Expert Opinion Survey Research Articles

A Process Analysis Framework to Adopt Intelligent Robotic Process Automation (IRPA) in Supply Chains

Intelligent Robotic Process Automation (IRPA) combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to automate complex unstructured tasks, improve decision-making, and cope with changing scenarios. A process analysis framework for IRPA adoption was developed by identifying key factors through a literature review and semi-structured expert opinion survey. The employed experts in the survey comprised RPA/IRPA consultants, RPA/IRPA initiative team leaders, and RPA/IRPA developers with three years or more experience. For the initial factor collection phase, there were a total of eighteen (18) responses, and for the factor evaluation phase, a total of twenty-six (26) experts were used to collect responses. Identified factors were shortlisted and evaluated using a Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. The study’s findings are presented through a Causal-Loop Diagram (CLD) to illustrate the relationships between factors. The framework provides practical guidance for organizations planning to adopt IRPA, informing decision-making, resource allocation, and strategy development. The final process analysis framework highlights the importance of accuracy, level of human involvement in a task, and standardization as the main three primary factors for successful IRPA adoption. Three major secondary factors were identified: digital data input, integration with existing systems, and the cost of adopting new technologies. This research contributes to the added value to existing knowledge and serves as a foundation for future research in IRPA adoption.

Comprehensive management and classification of first branchial cleft anomalies: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement

ObjectiveFirst branchial cleft anomalies are rare congenital head and neck lesions. Literature pertaining to classification, work up and surgical treatment of these lesions is limited and, in some instances, contradictory. The goal of this work is to provide refinement of the classification system of these lesions and to provide guidance for clinicians to aid in the comprehensive management of children with first branchial cleft anomalies. Materials and methodsDelphi method survey of expert opinion under the direction of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) was conducted to generate recommendations for the definition and management of first branchial cleft anomalies. The recommendations are the result of expert consensus and critical review of the literature. ResultsConsensus recommendations include evaluation and diagnostic considerations for children with first branchial cleft anomalies as well as recommendations for surgical management. The current Work classification system was reviewed, and modifications were made to it to provide a more cogent categorization of these lesions. ConclusionThe mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations based on review of the literature for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders. These consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care of children presenting with first branchial cleft anomalies. Here we present a revised classification system based on parotid gland involvement, with a focus on avoiding stratification based on germ layer, in addition to guidelines for management.

Exploring global barriers to optimal ovarian cancer care: thematic analysis

ObjectiveTo explore the barriers to ovarian cancer care, as reported in the open ended responses of a global expert opinion survey, highlighting areas for improvement in global ovarian cancer care....

스마트관광 척도개발: 컨벤션산업을 중심으로

Purpose: Based on the existing discussions on smart tourism, this study intends to develop a scale by using both qualitative and quantitative methods of the compositional dimensions and sub-elements of smart tourism in the convention industry. Through this, the concept and components of smart tourism in the convention are clearly defined and organized, and a theoretical frame that will be the basis for smart tourism-related research is presented. Methods: Based on web crawling, this study first performed a cluster analysis by matching data to the Nvivo program, and second, an FGI and expert opinion survey were conducted to derive an item pool through qualitative analysis. Third, using the derived item pool, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed using the data collected through the survey to secure reliability and validity. Results: The final derived compositional dimensions were finally derived in five dimensions: technology integration, convenience, information, smart infrastructure, and reliability, and a total of 15 questions were derived, 3 questions each for the lower dimensions. Conclusion: The results of this study provide the following theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, it laid the foundation for systematically understanding the convergence of smart tourism and the convention industry. In practice, it is possible to lay the foundation for providing personalized services by analyzing participant's preferences and behavioral data, thereby increasing participants' satisfaction and willingness to re-engage.

