Survey Of Stakeholders Research Articles

A multiple criteria decision analysis to establish the use cases and candidate point of care tests to enter into a platform trial of multiple in vitro diagnostic point of care tests in the prehospital environment.

There are increasing demands on Emergency Medical Services. More efficient treatment pathways are required to support conveyance decision making and patient referral in prehospital care. Point of Care testing is increasingly available and utilised across the NHS to support optimal ways of working. We aimed to design and conduct a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to prioritise in vitro point of care tests and use cases for inclusion in a platform trial of in vitro point of care testing in UK Emergency Medical Services. We designed a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis that included systematic scoping reviews stakeholder recruitment, two stakeholder surveys and two stakeholder workshops to scope the use cases, explore criteria and map use cases, evaluate the criteria and measure the use cases against the criteria. We recruited 32 stakeholders. We developed a scoring matrix with 4 criteria for scoring the use cases and 8 criteria for scoring the point of care tests and applied weighting determined from survey results. Use cases were scored by the stakeholders against 4 criteria. The 3 highest scoring use cases were point of care troponin testing in: possible Acute Myocardial Infarction, lactate testing in suspected sepsis and in trauma. We developed the process for scoring the point of care tests to be completed close to a proposed trial to allow for a changes in technology. We successfully designed a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to identify use cases and candidate tests for inclusion in a future platform trial of in vitro point of care testing in UK Emergency Medical Services. We identified 3 use cases for evaluation in a platform trial of in vitro point of care testing: troponin testing in possible acute myocardial infarction, lactate testing in suspected sepsis and lactate testing to identify occult haemorrhage in trauma.

The Influence of Socio-economic Factors on Electric Vehicle Adoption in Uttar Pradesh

Using electric vehicles (EVs) is vital to the global plan to fight climate change and cut carbon emissions. In Uttar Pradesh, one of India's most populous and economically varied states, this study investigates the impact of socioeconomic factors on the adoption of electric vehicles. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes stakeholder interviews and surveys from various socioeconomic strata, the research highlights important factors such as infrastructure availability, government incentives, education levels, and income levels. The results show that growing EV use correlates with the income of EV owners and educational achievement, mainly because of improved access to resources and information. However, significant obstacles to widespread adoption include insufficient infrastructure for charging and the meagreness of government incentives. The study also emphasizes how important it is for governments to create infrastructure, run awareness programs, and offer incentives to encourage the use of electric vehicles. These findings are essential for stakeholders and policymakers who want to increase the use of electric vehicles in Uttar Pradesh and support the larger goals of environmental preservation and sustainable development.

Strategi Dekarbonisasi Untuk Industri Pertambangan Batu Bara di Indonesia Menggunakan Metode TOPSIS

The coal mining industry is one of the largest contributors to Indonesia’s economy and greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Indonesian coal mining companies will inevitably expand their business to meet the demand and targets. But Indonesia already set its ambition to become a net-zero country by 2060 or earlier. Without a robust decarbonization strategy at the company level, Indonesia will face difficulties meeting the net-zero target. This study proposes to use one of the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal, Solution method within the Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Environmental, and Legal criteria to assess five prioritized decarbonization strategies, which are renewable energy, equipment electrification, business shifting, process efficiency, carbon offset. The analysis will evaluate essential sub-criteria such as regulation compliance, investment, social acceptance, technological readiness, and emissions reduction. The data was acquired from a survey of coal mining stakeholders, other journal reviews, and company disclosures. The final results show that process efficiency scores highest on the selected criteria due to high economic and technological value. Meanwhile, other criteria like carbon offset, renewable energy use, and equipment electrification receive lower scores.

Effectiveness of an online text-based stress management program for employees who work in micro- and small-sized enterprises: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInternet psychoeducational interventions improve employees' mental health. However, implementing them for employees in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) is challenging. ObjectivesThis randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of a fully automated text-based stress management program, “WellBe-LINE,” in improving mental health and job-related outcomes for employees in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees. MethodsThe program was developed based on stakeholder interviews and surveys of 1000 employees at MSEs. Adult full-time employees at an enterprise with fewer than 50 employees were recruited from registered members of a web survey company in Japan. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group (1:1). Participants in the intervention group were invited to register for the program using the LINE app. Psychological distress measured by Kessler 6 (K6) was a primary outcome, with self-administrated questionnaires at baseline, 2-month (post), and 6-month follow-ups. A mixed model for repeated measures conditional growth model analysis was conducted using a group ∗ time interaction as an intervention effect. Implementation outcomes were measured through implementation outcome scales for digital mental health (iOSDMH). Results1021 employees were included in this study. No significant effects were shown in any outcome. The reported implementation outcomes were positively evaluated, with 80 % acceptability, 86 % appropriateness, and feasibility (ease of understanding the contents [88 %], frequency [86 %], and length of content [86 %]). ConclusionsA simple text-message program for employees at MESs was acceptable, appropriate, and feasible; however, it did not result in improved mental health or job-related outcomes. Trial registrationUMIN clinical trial registration: UMIN000050624 (registration date: March 18, 2023).

