Effective Management Approach Research Articles

Crisis leadership in Sigmoid Group: proactiveness for business continuity

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, students will be able to describe the crisis types and the various phases in mapping a crisis and outline appropriate actions during each phase; identify stakeholders in the context of change management initiatives and map them through their power, influence and interest needs; identify the needs and resistance present in change management initiatives through the systems-thinking perspective; recognize the leadership competencies for an effective crisis management approach; and identify the way to conduct challenging conversations with important stakeholders whose support and influence are required. Case overview/synopsis Stella Fernandez, the vice president of human resources management in a family-managed business organization, was disturbed by the media reports on rising number of cases of COVID-19 infection in India during the first week of March 2020. She thought that a continued rise in the number of infection cases could affect the business continuity as well as the safety of the employees. In her opinion, a faster introduction of a work-from-home policy could help to reduce the impact of the potential crisis. Fernandez understood that without the senior management team’s consent, she could not drive the information technology team to implement the work-from-home measure. However, she felt that there could be challenges in convincing the senior management team, who did not treat this outbreak to be of grave importance. Anticipating the unfavourable reaction, Fernandez planned her approach carefully by identifying and convincing influential members to support this change management initiative; nevertheless, to her dismay, her meticulous plan failed to convince the powerful members of the team, who continued to resist the change proposed by her. Disappointed and surprised by their reaction, Fernandez wondered what she could have done to make the senior management team to accept her proposal. Complexity academic level This case study is designed for use in undergraduate- or graduate-level programmes. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human resource management.

Functional Outcomes and Successful Predictors of Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections (LTFESIs) for Lumbar Radiculopathy Under Fluoroscopic Guidance: A Prospective Study.

Lumbar radiculopathy, a common and debilitating condition, often necessitates a multimodal approach for effective management. Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection (LTFESI) has emerged as a valuable therapeutic option when conservative measures fall short. Recent interest in long-acting and non-particulate steroids prompts a critical examination of their impact on LTFESI outcomes. This prospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LTFESI in improving pain and functional outcomes in patients with lumbar radiculopathy, focusing on long-acting and non-particulate steroids, and analyse the associated economic burden. The study, conducted from October 2017 to April 2019, involved 52 patients with lumbar radiculopathy meeting specific criteria. LTFESI was administered using a hospital-based prospective design. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores at various intervals. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of successful outcomes. Participants (average age 43.22 years, 27 (51.92%) male) exhibited diverse Michigan State University (MSU) grade profiles and predominantly had pathology at the L4-5 level. The study demonstrated a significant and lasting functional improvement in 43 (82.69%) of patients after LTFESI. Patients with 2AB-type intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP) showed lower response rates, emphasizing subtype influence. The efficacy of LTFESI was sustained for up to six months in almost 82.69% of patients, highlighting its potential for long-lasting benefits. The difference in the mean ODI score pre-injection and six months post-injection is statistically significant (p<0.0001). A total of four patients (7.69%) underwent surgical treatment for lumbar radiculopathy as their symptoms did not improve after injection. For all four patients (7.69%), surgery was done one month after injection. Five patients (9.61%) had ODI scores of more than 40, indicating severe disability at the end of six months. So, in nine patients (17.3%), the injection given was not effective at the end of six months, four (7.69%) of whom were operated on and five (9.61%) patients received conservative treatment. Thus, 43 (82.69%) of patients had a good outcome. The study reinforces LTFESI as an effective and safe intervention, providing substantial and lasting benefits for lumbar radiculopathy. The majority experienced immediate relief, supporting its role as an intermediate option between conservative management and surgery. Identified predictors of decreased success underscore the importance of early intervention and tailored treatment plans. The study emphasizes LTFESI's diagnostic and therapeutic potential, with economic benefits and safety highlighted. LTFESI emerges as a safe and effective intervention for lumbar radiculopathy, offering substantial and enduring pain relief. The study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced outcomes of LTFESI, including the impact of IVDP subtypes, factors influencing success, and the procedure's cost-effectiveness. While acknowledging limitations, this work adds to the growing evidence supporting LTFESI as a crucial component in the management of lumbar radiculopathy.

