Frequent Questions Research Articles

Intelligent Chatbot for Admission in Higher Education

Universities assist prospective students by giving counselling services and information, which is usually done directly at the educational institution, over the phone, or through social media accounts that is available on the college website. However, increasing visitors cause longer wait times due to officers’ restricted availability, resulting in lower satisfaction among prospective new students. Furthermore, this service is only available during university or college business hours. One possible solution to solve this problem is to use a chatbot to answer frequent questions raised by prospective new students. Intelligent chatbot for university admission is discussed in this study. Botsify platform was used to develop the chatbot for admission. 42 postgraduate students clicked on the chatbot link, most of them from Princess Nourah University. These students interacted with the chatbot by asking numerous questions and receiving responses from the chatbot. The chatbot performance was measured by using both the chatbot usability questionnaire and Confusion Matrix. According to the study’s findings, the chatbot system that was created could correctly and adequately answer questions provided by prospective students while the questions were stored in the chatbot knowledge. The measurement of chatbot performance was done by using Chatbot Usability Questionnaire (CUQ) which consisted of sixteen balanced questions about various elements of chatbot usability. The participants’ number of the Chatbot Usability questionnaire were 22. The result of the CUQ average was 76.6. At the same time, the Confusion Matrix was used to evaluate the chatbot performance and the accuracy of the chatbot was 91%.

RE-EXAMINING PATIENT-CENTERED CARE THROUGH DESIGN PROCESS

Abstract Service design is the adoption of design process to healthcare and other service sectors. This was a transdisciplinary research project in which investigators were faculty members from Graphic Design and Health Administration. In addition, two student research assistants were recruited from undergraduate Graphic Design and Health Science majors. The objective of service design is to involve consumers, designers, and businesspeople in an integrative process, which can be applied to post-acute rehabilitation hospital settings focusing specifically on the experience of those who are 65 and older. The aim of this pilot study was to explore “designing with people rather than just for them”, an approach to improve the patient experience. Our first step involved on-site interviews. The patient narratives raised challenges and positive aspects of their interactions with the facility. On our initial site visit, we interviewed five members of clinicians and administrative staff. During the two follow-up visits, our student research assistants interviewed seven patients. Based on our staff member interview findings, we developed a revised set of questions for patients. The questionnaire was divided into three sections related to appointments: pre-arrival, during the visit, and after their appointments. Interview results were summarized in a visual data format and collaborative recommendations were made during the final presentation such as interior layout, wayfinding, online portal and their functionalities. Our findings also confirmed that the interior signage created confusion, promoting frequent questions to staff. These results will engage stakeholders and contribute to a co-designing process that will ultimately improve the patient journey.

Electron microscopy in nephropathology

Non-neoplastic kidney diseases represent abroad spectrum of diseases. Although their pathogenesis differs, the histological findings may be similar in terms of conventional morphology. Aprecise classification of these diseases is a prerequisite for correct therapy and prognostic assessment. In the diagnostic process, the magnification achieved by electron microscopy is essential and cannot be replaced by any other technique. The most frequent diagnostic questions addressed by ultrastructural studies represent (1)alterations of podocytes (e.g., minimal-change disease), (2)changes of the thickness and structure of the glomerular basement membrane (e.g., diabetic glomerulosclerosis or Alport disease), (3)the presence, characteristics and exact localisation of immune complexes (e.g., membranous glomerulonephritis or lupus nephritis), (4)alterations of endothelial cells and capillaries (e.g., thrombotic microangiopathy) and (5)diseases of the tubular cells (e.g., light-chain nephropathy or toxic effects). Therefore, ultrastructural investigations are-together with conventional microscopy and immunohistochemistry (or immunofluorescence)-an integral part of the so-called triple-diagnostics in routine nephropathology.

Опросная методика «Планирование профессионального пути» как инструмент научных и прикладных исследований

The survey “Planning a professional path”, assigned to assess optants’ professional plans, is presented in the article. The projective technique can be used both in conducting scientific research aimed at developing an up-to-date professional periodization, and in a situation of professional consulting. The questionnaire allows accomplishing a range of applied tasks: identify the expected duration of optants’ professional path; forecast key events of the occupational way, that reflect optants’ career orientations; determine optants’ ideas about acquired competencies; diagnose sense-making motives at each stage of the professional way. Approbation of the questionnaire was carried out on a sample of university students (n1 = 123) and senior pupils (n2 = 84). While designing the questionnaire, the authors relied on the B.N. Ryzhov’s system periodization, the generational theory by W. Strauss and N. Howe; V.E. Orel’s ideas about the psychological mechanisms of vocational choice; a synergetic approach to research on professional self-determination by V.A. Tolochek; projective approach and biographical method, designed by A.A. Kronik. The authors disclose the procedure of conducting and the survey structure, attach the blank with instructions, indicative keys for processing respondents’ answers. The description contains the most frequent questions of optants regarding completion of the questionnaire and the answers to them, as well as an example of a qualitative analysis of the optants’ professional plan.