Urban greening in Dhaka: Assessing rooftop agriculture suitability using GIS and MCDM techniques

Dhaka ranks among the world's most densely populated cities, with built-up areas expanding to accommodate the demands of a growing population. The rapid urbanization has reduced green space and exacerbated urban heat and pollution in the city. In the quest for a greener and healthier urban environment, rooftop agriculture has emerged as a promising solution, offering opportunities for the restoration of the environment and safe food production. Despite its potential, limited studies have explored the viability of this alternative greening solution for Dhaka. Therefore, this study aims to assess the suitability of rooftops for agricultural activities employing Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. First, seven criteria were selected based on the literature, such as building age, height, rooftop size, building utility, property value, sunlight, and water availability. Second, an expert opinion survey was conducted using the Best Worst Method (BWM) to calculate the criteria's weights. Finally, the suitability map for Dhaka was derived by combining the criteria layers and was subsequently validated. Rooftop area and property value were identified as the most and least important criteria. Approximately 9% (6.27 km2), 68% (46.59 km2), 22% (15.15 km2), and a negligible portion (0.1 km2) of Dhaka city has been classified as highly suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, and not suitable, respectively, for rooftop agriculture. By identifying and promoting the most suitable locations for rooftop agriculture and highlighting existing opportunities, this research will help to initiate and expand sustainable agriculture practices that can contribute to climate change adaptation and urban resilience.

Stakeholder perceptions in mangrove management in the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka

Mangroves are recognised as social-ecological systems where ecological dimensions constantly interact with human dimensions. In the Jaffna Peninsula of Sri Lanka, mangroves constitute the primary forest type. However, a destructive civil war spanning over 25 years, heavily affected the local vegetation and local inhabitants. Large patches of mangrove forests were damaged and remained inaccessible for a considerable time, compelling most of the population to temporarily abandon their land. This study aimed to investigate the main mangrove goods and services that the local population benefits from and gather opinions of mangrove management stakeholders regarding mangrove conservation in the Jaffna Peninsula through a mixed methods approach. Ethnobiological surveys were conducted with coastal communities, along with Q methodology, expert opinion surveys and additional semi-structured interviews with mangrove management stakeholders. Ethnobiological surveys revealed a significant distancing of local communities from mangrove goods and services. The Q methodology identified three discourses: community-oriented, government-oriented, and mangrove conservation oriented. Expert opinion surveys highlighted encroachment and pollution as major threats to mangroves. Issues raised in the semi structured interviews include challenges regarding land ownership permits during and after the war, weak interactions among different stakeholders with overlapping jurisdiction, failed replantation efforts and scarcity of scientific data for mangrove management. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for fostering effective mangrove management and conservation in the Jaffna Peninsula but also for potentially benefiting other districts in Sri Lanka and beyond.

How to follow up patients with brachial plexus birth palsy in the long term: a survey of expert opinion.

There is no generally accepted diagnostic, treatment and follow-up algorithm for brachial plexus birth palsy in the current literature. This study evaluates the opinion of experts in the field of brachial plexus birth palsy surgery, to provide a follow-up guideline. A total of 35 experts attending an international meeting with a mean of 21.5 years (SD 10.1) of experience in the field filled out a questionnaire to evaluate the following: (1) the surgeons' background; (2) clinical follow-up; (3) radiological follow-up; and (4) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. A mean of 40 new brachial plexus birth palsy patients were seen per year by each expert, of which 36% needed surgery. In total, 27 experts scheduled a regular follow-up every year and the majority (83%) believed that standardized long-term clinical follow-up is necessary. However, standardized radiological follow-up is not necessary. Only 13 of 34 participants used patient-reported outcome measures to investigate ICF domains.Level of evidence: V.

Scale development for measuring sustainability of urban destinations from the perspectives of residents, tourists, businesses and government

This study develops four subjective scales to measure a destination’s sustainability from the perspectives of residents, tourists, businesses and government agencies. Using the expert opinion survey, participants were asked to evaluate the initial list of indicators based on five aspects of sustainability, including economic, socio-cultural, environmental, political and technological sustainability for each stakeholder group. Then, the scales were validated using partial least squares - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and confirmatory composite analysis (CCA). This article has a unique theoretical contribution by developing four scales to measure the sustainability of destinations from the perspective of four main stakeholders. Moreover, this article provides practical implications and can assist tourism providers and governments in better understanding sustainable urban tourism development and shaping policy.