Optimized Treatment of Nosocomial Peritonitis.

This comprehensive review aims to provide a practical guide for intensivists, focusing on enhancing patient care associated with nosocomial peritonitis (NP). It explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of NP, a significant contributor to the mortality of surgical patients worldwide. NP is, per definition, a hospital-acquired condition and a consequence of gastrointestinal surgery or a complication of other diseases. NP, one of the most prevalent causes of sepsis in surgical Intensive Care Units (ICUs), is often associated with multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and high mortality rates. Early clinical suspicion and the utilization of various diagnostic tools like biomarkers and imaging are of great importance. Microbiology is often complex, with antimicrobial resistance escalating in many parts of the world. Fungal peritonitis and its risk factors, diagnostic hurdles, and effective management approaches are particularly relevant in patients with NP. Contemporary antimicrobial strategies for treating NP are discussed, including drug resistance challenges and empirical antibiotic regimens. The importance of source control in intra-abdominal infection management, including surgical and non-surgical interventions, is also emphasized. A deeper exploration into the role of open abdomen treatment as a potential option for selected patients is proposed, indicating an area for further investigation. This review underscores the need for more research to advance the best treatment strategies for NP.

Attitudes Toward Hysterectomy in Saudi Arabian Women Undergoing Evaluation for Uterovaginal Prolapse: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hysterectomy isan effective management approach for uterovaginal prolapse. However, the decision to undergo hysterectomy is a complex matter, influenced not only by medical factors but also cultural beliefs, societal norms, and individual attitudes.In Saudi Arabia, a nation with its distinctive cultural and social norms, the understanding of women's attitudes toward hysterectomy is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, such related attitudes have not been explored. This first-ever study aimed to investigate the attitudes toward hysterectomy among Saudi Arabian women undergoing evaluation for uterovaginal prolapse, by exploring the factors influencing their decision-making process and treatment choices, with a particular focus on the potential impact of cultural beliefs and societal norms. A survey was conducted among 404 women referred for uterovaginal prolapse evaluation. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic information, perceptions on hysterectomy's impact on well-being, and factors affecting decision-making. The mean ± standard deviation of participants was 51.07 ± 11.1 years. Most participants were currently married (n=327, 81%), were unemployed (n=309, 76.5%), and had an "excellent" self-rated general health status (n=138, 34%). Current prolapse management methods included Kegel exercises (n=103, 25.5%), pessary use (n=32, 8%), physical therapy (n=12, 3%), planned surgery (n=75, 18.5%), and no specific treatment (n=182, 45%). Overall, the study revealed diverse findings on the potential perceived impact of hysterectomy on different aspects of well-being. Notably, for pain symptoms, 152 participants (38%) reported potential improvement, while 123 participants (30%) predicted worsening, and 129participants (32%) anticipated no change. Moreover, the study unveiled insights into the factors influencing patients' decision-making between hysterectomy and uterine-sparing procedures. Remarkably, 97 respondents (24%) considered the doctor's opinion to be "very Important," while 91 respondents (22%) rated the impact on surgical complication risk as "very important." Furthermore, the desire to preserve all healthy organs was deemed "very important" by 106 respondents (26%). The resources of information women depended on when making a decisionto undergo hysterectomy varied and included a second opinion from another physician (n=68, 17%), social media (n=81, 20%), opinion from spouse/partner (21%), second opinion from female family members (n=99, 25%), and opinion from friends (n=70, 17%).Regarding preferences for decision-making, the responses varied substantially. Overall, 65 participants (16%) indicated a preference for their doctor to make the decision entirely, 81 participants (20%) preferred shared decision-making with their doctor, 89 participants (22%) wanted their doctor to make the decision after considering their input, 77 participants (19%) wished to make the final decision after discussing it with their doctor, and 93 participants (23%) expressed a preference for independently making the final decision. Lastly, correlations between women's responses and some demographic factors were identified. This pioneering study provides valuable insights into Saudi Arabian women's attitudes toward hysterectomy, emphasizing the need for patient-centered care and culturally sensitive approaches in managing uterovaginal prolapse.

