scholarly journals Towards circular agriculture – exploring insect waste streams as a crop and soil health promoter

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
K.L. Torgerson ◽  
J.V. Meijering ◽  
J. Sok ◽  
M. Dicke ◽  
A.G.J.M. Oude Lansink
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Expert Elicitation ◽  
Development Phase ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Waste Streams ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Legal Context

Insects have tremendous potential for utilising the waste generated from other agricultural sectors to produce high value protein. The by-product of insect production, insect waste streams, can be recycled and repurposed for promoting the health of crops and soil as the chitin, present in the moulted skins, acts as a substrate for beneficial microbes that aid in plant protection. However, because insect waste streams are currently in the research and development phase, little information regarding its potential as a crop and soil health promoter is available. To address this information gap, this research explores experts’ knowledge of the characteristics and application of insect waste streams as a crop and soil health promoter. To conduct this research, a two-step expert elicitation approach was used consisting of semi-structured interviews followed by a Delphi study. Interviews were conducted with six experts. Topics arising from the interviews that produced conflicting expert opinions were tested in the Delphi study. Fourteen experts participated in the Delphi study in an attempt to reach an agreement on these topics. The results of this research indicate that insect waste streams could be produced as a granulate-type compost, seed coating, or impregnated into a biodegradable seedling cup. To use insect waste streams, farmers should apply it next to the roots of each plant during the time of planting. Experts were unable to reach an agreement on some topics (e.g. dosage recommendations and expected yield changes). A brief discussion of insect waste streams’ legal context is also provided. The results of this research contribute the first description of insect waste streams as a crop and soil health promoter. Such results serve as a tool to potentially aid in its uptake thus progressing towards circular agriculture.

scholarly journals Expert opinions on the authenticity of moulage in simulation: a Delphi study

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Stokes-Parish ◽  
Robbert Duvivier ◽  
Brian Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Expert Opinions

Crowdsourcing localisation for non-profit projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabea De Wille ◽  
Reinhard Schäler ◽  
Chris Exton ◽  
Geraldine Exton
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Survey Questionnaires

Abstract Trommons is an open-source, web-based platform administered by The Rosetta Foundation. The Rosetta Foundation has worked since 2009 to eradicate the information gap faced by communities under-served by commercial localisation, by making information accessible in the languages of those communities. In recent years we have conducted several studies into crowdsourced volunteer translation from the perspective of the client organisations. In this paper we are reporting on the finding of those studies, which include two survey questionnaires as well as semi-structured interviews with representatives of the non-profit organisations and staff at the Rosetta Foundation. The studies conducted provide insights into the following questions: Do organisations work with volunteers, and why? What reasons would make them not work with volunteers? What expectations do organisations have of volunteers, as well as a platform like Trommons, and are those expectations being met? What are the interactions between organisations and staff at the Rosetta Foundation?

scholarly journals A perspective on Councils on Chiropractic Education accreditation standards and processes from the inside: a narrative description of expert opinion, part 2: Analyses of particular responses to research findings

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley I. Innes ◽  
Vicki Cope ◽  
Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde ◽  
Bruce F. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Historical Context ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Accreditation Standards ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Chiropractic Education ◽  
Chiropractic Practice ◽  
Mainstream Healthcare ◽  
Assessment Of Student Learning