Executive summary of the position paper on the use of enteral nutrition in advanced dementia

Dementia is an increasingly prevalent disease in our environment, with significant health and social repercussions. Despite the available scientific evidence, there is still controversy regarding the use of enteral tube nutrition in people with advanced dementia. This document aims to reflect on the key aspects of advanced dementia, tube nutritional therapy and related ethical considerations, as well as to respond to several frequent questions that arise in our daily clinical practice.

Epilepsy treatment in neuro-oncology: A rationale for drug choice in common clinical scenarios.

Epilepsy represents a challenge in the management of patients with brain tumors. Epileptic seizures are one of the most frequent comorbidities in neuro-oncology and may be the debut symptom of a brain tumor or a complication during its evolution. Epileptogenic mechanisms of brain tumors are not yet fully elucidated, although new factors related to the underlying pathophysiological process with possible treatment implications have been described. In recent years, the development of new anti-seizure medications (ASM), with better pharmacokinetic profiles and fewer side effects, has become a paradigm shift in many clinical scenarios in neuro-oncology, being able, for instance, to adapt epilepsy treatment to specific features of each patient. This is crucial in several situations, such as patients with cognitive/psychiatric comorbidity, pregnancy, or advanced age, among others. In this narrative review, we provide a rationale for decision-making in ASM choice for neuro-oncologic patients, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each drug. In addition, according to current literature evidence, we try to answer some of the most frequent questions that arise in daily clinical practice in patients with epilepsy related to brain tumors, such as, which patients are the best candidates for ASM and when to start it, what is the best treatment option for each patient, and what are the major pitfalls to be aware of during follow-up.

Overlap Between Complicity and Positive Obligations: What Advantages in Resorting to Positive Obligations in Case of Partnered Operations?

Abstract Partnered operations are very frequent and pose complex questions in international law, such as the allocation of responsibility in cases of violations of international human rights law and/or international humanitarian law (IHL). The present article deals with the question of complicity in partnered operations between States and between States and/or non-State actors, focusing on the possible overlap between responsibility for complicity and responsibility for breach of positive obligations in partnered operations in the light of the relevant case law of the International Court of Justice and of the European Court of Human Rights. As the requirements laid down by art. 16 of the International Law Commission Draft Articles on the Responsibility of States with respect to complicity are often difficult to meet, the author intends to explore the potential advantages of resorting to positive obligations in light of the due diligence standard. Although the article focuses primarily on human rights violations, in the final section the author investigates the benefits of this approach also with respect to breaches of IHL.

Interprofessional Electronic Consultations for the Diagnosis and Management of Neuro-Ophthalmic Conditions.

Interprofessional electronic consultation (eConsult) is a telemedicine modality in which consulting providers review outside records and provide recommendations without in-person consultation. The purpose of this study was to describe the utilization of eConsults in the management of neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Retrospective cohort study of all patients who received an eConsult for a neuro-ophthalmic condition at a single quaternary referral center from 2018 to 2020. Main outcome measures included proportion of eConsults in which sufficient data were provided to the neuro-ophthalmologist to generate a definitive management decision, proportion of patients for whom an in-person neuro-ophthalmology evaluation was recommended, and the eConsult's impact on patient care. Eighty eConsults were conducted on 78 patients during the 3-year study period. Forty-eight (60.0%) subjects were female, mean age was 54 years, and 65 (81.3%) were White. The median time from eConsult request to completion was 4 days (range: 0-34 days). The most frequent eConsult questions were vision/visual field disturbances in 28 (35.0%) cases, optic neuropathies in 22 (27.5%), and optic disc edema in 17 (21.3%). At the time of eConsult, sufficient prior information was provided in 35 (43.8%) cases for the neuro-ophthalmologist to provide a definitive management decision. In 45 (56.3%) eConsults, further diagnostic testing was recommended. In-person neuro-ophthalmology consultation was recommended in 24 (30.0%) cases. Sixty-one (76.3%) eConsults provided diagnostic and/or treatment direction, and 12 (15.0%) provided reassurance. eConsults increase access to timely neuro-ophthalmic care and provide diagnostic and treatment direction to non-neuro-ophthalmology providers when sufficient information is provided at the time of eConsult.