A mixed methods approach identifying facilitators and barriers to guide adaptations to InterCARE strategies: an integrated HIV and hypertension care model in Botswana

BackgroundBotswana serves as a model of success for HIV with 95% of people living with HIV (PLWH) virally suppressed. Yet, only 19% of PLWH and hypertension have controlled blood pressure. To address this gap, InterCARE, a care model that integrates HIV and hypertension care through a) provider training; b) adapted electronic health record; and c) treatment partners (peer support), was designed. This study presents results from our baseline assessment of the determinants and factors used to guide adaptations to InterCARE implementation strategies prior to a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study.MethodsThis study employed a convergent mixed methods design across two clinics (one rural, one urban) to collect quantitative and qualitative data through facility assessments, 100 stakeholder surveys (20 each PLWH and hypertension, existing HIV treatment partners, clinical healthcare providers (HCPs), and 40 community leaders) and ten stakeholder key informative interviews (KIIs). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and deductive qualitative analysis organized by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and compared to identify areas of convergence and divergence.ResultsAlthough 90.3% of 290 PLWH and hypertension at the clinics were taking antihypertensive medications, 52.8% had uncontrolled blood pressure. Results from facility assessments, surveys, and KIIs identified key determinants in the CFIR innovation and inner setting domains. Most stakeholders (> 85%) agreed that InterCARE was adaptable, compatible and would be successful at improving blood pressure control in PLWH and hypertension. HCPs agreed that there were insufficient resources (40%), consistent with facility assessments and KIIs which identified limited staffing, inconsistent electricity, and a lack of supplies as key barriers. Adaptations to InterCARE included a task-sharing strategy and expanded treatment partner training and support.ConclusionsIntegrating hypertension services into HIV clinics was perceived as more advantageous for PLWH than the current model of hypertension care delivered outside of HIV clinics. Identified barriers were used to adapt InterCARE implementation strategies for more effective intervention delivery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05414526. Registered 18 May 2022 – Retrospectively registered.

Алгоритм моніторингу та перегляду освітніх програм у системі внутрішнього забезпечення якості

The article presents an algorithm for monitoring and periodic review of study programs in the university system for quality assurance in higher education. It is proved that the responsibility for quality assurance in higher education is delegated to the institutional level, where the learning process is directly planned, organized and implemented. The procedures and order of monitoring, periodic review and updating of study programs at five organizational levels of the internal quality assurance system (IQAS) are characterized. It was determined that information about stakeholders' satisfaction of the quality of training and their recommendations for further improvement of study programs is collected at the first level of the IQAS. The second level of IQAS (department) is responsible for monitoring the study programs and periodic review based on changes in the legislative framework, taking into account the best pedagogical education of Ukrainian and foreign universities, the results of stakeholder surveys, etc. Responsible persons of the third level of IQAS (faculty) control the deadlines, the process of preparation and completion of procedures for external quality assurance in higher education, periodic review of study programs, curricula, programs of subjects for their compliance with higher education standards, urgent requirements of the labor market, educational needs and the interests of students. At the fourth level of the IQAS, structural units monitor the content of study programs for compliance with the Licensing Requirements for Educational Activities, the regulatory framework of higher education of Ukraine, and the current regulatory university documents. The fifth level of the IQAS is responsible for monitoring compliance with the requirements of the internal quality assurance system, including the academic integrity system at all organizational levels. It is summarized that compliance with the procedure for monitoring and periodic review of study programs will allow the university to achieve strategic goal of providing high-quality educational services to students based on sustainable cooperation with stakeholders.