Abstract Background This is the second article reporting on a study that sought the views of people with extensive experience in Councils on Chiropractic Education (CCEs) on research that has raised concerns about variability in accreditation standards and processes for chiropractic programs (CPs) and chiropractic practice in general. Methods This qualitative study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews that consisted of open-ended questions asking experts about their thoughts and views on a range of issues surrounding accreditation, graduate competency standards and processes. The interviews were audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim in June and July of 2018. The transcripts were reviewed to develop codes and themes. The study followed the COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies. Results The interviews revealed that these CCE experts were able to discern positive and negative elements of the accreditation standards and processes. They were, in general, satisfied with CCEs accreditation standards, graduating competencies, and site inspection processes. Most respondents believed that it was not possible to implement an identical set of international accreditation standards because of cultural and jurisdictional differences. This was thought more likely to be achieved if based on the notion of equivalence. Also, they expressed positive views toward an evidence-based CP curriculum and an outcomes-based assessment of student learning. However, they expressed concerns that an evidence-based approach may result in the overlooking of the clinician’s experience. Diverse views were found on the presence of vitalism in CPs. These ranged from thinking vitalism should only be taught in an historical context, it was only a minority who held this view and therefore an insignificant issue. Finally, that CCEs should not regulate these personal beliefs, as this was potentially censorship. The notable absence was that the participants omitted any mention of the implications for patient safety, values and outcomes. Conclusions Expert opinions lead us to conclude that CCEs should embrace and pursue the widely accepted mainstream healthcare standards of an evidence-based approach and place the interests of the patient above that of the profession. Recommendations are made to this end with the intent of improving CCE standards and processes of accreditation.

scholarly journals Delirium researchers’ perspectives of the challenges in delirium biomarker research: A qualitative study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0243254
Author(s):  
Ingrid Amgarth-Duff ◽  
Annmarie Hosie ◽  
Gideon A. Caplan ◽  
Meera Agar
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Clear Vision ◽  
Biomarker Research ◽  
Collaborative Efforts ◽  
Improved Methods

Background Despite the prevalence and impact of delirium, its pathophysiology remains unclear. In order to advance this field of research, robust scientific methodology is required, yet quality of reporting in this field of research has been highly inconsistent. Delirium biomarker research poses several challenges, none of which have been documented in the literature before. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of delirium researchers about key methodological issues in delirium biomarker research. Methods Following a Delphi study with delirium experts resulting in 60 recommendations for reporting delirium biomarker studies, semi-structured interviews with international delirium researchers were conducted. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim, followed by thematic analysis of the qualitative data. Results Fifteen participants were interviewed between August and November 2019. Most were male (n = 12; 75%), clinician researchers (n = 13; 86%), and had more than ten years’ experience in conducting delirium research (n = 9; 60%). Analysis revealed two major themes and ten sub-themes, outlining key considerations to advance the field of delirium biomarker research. The major themes were: 1) Practical and scientific challenges of delirium biomarker research: stagnation versus driving improved methods and reporting; and 2) Valuing delirium research through investment and collaboration. Conclusion Findings identified a range of factors that contribute to the practical and ethical challenges of conducting delirium biomarker research, which have not previously been explicitly acknowledged or reported. A clear vision for collaborative efforts to enhance research quality for improved impact was also presented by the delirium researchers. This work complements the preceding Delphi and together these studies provide an in-depth understanding of what is needed in the field to inform and improve methods and reporting of delirium biomarker research.

scholarly journals Compliance-Driven Cybersecurity Planning Based on Formalized Attack Patterns for Instrumentation and Control Systems of Nuclear Power Plants

2022 ◽  
Vol 2022 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Minsoo Lee ◽  
Hyun Kwon ◽  
Hyunsoo Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Security Requirements ◽  
Development Phase ◽  
Development Organization ◽  
Security Controls ◽  
Attack Patterns ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Control

The instrumentation and control (I&C) system of a nuclear power plant (NPP) employs a cybersecurity program regulated by the government. Through regulation, the government requires the implementation of security controls in order for a system to be developed and operated. Accordingly, the licensee of an NPP works to comply with this requirement, beginning in the development phase. The compliance-driven approach is efficient when the government supervises NPPs, but it is inefficient when a licensee constructs them. The security controls described in regulatory guidance do not consider system characteristics. In other words, the development organization spends a considerable amount of time excluding unnecessary control items and preparing the evidence to justify their exclusion. In addition, security systems can vary according to the developer’s level of security knowledge, leading to differences in levels of security between systems. This paper proposes a method for a developer to select the appropriate security controls when preparing the security requirements during the early development phase; it is designed to ensure the system’s security and reduce the cost of excluding unnecessary security controls. We have formalized the representation of attack patterns and security control patterns and identified the relationships between these patterns. We conducted a case study applying RG 5.71 in the Plant Protection System (PPS) to confirm the validity of the proposed method.

