Effective Management Approach Research Articles

Economic and Mathematical Modeling in Budgeting

The article is devoted to an overview of modern modeling approaches for effective management of enterprise budgets. The article examines the toolkit of economic and mathematical modeling that can be used in the budgeting system. It is proposed to increase the efficiency of the budgeting process by applying the tools of economic and mathematical modeling at the stages of budget development and resource allocation, as well as in the process of budget control and monitoring. To increase the clarity of the simulation procedure and results, a visualization of the TO BE model is presented in IDF0 notation (simulation language) on the Ramus platform. It is noted that the effectiveness of the budgeting system based on the use of economic-mathematical modeling tools will allow to improve resource expenditure planning taking into account the opportunities, priorities, needs and limitations of a specific enterprise and its external business environment. The need to implement digitalization tools and economic-mathematical modeling in the budgeting system is substantiated. The purpose of the article is to analyze the possibilities of forming an effective enterprise budgeting system based on the successful implementation of economic and mathematical modeling tools. The authors focus on the potential of using business analytics as a result of using economic and mathematical modeling tools to form an effective budgeting system. The article argues for the possibility of effectively using modeling tools in the budgeting process, which allows enterprises to make high-quality management decisions based on forecasts, scenarios, optimization recommendations, visualization of current problem situations, etc. The scientific novelty of this article lies in the fact that the recommendations and conclusions provided by the authors can be useful for domestic enterprises in the current conditions of severe restrictions on available resources, lack of free funds, existing and potential risks. In general, this article is useful for those who want to learn more about the possibilities of using economic-mathematical modeling tools in the budgeting system.

Surgical Treatment of Acute and Chronic Facial Paralysis

The assessment and management of facial palsy depend on a comprehensive understanding of three key factors: the duration of the palsy, its anatomical location, and the underlying cause or mechanism. Clinical history and physical examination are the cornerstones for diagnosis, though diagnostic tools like CT scans, MRIs, and electromyography also offer valuable insights. These tools, however, have limitations, particularly in the initial and late stages post-injury. Facial palsy is categorized into acute (0–72 hours), subacute (72 hours up to 12–18 months), and chronic (beyond 12–18 months) phases. Treatment strategies are primarily guided by the mechanism and location of the injury rather than the stage of palsy. Acute injuries may be intratemporal or extracranial, each requiring different approaches. In the subacute phase, surgical interventions like nerve transfers become important. For longstanding facial paralysis, a new neuromuscular unit is often required, with multiple treatment options available. Static procedures offer valuable adjunctive treatments for aesthetic and functional outcomes. Various muscle transplant methods, graft choices, and ancillary procedures are under exploration and offer promise for better outcomes. Overall, the focus remains on a tailored, multi-disciplinary approach for effective management of facial palsy.

Unraveling the Enigma: Navigating Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurocysticercosis – A Thorough Exploration Review

Background: Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larvae of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, presents a unique challenge to public health, particularly in low- and middle-income endemic countries. This parasitic infection affects the central nervous system and is often associated with epilepsy, contributing significantly to the global burden of neurological disorders. This review delves into recent advances in both the diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis, offering insights into the evolving landscape of strategies to address this complex condition. In neurocysticercosis-endemic regions, the prevalence of epilepsy linked to this parasitic infection is substantial, underscoring the need for improved understanding and management. The symptoms of neurocysticercosis result from the death of the parasite and subsequent inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system, presenting challenges in direct symptom attribution. The lack of awareness about neurocysticercosis epidemiology further exacerbates the burden on affected communities, where NCC accounts for a significant proportion of epilepsy cases. Approach: This systematic review comprehensively synthesized recent neurocysticercosis advancements in diagnosis and treatment over the past two decades. The search strategy included diverse sources such as the World Health Organization reports and utilized advanced search engines and databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier. The selection process considered study design, publication date, language, and relevance. A standardized data extraction process collected information on study characteristics, patient demographics, diagnostic methods, treatment interventions, outcomes, and adverse events. Results: To boost diagnostic precision, this review underscores the global employment frequency of diagnostic techniques. Neuroimaging, notably CT scans (46.6%) and MRI (32.8%), emerges as pivotal, trending toward integrating immunodiagnosis for a holistic approach. In treatment, the multifaceted nature of neurocysticercosis management is apparent. Albendazole, corticosteroids, and Praziquantel are widely used, showcasing a comprehensive approach. The Praziquantel and Albendazole combination exhibits promising efficacy of 40%, underlining the necessity for personalized treatment plans. However, anthelmintic initiation demands recent neuroimaging to exclude contraindications, highlighting the delicate balance between treatment modalities. The management scope extends beyond pharmacology, encompassing larvicidal agents, corticosteroids, antiepileptic drugs, and surgical interventions. Individualized management, prioritizing growing cysticerci and addressing intracranial hypertension, underscores the complexity. Patients with specific conditions, such as cysticercotic encephalitis or isolated granulomas and calcifications, require specialized considerations to avert exacerbating intracranial hypertension or targeting non-viable parasites. Conclusion: In conclusion, this comprehensive review scrutinizes recent advances in neurocysticercosis diagnosis and treatment. Evolving diagnostic techniques, particularly the integration of advanced imaging and immunodiagnosis that are hardly available in low- and middle-income endemic countries, promise accurate assessments. The complex neurocysticercosis nature mandates ongoing research and a personalized approach for effective management, integrating diverse therapeutic interventions to enhance outcomes, especially in regions with substantial burdens.