Sustaining ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands as nature-based solutions: A comprehensive assessment of the carbon-water nexus in Paya Indah Wetlands, Malaysia

Water and carbon, essential for Earth's well-being, face imminent threats from human activities that fuel climate change. This study investigates nature-based solutions, focusing on the carbon-water nexus of ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands, specifically in Malaysia's Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW). Addressing research gaps, it assesses the ecosystem services of these wetlands, emphasising integrated evaluations for informed land management and employing a top-down conservation approach. Methodologically, spatial assessments, soil and water sampling, carbon quantification, water quality index calculations, land cover classification and stakeholder surveys were conducted. Results underscore the significant carbon sequestration and water quality improvement potential of constructed wetlands, with soil and sediment carbon accumulation reaching 1553.11 Mg C ha−1 (equivalent to 5700 Mg CO2 ha−1), translating to an annual sequestration capacity of 67.5 Mg C ha−1 year−1. Water quality index values ranged from 58 to 81 (Classes II to III). PIW's establishment led to a reduction of over 90% in barren land, with increases in water bodies (36%) and vegetation-covered land (38%), boosting wildlife populations by 30%. Spatial variations in organic carbon density and water quality underscore the complexity of the carbon-water nexus and its impacts on ecosystem health and water security. Despite land use changes, PIW demonstrates resilience, contributing to climate change mitigation. Stakeholder perceptions vary, emphasising the need for adaptive strategies. The study proposes transdisciplinary conservation initiatives and adaptive plans, stressing the pivotal role of ex-mining lake-converted constructed wetlands in enhancing climate resilience.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Resilience: A Stakeholder Surveys

We studied the significance of stakeholder engagement in climate change adaptation within the context of coastal resilience. Our approach aimed to enhance collaboration in environmental planning processes by leveraging modeling tools to facilitate learning about the complexity of the socioecological system. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was conducted using Google Forms. The questionnaire included clear instructions and structured response formats, aiming to gather stakeholder perspectives on adaptation measures and define action thresholds in response to climate uncertainties. A total of 47 responses were received and included consulting firm professionals, freelance engineers, local authority professionals, port authority professionals, researchers, and university professors in the field of coastal management. The survey data were analyzed using statistical methods in SPSS to identify key insights and patterns. The survey findings offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of adaptation measures, threshold perceptions for initiating adaptation actions, and the dynamics of stakeholder perspectives. Therefore, the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in climate change adaptation efforts is highlighted. As answers tend to vary for different stakeholder occupations, the urge for collaboration in future decision-making procedures is highlighted. By bridging the gap between stakeholder input and climate change adaptation measures, this study demonstrates the potential of participatory approaches in enhancing resilience and fostering sustainable development in coastal regions vulnerable to climate change.

The exposure of nonhuman living organisms to mobile communication emissions: A survey to establish European stakeholders' policy option preferences.

There is an unprecedented exposure of living organisms to mobile communications radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) emissions. Guidelines on exposure thresholds to limit thermal effects from these emissions are restricted to humans. However, tissue heating can occur in all living organisms that are exposed. In addition, exposure at millimetric frequencies used by 5G may impact surface tissues and organs of plants and small-size species. It is also expected that the addition of 5G to existing networks will intensify radiofrequency absorption by living organisms. A European Parliament report proposed policy options on the effects of RF-EMF exposure of plants, animals, and other living organisms in the context of 5G: funding more research, implementing monitoring networks, accessing more information from operators on antennas and EMF emissions, and developing compliance studies when antennas are installed. However, there is no evidence on the preferences of relevant stakeholders regarding these policy options. This paper reports the findings of a survey of key European stakeholders' policy option preferences based on the European Parliament's report. It reveals a broad consensus on funding more research on the effects of exposure of plants, animals, and other living organisms to EMFs. It also highlights the need for deliberation concerning the other policy options that could provide solutions for regulatory authorities, central administrations, the private sector, nongovernmental associations and advocates, and academics. Such deliberation would pave the way for effective solutions, focusing on long-term output from funding research, and enabling short-term socially and economically acceptable actions for all parties concerned.

Building Urban Climate Resilience: Assessing Awareness, Perception, and Willingness regarding Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Change among Stakeholders in Iligan City, Philippines

Iligan City has been the heart of major industries in steel, cement, and hydropower and is one of the highly urbanized coastal cities in Mindanao, Philippines. Due to its geological state, environmental challenges like flooding, natural disasters, and environmental degradation have been experienced by the city. With the climate crisis, these risks are being magnified. Recently, nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained significant attention worldwide, viewed as a key solution to the consequences of climate change. Yet implementation of strategies and policies regarding NBS, especially in developing countries, has received poor attention. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness and perceptions of stakeholders in Iligan City regarding climate change, NBS, and willingness to engage in actions involving NBS. Stakeholder mapping and surveys were conducted through purposive sampling. A total of 187 respondents were interviewed from different sectors (LGUs, NGOs, the private sector, and academia) in Iligan City. Results revealed significant differences in awareness and perceptions across the distinct socio-economic backgrounds of stakeholders, where respondents with higher education and income have greater levels of awareness, perception, and willingness. The study recommends future targeted approaches and increased campaigns for climate change and sustainable solutions such as integrating NBS in adaptation strategies and mitigation plans to foster multi-level stakeholder collaboration.