Nymphstar: An accurate high‐throughput quantitative method for whitefly (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) resistance phenotyping in cassava

AbstractWhitefly (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) is a major pest causing significant economic losses in cassava production systems in North South America. It diminishes cassava's photosynthesis by colonizing leaves, directly feeding on phloem sap, or excreting substances that foster sooty mold growth, reducing the photosynthetic area. The most effective pest management approach is deploying natural resistance in the crop. Identifying germplasm with superior whitefly‐resistance (WFR) through phenotypic evaluation distinguishing it from whitefly‐susceptible responses requires an accurate, high‐throughput, quantitative phenotyping method. We developed Nymphstar, an image‐based phenotyping tool, as an ImageJ plugin, quantifying third‐ and fourth‐instar nymphs and their leaf area they occupy through red, green, and blue color space analysis. Using Nymphstar, we tested 19 cassava genotypes and classified their resistance to A. socialis. The plugin proved efficient, completing the analysis in 25.56 min on average for the entire dataset. In contrast, manual counting for the same set of images took 425.23 min on average averaging around 6.29 min/image. Nymphstar was ∼17 times faster showcasing its efficiency. To assess WFR in cassava germplasm, we conducted a full‐bench caging free‐choice assay. This approach enhanced whitefly colonization on each cassava genotype, providing an accurate representation of resistance/susceptible while reducing operator bias. Nymphstar is a rapid, precise tool for automated nymphs counting and leaf area quantification. It facilitates the large‐scale assessment of cassava resistance to whitefly, eliminating bias associated with field assessment and manual counting.

Forest fires in a changing climate: risk assessment and management in Leiria national forest, Portugal

Forest ecosystems are vital for sustainable development and human well-being globally and in Europe. Sustainably managed forests are fundamental in combating natural disasters and providing multiple important goods and services for humans and the environment. However, with increasing climate change and its associated effects, forests have become severely and regularly prone to fires. This is seriously threatening forest protection, human safety, the economy, and biodiversity. In this context, understanding future forest fire risks, susceptibility, hazards, and fire prevention is essentially needed. This study thus examines the forest fire risks and hazards in Leiria National Forest (Mata Nacional de Leiria), Portugal using the 2017 forest fire as a benchmark. With the adoption of GIS and remote sensing techniques and data, vegetation type (NDMI), human factors (roads and settlement proximity), and terrain characteristics (slope and aspect) were assessed to map fire risk. Through multi-criteria analysis, these data were integrated to generate a forest fire risk index. Results demonstrate that about 46% of the study area is within high-risk and risky zones, 50% is considered moderate-risk fire zones and 3% is classified as low and risk-free zones. Sensitivity analysis indicated that high-risk areas are mostly low moisture coniferous fuel types while risk-free areas are high moisture deciduous fuel types. Further, it was established that the observed high-risk and risky zones are attributed mostly to proximity to settlements and roads and little topographical influence. The study thus suggests an increased future forest fire risk under the prevailing conditions and a hiking potential of increased burnt areas. We thus proposed effective proactive measures and adaptive management approaches to prevent and mitigate the devastating impacts of forest fires within the study location.

A Study on Technical Analaysis of Indian FMCG Sector

The Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector plays a crucial role in the country's economy, experiencing strong growth and catering to the needs of its vast population. This research aims to conduct a close examination of the Indian FMCG sector using technical analysis techniques in order to identify patterns, trends, and potential investment opportunities. Using a quantitative approach, this study employs various technical indicators and chart patterns to assess the price and volume movements of FMCG sector stocks listed on Indian stock exchanges. Historical price data and trading volumes are collected and analyzed to identify recurring patterns and trends that can assist investors in making well-informed decisions. The study covers a time period between 26/04/2021 to 02/06/2021, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the FMCG sector's performance and behaviour. Few technical analysis tools such as moving averages convergence and divergence (MACD), relative strength index (RSI), on balance volume (OBV), and trendlines are utilized. By applying these techniques, the study aims to identify potential signals for buying and selling, levels of support and resistance, and price targets within the Indian FMCG sector. Additionally, the research explores the impact of market trends, economic factors, and industry-specific events on the sector's performance. The findings of this study contribute to the existing knowledge in technical analysis and provide valuable insights for investors and traders interested in the Indian FMCG sector. The results enhance understanding of the sector's price movements, volatility, and potential investment opportunities, enabling market participants to develop effective trading strategies and risk management approaches. It is important to note that this study solely focuses on the technical analysis of the Indian FMCG sector and does not consider fundamental analysis or qualitative factors that may influence investment decisions. Therefore, readers are encouraged to combine the findings of this study with additional research and analysis before making investment choices.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Testing the Effect of Digital Behavioral Interventions on Pain and Mental Health Among Adults with Sickle Cell Disease