Phenology of two-horned water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxb. var. iinumai Nakano)in northern Virginia ponds

Species of water chestnut, specifically Eurasian water chestnut (Trapa natans), have plagued the northeastern United States, including the tidal Potomac, for over 100 years. In 2014 a new species of invasive water chestnut identified as two-horned water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa Roxb. var. iinumai Nakano) was discovered in the Potomac River, and in subsequent years it has spread to nearby waterbodies. The purpose of this study is to describe the phenology of T. bispinosa to assist managers in developing effective approaches for management. Structured observa-tional studies were conducted at two ponds in northern Virginia in 2019 and 2020. Trapa bispinosa initiated growth in late April, increasing rapidly to a maximum of 100% cover in June. Rosette diameters increased gradually from late April to a maximum in August and September. This increase in rosette size was strongly correlated with degree days and calendar days and is consistent among ponds and between years. Flower counts were zero from April through June, then increased rapidly to maximum in late August. Fruit counts were zero from April through June; fruit started to appear in July, and counts increased to a maximum in early September. Since the species is annual and dependent on sexual reproduction, control efforts for T. bispinosa should be initiated before fruits are produced. Based upon our data, in the mid-Atlantic region, May would be an ideal time to begin because rosettes should be observable, but flowers and fruit should not appear until late June. These studies indicate aquatic managers may have a 4-to-6-wk window in the late spring to prevent seed production and should focus resources on management during that period.

Formulation and Optimization of Propranolol Bilayer Tablets: A Potential Approach for Effective Management of Hypertension

The purpose of this investigation is to formulate and evaluate the antihypertensive drug propranolol hydrochloride sustained-release bilayer tablets. In this formulation, one layer provides a loading dose through the immediate release of the drug and the other layer provides a maintenance dose for up to 12 h through controlled release. Different quantities of polymers such as Kyron T-314, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose- K4M, and ethyl cellulose were used to make bi-layer tablets by direct compression. The compatibility study of pharmaceutical excipients was conducted through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies and no interaction was found. The pre-compression parameter for the angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density and compressibility index was assessed on the produced granules and the findings were good. The tablets were evaluated for the post-compression parameters for thickness, hardness, friability and in vitro release studies. In vitro dissolution study was approved out for 12 h using United States Pharmacopeia dissolution apparatus I using phosphate buffer of pH 1.2 and 6.8 as dissolution medium. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose- K4M and ethylcellulose were used in combination in all formulations but optimized formulation propranolol hydrochloride tablet 4 showed a higher rate of drug release up to 12 h as compared to the other formulation and optimized formulations propranolol hydrochloride tablet 4 follows the Higuchi model with non-fickian diffusion based on regression coefficient of the kinetics data of cumulative drug release from the dosage form.

