Learning from History: The Reliability of Experts and Expert Systems

2008 ◽  
Vol 44-46 ◽  
pp. 15-23
Author(s):  
M. Neil James
Keyword(s):  
Structural Reliability ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Service Reliability ◽  
Design Procedures ◽  
Software Packages ◽  
Complete Life Cycle ◽  
Production Stages

Engineering design must be cost-effective over its complete life cycle and this necessitates a statistical approach to product and service reliability. A particular design therefore has a finite probability of failure during its lifetime and this has implications in terms of ensuring that design procedures, management of design, and operation and inspection are appropriate, effective and sufficient. Sophisticated expert system software packages have enabled wide access to rapid development to prototype and production stages. The expert knowledge encapsulated in such systems may be inadvertently used outside its intended application envelope, leading to unexpected and unwelcome failures. This paper highlights the role of failure analysis and fractography in the context of product reliability. It will present case studies illustrating typical structural reliability problems that highlight issues connected with the ‘reliability’ of experts in assessing the reasons for failure.

scholarly journals The Role of Public Participation for Determining Sustainability Indicators for Arctic Tourism

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 295
Author(s):  
Rannveig Ólafsdóttir
Keyword(s):  
Public Participation ◽  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Sustainability Indicators ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
System Sustainability ◽  
Holistic Vision ◽  
The Impact

The new paradigm of sustainable development highlights the importance of enforcing defined boundaries between economies, societies, and the environment within a system. Sustainability indicators are tools that have proven to be a successful aid in defining and creating system boundaries. This paper focuses on the development of sustainability indicators for Arctic tourism, with a special emphasis on the role of public participation in their determination. It presents a stakeholder-centric approach to indicator selection by developing a framework that effectively integrates public participation in the processes of indicators’ selection and designation, and highlights the importance of combining local and expert knowledge in these processes. The results reveal that the making of sustainability indicators is an ideal platform for local voices to be heard, and thus have a significant stake in the overall process of tourism development. The most effective way to make their voices heard in the final decision-making process is via their evaluation of the adaptability and prioritization of these indicators. The results, furthermore, stress that sustainability indicators need to be constantly re-evaluated and updated, as tourism is part of a complex and dynamic system that is constantly changing. To provide a holistic vision of the impact of economic, environmental, and social factors, as well as the causality between them in the system, sustainability indicators must be integrated from many indicators. Since the monitoring of conventional indicators is often less complicated and more cost-effective than the monitoring of integrated indicators, a better result can however be reached by combining conventional indicators with sustainability indicators.

Specialist nursing support: The role and nurse prescribing

2020 ◽  
pp. 613-620
Keyword(s):  
Expert Knowledge ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Nurse Specialist ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Nursing Support ◽  
Nurse Prescribing ◽  
Effective Use

Rheumatology nurse specialists are key to the delivery and the sustainability of rheumatology services. They provide nurse-led clinics utilizing advanced expert knowledge and clinical skills to ensure patients receive evidence-based quality care using a shared decision-making approach; they educate and empower patients; refer and signpost patients to other services/agencies; keep patients safe; and demonstrate improved health outcome and cost-effective use of healthcare resources. This chapter describes the different components of the nurse specialist role. It then goes on to discuss the principles and methods of nurse prescribing, including managing drug interactions. The chapter ends with a section on the role of nurse specialists in rapid access to specific services (such as early arthritis clinics).

Role of Rasayana in Prevention of COVID-19 - A Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 716-722
Author(s):  
Sneha Dhakite ◽  
Sadhana Misar Wajpeyi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Respiratory System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Body ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Healthy Life Style ◽  
And Control

The “Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” is caused by “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, a newly discovered member of the Coronaviridae family of viruses which is a highly communicable. There is no effective medical treatment till date for Coronavirus disease hence prevention is the best way to keep disease away. Rasayana proved to be highly efficacious and cost effective for the Prevention and Control of viral infections when vaccines and standard therapies are lacking. Rasayana Chikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda which helps to maintain healthy life style. Rasayana improves immunity and performs many vital functions of human body. Vyadhikshamatva that is immune mechanism of the body is involved in Prevention of the occurrence of a new disease and it also decreases the virulence and progression of an existing disease. In COVID-19 the Respiratory system mainly get affected which is evident from its symptoms like cold, cough and breathlessness. Here the drugs help in enhancing immune system and strengthening functions of Respiratory system can be useful. For this purpose, the Rasayana like Chyavanprasha, Agastya Haritaki, Pippali Rasayana, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Haridra, Ashwagandha, Tulsi are used. Rasayana working on Respiratory system are best for Prevention of Coronavirus and boosting immune system. Rasayana Chikitsa can be effective in the Prevention as well as reducing symptoms of COVID-19.