Background: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer a significant disease burden that affects their psychosocial well-being. Digital cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been utilized in other patient populations and shown to have clinical benefits. Although evidence-based, non-pharmacological interventions for pain management are widely used in other populations, this is not well studied in SCD. There are currently no large-scale, adequately powered clinical trials that evaluate the effectiveness and dissemination potential of digital behavioral pain management interventions for adults with SCD. Objective: The primary goal was to compare the effectiveness of two mobile-phone-delivered programs: 1) digital CBT program tailored for adults with SCD (CBT); or 2) pain and SCD education (Education) for reducing pain symptoms. The secondary goal was to assess whether baseline depression symptoms moderated the effect of these interventions on pain outcomes. Methods: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Real-Time Pain Management Intervention for Sickle Cell via Mobile Application (CaRISMA) is a multisite, randomized, pragmatic, comparative effectiveness trial conducted at seven comprehensive sickle cell centers and several community-based organizations in the U.S. The study enrolled adults with SCD who reported chronic pain or using short or long-acting opioids daily. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the CBT or Education programs. Both programs utilized identical Facebook Messenger chatbot apps, only the content differed. All intervention participants received health coach support involving weekly phone calls or text messages for a duration of 12 weeks. Participants completed follow up assessments at 3 and 6 months, and daily e-diary entries of 0-10 pain numerical rating scale, mood, and opioid use. The primary outcome was the 6-month change in the PROMIS pain interference. Secondary outcomes included average daily pain intensity for a 2-week period at each time point, change in mean % body area affected by pain (measured by a ‘paintable’ body image within the mobile app), PHQ-9 depression, GAD-7 anxiety, Adult Sickle Cell Quality of Life Measurement Information System (ASCQ-Me) quality of life (social functioning and emotional impact), and Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES). Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare changes in 6-month outcomes between study arms after accounting for design variables (study site and baseline depression). Results: Of the 574 participants screened for eligibility, 359 (63%) were consented and randomized (178 to CBT and 181 to Education). Seventy-five percent of participants connected with the chatbot but only 47% completed at least one CBT/education lesson. However, 80% of participants had at least one text message, phone or video session with a health coach. At 6-months, there was a significant decline in pain interference within each arm (CBT [-2.13, 95%CI (-3.42, -0.84)] and Education [-2.66, 95%CI (-3.97, -1.36)]); however, this decline did not differ between arms (p=0.57). There was not a significant 6-month change in daily pain intensity for either arm, however, for % body area covered in pain, both CBT and education conferred a similar relative decrease, 19.2% and 17.1%, respectively. There were significant 6-month improvements within-arms for PHQ-9, GAD-7, and both ASCQ-Me measures, but no between-arm differences emerged. (Table 1). Of these, only the 6-month change in ASCQ-Me emotional impact approached a significant difference between arms with digital CBT conferring slightly greater improvement in scores, 3.51 (95%CI: 2.29, 4.73) compared to education,1.79 (95%CI: .55, 3.04; p=.05). Baseline PHQ depression score (&amp;gt;= 10 vs &amp;lt; 10) did not moderate the effect of treatments on pain interference (p=0.52). Conclusions: Preliminary trial findings suggest that both digital CBT and Education, with health coach support, are effective approaches for management of SCD pain and mental health symptoms. Most participants connected with a health coach and may have derived benefit from this support, however, poor engagement with the digital CBT and education component of the study may have limited the study's ability to detect between arm differences. Secondary analyses will examine the effect of intervention engagement on treatment outcomes.