Механізм управління діяльністю транспортних підприємств на засадах концепції ощадливого виробництва

The article is aimed at forming a mechanism for managing activity of transport enterprise on the basis of the conception of lean production. In the current economic conditions, the overwhelming majority of managers of domestic transport enterprises are aware that in order to effectively fight for consumers and maintain the desired level of competitiveness, modernization of all aspects of economic activity is necessary, in particular: reducing production costs, improving the level of product quality, reducing the time for the process of mastering new types of technologies, and improving the customer service process. One of the effective management approaches aimed at achieving these goals is the conception of lean production. As result of the study, it is allocated that the leading goal of the conception of lean production is to eliminate all types of losses and efficient use of material, financial and labor resources through continuous improvement of all business processes of enterprise aimed at meeting the needs of consumers by introducing lean production tools. Formation of an effective and market-compliant mechanism for managing the activities of a transport enterprise based on the conception of lean production is an objective need to ensure the effective development of enterprises in the current conditions. The author proposes her own definition of the concept of mechanism of management of activity of transport enterprise on the basis of the conception of lean production): it is a complex system that combines goals, principles, purpose, means and tools of introduction of lean production to increase management efficiency and achieve the effect (result) of creating a culture of continuous improvement of the quality of transport services, as well as improving the indicators of the level of economic efficiency of the transport enterprise. The mechanism of management of the transport enterprise on the basis of the conception of lean production involves the formation of a conception at the enterprise, which defines the goals, principles and purpose that affect the choice of tools for lean production, the use of which will increase the efficiency of management of the transport enterprise, which, in turn, affects the result of activities in general. Prospects for further research in this direction are the assessment of the effect or result of the introduction of the mechanism of management of the transport enterprise, in particular, the quality of transport services and improvement of indicators of the level of economic efficiency of the transport enterprise.

Удосконалення управління зовнішньоекономічною діяльністю та конкурентоспроможністю підприємств

Improving the management of foreign economic activity for enterprises in Ukraine is an urgent task due to modern trends in globalization and the competitive environment in international markets. Adaptation to the conditions of globalization and overcoming competitive challenges requires from enterprises systematic measures aimed at increasing their competitiveness and success in international business. Internal and external factors identified in the study indicate the need to improve strategies for managing foreign economic activity. In particular, the recommendations are aimed at creating a favorable environment, modernization and innovative approaches. Creating a favorable environment involves the development and implementation of effective legal and regulatory mechanisms that promote the development of export-oriented enterprises. Modernization and innovation are becoming key factors for increasing competitiveness, as they allow for the improvement of production processes, expand the range of products and ensure high quality of products. The recommendations also focus on attracting highly qualified staff and implementing an effective management approach. Highly qualified staff is a crucial resource for innovating and achieving high quality standards. Thus, investing in personnel development and educational programs are becoming strategic tasks. An effective managerial approach includes the introduction of modern management methods, taking into account international standards and norms, as well as continuous improvement of internal processes to ensure the flexibility and adaptability of the enterprise to changes in the market. Thus, the strategy of success of enterprises in international arenas requires an integrated approach focused on creating a favorable environment, using modern technologies, attracting highly qualified staff and effective management.

Mathematically productive relationships (MPRs): a potentially effective classroom management approach

Positive teacher–student relationships are considered essential for effective classroom management. Thus, focusing efforts to understand better and strengthen teacher–student relationships in order to improve student outcome metrics is prudent. This study examined seven elementary teachers’ descriptions and enactment of mathematically productive relationships (MPRs), a type of teacher-student relationship, and their influence on classroom management practices. Teachers’ descriptions of MPRs incorporated four themes: (a) creating safe, mistake-friendly environments, (b) developing trust and respect between the teacher and the students, (c) establishing and maintaining clear and high expectations, and (d) ensuring that classrooms remain safe spaces. However, these features did not always appear in the teachers’ classrooms. The enactment of MPRs varied across cases, with the participants’ classroom management priorities lying along a continuum from behavioural management to cognitive engagement. Implications of MPRs and the influence of different classroom management practices on students’ learning opportunities are discussed.

