PRICAI 2024 Panel Sessions
Panel Sessions # 1
Title :
Using AI to assist in improving maternal and child health outcomes in underserved communities in India
Abstract :
The widespread availability of cell phones has enabled non-profits to deliver critical health information to their beneficiaries in a timely manner. This project assists non-profits that employ automated messaging programs to deliver timely preventive care information to beneficiaries (new and expecting mothers) during pregnancy and after delivery. Unfortunately, a key challenge in such information delivery programs is that a significant fraction of beneficiaries drop out of the program. Yet, non-profits often have limited health-worker resources (time) to place crucial service calls for live interaction with beneficiaries to prevent such engagement drops. To assist non-profits in optimizing this limited resource, we developed a Restless Multi-Armed Bandits (RMABs) system. The RMAB system was evaluated in collaboration with an NGO via a real-world service quality improvement study and showed a 30% reduction in
engagement drops. This model was eventually deployed by the NGO and has served over 350K women so far.
Bio :
Aparna Taneja is a researcher at the Multi Agents Systems for Social Impact team in Google Deepmind India. She collaborates with several NGO’s and academic partners in the fields of public health and conservation, and her primary focus is the collaboration with ARMMAN, an NGO focused on improving maternal and child health outcomes in India. Aparna joined Google in 2015 and worked with the Google Maps team in Zurich to improve search quality for Maps.She received her Phd in Computer Science at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. Marc Pollefeys. She then pursued a postdoc at Disney Research Zurich. She received her Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science from IIT Delhi in 2006.
Presenter : Aparna Taneja
Panel Sessions #2
Title :
Leveraging Conversational AI to Mitigate Intergroup Prejudice in Conflict-Affected Regions: Insights from Afghanistan
Abstract :
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape the future of societies, its potential for promoting social good is gaining critical attention. This talk will explore how AI, particularly conversational agents (CAs), can address key social challenges, such as reducing intergroup prejudice and fostering dialogue in conflict-affected environments. Drawing on insights from a recent experiment conducted in Afghanistan, we examine how AI can facilitate communication between historically divided groups, improving intergroup attitudes. This discussion highlights the role of AI in peacebuilding and social cohesion, showcasing its potential to bridge divides and foster understanding across communities.
Bio :
Sofia Sahab is a Program-Specific Assistant Professor at Kyoto University, Japan. She holds a Master of Engineering and a Doctor of Engineering in Urban Planning from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at Kabul University (2018) and as a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Nagoya Institute of Technology (2020). Dr. Sahab has published in journals such as Communications Psychology, Scientific Reports, and the Journal of Simulation and Gaming. Her current research focuses on leveraging AI and social experiments to tackle complex social challenges, particularly in developing countries. Dr. Sahab is also a recipient of the JSAI Excellence Paper Award.
Presenter : Sofia Sahab