Factors associated with children’s HIV- positive status disclosure in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildren’s HIV-positive status disclosure is an essential component of chronic care & long-term disease management. The modalities of status disclosure are complex and vary across different communities. Although data from various settings are necessary to overcome this problem, evidence is limited, specifically in the in the study areas. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV-positive status disclosure and associated factors among children on antiretroviral therapy (ART).MethodsA mixed-method, facility-based study was conducted: among 203 caregivers with children in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. We used in-depth interviews for qualitative data in addition to structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling for quantitative and purposive sampling for qualitative parts was applied. We used Content or Thematic analysis for qualitative and Binary logistic regression for quantitative.ResultsAll the caregivers were interviewed and majorities (84.7%) of them were female. One hundred twelve children (55.2%) were below 12 years of age. In this study, the overall prevalence of children with HIV-positive status disclosure was 46.8%. Being 12 or more years of age (AOR = 7.5, 95% CI: 2.9–15.6), duration on ART 72 or more months (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.7–6.7), death of the parent (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1- 3.8), and having follow up in the hospital (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–4.7) were associated with disclosure. Being an immature child was the commonest reason cited by caregivers for non-disclosure. Frequent questions by the child about why they are taking drugs, for better self-care, and treatment adherence were the commonest reason of caregivers for disclosing their children’s HIV-positive status.ConclusionIn our study, children’s HIV-positive status disclosure was significantly low. This study identified different factors (Health facility, children, and caregivers-related factors) as the main reason for disclosing children’s HIV-positive status. Hence, health care workers should give special attention to children’s HIV-positive status disclosure, which helps to increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevent further HIV transmission.

An Investigation of Google Searches for Knee Osteoarthritis and Stem Cell Therapy: What are Patients Searching Online?

Stem cell therapies have emerged as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), but their role remains controversial. Their growing popularity may lead patients to search for information online, but search queries and sources are unknown. We sought to (1) identify the most frequently asked questions on Google related to knee OA and stem cell therapy, (2) assess the types of websites accessed through these searches, and (3) evaluate the transparency of these websites. The search terms "knee," "osteoarthritis," and "stem cell" were entered into Google. Frequently asked questions suggested by Google, and their corresponding websites were extracted. Questions and websites were classified by type. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria were used as a measure of website transparency (range: 0-4). Analysis of variance tests were performed to compare JAMA benchmark criteria between website types. Of the 145 questions and website extracted, the most common question subtype pertained to non-stem cell treatments (41.4%) for knee OA; the most common website types were medical publishers (24.8%) and nonacademic medical practices (22.8%). JAMA scores were highest for medical publishers (mean: 3.81) and lowest for nonacademic medical practices (mean: 1.55). Nonacademic medical practices had significantly worse JAMA scores compared with commercial, academic, and medical publishers. The most frequent questions pertained to non-stem cell treatments, although questions related to stem cell efficacy were most common among the 10 most frequent questions. Google searches on knee OA and stem cell therapies often directed the user to websites lacking transparency and verifiable information. Further research is warranted.

Acceptability of extending HPV-based cervical screening intervals from 3 to 5 years: an interview study with women in England

ObjectivesThe introduction of primary Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing in the National Health Service (NHS) Cervical Screening Programme in England means the screening interval for 25–49 years can be extended from...

Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Tumor Board: The Point of View of the Neuroradiologist.

Background: The multi-disciplinary tumor board (MTB) is essential to quality cancer care and currently recommended to offer the best personalized clinical approach, but little has been published regarding MTBs in neuro-oncology (nMTBs). The aim of the present paper is to describe our nMTB, to evaluate its impact on clinical management decisions, and to assess the role of neuroradiologists. Methods: The retrospective evaluation of the cases discussed at our nMTB from March 2017 to March 2020. From the electronic records, we extracted epidemiological, clinical and other specific data of nMTB. From the radiological records, we calculated data relating to the number, time for revision, and other specifications of MRI re-evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: a total of 447 discussions were analyzed, representing 342 patients. The requests for case evaluations came from radiation oncologists (58.8%) and neurosurgeons (40.5%), and were mainly addressed to the neuroradiologist (73.8%). The most frequent questions were about the treatment’s changes (64.4%). The change in patient treatment was reported in 40.5% of cases, 76.8% of these were based on the neuroradiologic assessment. A total of 1514 MRI examinations were re-evaluated, employing approximately 67 h overall. The median of the MRI exams reviewed per patient was 3 (min–max 1–12). Conclusions: Our study supported that the multidisciplinary approach to patient care can be particularly effective in managing brain tumors. A review by an expert neuroradiologist impacts patient management in the context of nMTBs, but has costs in terms of the time and effort spent preparing for it.