Components of the Industrial and Personnel Recovery System in War-Affected Regions during the Martial Law in Ukraine

This article focuses on the importance of a methodological approach to building a management system for industrial recovery in regions and the integration of skilled labor into the regional economy even during wartime. The purpose of the article is to provide a scientific justification for the impact of internal and external environments on the regenerative processes in the industrial economy during the period of martial law and after the cessation of hostilities, as components of the system for restoring the industrial potential of regions. A comprehensive and interconnected examination of the challenges facing the state today with the systemic problems of the development of the industrial economy in the pre-war period lays the foundation for successful transformational transformations and the speed of regenerative processes of economic and social recovery. The author claims that the economic-social, economic-ecological and social-ecological components of recovery processes are closely related and affect the final result - industrial recovery today and sustainable development of regions and the state in the future. The author notes that transforming the challenges of the external environment into opportunities in building the industrial recovery system through the application of a management system embodies an additional resource for optimizing and accelerating the regenerative processes in the industrial economy. This requires a broad, comprehensive analysis of the interplay between internal and external environmental factors for transformational changes of external challenges into additional opportunities, thereby enhancing the hidden, existing, and underutilized potential of regions through the construction of quality coordination processes in the industrial recovery system. The article elaborates on the theoretical and methodological justification for the impact of effective management and coordination approaches on the restoration processes to achieve the ultimate goal – the recovery of the industrial economy and sustainable development of the region, determining optimal models for operational monitoring of process progress, studying the impact of cutting-edge technologies on recovery processes, as well as overcoming technological gaps and creating conditions for the return of skilled migrants to Ukraine.

Optimized carbonization of coffee shell via response surface methodology: A circular economy approach for environmental remediation

The disposal of coffee shell waste on farmland, is a common practice that can causing the environmental and waste valuable resources. Carbonization has been identified as an effective method for transforming coffee shells into useful products that mitigate environmental pollution. Through the response surface methodology, the carbonization conditions of the coffee shells were optimized and its potential as a biochar-based slow-release urea fertilizer was explored. Experiments were conducted on coffee shell performance under varying carbonization conditions such as temperature (600–1000 °C), time (1–5 h), and heating rate (5–20 °C/min). The results indicated that the ideal urea adsorption was 56.3 mg/g, achieved under carbonization conditions of 2.83 h, 809 °C, and 15.3 °C/min. The optimal nutrient release rate within seven days was 45.4% under carbonization conditions of 3.19 h, 813 °C, and 15.0 °C/min. The infrared spectroscopy analysis indicates that carbonization conditions influenced the absorption peak intensity of coffee shell biochar, while the functional group types remain unchanged. The biochar exhibits diverse functional groups and abundant pores, making it a promising candidate for use as a biochar-based fertilizer material. Overall, the findings demonstrate an effective waste management approach that significantly reduces environmental pollutants while remediating pollution.

Laparoscopic versus Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Management after Radical Prostatectomy: Results from a Single Center Study.

(1) Background: Regional anesthesia, achieved through nerve blocks, has gained widespread acceptance as an effective pain management approach. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic (LAP) transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. (2) Methods: From January 2023 to July 2023, 60 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy were selected. Patients were split into two groups receiving ultrasound-guided (US) or laparoscopic-guided TAP block. The primary outcome was a pain score expressed by a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) during the first 72 h after surgery. (3) Results: Both LAP-TAP and US-TAP block groups were associated with lower pain scores postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in surgery time, blood loss, time to ambulation, length of stay, and pain after surgery (all p > 0.2). In the LAP-TAP block group, the overall operating room time was significantly shorter than in the US-TAP block group (140 vs. 152 min, p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach, compared to the US-TAP block, was equally safe and not inferior in reducing analgesic drug use postoperatively. Moreover, the intraoperative LAP-TAP block seems to be a time-sparing procedure that could be recommended when patient-controlled analgesia cannot be delivered.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Individual Time Management Skills and Business Attitude of Sports Science Students