Equivalent biodiversity area: A novel metric for No Net Loss success in Brazil’s changing biomes

This study presents a new method to incorporate the No Net Loss (NNL) principle within corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. This principle aims to ensure that biodiversity losses from human activities are fully offset. In this context, we tackle two main challenges: managing epistemic uncertainties in environmental modeling and accurately assessing compensatory areas needed to replace lost habitats. Focusing on Brazil’s diverse biomes, which are undergoing rapid changes, we highlight the role of expert opinion surveys in addressing the uncertainties of the InVEST Habitat Quality, a model that simulates changes in landscape integrity under different land use scenarios. Our analysis across three of Brazil’s regions – Caatinga Semi-arid, Cerrado Savanna, and Atlantic Forest – leverages open-source data to reveal substantial habitat losses due to activities like wind farm development, mining, and intensive agriculture, leading to a widespread decline in habitat quality. We introduce the Equivalent Biodiversity Area (EBA) metric to support NNL and Net Gain of Biodiversity efforts, measured in hectares. Findings show a reduction in EBA across all studied areas, highlighting the need for effective compensation strategies. Such strategies should merge Legal Reserves and ecological restoration into ESG policies, encourage landholder collaboration, and align with larger environmental efforts, such as watershed revitalization and Biodiversity Credits markets.

Selection of parameters to assess the welfare of free‐ranging Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins using expert opinion survey

Abstract Animal welfare assessments have recently been suggested to be useful for free‐ranging animals. Nevertheless, few standardized welfare assessment frameworks have been built for wildlife, including cetaceans. Coastal cetaceans like Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis, IPHDs) that form resident populations impacted by a wide range of human activities are subject to reliable photo‐identification efforts and thus represent perfect candidates for welfare monitoring. Parameters that may inform us on some aspects of the welfare of free‐ranging IPHDs were selected through literature review. A panel survey including three consecutive rounds was then conducted to collect the opinion of selected experts on these parameters. The survey allowed the validation of a list containing 31 parameters that provide information on the welfare of IPHDs. The opinion of experts also allowed to set the modalities of the data collection required to measure/observe these parameters. After establishing a consistent scoring method and testing it on existing data, this standardized framework will allow for obtaining a wide picture of the living conditions of IPHDs. Variations across time periods, among dolphin populations and locations, or following major environmental changes (e.g., conservation measures or human disturbances) could then be analysed. Added to traditional conservation approaches, standardized welfare monitoring will greatly participate in the conservation of these animals.

Expert opinion survey on Israel’s food system: implications for food and health policies

BackgroundWhile there has been increasing global recognition and impetus for action to transform food systems towards greater food security, sustainability and better health outcomes, Israel has only recently begun to focus on the diverse challenges of its food system and its potential for transformation.MethodsAn expert opinion survey (n = 50) on Israel’s food system was conducted as part of a larger study on the systemic features of Israel’s food system transition to understand its policy gaps and find strategies towards a healthy and sustainable food system. The survey ranks the relevance and importance of food system challenges and policy preferences. Policy implications are then examined by identifying potential priorities, gaps and dissensus.ResultsThe survey finds that there is a majority agreement (76%) that Israel’s food policies are lacking or severely lacking. Respondents relate strongly to both concepts of nutritional security (90% think that access to nutritious food is relevant or highly relevant) and national food security (more than 80% perceive food security as part of national security). Respondents overwhelmingly recognize the benefits of Israeli agriculture with 60–90% agreeing or strongly agreeing that it benefits food security, economic value and national identity. Top-ranked problems include overall systemic problems such as the lack of national goals, strategic planning, and integrated policymaking across ministries, and specific ones such as food waste, costly farming inputs, and food affordability. The most preferred policy actions include establishing a national strategy for food and agriculture, making food affordable for vulnerable households, and incentivising sustainable farming methods. The key policy gaps include the lack of resilience in agriculture and the food system, insufficient data and knowledge for policy action, inadequate attention to the regulation of the food industry for better health and inadequate food policy attention for minority groups.ConclusionsBuilding on this study's findings, further policy research and implementation areas to be covered include government responsibility for universal food security, strategic systemic policies for food systems, prevention and preparedness for future crises, and promoting resilience. The way forward may best be through an inter-ministerial committee with the responsibility, budgets, mandate and executive authority to plan data-driven policies for a sustainable food system for Israel’s future.