Resumen ejecutivo del documento de posicionamiento sobre el empleo de la nutrición enteral en la demencia avanzada

Dementia is an increasingly prevalent disease in our environment, with significant health and social repercussions. Despite the available scientific evidence, there is still controversy regarding the use of enteral tube nutrition in people with advanced dementia. This document aims to reflect on the key aspects of advanced dementia, tube nutritional therapy and related ethical considerations, as well as to respond to several frequent questions that arise in our daily clinical practice.

Preventive hoof trimming in dairy cattle: Determining current practices and identifying future research areas.

The extent to which preventive hoof trimming is implemented on Great Britain's (GB) dairy farms is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine common practices and capture producers' input on key areas that require further research. An online survey was conducted over a 4-week period from March to April 2017. A total of 338 valid survey responses were received. The majority of farmers undertook preventive hoof trimming (82.4%), and this was significantly positively associated with increased herd yield (p<0.001). Drying off was the most common time trimming was undertaken, with 72.2% of farmers who implemented preventive trimming doing so at this point in the management cycle. Of those undertaking preventive trimming, 46.4% solely used an external hoof trimmer, 31.7% solely used farm staff and the remainder (21.9%) used a combination of operators. Four over-arching themes were identified within the key research questions; when to trim, why we should trim, how to trim and who to trim. The most frequent questions related to optimal trimming timing, frequency and method. This study highlighted that preventive hoof trimming is a widespread practice on GB dairy farms, undertaken by both external hoof trimmers and farm staff. Despite this, farmers still want to know when they should undertake preventive hoof trimming and which technique they should use.

Requests for assistance in the third-age language classroom

ABSTRACT In this conversation analytic study, we investigate requests for assistance in the third-age (65+) language classroom. Seven Dutch seniors participated in a one-month course of English as a foreign language. We found that these seniors asked many language-related questions which fell into one of three categories: (1) production-oriented questions, (2) comprehension-oriented questions and (3) wonderment questions. These questions differ in the ways the sequences are shaped: (a) what precedes the request for assistance, (b) the person who is recruited to provide the assistance, (c) the person who offers the assistance, and (d) the response to the provided assistance and the subsequent interaction. We found wonderment questions to be the most prevalent category. Our findings suggest that the senior learners in our data show clear ownership and agency over their own learning process, demonstrated by their active participation and frequent (wonderment) questions in the classroom.

Improving the Service Quality of the Billing System for Water Suppliers. Case Study: Albania

The Water Supply sector in the Republic of Albania uses billing systems to fulfill its main role, generating the monthly water bill. This study aims to empirically analyze the dynamics that the billing system has and the importance of adding a new module to this system on the most frequent questions that users usually have and seeking support directly from the system without having to make phone calls or send emails at limited times. This is because the system has many functionalities and based on experience, users do not use the user manual but seek direct assistance from the company with which they have a support contract. It is also worth mentioning the newest reform in the Water Supply Sector, where the structuring of all Water Supply will be done by joining certain units. This merger will cause new users to be added to these systems so the need for a new module in the system is necessary. For this reason, the questionnaire was conducted with the staff of fifteenth water companies where the company where I worked offered the service of the billing system and has an active support contract. For privacy reasons, no images from the system will be presented in this paper. The results of the conducted study confirm the importance of adding a new module to the system, the customer care module for the billing system.

Revealing the Needs of College Students Studying English in an Extracurricular Program

This study examined the needs of various College students who are participating in an extracurricular program called “English Clinic.” In this program, students can ask questions about their English study and get help from English professors on an individual basis. The content of the questions was analyzed and compared according to both the majors and the years of the students. The most frequent questions asked by these students were those involving advice for preparing and planning for a public certification test, such as the TOEIC test. General study methods to improve their English skills and help with grammar learning were the second most frequently asked questions. Interestingly, there were quite a number of questions concerning the effectiveness of the study method regarding the course that they were currently taking. Their majors and years showed a difference in the frequency and content of each question category.&lt;/br&gt;The study concluded that English Clinic should provide help of a more comprehensive nature, assisting the students not only by giving them writing feedback--which is all too common with such English Clinic programs―but by helping them with their very study process as well. Based on the results, this study makes suggestions regarding the development of certain programs and methods in order to better help those students who are in need of specific skills.