A Fuzzy AHP-based approach for prioritization of cost overhead factors in agile software development

Agile software development (ASD) is a widely-used practical approach for effective project management that intends to satisfy the client’s needs through continuous testing and frequent delivery. Accurate cost estimation plays a significant role in the success of ASD since the project’s success and failure greatly depend on the hidden cost factors. However, to the best of our knowledge, the current state-of-the-art lacks in considering, validating and prioritizing the critical cost factors helpful in improving the cost estimation accuracy during the ASD process. Thus, there is a need to provide a recent view of the critical factors impacting the cost of agile-based projects. This article provides an up-to-date view of the targeted research context. To accomplish this, we propose a quantitative framework that effectively prioritizes the identified cost factors grounded on the 4Ps (i.e., people, project, process, and product) standard. For identification and validation of the cost overhead factors, we perform a systematic literature review and empirical study in the ASD context. Likewise, the current study classifies and prioritizes the validated factors using a multi-criterion decision making Fuzzy-Analytic Hierarchy Process technique, which effectively rectifies the subjectivity and handles the uncertainty among the identified factors. The implementation results provide a list of prioritized cost overhead factors that would assist agile practitioners during the cost estimation process in the ASD context.

Implantable niche with local immunosuppression for islet allotransplantation achieves type 1 diabetes reversal in rats

Pancreatic islet transplantation efficacy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management is limited by hypoxia-related graft attrition and need for systemic immunosuppression. To overcome these challenges, we developed the Neovascularized Implantable Cell Homing and Encapsulation (NICHE) device, which integrates direct vascularization for facile mass transfer and localized immunosuppressant delivery for islet rejection prophylaxis. Here, we investigated NICHE efficacy for allogeneic islet transplantation and long-term diabetes reversal in an immunocompetent, male rat model. We demonstrated that allogeneic islets transplanted within pre-vascularized NICHE were engrafted, revascularized, and functional, reverting diabetes in rats for over 150 days. Notably, we confirmed that localized immunosuppression prevented islet rejection without inducing toxicity or systemic immunosuppression. Moreover, for translatability efforts, we showed NICHE biocompatibility and feasibility of deployment as well as short-term allogeneic islet engraftment in an MHC-mismatched nonhuman primate model. In sum, the NICHE holds promise as a viable approach for safe and effective islet transplantation and long-term T1D management.

Assessing the roles of farmer organizations for effective agricultural water management in Sri Lanka

CONTEXTThe ancient Sri Lankan village tank cascade system (VTCS) is a unique agricultural system that irrigates 35% of rice lands in Sri Lanka. Climate change, population growth, and social determinants are increasing pressure on VTCS, and the available water resources are being limited and competing with other water users. Therefore, effective water management on the field and landscape scale needs attention to address these challenges. OBJECTIVESince community-based water management bodies have been recognized as a leading approach for effective field-level water management, this study aimed to assess the behavior of farmer organizations (FOs), understand their capacities for field-level water management, and determine improvements required to achieve more effective field-level water management. METHODSWe surveyed 357 respondents from 21 FOs in the Deduru Oya river basin. FO behavior in five categories was assessed: 1) organizational rules, legitimacy, and culture; 2) organizational hierarchy and decision-making; 3) leadership; 4) communication and coordination; and 5) motivational incentives and organizational stability. Respondents rated their perception of the organizational behavior of the FO they participate in on a Likert scale. In addition, we conducted key informant interviews with 11 field officers of relevant government bodies who work closely with the FOs we studied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONFOs showed great diversity in their organizational behavior. Overall transparency, participatory decision-making, internal communication, and leadership were identified as key behaviors supporting efficient water management by FOs. Organizational culture, external communication, and organizational stability were all found to have significant improvement needs. FO behaviors in terms of organizational culture have major gaps in several areas, including poor organizational legitimacy awareness, poor financial accountability, unhealthy revenue generation, insufficient environmental consideration, and poor record keeping. Interestingly, FO members from different hierarchical layers disagreed on behavior within their own FOs. Additionally, conflicting responses among FOs and government agency field officers were also observed, highlighting the need to inspect field officers' actions by senior authorities. There is a need to improve FO behaviors in identified weak areas for better irrigation water management. SIGNIFICANCEThe recommendations of this study offer multi-scale solutions, including solid capacity building through knowledge sharing and highlighting the gaps aimed at strengthening FO behaviors that support effective field-level water management. The findings and recommendations are informative in terms of investments required to enable FOs to fulfill their potential as efficient water managers at the community scale. Furthermore, these findings may help in national policy making.

