Determinator – A Generic DSS For Hazard Identification Of Species Or Other Physical Subjects

Our living environment poses all kinds of obvious and perhaps less obvious hazards. As an example, Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and related species of the genus Senecio are the main source of toxic pyrollizidine alkaloids. The plants commonly grow in road verges, meadows and production fields and are equally toxic for humans and animals. Therefore, proper identification of such a hazardous object is vital. This paper describes Determinator DSS, a Decision Support System, that aims to cover problems of proper identification of a hazardous object, either in the field or in a lab, and in diverse domains. Determinator DSS is used in several practical applications for ensuring food and feed safety and supporting environmental issues. The paper highlights several software aspects and design features of the DSS that enable it use in diverse circumstances and for different users as a generic solution.