM was designed using a systematic review and expert panel discussions. Then, five focus group interviews were held over seven sessions. Next, a questionnaire was distributed among Iranian PS experts to validate the components of the MM. Thirty-two people filled out the questionnaire. A binomial test was used to validate the dimensions of the model. The outcome of this study was the design of a MM for accounting and financial reporting in PS units. The model was designed in five levels and includes eight dimensions, namely leadership, budgeting and financial planning, financial leadership and supervision, efficiency and effectiveness, rules and regulations, financial reporting, human capital and information technology. This model can be used as a basis for assessing the performance of PS units and to implement good governance in organizations. This model is applicable to all developing countries that utilize the revised International PS Accounting Standards and seek to establish a new PS management approach and performance-based budgeting.

The development of the Psychotherapists' Supervision Preferences Questionnaire—Derived from the Proctor Model

AbstractBackgroundThe Proctor Model describes three core functions of clinical supervision: formative, restorative and normative. While having high face validity as a tool for measuring supervision preferences that can facilitate the formulation of the supervision contract, its construct validity is unclear, and the literature suggests a more all‐encompassing model by including a reflective component.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Proctor Model and use these results to develop a short instrument that can facilitate the formulation of the supervision contract.MethodThrough a literature review and expert discussions, a 28‐item inventory was created. After pilot‐testing and revisions, the inventory was administered to 204 psychotherapists. These data were analysed with factor analysis, leading to a revised version that was enrolled in a second sample of 125 psychotherapists.ResultsFactor analysis of the first sample suggested a five‐factor solution as the formative function consisted of two separate constructs: conceptual (receiving role of the therapist and theoretical focus) and experiential (active role of the therapist, skill‐based and feedback‐oriented). The restorative function composed of sharing thoughts and feelings and being validated and recognised. Pre‐theorised restorative items describe an active handling of distressing feelings loaded on the reflective function. Analysis of the second sample confirmed the suggested five‐factor structure and gave support for overall replicated psychometric properties. Regression and correlation analyses showed preliminary evidence for convergent and divergent validity.ConclusionThe results provide a more nuanced understanding of the Proctor Model and provide the field with a psychometrically sound instrument for the formulation of the supervision contract.

Development and validation of a Chinese version chronic wound health-related quality of life instrument: A methodological study.

To develop a Chinese version of a chronic wound health-related quality of life (QoL) instrument and to examine the psychometric properties of this instrument. Existing QoL instruments are not tailored to the linguistic and cultural characteristics of Chinese-speaking patients; a version addressing this gap will increase clinical understanding of their healthcare experience and may help guide chronic wound care. A methodological study. The method advanced by DeVellis (2017) was used to develop the instrument. An initial pool of 38 items was created. To optimize scale length and test reliability and validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. A total of 23 items formed the final pool. After two rounds of expert discussions, the average content validity index of the final 23 items was .89. A total of 226 patients completed the instrument and were divided into two groups for further analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that 15 items remained in four factors (social activity restrictions, physical and psychological disturbance, wound burden and daily life limitation), which accounted for 64.87% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit of the hypothesized factor structure and the convergent and discriminant validities were achieved. Cronbach's α coefficients for each factor were .807, .773, .799 and .713, respectively. The Chinese version of a chronic wound health-related QoL instrument consists of 15 items in four subscales and demonstrates good reliability and validity. This instrument can be used intermittently or continuously to evaluate the treatment effect of chronic wounds by assessing health-related QoL. Scholars in Chinese-speaking regions may find this culturally compatible instrument useful when conducting studies related to chronic wounds. Two hundred twenty-six participants provided their perspectives on health-related QoL.

Presentation of older layers and findings on historical architecture using the method of analytical presentation: Example of the Old Town Hall in Bratislava, Slovakia

Abstract Analytical presentation is one of the methods used in the process of monument restoration. The method displays certain valuable older layers in the form of a cutout in the dominant layer of the facade´s surface. This article seeks to illustrate the method on the example of the facades of the Old Town Hall in Bratislava, Slovakia, and its restorations that were performed in several phases. The floor is presented in the Renaissance style – a part of the wall in medieval style over the arch of the underpass is exposed. The largest areas of analytical presentations are realized on the northern facade in the courtyard. The areas of arcades are restored in light beige colour, respecting the Renaissance colour palette. On the wall, research uncovered important medieval style findings and fragments of the chopped pillars of continuous balconies. A large-scale analytical probe encompassing two floors was realized. A system of various medieval windows, richly decorated and formed by a curved arch or triangular gable, is preserved here with some more recent openings in the Renaissance style. The main facade facing the town square could also be classified as a system of analytical presentations. The tower shows plaster in an Early Baroque style with various windows (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque) on both facades (Main Square and Kostolná Street). Interesting are Late Gothic double windows with wimpergs. The rest of the facade facing the Main Square is prevailingly designed in the Renaissance style. But in the middle, there is a part reconstructed in the Gothic style with a rich curved decoration. Next to the tower, there is a Gothic portal with an arc and oriel above it. In the part of the Kostolná Street, there is a Gothic plaster reconstructed by applying two methods. One contains a grained plaster in sandy colour, the second has a surface with networking. Various windows and niches (medieval, Renaissance, Baroque) are present here. The complicated analytical presentations contained in the facades of the Old Town Hall raise many questions in the expert discussion.