Growth and Morphological Characteristics of Asp376Glu Mutation in AHAS-Resistant and-Susceptible Yellow Burrhead (Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau) Populations

Herbicides are considered the most effective weed management approach in the world. Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS, EC 2.2.1.6) is widely used due to its advantages in crop selectivity, effectiveness to control broad-spectrum weeds and low mammalian toxicity has become one of the most popular herbicides used by farmers. The overreliance on the same herbicides over the years to control the weeds led to the evolution of herbicide resistance by several weed species, including Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau is among the resistant weed species in the rice fields of Southeast Asia. This species has been reported to develop resistance to bensulfuron-methyl (AHAS inhibitor). This study aims to determine the morphological characteristics of susceptible and resistant L. flava populations by comparing the growth and development of the plants. Results showed that the Asp-376-Glu mutation in the AHAS gene of the L. Flava-resistant population has exhibited significantly stronger (dry weight) or no significantly different impacts as compared to the susceptible population in the fresh weight, height, epicuticular weight, and leaf area. The insignificant differences were observed in the leaf structure and morphology of R and S plants which appears to have no possible fitness cost in the R population. This is the confirmation of the differences between the AHAS-resistant and susceptible populations that emphasizes the morphological characteristics that is crucial for herbicide application for controlling L. Flava populations.

Knowledge and perceptions of invasive plant biocontrol in Europe versus the rest of the world

Biological control (BC) of invasive alien plants (IAP) can be an effective environmental management approach. It has only very recently been adopted in Europe and is underutilized compared to other continents where this method has been successfully implemented for over a century. This is in sharp contrast to the BC of invertebrate pests, which has been taken up widely within Europe. It has been suggested that this is related to the risk-adverse attitude of Europeans towards weed BC. Scientific and public perception have a major influence on environmental policy actions. Public perception and knowledge regarding BC is an understudied subject despite its relevance for the application of this management alternative. We aimed to assess the knowledge and perception of BC of IAP among European professionals compared with their peers from other continents. To this end we conducted an online survey including multiple choice and open questions among over 700 people professionally engaged with managing the natural environment, of which approximately half were from Europe (EU) and the others from outside (non-EU). We assessed relationships between the geographical location of the respondents and their knowledge, and perceptions of BC of weeds versus BC of invertebrate pests. We found that respondents’ location influenced both perceptions and knowledge of BC for weeds. Compared to non-EU respondents, EU professionals showed less appreciation for BC (e.g., regarding safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness), and perceived it as a riskier method, particularly in the case of practitioners and researchers. More profoundly insect pest BC tended to be considered less safe than weed BC for non-EU respondents. Confidence in weed BC as a method, as well as in the validity of the associated pre-release risk assessments, strongly increased with the level of expertise in weed BC. While a much higher proportion of non-EU respondents were correctly aware of the presence/absence of BC in their own countries and identified successful examples of BC accurately, both groups of respondents were similarly aware of unsuccessful BC examples, including BC agents against animals, stressing the bias of EU respondents towards examples of BC failure. The appreciation of weed BC in Europe could be elevated by a combination of increasing knowledge of the technique and pre-release risk assessment and promoting successful examples of weed BC, which may bring major benefits for the management of IAP across the region.

84P Ambulatory management of ICI-induced hepatitis: A safe and effective management approach

The incidence of immune related adverse events (irAEs) secondary to oncological immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are treated as standard with high dose corticosteroids (CST). Grade 3-4 hepatitis is managed with intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) as per international protocols. CST treatment is effective but if administered in the inpatient setting can lead to long hospital stays, psychological distress and increased risk of hospital related illness. Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC), a UK tertiary cancer centre, has an established regional pan-tumour immunotherapy (IO) service to support all patients with irAEs and delivers a ambulatory IVMP pathway as part of that service.

Management and diagnosis of subretinal and suprachoroidal haemorrhage

AbstractSubretinal and suprachoroidal haemorrhage, particularly when central macula is involved, represent challenging clinical entities since their natural course, if left untreated, often leads to severe, progressive and irreversible vision loss, due to photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage. Significant variation in prognosis and treatment of different types of haemorrhage dictates the need to establish the level of haemorrhage, which is primarily based on fundus appearance, as haemorrhage in different levels tends to present with a distinct configuration. Additional modalities, such as ultra‐sonography, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography and focal electroretinography, contribute to diagnosis the clinical evaluation.Despite the wide range of techniques described for managing both subretinal and suprachoroidal haemorrhage, there is still no consensus among vitreoretinal surgeons on optimal approach. Pneumatic displacement with or without the intraretinal use of tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA), pars plana vitrectomy with subretinal t‐PA and gas tamponade, pars plana vitrectomy and retinectomy for clot extraction and co‐treatment with anti‐vascular endothelial growths factors (anti‐VEGFs) and pars plana vitrectomy with choroidal blood drainage, have all been described as effective management approaches. Over the last few years, a trend towards a more timely and less invasive approach has emerged. However, the preferred technique is often determined by the level, the extent and duration of haemorrhage as well as surgeon preference.