The Role of Computer Modeling in Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Planning

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1831-1840 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Roesner ◽  
E. H. Burgess
Keyword(s):  
System Modeling ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Combined Sewer Overflows ◽  
Sewer System ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Hydraulic Simulation ◽  
Continuous Simulation ◽  
Combined Sewer ◽  
The U.S

Increased concern regarding water quality impacts from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the U.S. and elsewhere has emphasized the role of computermodeling in analyzing CSO impacts and in planning abatement measures. These measures often involve the construction of very large and costly facilities, and computer simulation during plan development is essential to cost-effective facility sizing. An effective approach to CSO system modeling focuses on detailed hydraulic simulation of the interceptor sewers in conjunction with continuous simulation of the combined sewer system to characterize CSOs and explore storage-treatment tradeoffs in planning abatement facilities. Recent advances in microcomputer hardware and software have made possible a number of new techniques which facilitate the use of computer models in CSO abatement planning.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using sustainable resources and their use as antibacterial agents: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumari Jyoti ◽  
Punyasloka Pattnaik ◽  
Tej Singh
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Plant Extracts ◽  
Metallic Nanoparticles ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Metal Species ◽  
Sustainable Resources ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Low Toxicity

Background:: Synthesis of metallic nanoparticles has attracted extensive vitality in numerous research areas such as drug delivery, biomedicine, catalysis etc. where continuous efforts are being made by scientists and engineers to investigate new dimensions for both technological and industrial advancements. Amongst numerous metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) is a novel metal species with low toxicity, higher stability and significant chemical, physical and biological properties. Methods:: In this, various methods for the fabrication of AgNPs are summarized. Importantly, we concentrated on the role of reducing agents of different plants parts, various working conditions such as AgNO3 concentration; ratio of AgNO3/extract; incubation time; centrifugal conditions, size and shapes. Results:: This study suggested that eco-friendly and non toxic biomolecules present in the extracts (e.g. leaf, stem and root) of plants are used as reducing and capping agents for silver nanoparticles fabrication. This method of fabrication of silver nanoparticles using plants extracts is comparatively cost-effective and simple. A silver salt is simply reduced by biomolecules present in the extracts of these plants. In this review, we have emphasized the synthesis and antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles using various plant extracts. Conclusion:: Fabrication of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts have advantage over the other physical methods, as it is safe, eco-friendly and simple to use. Plants have huge potential for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles of wide potential of applications with desired shape and size.

scholarly journals Peripheral Leukocytosis Predicts Cognitive Decline but Not Behavioral Disturbances: A Nationwide Study of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Santiago R. Unda ◽  
Aldana M. Antoniazzi ◽  
David J. Altschul ◽  
Roberta Marongiu
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Behavioral Disturbances ◽  
Classification Of Diseases

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Peripheral and central nervous system inflammation have been linked to the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it remains unclear whether the analysis of routine systemic inflammatory markers could represent a useful prediction tool to identify clinical subtypes in patients with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s at higher risk of dementia-associated symptoms, such as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a multivariate logistic regression using the 2016 and 2017 National Inpatient Sample with International Classification of Diseases 10th edition codes to assess if pro-inflammatory white blood cells (WBCs) anomalies correlate with dementia and BPSD in patients with these disorders. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We found that leukocytosis was the most common WBC inflammatory marker identified in 3.9% of Alzheimer’s and 3.3% Parkinson’s patients. Leukocytosis was also found to be an independent risk factor for Parkinson’s dementia. Multivariate analysis of both cohorts showed that leukocytosis is significantly decreased in patients with BPSD compared to patients without BPSD. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These results suggest a link between leukocytosis and the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in both PD and AD. A better understanding of the role of systemic neuroinflammation on these devastating neurodegenerative disorders may facilitate the development of cost-effective blood biomarkers for patient’s early diagnosis and more accurate prognosis.

scholarly journals Phytoextraction of Lead Using a Hedge Plant [Alternanthera bettzickiana (Regel) G. Nicholson]: Physiological and Biochemical Alterations through Bioresource Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5074
Author(s):  
Urooj Kanwal ◽  
Muhammad Ibrahim ◽  
Farhat Abbas ◽  
Muhammad Yamin ◽  
Fariha Jabeen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citric Acid ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Citric Acid Concentration ◽  
Biochemical Alterations ◽  
Biomass Plant ◽  
Environmentally Friendly Approach ◽  
Pb Concentration