An online pain management program for people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorder: a three-staged development process

Purpose Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) are painful, chronic and multi-systemic conditions. No online pain management programs for hEDS/HSD currently exist. We aimed to develop one by exploring what people with hEDS/HSD want in such programs. Materials and methods A Delphi was conducted via online surveys of stakeholders: participants with hEDS/HSD and healthcare professionals (HCP). In survey 1, participants were asked if a hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program was important, listing up to 20 topics important to know about pain. In survey 2, participants rated the importance of those topics. Consensus was set as ≥75% rating of at least “important”. Using topics that reached consensus, the online program was developed. Usability testing was performed using the Systems Usability Scale (SUS). Results 396 hEDS/HSD and 29 HCP completed survey 1; 151 hEDS/HSD and 12 HCP completed survey 2. 81% of hEDS/HSD and 69% of HCP rated a hEDS/HSD-specific program as at least “important”. Thirty-five topics reached consensus to guide content for the HOPE program (Hypermobile Online Pain managemEnt). SUS score was 82.5, corresponding to “high acceptability”. Conclusions A hEDS/HSD-specific online pain management program is important to stakeholders. Utilising a Delphi approach to incorporate stakeholder input, an evidence-informed and user appropriate program was developed.

A multiple criteria decision analysis to establish the use cases and candidate point of care tests to enter into a platform trial of multiple in vitro diagnostic point of care tests in the prehospital environment

Background There are increasing demands on Emergency Medical Services. More efficient treatment pathways are required to support conveyance decision making and patient referral in prehospital care. Point of Care testing is increasingly available and utilised across the NHS to support optimal ways of working. We aimed to design and conduct a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to prioritise in vitro point of care tests and use cases for inclusion in a platform trial of in vitro point of care testing in UK Emergency Medical Services. Methods We designed a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis that included systematic scoping reviews stakeholder recruitment, two stakeholder surveys and two stakeholder workshops to scope the use cases, explore criteria and map use cases, evaluate the criteria and measure the use cases against the criteria. Results We recruited 32 stakeholders. We developed a scoring matrix with 4 criteria for scoring the use cases and 8 criteria for scoring the point of care tests and applied weighting determined from survey results. Use cases were scored by the stakeholders against 4 criteria. The 3 highest scoring use cases were point of care troponin testing in: possible Acute Myocardial Infarction, lactate testing in suspected sepsis and in trauma. We developed the process for scoring the point of care tests to be completed close to a proposed trial to allow for a changes in technology. Conclusions We successfully designed a Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis to identify use cases and candidate tests for inclusion in a future platform trial of in vitro point of care testing in UK Emergency Medical Services. We identified 3 use cases for evaluation in a platform trial of in vitro point of care testing: troponin testing in possible acute myocardial infarction, lactate testing in suspected sepsis and lactate testing to identify occult haemorrhage in trauma.

Human Resource Competency Development to Support the Development of Blue Economy-Based Marine Energy

The utilization of ocean energy based on the blue economy has become a primary focus in efforts to achieve sustainability in the maritime sector. The development of this sector requires high-quality human resources to address complex challenges. Therefore, this research aims to identify the need for human resource competencies to support the development of ocean energy based on the blue economy. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with a survey of stakeholders in the ocean energy sector. The survey will be conducted to gather data on the competencies required by personnel in various fields such as technology services, management, and law. The collected data will be analyzed using factor analysis techniques to identify the most important competencies. The targeted outcome is to provide employees as future generations with additional knowledge insight into relevant blue economy aspects aligning with the needs and challenges they will face in the future. We hope that the results of this research will provide valuable information for those involved in human resource development in the ocean energy service sector. This information can be utilized to develop training and staff development programs tailored to the specific needs.