A study on transboundary governance of marine plastic debris-the case of an adjacent waters between China and Taiwan.

This study aimed to construct a transboundary marine governance mechanism in the Kinmen-Xiamen waters through literature review, field survey, in-depth interview, and expert opinion survey. The study finds that monsoons, ocean currents, and tides are the main factors affecting the drift of marine debris in the Xiamen Sea area to the beaches of Kinmen. The marine debris mainly included marine plastic debris (MPD), bamboo, and wood in Kinmen and was documented impacting a variety of species, including the horseshoe crab to marine mammals the IndoPacific dolphin. In addition, the problem of marine micro-plastic pollution is becoming increasingly worrisome and hazardous to rare creatures in the Xiamen Sea area. The pollution sources of MPD in Xiamen Bay included coastal tourism activities, micro-plastic discharged from sewage treatment plants, plastic waste produced by lost and discarded marine aquaculture, and plastic drifting terrestrial waste transported from the Jiulong River Basin. Our results show that microplastic pollution in the Kinmen-Xiamen waters may have a greater impact on marine ecology and the surrounding environment. The relevant transboundary marine governance mechanisms are discussed in this study.

International overview of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis: a survey of expert opinions and trends.

Marine environments offer a wealth of opportunities to improve understanding and treatment options for cancers, through insights into a range of fields from drug discovery to mechanistic insights. By applying One Health principles the knowledge obtained can benefit both human and animal populations, including marine species suffering from cancer. One such species is green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), which are under threat from fibropapillomatosis (FP), an epizootic tumor disease (animal epidemic) that continues to spread and increase in prevalence globally. In order to effectively address this epizootic, a more thorough understanding is required of the prevalence of the disease and the approaches to treating afflicted turtles. To identify knowledge gaps and assess future needs, we conducted a survey of sea turtle FP experts. The survey consisted of 47 questions designed to assess general perceptions of FP, the areas where more information is needed, local FP trends, the disease status, and mitigation needs, and was voluntarily completed by 44 experts across a broad geographic range. Over 70% of respondents both recognized FP as a cancerous panzootic disease, and reported that FP is increasing in prevalence. They report several factors contributing to this increase. Nearly all of the respondents reported that FP research, patient treatment and rehabilitation required more funding in their area, and reported inadequate facilities and capacity for dealing with FP patients. Treatment approaches varied: just over 70% of the medical experts that responded surgically remove FP tumors, either using laser or scalpel. Just under half of respondents use anti-cancer drugs in their treatment of FP. Internal tumors were reported as justification for euthanasia by 61.5% of respondents, and 30.8% reported severe external tumors to be sufficient grounds for euthanasia. Most medical respondents (93.3%) routinely perform necropsy on deceased or euthanized FP-afflicted turtles. Over 80% of respondents considered large-scale multidisciplinary collaboration 'extremely important' for advancing the field of FP research. The survey responses provide a valuable insight into the current status of FP in sea turtles, FP treatment, rehabilitation and research, and help to identify critical FP-related areas most in need of attention.

Current consensus and clinical approach to fragility fractures of the pelvis: an international survey of expert opinion.