Abstract Individual time management skills and a business approach are two fundamental abilities required for success in any life. The goal of this study is to look at the connection between the individual time management skills and business attitudes of sports science students. The quantitative, descriptive study used structural equation modelling (SEM) as its methodology. Students from Tabriz city’s physical education and sports sciences departments helped collect the data. IBM® SPSS® AmosTM 23 was used to process the results of the study for model and hypothesis testing. This findings revealed a substantial relationship between individual time management abilities and business views of 126 students. Other research hypotheses examining the relationship between the business attitude and its constituent elements were similarly supported. According to the findings, prioritizing the notion of planning in personal and business life is one of the most effective time management approaches, and students should educate themselves concerning time management and business attitude.

Assessing airborne transmission risks in COVID-19 hospitals by systematically monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in the air.

The continuous emergence of highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants with the capability of immune evasion demands more effective risk assessment and management approaches for infection prevention and control. Controlling nosocomial transmission is critical in response to the COVID-19 pandemic upon the resumption of day-to-day activities. Here, we systematically analyzed the presence of airborne SARS-CoV-2 in the isolation ward and within the contaminant, emergency, and clean zones of a designated COVID-19 hospital. A total of 359 air samples collected in the clean and emergency zones tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating the interruption of airborne transmission in a designated COVID-19 hospital by combining the closed-loop management, unidirectional airflow, and negative pressure of isolation wards. In contrast, some air samples in the corridor outside the isolation wards tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The leakage of virus-containing air from patient rooms to adjoining areas during rounds and meal delivery sheds light on the need for intensive and widespread virus monitoring in designated COVID-19 hospitals. In conclusion, by systematically monitoring viruses in the air, the study provides a starting point for the standardization of transmission risk management in designated hospitals for the future pandemic of a newly emerged respiratory infectious disease.IMPORTANCERisk management and control of airborne transmission in hospitals is crucial in response to a respiratory virus pandemic. However, the formulation of these infection control measures is often based on epidemiological investigations, which are an indirect way of analyzing the transmission route of viruses. This can lead to careless omissions in infection prevention and control or excessively restrictive measures that increase the burden on healthcare workers. The study provides a starting point for standardizing transmission risk management in designated hospitals by systemically monitoring viruses in the air of typical spaces in COVID-19 hospitals. The negative results of 359 air samples in the clean and emergency zones demonstrated the existing measures to interrupt airborne transmission in a designated COVID-19 hospital. Some positive cases in the corridor of the contaminant zone during rounds and meal delivery highlighted the importance of monitoring airborne viruses for interrupting nosocomial infection.

ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW ASSESSMENT MODEL ON SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING STRATEGIES, KENYIR LAKE BASIN, MALAYSIA

The study presents the Environmental Flow Assessment (EFA) model on sustainability planning strategies to reduce damage in the main area of Kenyir Lake Basin. The XPSWMM model have been used to simulate the EFA in this study. Based on simulation in the Terengganu River, which has a most effective discharge of 42.78 m3/s with depth on 3.94 m and a water velocity of 0.54 m/s, which are expected to meet the development needs of fish species, the analysis for both study rivers found the minimum river discharge values with the frequency probability in the period of 20 years needs to be maintained. While, based to the simulation in the Petuang River, the maximum discharge is only 0.08 m3/s, the maximum depth is 0.4 m, and the maximum water speed is 0.04 m/s, which is adequate for a small number of small-sized fish species. With output deficiency of less than 20% from an actual situation, the two lowest values later obtained were adopted as input in low flow analysis. A more effective management approach ensures the ecosystem's sustainability and maintains an optimal equilibrium among the many uses. Environmental flows aren't considered a luxury but instead an integral component of contemporary water management given the global misuse of water resources and the resulting degradation of ecosystems and their functions. It is a strategy that requires widespread adoption.