Decisive Drivers Contributing towards Modern Last Mile Delivery Operations: A Qualitative Analysis using ISM

This research article investigates the drivers of logistics management for Last-Mile Delivery (LMD) in a contemporary business situation. It refers to the 21st century's innovative and revolutionary changes in the logistics sector. It explains advanced technology and the digital revolution as driving forces in the modern logistics industry. This study adopts a qualitative approach and presents a conceptual model developed through expert discussion and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), for formulating the proposed model of modern logistics in the era of Industry 4.0 (I4.0). According to ISM and MICMAC analysis, cost-effectiveness and green technology efforts are independent driving variables for efficient and green logistics management. It offers a road map for organizing the drivers in the logistics 4.0 conceptual framework. The scope of work is restricted to only operational logistics management aspects for smooth LMD. This study is confined to only LMD operations and technological advancements in logistics. The research provides valid factors for increasing the LMD efficiency of logistics networks. The importance and relationships between the various drivers are discussed and analyzed to increase the supply chain's sustainability and efficiency.

A strategic analysis of moving the state capital impact on Indonesia's economic

The relocation of a state's capital has garnered significant attention in expert discussions, with various perspectives being analysed. This study specifically examines the economic implications of moving the State Capital (IKN) from the standpoint of people's economic development. The primary research question explores how this relocation will affect the population's economic development. Utilising a descriptive qualitative research approach, this study gathered data through documentation, drawing from existing literature on capital relocation. Data analysis involved three stages: data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. A key finding of this research indicates that relocating the national capital positively impacts economic development, particularly benefiting micro, medium, and small enterprises. The new capital city is expected to foster the emergence of numerous small and medium enterprises driven by the increasing demand for infrastructure. Properly situating the national capital is anticipated to stimulate economic growth and promote more equitable development, unlike a Java-centric approach that could lead to imbalanced economic growth.

Sustainability Indicators of Kalang Buffalo Production Systems in Swamp Ecosystems in South Kalimantan

This study aims to identify problems, identify and analyze stakeholders and determine indicators (qualitative and quantitative) for the sustainability of kalang buffalo production systems in swamp ecosystems in South Kalimantan. The kalang buffalo is a type of mud buffalo that is reared using the kalang system. In the local language, kalang is an enclosure built in the middle of swamp waters. This study is expected to be a source of information for academics, farmers, communities and policymakers in South Kalimantan Province regarding the strategic function of Kalang buffalo for the people of South Kalimantan. Data collection was done by describing the problem and determining relevant stakeholders. The literature study was conducted with expert discussion. FGDs were also conducted to explore important issues, followed by SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and to determine relevant issues. Situation analysis and secondary data showed that the Kalang buffalo population is declining. Stakeholder identification identified the central and local governments as primary stakeholders; secondary stakeholders were scientists/academics, butchers, sellers, and consumers. The primary stakeholders selected were buffalo farmers, central and local governments, while secondary stakeholders consisted of scientists/academics, butchers, farmer sellers, and consumers. The selected indicators on the EES issue are economic indicators such as gross margin (GM), body weight, weaning weight, and reproduction (calf crop (%)); environmental indicators such as total grazing land use and waste disposal; and social indicators such total of buffalo, feeding procedures, mating system, cages, record keeping, time allocation for maintenance, social status and land use conflicts.

Evaluation and Selection of a Cybersecurity Platform ─ Case of the Power Sector in India

Maintaining interconnected infrastructures such as transportation, communication, power grids, and pipeline networks is paramount in emerging economies. One of the critical interruptions is the targeted attacks on the operating cyber-physical systems to disconnect operations, inspection, or monitoring of the system. Therefore, adopting a cybersecurity system (or platform) that provides holistic protection is vital for protecting the integrity of critical infrastructure networks. As such, this research aspires to provide a decision support system for cybersecurity managers or practitioners (in the Indian power sector) to select the best and appropriate platform for protection against cyber-attacks. A three-phase method is adopted. First, a literature search followed by an expert panel discussion identified alternatives (cybersecurity platforms) and selection criteria. Next, a questionnaire was developed. Thirdly, a hybrid Best-Worst Improved and COmprehensive distance-Based RAnking (BWM-I and COBRA) method was proposed and applied to evaluate the cybersecurity platform alternatives. Four alternatives (Cloud-Based Platforms, Web-Based Platforms, Application-Based Platforms, and AI-Based Platforms), six primary criteria, and fifteen unique sub-criteria were identified. Responses were collected from 80 power utility managers on a pan-India basis, ranking "End-to-End Coverage" criteria and the AI-Based platform as best. This approach identified the best cybersecurity platform that, if adopted, can be extended to other critical infrastructures, with an appropriate adjustment in the selection criteria. The study can be helpful to practitioners in evaluating cybersecurity platforms. Furthermore, it addresses a research gap in its application in a developing country like India.

Moving the Needle Toward True Value-Based Care: An Expert Panel Discussion.

Moving the Needle Toward True Value-Based Care: An Expert Panel Discussion.