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients are an underappreciated injury with a significant impact on mobility, independency, and mortality of affected patients and is a growing burden for society/health care. Given the lack of clinical practice guidelines for these injuries, the authors postulate there is heterogeneity in the current use of diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies (both operative and nonoperative), and follow-up of patients with FFP. The goal of this study was to assess international variation in the management of FFP. All International Orthopaedic Trauma Association (IOTA) steering committee members were asked to select 15 to 20 experts in the field of pelvic surgery to complete a case-driven international survey. The survey addresses the definition of FFP, use of diagnostic modalities, timing of imaging, mobilization protocols, and indications for surgical management. In total, 143 experts within 16 IOTA societies responded to the survey. Among the experts, 86% have >10 years of experience and 80% works in a referral center for pelvic fractures. However, only 44% of experts reported having an institutional protocol for the management of FFP. More than 89% of experts feel the need for a (inter)national evidence-based guideline. Of all experts, 73% use both radiographs and computed tomography (CT) to diagnose FFP, of which 63% routinely use CT and 35% used CT imaging selectively. Treatment strategies of anterior ring fractures were compared with combined (anterior and posterior ring) fractures. Thirty-seven percent of patients with anterior ring fractures get admitted to the hospital compared with 75% of patients with combined fractures. Experts allow pain-guided mobilization in 72% after anterior ring fracture but propose restricted weight-bearing in case of a combined fracture in 44% of patients. Surgical indications are primarily based on the inability to mobilize during hospital admission (33%) or persistent pain after 2 weeks (25%). Over 92% plan outpatient follow-up independent of the type of fracture or treatment. This study shows that there is a great worldwide heterogeneity in the current use of diagnostic modalities and both nonoperative and surgical management of FFP, emphasizing the need for a consensus meeting or guideline.

What have we learned about cues to deception? A survey of expert opinions

ABSTRACT Researchers have accumulated a substantial body of empirical work studying observable behaviors that might distinguish truth tellers from liars – that is, cues to deception. We report a survey of N = 50 deception cue experts – active researchers on deception – who provided their opinions on three issues: (1) What cues distinguish between truthful and deceptive statements? (2) What moderators influence the magnitude and direction of cues to deception? (3) What explanatory mechanisms of deception cues are best supported by research? The experts displayed agreement on few issues. Expert opinion on cues to deception, potential moderators, and explanatory mechanisms is mixed and often conflicting. The single issue on which more than 80% of experts agreed was that gaze aversion is not generally diagnostic of deception. This lack of consensus suggests that substantial work remains to be done before broad agreement can be established. It follows that any practical recommendation advocating the use of a specific deception cue cannot be widely representative of expert opinion.

Development of Composite Pedestrian Level of Service Model in Urban Milieu at Midblock Sections

The pedestrian mode is gaining recognition as a basic building block in urban system design. Increasing attention is being given to developing vehicle-free zones to reduce urban pollution and return the inner city to its former role as a place for personal interaction. Attempts are being made to improve the walking experience, to make it more safe, convenient, and attractive especially in urban milieu to promote sustainable development. To provide the best pedestrian environment, it is necessary to understand pedestrian level of service. Conventional techniques of LOS determination consider the basic mobility characteristics of the pedestrian. The objective of this study is to develop a more accurate method of estimating level of service of pedestrians by developing composite indicators that integrate both qualitative and quantitative factors affecting both pedestrian and roadway conditions in the pedestrian movement. The relative importance of these multifaceted factors is assessed using Saaty scale and an Analytic Hierarchy Process is applied to determine the level of service. Field investigations include road network characterization and inventory studies, vehicular / pedestrian traffic characterization studies, pedestrian opinion surveys, expert opinion surveys. The approach has been applied to a major arterial road in Hyderabad city, Telangana, India in Mehdipatnam zone where pedestrian interactions are relatively high due to the commercial activity along the corridors. The stretches considered in the study exhibited Level of service "B" and "C" which implied necessary improvements to promote a good level of service.