Improving the strength performance of cemented phosphogypsum backfill with sulfate-resistant binders

Utilizing phosphogypsum (PG) as an aggregate for cemented backfill offers an effective waste management approach for phosphorus industry. Nevertheless, the supersulfate property of PG significantly hindered the strength development of cemented PG backfill. This study aims to enhance the strength performance of hardened backfill through the optimization of binder types. Silicate-based cements (P·O 42.5 ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and P·I 62.5 Portland cement (PC)) and (sulpho)aluminate-based cements (62.5 sulphoaluminate cement (CSA) and CA50-II calcium aluminate cement (CAC)) were selected as binders. In this study, backfill samples were prepared by PG, water and different types of binders. The strength development, porosity and hydration characteristics of hardened backfill were studied. The results show that OPC and PC exhibited susceptibility to sulfate, resulting in backfill samples with slow hydration and low strength. In contrast, backfill samples applying CSA and CAC as binders exhibited rapid hardening and significant strength enhancement, particularly in the early age. The active interaction between gypsum and the main components of CSA and CAC, such as ye’elimite (C4A3S¯) and monocalcium aluminate (CA), led to the accelerated hydration process and the generation of abundant ettringite and aluminum hydroxide (AH3). Consequently, the hydration process of CSA and CAC appeared to be exempted from the negative effects of supersulfate environment, maximizing the binding performance. This study emphasizes the favorable binding performance of (sulpho)aluminate-based cements in cemented PG backfill, contributing to the utilization of PG.

Raising Mowing Height Improves Freeze Tolerance of Putting Green–type Bermudagrass

There is a growing trend of cultivating hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] on golf course putting greens in the transition zone because of its excellent quality in the summer months, coupled with less pesticide input than creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.). However, the long-term success of bermudagrass putting greens is hindered by low temperatures in winter months, particularly in the transition zone. To address this issue, in addition to genetic improvement for cold hardiness through the development of new cultivars, effective management approaches are necessary to enhance the winter survival of putting green–type bermudagrass. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative freeze tolerance of four bermudagrasses and the effects of raising mowing height on the freeze tolerance of putting green–type bermudagrasses. In this study, two experimental putting green–type bermudagrasses (11X2 and OKC0805) along with cultivars TifEagle and OKC3920 were tested at two mowing heights (3.2 vs. 6.4 mm) at freeze temperatures that ranged between –4 and –11 °C. The lethal temperature to kill 50% of the population (LT50) as well as regrowth vigor during recovery were evaluated. Variety ‘OKC3920’ demonstrated enhanced freeze tolerance compared with ‘TifEagle’ at both mowing heights. Increasing the mowing height from 3.2 mm to 6.4 mm improved freeze tolerance for most genotypes tested in this study. After exposing the grasses to –8 °C for 1 hour, genotypes such as 11X2 exhibited better regrowth vigor and demonstrated a faster recovery. This study suggests that golf course managers can enhance winter resilience of bermudagrass putting greens by selecting genotypes strategically with superior freeze tolerance and raising mowing heights in the fall acclimation process.

Laparoscopic Ovarian-Sparing Surgery for the Management of Benign Ovarian Lesions in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

IntroductionLaparoscopic ovarian-sparing surgery (OSS) is safe and effective management approach for benign ovarian lesions in pediatric patients. This study evaluates the outcomes of females younger than 18 years who underwent the OSS procedure between December 2013 and November 2022 at a single institution. Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of records from 82 females who underwent OSS for ovarian lesions. OSS was performed based on diagnostic imaging that suggested the benign nature of the lesion. ResultsOf the 82 patients studied, 78 had unilateral lesions and 4 had bilateral synchronous lesions. The mean age was 14 years. The majority (62 cases) of the surgeries were laparoscopic, with 20 requiring conversion to open surgery due to factors such as indistinguishable edges and large size of the lesion. We identified 8 cases of ovarian torsion. The surgical specimens revealed that 46 were ovarian teratomas, 2 were granulosa cell tumors, 15 were cystadenomas, and 23 were functional cysts. There were no intraoperative complications. Two recurrences were observed in patients who were initially treated for bilateral ovarian teratomas. One patient developed a pelvic abscess. Additionally, three patients had metachronous ovarian tumors during the follow-up period. In patients followed with ultrasound imaging, the viable ovary was visualized in 83.6% of the cases (61 out of 73). ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the effectiveness of laparoscopic OSS in preserving ovarian function and providing clinical benefits in patients with benign ovarian lesions. We recommend regular follow-up with ultrasound to exclude metachronous lesions or recurrence. Level of evidenceIII.