Optimizing tourism industry performance strategy selection: an analytical hierarchy process perspective

The tourism industry has an important role in a region's economic growth and development. However, the success of the tourism industry is highly dependent on the strategic policies adopted to increase optimal performance. One way to increase the optimal performance of the tourism industry is to maximize support system facilities. Therefore, this study aims to optimize the performance of the tourism industry by selecting the right strategy based on the support system facilities variable. Support system facilities include telecommunication, power sources, transportation, waste management, location, clean water sources, supporting industries, spatial, hospitality, safety, and security. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method selects strategies based on support system facilities. Data is collected through a survey of tourism industry experts and related stakeholders. The results of this study indicate that indicators with high-ranking weights are telecommunication, spatial, and waste management, respectively. Each indicator is calculated for each sub-indicator to find out more in detail about producing the relative priority of the strategy. The analysis shows the importance of each factor in influencing the tourism industry's performance to assist decision-makers in planning and implementing effective strategies. Alternative strategies are prepared based on calculating the weighting of the criteria and sub-criteria. By considering support system facilities as an important factor, strategic decisions can be taken based on clear and measurable preferences.

Dialysis Outcomes Across Countries and Regions: A Global Perspective From the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas Study

Kidney failure treated with hemodialysis (HD), or peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a major global health problem that is associated with increased risks of death and hospitalization. This study aimed to compare the incidence and causes of death and hospitalization during the first year of HD or PD among countries. The third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) was conducted between June and September 2022. For this analysis, data were obtained from the cross-sectional survey of key stakeholders from ISN-affiliated countries. A total of 167 countries participated in the survey (response rate 87.4%). In 48% and 58% of countries, 1% to 10% of people treated with HD and PD died within the first year, respectively, withcardiovascular disease being the main cause. Access-related infections or treatment withdrawal owing to cost were important causes of death in low-income countries (LICs). In most countries,<30% and<20% of patients with HD and PD, respectively, required hospitalization during the first year. A greater proportion of patients with HD and PD in LICs were hospitalized in the first year than those in high-income countries (HICs). Access-related infection and cardiovascular disease were the commonest causes of hospitalization among patients with HD, whereas PD-related infection was the commonest cause in patients with PD. There is significant heterogeneity in the incidence and causes of death and hospitalization in patients with kidney failure treated with dialysis. These findings highlight opportunities to improve care, especially in LICs where infectious and social factors are strong contributors to adverse outcomes.

Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities for Strengthening Incident Response System in India: A Stakeholder Survey

Disaster response is an integral part of disaster management. Recognizing the critical role of effective response in disaster management, India developed the Incident Response System (IRS). The Unified Incident Response System for India is a complete system that aims to improve how the country responds to emergencies and tragedies. IRS operates like a complex orchestra where each stakeholder plays a crucial role in mitigating risk and restoring normalcy. It is meant to bring together all emergency services along with response teams onto a single platform, thereby making it easier to organize for responding to disasters quickly and successfully. The system has a central command and control center, a mobile app for people to share incidents and an online database containing emergency contacts and tools. With this method in place, India will be better able to handle emergencies while making sure its people are safe. It is an effort towards making the country more resilient and ready for emergencies and crises. The present study examines five key elements on incident response, highlighting common challenges like lack of preparedness, inadequate training and sector-specific complexities. It presents opportunities for improvement through investing in training, adopting automation, tailoring plans for different industries and fostering collaboration across organizations and Government.

Potential of Establishing Industrial Hemp Value Chains in Northern Australia

Globally, industrial hemp offers consumers with over 25,000 value-added products that are valued at approximately US$4.2 billion of current market value and likely to surpass US$26.6 billion by 2025. In Northern Australia, the industrial hemp sector is at infancy stages of development. Given the suitability of certain Northern Australia’s geographical zones in terms of soil, water, and climate, a study was conducted to identify potential industrial hemp value chains. Probable value chains were developed by characterizing the production to market segments of the supply chains to determine the return on investment and analyzing the capacity of the stakeholders in terms of communication and relationships. Consequently, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the developed value chains were analyzed. This study collected data from three complementary sources that included review of the literature, results of variety trials evaluation conducted in Northern Australia, and survey of hemp industry stakeholders. Results suggested that Northern Australia offers conducive growing conditions for hemp that allows for the development of three value chains including seed, fiber and silage. The research recommended ongoing investment in the industry through engagement of public and private sector while focusing on further establishment of the industry.