Designing effective waste management practices in developing economies: The case of Suriname

Local authorities are responsible for the exponential increase of waste, estimated to be about 9 billion tonnes annually. However, developing economies face enormous waste management challenges compared to developed economies, suggesting the lack of effective waste management approaches in most developing economies, including the small island developing states (SIDS). This study explores waste management practices and behavior in Suriname in support of the government's ongoing efforts in developing a framework to integrate sustainable development goals into its national policies and strategies. The current research adopts a two-stage data collection method involving observation and semi-structured interviews. 15 key informants were purposively recruited and interviewed using the semi-structured interview method to understand the current perceptions and behavior towards waste production and management in Suriname. The results show that Suriname lacks a structured and formal waste management system like many other developing countries. Open dumping and uncontrolled incineration are the dominant waste treatment methods in the country. The semi-structured interviews show that many factors, such as the lack of government commitment, ineffective policies and regulations, lack of investment and infrastructure, and citizens' social-economic status, contribute to Suriname's current unsustainable waste management practices. Although the country faces many challenges, people, especially in villages, have positive attitudes towards the environment, enhancing their engagement in managing waste if the right schemes and facilities are installed. The study argued that the government should improve their participation and commitment to waste management, especially through installing, implementing and enforcing effective waste management policies and strategies. The study further demonstrates the need for collaborations between the government and other institutions, especially NGOs and private firms, to improve waste management investment and efforts. Using the ontology perspective, key findings are synthesized to highlight the practical and theoretical implications of the study. Limitations and future research are discussed. • Developing economies face increasing challenges in managing waste production. • The lack of an effective policy and system is a major waste management issue. • Sustainable waste management practices require commitment from the Government. • Designing and installing appropriate systems would address waste problems. • Waste management in Suriname requires Collaboration between all institutions.

Utilization of food waste for biofuel production: A biorefining perspective

Food waste (FW) has become a matter of huge concern due to continuous surge in waste generation and lack of effective waste management approaches. It is also wastage of many resources that are required for food production. The organic composition of food waste gives it a huge potential to turn that waste in a useful form that can be biofuels. Fossil fuel reserves are progressively getting depleted and are not sustainable to meet future demands. Researchers are finding ways to produce biofuels which could be more beneficial. Biofuels are produced from organic matter and they are renewable energy source. Using biofuel as an alternative to petro fuels is very effective to reduce the carbon emission as they are nontoxic which makes them environment friendly. Food waste has rich organic compounds which can be used for production of biofuels. Current review appraises the possible use of food waste for the production of biofuels.

Population density of eriophyid mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) on raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and their association with leaf blotch symptoms

Red raspberry, Rubus idaeus, is known to be infested by at least six species of eriophyid mites. Among them, the raspberry leaf and bud mite, Phyllocoptes gracilis, (Figure 1, A–B) is the only known vector of a raspberry virus, namely the raspberry leaf blotch virus (RLBV) (Dong et al. 2016; McGavin et al. 2012; Tan et al. 2022). Raspberry leaf blotch (Figure 1, C), a leaf disorder displaying as leaf chlorosis, distortion and patchy necrosis, yellowing and thinning on lateral branches, has been attributed to the feeding of P. gracilis until RLBV was also found to be associated with these symptoms (McGavin et al. 2012). Previous sampling of eriophyid mites was often based on the presence of the leaf blotch symptom, and there is a reasonable doubt if the symptom was caused by RLBV infection or mite infestation. It could also be hypothesized that eriophyid mites are attracted to RLBV-infected plants as viruses could make host plants more attractive to vectors (Donnelly & Gilligan 2020; Shi et al. 2019). It is therefore important to improve the detection of both mites and RLBV to efficiently manage the virus. In addition, knowledge on the dominant infestation area of eriophyid mites on raspberry canes is essential to develop an effective pest management approach. Gordon and Taylor (1976) reported that P. gracilis on primocanes during late summer (mid-August) was dominantly found on the upper leaves, due to the presence of predatory mites on the lower and middle leaves. But mite behavior on floricanes is also important to study if the goal is to prevent mite migration and RLBV transmission to primocanes. This study aimed to investigate the population density of eriophyid mites on raspberry floricanes and the association of eriophyid mites, RLBV, and leaf blotch symptoms.