"Combination Anti-Cancer Drugs Therapy: A Strategic Approach for Effective Treatment and Management of Cancer"

"Combination Anti-Cancer Drugs Therapy: A Strategic Approach for Effective Treatment and Management of Cancer"

Grey-box Approach for the Prognostic and Health Management of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB) industry is rapidly growing and is expected to continue expanding exponentially in the next decade. LIBs are already widely used in everyday life, and their demand is expected to increase further, particularly in the automotive sector. The European Union has introduced a new law to ban Internal Combustion Engines from 2035, pushing for the adoption of electric vehicles and increasing the need for more efficient and reliable energy storage solutions such as LIBs. As a result, the establishment of Gigafactories in Europe and the United States is accelerating to meet the growing demand and partially reduce dependencies on China, which is currently the main producer of LIBs.&#x0D; To fully realize the potential of LIBs and ensure their safe and sustainable use, it is crucial to optimize their useful life and develop reliable and robust methodologies for estimating their state of health and predicting their remaining useful life. This requires a comprehensive understanding of LIB behavior and the development of effective prognostic and health management approaches that can accurately predict battery degradation, plan for maintenance and replacements, and improve battery performance and lifespan.&#x0D; This work, funded by the GREYDIENT project, a European consortium aiming to advance the state of the art in the grey-box approach, combines physical modeling (white box) and machine learning (black box) techniques to demonstrate the grey-box effectiveness in the Prognostic and Health Management. The grey-box approach here proposed consist in a combination of a physical battery model whose degradation parameters are estimated online at every cycle by a Multi-Layer Perceptron Particle Filter (MLP-PF).&#x0D; An electrochemical degradation model of a Lithium-Ion battery cell has been derived by use of Modelica. The model simulates the output voltage of the cell, while the degradation over time is simulate through the variation of 3 parameters: qMax (maximum number of Lithium-Ions available), R0 (Internal Resistance) and D (Diffusion Coefficient). To validate the model we resorted to the well-known NASA Battery Dataset, which has also been used to infer the optimal values of the three hidden degradation parameters at every cycle, to obtain their Run-to-Failure history. Then, the physical model is combined the MLP-PF: a MLPArtificial Neural Network is firstly trained on the Run-to-Failure degradation processes of the model parameters, allowing the propagation of the parameters in the future and the corresponding estimation of the battery Remaining Use ful Life (RUL). The MLP is then updated online by a Particle Filter every time a new measurement is available from the Battery Management System (BMS), providing flexibility to this method, needed for the electrochemical nature of the batteries, and allowing the propagation of uncertainties.

Assessment of oxidative stress and protein modification in essential hypertensive subjects

&#x0D; &#x0D; Hypertension has been identified to be the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide due to its numerous comorbidities and associated risk of damage to vital body organs like the brain, heart and kidneys. The aim of this study was to determine the level of protein modifications and oxidative stress of hypertensive patients. One hundred and fourteen (114) participants were recruited for this study comprising 81 subjects with essential hypertension and 33 control (non- hypertensive) subjects. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP) readings were taken using digital sphygmomanometer, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and carbonyl (CO) group was estimated using ELISA, while protein sulfhydryl (SH) group was estimated using colorimetric assay. The results obtained showed that BMI of treated hypertensive patients was significantly decreased (p&lt;0.0001) compared with control. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly increased when treated patients were compared with control (p&lt;0.0001). GPx and SH groups of treated hypertensive patients was significantly increased (p&lt;0.0001) in treated hypertensive patients as compared to control. The study concludes that protein modification occurs as a result of oxidative stress resulting in reduced levels of glutathione peroxidase which could be a risk factor associated with the development of essential hypertension These findings could help in designing quality diagnostic strategies and effective treatment and management approach for better clinical outcomes.