scholarly journals Social Psychology and Pandemics: Exploring Consensus about Research Priorities and Strategies using the Delphi Method

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sammyh Khan ◽  
Daniella Hult Khazaie
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Delphi Process ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
The Social ◽  
Behavioural Sciences

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to calls for contributions from the social and behavioural sciences in responding to the social and behavioural dimensions of the pandemic. The current Delphi study explored expert opinions and consensus about the contributions that can be made by social psychology and social psychologists, and research priorities and strategies to this end. A two-round Delphi process was employed involving a panel of 52 professors of social psychology from 25 countries. Responses to open-ended questions presented to the panel in Round 1 were condensed and reformulated into 100 closed-ended statements that the panel rated their agreement with in Round 2. Consensus was reached for 55 topics to which social psychology can contribute, 26 topics that should be prioritised, and 19 strategies that should be implemented. The findings contribute to further focusing research efforts in psychology in its response to the social and behavioural dimensions of the COVID-19 and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Expert consensus statement to guide research into evidence-based classification of athletes for Para-Taekwondo -- A Delphi study

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Round Table ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Research Initiatives

Background and Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate various issues surrounding participation in Para-Taekwondo Kyorugi (sparring), with the aim of focusing on future research initiatives to improve the classification system and safety for participation in Para-Taekwondo. Material and Methods: For this, a series of online questionnaires and in-person round-table discussions were conducted prior to the World Para-Taekwondo Championships (Antalya, Turkey, 2019), with a final online questionnaire thereafter. A select group of experts, such as athletes, coaches, administrators, classifiers, and athletes were invited to partake, with the main outcome measures being the expert opinions and ranking of importance for research into issues affecting Para Taekwondo athletes. Results: The results of the discuss provide suggestions and opinions for the following areas are provided for the aim of classification, minimum impairment criteria, fairness of classes, combination of classes, competition time, mixing of different impairments, safety of cerebral palsy athletes, weight classes, gender differences, intentional misrepresentation, personal protectors, time for re-classification, and research priorities. Conclusion: The most prevalent issue highlighted was the concern for athlete safety, especially for the K44 class, which has a mixture of neurological impairments, i.e. an athlete with mild cerebral palsy (CP) competing against an athlete with an amputation. Furthermore, on the issue of safety, developing protectors for athletes was another key issue raised. Therefore, in the future, we can strongly recommend research initiatives to examine the safety of athletes with various impairment types in the same class, and the development of protectors for Para Taekwondo athletes.

scholarly journals Building information modelling (BIM) capability and delivery success on construction projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu ◽  
Lamine Mahdjoubi ◽  
Colin Booth ◽  
Patrick Manu ◽  
Emmanuel Manu
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Building Information Modelling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Modelling ◽  
Perceived Importance ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeIn spite of emerging research on building information modelling (BIM) capability assessment, there is a general dearth of knowledge about the links between often pre-emptive capability measurement attributes and actual delivery success. More so, current studies have not considered success from the wider construction supply chain (CSC) perspective. So far, the perceived importance of capability metrics is not based on post-project evaluations of their contribution to BIM delivery success. This paper aims to identify relevant BIM capability attributes used for qualifying CSC organisations for projects and further aims to investigate their relative importance and influence on some key aspects of BIM delivery success.Design/methodology/approachBased on heretofore validated set of BIM capability attributes from semi-structured interviews and a Delphi study, a survey of CSC firms on BIM-enabled projects was used to model the influence of BIM capability attributes on BIM delivery success. Multiple regression modelling was performed to ascertain the nature of the relationship between BIM capability attributes and the key aspects of BIM delivery success as identified from the literature.FindingsBIM staff experience and the suitability of proposed methodology prior to project commencement were identified as the most influential on BIM delivery quality, as well as delivery within schedule and on budget. Conversely, the administrative and strategic-level capacities were found as the most influential in leveraging collaboration, coordination or integration of the CSC on projects through BIM.Originality/valueThis study provides a step change in prioritising BIM capability criteria based on evidence of their contribution to delivery success in key performance areas, rather than their perceived importance as capability metrics as widely practised.

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