Transcriptome Profiling of the Resistance Response of Musa acuminata subsp. burmannicoides, var. Calcutta 4 to Pseudocercospora musae.

Banana (Musa spp.), which is one of the world's most popular and most traded fruits, is highly susceptible to pests and diseases. Pseudocercospora musae, responsible for Sigatoka leaf spot disease, is a principal fungal pathogen of Musa spp., resulting in serious economic damage to cultivars in the Cavendish subgroup. The aim of this study was to characterize genetic components of the early immune response to P. musae in Musa acuminata subsp. burmannicoides, var. Calcutta 4, a resistant wild diploid. Leaf RNA samples were extracted from Calcutta 4 three days after inoculation with fungal conidiospores, with paired-end sequencing conducted in inoculated and non-inoculated controls using lllumina HiSeq 4000 technology. Following mapping to the reference M. acuminata ssp. malaccensis var. Pahang genome, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and expression representation analyzed on the basis of gene ontology enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes orthology and MapMan pathway analysis. Sequence data mapped to 29,757 gene transcript models in the reference Musa genome. A total of 1073 DEGs were identified in pathogen-inoculated cDNA libraries, in comparison to non-inoculated controls, with 32% overexpressed. GO enrichment analysis revealed common assignment to terms that included chitin binding, chitinase activity, pattern binding, oxidoreductase activity and transcription factor (TF) activity. Allocation to KEGG pathways revealed DEGs associated with environmental information processing, signaling, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides. With 144 up-regulated DEGs potentially involved in biotic stress response pathways, including genes involved in cell wall reinforcement, PTI responses, TF regulation, phytohormone signaling and secondary metabolism, data demonstrated diverse early-stage defense responses to P. musae. With increased understanding of the defense responses occurring during the incompatible interaction in resistant Calcutta 4, these data are appropriate for the development of effective disease management approaches based on genetic improvement through introgression of candidate genes in superior cultivars.

Managing agitation during early recovery following traumatic brain injury: qualitative interviews with clinicians

Purpose Agitated behaviours pose a significant challenge during early recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how clinicians worldwide manage post-TBI agitation. Understanding the factors that influence how clinicians manage agitation can help inform the use of consistent and effective management strategies for reducing agitation in TBI care. Methods Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 clinicians (58% female, aged 23–71 years) from 16 countries who had experience working with agitated patients. The interviews explored the approaches used to manage agitation during early TBI recovery. Results Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The central theme of the interviews was the effective management of agitation, consisting of three sub-themes: managing the safety of staff and patients, reducing triggers for agitation, and implementing behavioural principles for managing agitation. Two overarching themes influenced the effective management of agitation: clinician-related factors and systemic factors. Conclusions This study highlighted key approaches for effective agitation management during early TBI recovery, as described by clinicians working with these patients worldwide. There were similarities in the strategies described, although there were many challenges that impeded the consistent implementation of such strategies in TBI care settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Effective management of agitation during early traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery continues to pose a significant challenge for clinicians worldwide. Healthcare services may improve the management of agitation by involving the patient’s family in care delivery and implementing low-cost less-restrictive non-pharmacological interventions to reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions. Proactively addressing and removing potential sources of agitation (patient-related and environmental) may help reduce the risk of agitation occurring. The use of simple behaviour management strategies may be effective for reducing agitation, but strategies need to be implemented consistently and the approach should be flexible and tailored to the patient. Clinicians should develop an understanding of a patient’s premorbid behaviours and interests to best inform the management approach. Management of agitation may be improved by increasing clinicians’ agency in responding to agitated behaviours, through the provision of information and resources, ongoing training and skill development, supervision and support.