An Expert System-Based Approach to Hospitality Company Diagnosis

This paper describes the development of a prototype Expert System-based Analysis and Diagnostic (ESAD) package for the Hotel and Catering Industry. This computerised tool aids the hospitality manager in methodically scrutinising the hotel unit and environment, combining key information with systematic reasoning. The system searches through its extensive knowledge base, investigating complicated relationships. The number of possibilities considered is increased which will broaden the depth and breadth of the analysis and therefore should improve the quality of the managers decision making

The importance of expert feedback during endovascular simulator training

ObjectivesComplex endovascular skills are difficult to obtain in the clinical environment. Virtual reality (VR) simulator training is a valuable addition to current training curricula, but is there a benefit in the absence of expert trainers?MethodsEighteen endovascular novices performed a renal artery angioplasty/stenting (RAS) on the Vascular Interventional Surgical Trainer simulator. They were randomized into three groups: Group A (n = 6, control), no performance feedback; Group B (n = 6, nonexpert feedback), feedback after every procedure from a nonexpert facilitator; and Group C (n = 6, expert feedback), feedback after every procedure from a consultant vascular surgeon. Each trainee completed RAS six times. Simulator-measured performance metrics included procedural and fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, accuracy of balloon placement, and handling errors. Clinical errors were also measured by blinded video assessment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.ResultsA clear learning curve was observed across the six trials. There were no significant differences between the three groups for the general performance metrics, but Group C made fewer errors than Groups A (P = .009) or B (P = .004). Video-based error assessment showed that Groups B and C performed better than Group A (P = .002 and P = .000, respectively).ConclusionVR simulator training for novices can significantly improve general performance in the absence of expert trainers. Procedure-specific qualitative metrics are improved with expert feedback, but nonexpert facilitators can also enhance the quality of training and may represent a valuable alternative to expert clinical faculty

A Case for the use of Application Generators in the Creation of Software for the Hotel Industry

The article makes the case for the use of Program Generators in producing software for the Hotel and Catering Industr

The effect of cholecystectomy on plasma cholecystokinin

Objective: Gallbladder removal is associated with an increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux, but the mechanism is unclear. Cholecystokinin (CCK) release, which causes gallbladder contraction, is inhibited by bile in the duodenum. This study investigates the effect of cholecystectomy on meal-stimulated CCK secretion.Methods: Three groups of patients were studied. Group 1 (n = 15) were normal controls. Group 2 (n = 27) were patients with symptomatic gallstones. Group 3 (n = 25) were patients who had undergone cholecystectomy. Meal-stimulated CCK levels were measured by radioimmunoassay at defined time points for 60 min after a standard corn oil-based meal.Results: Fasting CCK levels were similar in all three groups. In postcholecystectomy patients, meal-stimulated plasma CCK levels were significantly elevated compared with controls: median (range) integrated CCK values for 60 min were 116 (28–209) in controls, 123 (20–501) in gallstone patients, and 176 (63–502) after cholecystectomy.Conclusions: This study suggests that cholecystectomy causes an exaggerated meal-stimulated CCK response. Because CCK is known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, these findings may help explain the increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux seen after cholecystectomy

Key takeaways for knowledge expansion of early-career scientists conducting Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer (TREC): A report from the TREC Training Workshop 2022

The overall goal of the annual Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer (TREC) Training Workshop is to provide transdisciplinary training for scientists in energetics and cancer and clinical care. The 2022 Workshop included 27 early-to-mid career investigators (trainees) pursuing diverse TREC research areas in basic, clinical, and population sciences. The 2022 trainees participated in a gallery walk, an interactive qualitative program evaluation method, to summarize key takeaways related to program objectives. Writing groups were formed and collaborated on this summary of the 5 key takeaways from the TREC Workshop. The 2022 TREC Workshop provided a targeted and unique networking opportunity that facilitated meaningful collaborative work addressing research and clinical needs in energetics and cancer. This report summarizes the 2022 TREC Workshop\u27s key takeaways and future directions for innovative transdisciplinary energetics and cancer research