EE642 The Costs of Oral Antiviral Delivery in UK Clinical Practice: Expert Opinion Survey

EE642 The Costs of Oral Antiviral Delivery in UK Clinical Practice: Expert Opinion Survey

Appetite for distraction? A systematic literature review on customer smartphone distraction

In today’s society, the ubiquitous presence of personal smartphones has led to the phenomenon of, what we call, customer smartphone distraction (CSD). This paper introduces the concept of CSD, which occurs when an internet-connected smartphone competes for a customer’s attention during a consumption goal-oriented task or behavior. Based on a three-stage research process involving a systematic literature review and an expert opinion survey with a multi-disciplinary lens to better understand this phenomenon, we develop a conceptual framework underpinned by Cognitive – Affective Personality System (CAPS) Theory that incorporates the antecedents, contingency variables, and consequences of CSD. Our findings suggest that CSD is a complex phenomenon influenced by both environmental stimuli, such as audio and visual notifications, and internal psychological states, such as boredom and anxiety, which are interdependent factors that contribute to CSD. Interestingly, the absence of environmental stimuli alone may not reduce CSD. To deal with this issue, customers need to take responsibility for their consumption behavior, while businesses, society and policy makers can assist customers through better education and design of mobile device experiences. Overall, we highlight the need for a deeper understanding of CSD and its impact on customer behavior and well-being, and outline implications to assist researchers, practitioners, policy makers and society broadly to deal with CSD.

Limiting life-sustaining treatment for very old ICU patients: cultural challenges and diverse practices

BackgroundDecisions about life-sustaining therapy (LST) in the intensive care unit (ICU) depend on predictions of survival as well as the expected functional capacity and self-perceived quality of life after discharge, especially in very old patients. However, prognostication for individual patients in this cohort is hampered by substantial uncertainty which can lead to a large variability of opinions and, eventually, decisions about LST. Moreover, decision-making processes are often embedded in a framework of ethical and legal recommendations which may vary between countries resulting in divergent management strategies.MethodsBased on a vignette scenario of a multi-morbid 87-year-old patient, this article illustrates the spectrum of opinions about LST among intensivsts with a special interest in very old patients, from ten countries/regions, representing diverse cultures and healthcare systems.ResultsThis survey of expert opinions and national recommendations demonstrates shared principles in the management of very old ICU patients. Some guidelines also acknowledge cultural differences between population groups. Although consensus with families should be sought, shared decision-making is not formally required or practised in all countries.ConclusionsThis article shows similarities and differences in the decision-making for LST in very old ICU patients and recommends strategies to deal with prognostic uncertainty. Conflicts should be anticipated in situations where stakeholders have different cultural beliefs. There is a need for more collaborative research and training in this field.

Assessing the barriers and facilitators of climate action planning in local governments: a two-round survey of expert opinion

BackgroundClimate change is one of the greatest threats to public health in this century. The UK is one of six countries that has enshrined in law a commitment to become net zero by 2050. However, there is a lack of guidance and structure for local government in the UK, which has responsibility for public health, to reach this goal and help their communities mitigate and adapt to the health and health inequality impacts of climate change. This study aimed to identify common barriers and facilitators related to addressing the health and health inequality impacts of climate change in local governments.MethodsUsing Normalisation Process Theory, we developed a two-round survey for people working in local authorities to identify the barriers and facilitators to including the health and health inequality impact of climate change in their climate action plans. The survey was delivered online via Qualtrics software. In the first-round respondents were able to express their views on barriers and facilitators and in the second round they ranked common themes identified from the first round. Two hundred and fifty people working in local government were invited to take part and n = 28 (11.2%) completed the first round of the survey and n = 14 completed the second round. Thematic analysis was used in Round 1 to identify common themes and weighted rankings were used to assess key barriers and facilitators in Round 2.ResultsKey facilitators were the need to save money on energy, and successful partnership working already in place including across local government, with local communities and external stakeholders. Key barriers were insufficient staff, resources and lack of support from management/leaders, and lack of local evidence.ConclusionTo mitigate and adapt to the health impacts of climate change, local government must nurture a culture of innovation and collaboration to ensure that different departments work together This means not just working with external partners, but also collaborating and co-producing with communities to achieve health equity and mitigate the debilitating effect of climate change on public health.