Phytoremediation is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach that can be used for the remediation of metals in polluted soil. This study used a hedge plant–calico (Alternanthera bettzickiana (Regel) G. Nicholson) to determine the role of citric acid in lead (Pb) phytoremediation by exposing it to different concentrations of Pb (0, 200, 500, and 1000 mg kg−1) as well as in a combination with citric acid concentration (0, 250, 500 µM). The analysis of variance was applied on results for significant effects of the independent variables on the dependent variables using SPSS (ver10). According to the results, maximum Pb concentration was measured in the upper parts of the plant. An increase in dry weight biomass, plant growth parameters, and photosynthetic contents was observed with the increase of Pb application (200 mg kg−1) in soil while a reduced growth was experienced at higher Pb concentration (1000 mg kg−1). The antioxidant enzymatic activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were enhanced under lower Pb concentration (200, 500 mg kg−1), whereas the reduction occurred at greater metal concentration Pb (1000 mg kg−1). There was a usual reduction in electrolyte leakage (EL) at lower Pb concentration (200, 500 mg kg−1), whereas EL increased at maximum Pb concentration (1000 mg kg−1). We concluded that this hedge plant, A. Bettzickiana, has the greater ability to remediate polluted soils aided with citric acid application.

scholarly journals Challenges for Evaluation of the Safety of Engineered Nanomaterials

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-7
Author(s):  
Linda J. Johnston ◽  
Norma Gonzalez-Rojano ◽  
Kevin J. Wilkinson ◽  
Baoshan Xing
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Engineered Nanomaterials ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Toxicological Studies ◽  
Regulatory Guidelines ◽  
Significant Effort ◽  
Safe By Design

Abstract Nanotechnology has developed rapidly in the last two decades with significant effort focused on the development of nano-enabled materials with new or improved properties that offer solutions for current world challenges. The commercialization of products containing engineered nanomaterials (ENM) has progressed much more rapidly than the development of practical approaches to ensure their safe and sustainable use. The lack of adequate detection and characterization techniques and reproducible and validated methods for toxicological studies have been identified as major limitations. The rapid development of ENM of increasing complexity and diversity and concerns over the adequacy of existing regulations also contribute to safety concerns with these materials. The full potential of nanotechnology can only be realized when feasible, cost-effective strategies to ensure a safe-by-design approach, effective risk assessment approaches and appropriate regulatory guidelines are in place.

scholarly journals Recommendations for the Management of Incidental Pancreatic Findings in Adults by the Canadian Association of Radiologists Incidental Findings Working Group

2021 ◽  
pp. 084653712110210
Author(s):  
Christopher I. Fung ◽  
David L. Bigam ◽  
Clarence K. W. Wong ◽  
Casey Hurrell ◽  
Jeffery R. Bird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Group ◽  
Incidental Findings ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Pancreatic Cysts ◽  
Canadian Association ◽  
Pancreatic Calcifications ◽  
Fatty Atrophy ◽  
Anatomic Variants

The Canadian Association of Radiologists Incidental Findings Working Group consists of both academic subspecialty and general radiologists and is tasked with adapting and expanding upon the American College of Radiology incidental findings white papers to more closely apply to Canadian practice patterns, particularly more comprehensively dealing with the role of ultrasound and pursuing more cost-effective approaches to the workup of incidental findings without compromising patient care. Presented here are the 2021 Canadian guidelines for the management of pancreatic incidental findings. Topics covered include anatomic variants, fatty atrophy, pancreatic calcifications, ductal ectasia, and management of incidental pancreatic cysts.

scholarly journals X-change symposium: status and future of modern radiation oncology—from technology to biology

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Corradini ◽  
Maximilian Niyazi ◽  
Dirk Verellen ◽  
Vincenzo Valentini ◽  
Seán Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Radiation Oncology ◽  
Trial Design ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Clinical Trial Design ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Special Treatment ◽  
Image Guided Radiotherapy

AbstractFuture radiation oncology encompasses a broad spectrum of topics ranging from modern clinical trial design to treatment and imaging technology and biology. In more detail, the application of hybrid MRI devices in modern image-guided radiotherapy; the emerging field of radiomics; the role of molecular imaging using positron emission tomography and its integration into clinical routine; radiation biology with its future perspectives, the role of molecular signatures in prognostic modelling; as well as special treatment modalities such as brachytherapy or proton beam therapy are areas of rapid development. More clinically, radiation oncology will certainly find an important role in the management of oligometastasis. The treatment spectrum will also be widened by the rational integration of modern systemic targeted or immune therapies into multimodal treatment strategies. All these developments will require a concise rethinking of clinical trial design. This article reviews the current status and the potential developments in the field of radiation oncology as discussed by a panel of European and international experts sharing their vision during the “X-Change” symposium, held in July 2019 in Munich (Germany).

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