Situation of Offenses Observed in Maritime Fishing and Proposal for Measures to Improve the Surveillance System: Case of the National Fisheries Surveillance and Police Center (CNSP) in Guinea

Research work on the theme “Situation of offenses observed in maritime fishing and proposal for measures to improve the surveillance system: case of the National Fisheries Surveillance and Police Center (CNSP) in Guinea » Conakry took place in the period from September 14 to December 14, 2022 inclusive. The objective of this work was to take stock of the offenses recorded in fishing with a view to proposing solutions for improving the surveillance system. To achieve this objective, the following methodology was adopted: consultation of executives and exploitation of archives; survey of surveillance agents; identification and descriptions of the surveillance system; identification of the offenses and fleet involved in the Guinean EEZ in recent years; determination and classification of the causes of offenses; evaluation of the surveillance system; proposal for improved measures of the surveillance system. Monitoring of this approach revealed that: the offenses committed in the Guinean EEZ are related to the fishing gear used; administrative documents and fishing operation zones. According to records, for the period from 2006 to 2021, there were 308 boardings. The rate of infringements in IP is 59%, 25% in PAM and 16% in PSI. The flags which have committed more IP infringements are Chinese 86 and Korean 60; in PSI the Chinese 17 and the Senegalese 16 and in PAM the Guineans 33, Senegalese 23 and the Leonese 18. The stakeholder survey revealed that the number of vessels monitored by VMS in 2021 was 79 in PI and 49 in PSI. The main documents inspected at sea are generally: registration certificates, crew, rescue equipment, gross tonnage, coastal state fishing authorization, maritime radio license. The fleets involved in the infringements in the Guinean EEZ from 2006 to 2022 numbered 135 including 80 demersal trawlers, 7 cephalopod boats, 21 shrimp boats, 22 pelagic trawlers and 5 cargo ships. The improvement of the surveillance system in Guinea may be more efficient, incombining the AIS and VMS system in fisheries surveillance, by creating a marking system for fishing gear, by purchasing very powerful launches and maintaining the confidentiality of patrol operations.

Opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence in China's elderly care services

The challenge of elderly care presents a formidable task, demanding the collective attention of governmental bodies and diverse sectors of society. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the research and development of Social Elderly Care Service (ECS) has emerged as a dominant trend, holding substantial importance in the establishment of an efficient ECS system. This study aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for the advancement of China's ECS system, achieved through the harmonious integration of a social ECS system with AI capabilities. This paper introduces the fundamental theory of AI, delving into the intricacies of the greyscale model of AI. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the current landscape of elderly care and elder care institutions, offering scientific data and insights to propel further research on AI development and system construction. Through an analysis of the existing research status, the study identifies prevalent issues within the AI-ECS integration, emphasizing pivotal factors influencing the construction of a robust social ECS system. To address these concerns, the study puts forth specific and viable policy recommendations. Notably, the questionnaire's statistics underscore that 83% of the elderly populace would opt for AI-driven solutions in selecting intelligent products, thereby underscoring the pivotal role of AI within the social ECS system. The challenges facing elderly care systems, including demographic shifts, resource constraints, and evolving societal norms, demand innovative solutions for providing efficient and effective care. This study addresses these challenges by exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Social Elderly Care Services (ECS) in China. By delving into the theory of AI and assessing the existing research status, the study identifies key issues in AI-ECS integration and proposes viable policy recommendations. Insights from stakeholder surveys further highlight the importance of AI-driven solutions in meeting the needs of the elderly population.

Evaluating the Delivery and Oversight of State-Funded Local Bridge Projects

State-funded local bridge projects face several challenges including but not limited to constrained budgets, increasing burden from state departments of transportation (DOT) staff, and the lack of expertise of some local personnel. By streamlining the delivery and oversight of state-funded projects through delegation, a collaborative and proactive approach can be achieved, ensuring the successful maintenance and development of local low-risk bridges, which are not on the National Highway System and have minimal to no environmental, right of way, utility, or railroad impacts. This paper offers a practical approach to evaluating programs focused on progressing project delivery by delegating specific tasks and responsibilities to local governments. Taken as a study case, Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s low-risk bridge pilot program was evaluated using both a quantitative methodology: data analysis using a data-driven statistical approach involving analysis of pilot and control group data, and an evaluation of the performance metrics developed by the state DOT; and a qualitative approach: a survey of local sponsors and stakeholders about the pilot project. The survey corroborated the findings derived from the data analysis: improved performance in project cost and schedule for pilot projects, highlighting consistency and reliability in the evaluation process. The integration of both methodologies resulted in valuable insights and experiences, providing valuable guidance to other states conducting similar program evaluations.