Assessment of community support for Wolbachia-mediated population suppression as a control method for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a community cohort in Puerto Rico.

Arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes pose an increasing public health challenge in tropical regions. Wolbachia-mediated population suppression (Wolbachia suppression) is a vector control method used to reduce Aedes mosquito populations by introducing male mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a naturally occurring endosymbiotic bacterium. When Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes mate with female wild mosquitoes, the resulting eggs will not hatch. Public support is vital to the successful implementation and sustainability of vector control interventions. Communities Organized to Prevent Arboviruses (COPA) is a cohort study to determine the incidence of arboviral disease in Ponce, Puerto Rico and evaluate vector control methods. Focus groups were conducted with residents of COPA communities to gather their opinion on vector control methods; during 2018–2019, adult COPA participants were interviewed regarding their views on Wolbachia suppression; and a follow-up questionnaire was conducted among a subset of participants and non-participants residing in COPA communities. We analyzed factors associated with support for this method. Among 1,528 participants in the baseline survey, median age was 37 years and 63% were female. A total of 1,032 (68%) respondents supported Wolbachia suppression. Respondents with an income of $40,000 or more were 1.34 times as likely [95% CI: 1.03, 1.37] to support Wolbachia suppression than those who earned less than $40,000 annually. Respondents who reported repellant use were 1.19 times as likely to support Wolbachia suppression [95% CI: 1.03, 1.37]. A follow-up survey in 2020 showed that most COPA participants (86%) and non-participants living in COPA communities (84%) supported Wolbachia suppression during and after an educational campaign. The most frequent questions regarding this method were related to its impact on human and animal health, and the environment. Continuous community engagement and education efforts before and during the implementation of novel vector control interventions are necessary to increase and maintain community support.

Меха, перья и цветы в европейском средневековом костюме: по материалам миниатюр рукописей

Miniatures of medieval European manuscripts are considered a valuable pictorial source on the 13th—15th centuries costume history. The particular question of the application of such natural materials as furs, feathers and flowers in a costume is investigated in this article. The author selected and analyzed fragments of miniatures giving an idea of which furs and feathers, how and in what quantities were used by representatives of different classes. A significant number of images of clothes and hats trimmed with fur were revealed, much less — on the use of feathers, and very few and extremely conventional — of flowers. This information is compared with documentary evidence and fragments from the Middle Ages literary works. The author comes to the conclusion that a great number of surviving manuscripts, many of which are currently available in digitized form, make it possible to collect a representative array of images that provide answers to the most frequent questions about the evolution of European costume in the Middle Ages.

Effectiveness of Chest CT in Children: CT Findings in Relation to the Clinical Question.

To estimate the effectiveness and efficiency of chest CT in children based on the suspected diagnosis in relation to the number of positive, negative, and inconclusive CT results. In this monocentric retrospective study at a university hospital with a division of pediatric radiology, 2019 chest CT examinations (973 patients; median age: 10.5 years; range: 2 days to 17.9 years) were analyzed with regards to clinical data, including the referring department, primary questions or suspected diagnosis, and CT findings. It was identified if the clinical question was answered, whether the suspected diagnosis was confirmed or ruled out, and if additional findings (clinically significant or minor) were detected. The largest clinical subgroup was the hematooncological subgroup (n = 987), with frequent questions for inflammation/pneumonia (66 % in this subgroup). Overall, CT provided conclusive results in 97.6 % of all scans. In 1380scans (70 %), the suspected diagnosis was confirmed. In 406/2019 cases (20 %), the CT scan was negative also in terms of an additional finding. In 8 of 9 clinical categories, the proportion of positive results was over 50 %. There were predominantly negative results (110/179; 61 %) in pre-stem cell transplant evaluation. In the subgroup of trauma management, 81/144exams (57 %) showed positive results, including combined injuries (n = 23). 222/396 (56 %) of all additional findings were estimated to be clinically significant. In a specialized center, the effectiveness of pediatric chest CT was excellent when counting the conclusive results. However, to improve efficiency, the clinical evaluation before imaging appears crucial to prevent unnecessary CT examinations. · Pediatric chest CT in specialized centers has a high diagnostic value.. · CT identifies relevant changes besides the working hypothesis in clinically complex situations.. · Pre-CT clinical evaluation is crucial, especially in the context of suspected pneumonia.. · Esser M, Tsiflikas I, Kraus MS et al. Effectiveness of Chest CT in Children: CT Findings in Relation to the Clinical Question. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 281 - 290.