1.0 INTRODUCTION
A computer is digital electronic machine capable of accepting input data, processing and producing an output (information). The computer is an important tool that plays a good role in the analysis of any subject that is to be programmed. Though before a computer can be successfully programmed and utilized, it must be studied. Hence, “computer Science” which is the study of computer and its programming is mainly about the design and analysis, modeling and application of computer related system
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Computer Science has enabled the development of expert system which in turn improved human performance in their related field in life.
The development of experts system that capture skills and expertise of a human expert has not been easy and date back to the Second World War, where experts of computer tried relentlessly to develop technique or systems that would allow act more intelligently than human. But recently, experts system have proven their value by aiding for example, medical professionals in diagnosing diseases and scheduling task as well mechanics in trouble shooting locomotive problems and configuring complex computer hardware.
Hence, this project harnesses the abilities of experts on system to develop an expert system on malaria diagnostic system that will aid medical professional or personnel (e.g. Doctors, paramedics) in the diagnosis of malaria and its associated symptoms.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In the past, diagnosis has been plague by several factors based on the current manual process:
iii. Error are easily made and hardly detected.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
This work-study will as much as possible try to achieve the objectives stated below.
iii. To inform the medical practitioner that they can enjoy prolific alliance with computer systems.
vii. The containment of medical diagnosis by substituting software systems for skilled people, to help in assistance.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
iii. Consistent solution: Computers do not suffer some of the weaknesses of humans, such as getting tired or ill and they are more easily access than human experts.
1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Expert system on malaria diagnostic is a software designed to assist doctors and medical professional in diagnosis and prescription of different ailment as a result of malaria.
This system will simulate expert reasoning, taking into consideration the clinical sign and test result. It generates accurate treatment, advice addressing and prescriptions to possible drugs.
An example of a disease is given below.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
Diagnostic: This is concerned with diagnosis; used for furthering diagnosis or can be defined as characteristic or indicative of a disease.
A.I: Known as artificial intelligence in full and can be defined as the branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.
Paramedics: A person trained to assist medical professionals and to give emergency medical treatment
Malaria: An infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito; marked by paroxysms of chills and fever
Hospital: A medical institution where sick or injured people are given medical or surgical care.
Medication: The act of treating with medicines or remedies
Physician: A licensed medical practitioner
Ailment: An often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
Software: These written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory