Balance Benefits Research Articles

Effects of Formaldehyde-Treated Feed on Rumen Metabolism and Blood Biochemistry in Lambs: A Review

This review evaluates the impact of formaldehyde treatment on feed for lambs, focusing on its effects on rumen metabolism and blood biochemical indicators. Formaldehyde is commonly used as a feed additive to improve nutritional efficiency and preserve feed quality. This review synthesizes data from various studies to assess how formaldehyde-treated feed influences rumen fermentation parameters, including volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, rumen pH, and microbial activity. Additionally, the review examines the effects of formaldehyde treatment on key blood biochemical markers such as glucose, urea nitrogen, and liver enzymes. Studies indicate that formaldehyde treatment can enhance the stability and digestibility of feed, potentially improving nutrient utilization and overall animal performance. The preservation of protein and reduction in feed spoilage are highlighted as significant benefits, contributing to more consistent rumen function and metabolic efficiency. However, the impact on rumen microbial populations and VFA profiles shows mixed results, with some studies reporting improved microbial efficiency and others noting minimal changes. The review also discusses potential adverse effects, including alterations in blood biochemical parameters. While formaldehyde treatment generally maintains or improves key indicators like blood glucose and protein levels, excessive use may lead to concerns such as elevated urea nitrogen levels and potential liver enzyme disruptions, the review concludes that formaldehyde-treated feed can be a valuable tool in optimizing feed efficiency and lamb health, provided it is used judiciously. Future research is recommended to further elucidate the long-term effects on rumen microbiota and metabolic processes, ensuring balanced benefits without compromising animal welfare.

Plastic Use in Agriculture: Balancing Benefits, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Solutions

Plastics have become an essential component of modern agriculture, significantly enhancing productivity, improving water efficiency, and protecting crops due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Their widespread use in applications such as plastic mulches, greenhouse covers, irrigation systems, and packaging has revolutionized crop production by boosting yields and aiding pest control. However, the growing reliance on plastics in agriculture, commonly referred to as plasticulture, has raised significant environmental concerns. These include soil contamination, diminished soil fertility, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, all of which pose serious long-term risks to ecosystems. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of plastic use in agriculture, detailing its various applications and the associated environmental challenges. The persistence of plastic waste in soils, waterways, and natural habitats not only leads to pollution and biodiversity loss but also presents potential threats to human health. This review emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions, including effective waste management strategies and advancements in biodegradable and bio-based plastics. It also discusses the potential of recycling technologies and the role of policy reform in minimizing the ecological footprint of agricultural plastics. In conclusion, this review advocates for a balanced approach that maximizes the agronomic benefits of plastics while minimizing their environmental impacts through innovation, research, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Highly dispersed Ni-Ce catalyst over clay montmorillonite K10 in low-temperature CO2 methanation

The Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) option can be an efficient solution for CO2 emission mitigation. To this end, we have investigated the carbon dioxide methanation at low temperatures. Highly active, selective, stable, low-cost catalysts are required for energy and carbon balance benefits. Supported nickel-based catalysts result as the most studied and promising candidates showing a good compromise between performance and low preparation costs. The catalyst design role is key to obtaining the best performance, requiring many experiments and optimisation procedures. Herein, the enhanced Montmorillonite MK10-supported Ni(0)Ce(III) catalyst, prepared by consecutive hydrothermal and electrostatic adsorption methods followed by reduction under hydrogen flow, was used in batch CO2 methanation, exhibiting 76 % of CO2 conversion with 100 % CH4 selectivity after 3 h. The catalytic system reveals very high robustness preserving the same activity and selectivity for at least 5 reaction cycles if compared with γ-Al2O3-supported Ni(0)Ce(III) catalyst, the latter showing the same activity but only in the first cycle. EDX, XPS, SEM, TPD, TPR, and BET characterisation techniques were used to elucidate and evaluate the potential synergistic effect of the active metal centre-promoter-support interfaces, highlighting their role in the activity and robustness of the catalyst, comparing the same effect using different alumina and silicate solid supports. The effects of the reaction conditions on the methane yield and selectivity were also evaluated.

A trajectory optimization method for CAVs at intersections considering energy-efficiency balance

With the development of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, connected automated vehicles (CAVs) will be an important part of urban road transportation. However, frequent acceleration, deceleration, and rapid stopping within intersections lead to increased energy consumption, reduced driving efficiency and balanced benefits. The study proposes an optimal control method for vehicle trajectories that considers energy-efficiency balance (OCM-EEB) based on the characteristics of V2X technology. The method first develops a vehicle trajectory control model based on the Intelligent Driver Model (IDM) by accounting for the features of V2X technology, and further, introduces the idea of balanced optimization, considering energy-efficiency balance, a vehicle trajectory optimal control model (OCM) is proposed. The proposed model was solved by design algorithms based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The experimental results showed that the vehicle trajectory optimization control method could increase the balanced driving efficiency of the vehicle within intersection, which is conducive to improving the robustness of the vehicle’s trajectory state, and then prove the effectiveness of the method proposed in this study. The method also provides an important technical basis for the vehicle trajectory optimization experiments under a real V2X environment in the future.

Feasibility and acceptability of the HOLObalance telerehabilitation system compared with standard care for older adults at risk of falls: the HOLOBalance assessor blinded pilot randomised controlled study.

Falls have high socioeconomic costs. Information and communication technologies may support provision and monitoring of multisensory (MSR) physiotherapy programmes. The HOLOBalance platform used augmented reality holograms to provide patient-centred, individualised MSR. To determine the platform's safety, acceptability and feasibility, investigate functional gait and dynamic balance benefits and provide data for a definitive trial. Single-blinded pilot randomised controlled feasibility study. Interventions were conducted at clinical sites or participants' homes in three European countries. Community-dwelling older adults (median age 73years; 64.2% female) at risk of falls were enrolled (May 2020-August 2021). Participants were randomised to an 8-week clinic or home-based telerehabilitation MSR or OTAGO (control group) programme. Compliance, satisfaction, and adverse events determined feasibility. Clinical outcomes, assessed (blinded) within one-week prior to and post-intervention, included functional gait assessment (FGA), Mini BESTest and cognitive function. Randomisation to completion rate was 76.15% with 109 participants recruited (n = 289 screened). Drop-out rate was similar between groups. Adverse events were reported (n = 3) in the control group. Sixty-nine percent would recommend the HOLOBalance intervention. Findings were similar for the home and clinic-based arms of each intervention; data was combined for analysis. FGA (95%CI [1.63, 4.19]) and Mini-BESTest (95%CI [1.46, 3.93]) showed greater improvement in the HOLOBalance group with a clinically meaningful change of 4/30 noted for the FGA. HOLObalance was feasible to implement and acceptable to older adults at risk of falls, with FGA and Mini-BEST improvements exceeding those for the OTAGO programme. A definitive trial is warranted.

Niche breadth specialisation impacts ecological and evolutionary adaptation following environmental change.

None declared.Conflicts of interestEcological theory predicts that organismal distribution and abundance depend on the ability to adapt to environmental change. It also predicts that eukaryotic specialists and generalists will dominate in extreme environments or following environmental change, respectively. This theory has attracted little attention in prokaryotes, especially in archaea, which drive major global biogeochemical cycles. We tested this concept in Thaumarchaeota using pH niche breadth as a specialisation factor. Responses of archaeal growth and activity to pH disturbance were determined empirically in manipulated, long-term, pH-maintained soil plots. The distribution of specialists and generalists was uneven over the pH range, with specialists being more limited to the extreme range. Nonetheless, adaptation of generalists to environmental change was greater than that of specialists, except for environmental changes leading to more extreme conditions. The balance of generalism and specialism over longer timescales was further investigated across evolutionary history. Specialists and generalists diversified at similar rates, reflecting balanced benefits of each strategy, but a higher transition rate from generalists to specialists than the reverse was demonstrated, suggesting that metabolic specialism is more easily gained than metabolic versatility. This study provides evidence for a crucial ecological concept in prokaryotes, significantly extending our understanding of archaeal adaptation to environmental change.

Ethical and legal aspects in anesthesiology, ethical and legal issues, an overview

Introduction: The practice of anesthesiology plays a crucial role in medicine, ensuring the comfort and safety of patients during medical and surgical procedures. However, this specialty faces a series of ethical and legal challenges. This article provides an overview of these issues, considering the importance of respecting patient autonomy and compliance with legal standards. Methods: To conduct this review, the following descriptors were used to search the PubMed and MEDLINE databases: "Anesthesiology", "Ethical", "Questions", "Aspects", "Legal". These descriptors were combined using the boolean operator AND to ensure search accuracy. Initially, 165 relevant studies were identified. After excluding duplicates, editorials, and incomplete articles, 122 articles were considered for analysis. The final selection included the full reading of 24 articles, of which 13 were considered relevant to compose this review. Results: Anesthesiologists face complex ethical dilemmas, from obtaining informed consent to making decisions in emergency situations. Additionally, there are concerns about fair resource allocation and balancing risks and benefits. In the legal realm, there are comprehensive regulations related to professional liability, documentation of procedures, and the use of medications and equipment. Conclusion: The practice of anesthesiology requires a solid understanding of the ethical and legal aspects involved. It is essential to respect patient autonomy by obtaining their informed consent. Constant ethical reflection and compliance with legal regulations are fundamental to ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.

Near-zero emission trigeneration system coupling molten salt methane pyrolysis with solid oxide fuel cell based on carbon capture and utilization: Thermodynamic and exergoenvironmental evaluation

Natural gas-based energy systems have garnered widespread attention for their potential to facilitate the transition from traditional to renewable energy sources. Among these, methane pyrolysis technology stands out as a promising pathway. Consequently, a novel methanol-electricity-carbon trigeneration system featuring methane pyrolysis coupled with chemical looping combustion, methanol synthesis, and solid oxide fuel cell unit was designed. To validate this innovative concept, thermodynamic model of the process was developed. Compared to conventional single-generation system, the proposed system demonstrated superior thermodynamic performance, with energy efficiency of 69.51 %, representing improvement of 28.78 %. Sensitivity analysis indicated that optimal carbon utilization-to-storage ratio of 0.68 effectively balanced environmental benefits with energy conversion efficiency. Additionally, the CO2 capture rate and emission of the proposed system reached impressive 99.24 % and 2.15 kg/MWh, respectively, confirming its carbon mitigation potential. Based on this, exergoenvironmental analysis demonstrated that rb,k of the novel system was 21.14 %, indicating room for further environmental impact reduction. Moreover, due to the high rb,k of 16.61 % for the preheater-2 identified as a key component for optimization. Finally, the economic analysis verified the system’s feasibility, showing the annual net income of 6774.06 k$. This novel concept highlights the potential of natural gas-based systems in optimizing carbon utilization and energy efficiency, contributing to a more environmentally sustainable energy infrastructure.

An optimal load distribution and real-time control strategy for integrated energy system based on nonlinear model predictive control

Efficient operational scheduling and control are vital for the operation process of the Integrated Energy System (IES), especially under varying operational conditions. An optimal load distribution and real-time control strategy for IES based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control has been developed to synergistically improve equipment output performance and reduce operating costs. In the proposed strategy, the IES model that integrates linear parameter-varying models for devices and dynamic models for pipe networks, has been constructed via system identification methodology under varying operational conditions. Thus, a hierarchical operation and control framework is established using the model predictive control strategy, including real-time prediction objective, optimal load distribution objective, and optimization algorithms. Consequently, a case study is performed to investigate the supply-demand balance and economic benefit of the proposed strategy. From the aspect of supply-demand balance, the average energy supply-demand discrepancy by using the proposed strategy (for cooling and heating) is approximately 25 %∼33 % that under the steady-state strategy. By means of the proposed strategy, an outstanding equipment output performance will be achieved and supply-demand discrepancy can be dramatically reduced. From the perspective of economic performance, the proposed strategy, which fully considers the nonlinearity of devices, exhibits a 16 % decrease in the operational cost compared to that under the linear dynamic strategy. Through the proposed strategy, efficiency losses are expected to degrade with an excellent economic benefit. Therefore, the suggested strategy is promising and suitable for varying operational condition scenarios.

How to Balance Privacy and (Health) Benefits: Privacy Calculus and the Intention to Use Health Tracking at the Workplace

To address increasing pressures experienced in the workplace, the use of wearables as part of workplace health promotion programs is on the rise. Even though the benefits are well-known, participation rates are often low due to privacy-related issues. Therefore, this study illuminates the area of privacy further by investigating the influence of the wearable’s additional private use and limited data access on employees’ intended use. Based on technology acceptance and Privacy Calculus Theory, this study applied a factorial survey experiment to test several literature-driven hypotheses. While restricting data access to the employee has a positive impact on employees’ privacy concerns, perceived benefits, and intended use, the possibility of private use is only of secondary relevance for individuals’ privacy perceptions and intention to use. The results provide empirical evidence on how the design of digital workplace health promotion programs can increase conscious participation.

Testing the determinants of job satisfaction among police administrative officers in Taiwan

PurposeThe current paper aims to provide insights into the determinants associated with job satisfaction among police administrative (personnel) officers in Taiwan, especially both internal organizational predictors and unique external predictors related to the Chinese cultural context.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from police administrative officers across major and medium-sized police agencies in Taiwan. Multiple regression models were employed to analyze the relationship between both internal factors to the organization (e.g. workplace fairness, supervisor support, self-efficacy) and external factors (related to traditional Chinese culture and its expectations) and job satisfaction.FindingsThe external factors of work-family life balance and financial benefits are strong predictors, emphasizing the cultural significance of family harmony and financial stability in Taiwanese society. This finding challenges the prevailing notion in the literature that the primary source of job satisfaction among police officers is derived from internal organizational factors. Collectively, the findings concluded the multi-faceted determinants of job satisfaction among administrative officers in Taiwan, intertwining both individual and internal organizational factors with broader external cultural influences.Practical implicationsThis study investigated the job satisfaction among administrative officers who play a key role in a police department. The findings showed that external factors exert a significant impact on job satisfaction. This offers a new frontier to examine job satisfaction among not only administrative officers but also patrol officers in Taiwan and Asian countries. In addition, training courses can be developed and focus on work-family relations when officers are off duty.Originality/valueWhile previous research has extensively explored job satisfaction among police officers in various roles and countries, by integrating internal organizational and external predictors, this study pioneers the focus on “police administrative officers” within Taiwanese police agencies.

Bioethics of over- and undertreatment in older adults with cancer.

9046 Background: Over-/undertreatment are pervasive in older adults with cancer, despite oncologists prescribing with best intentions. What “ought” to be prescribed with limited evidence creates challenges in adhering to the principles of bioethics: beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy. Our objective for this study was to elucidate whether and how tensions among these ethical principles can contribute to over-/undertreatment in older patients. Methods: We designed a modified Delphi study, convening a panel of 13 experts in biomedical ethics (5 male, 8 female; 4 MD, 4 PhD, 2 MD/MA, 1 MD/PhD, 1 JD/MDiv, 1 DNP) from U.S. and Canadian institutions for three iterative rounds of data collection. In the first round—an electronic questionnaire—we presented definitions of overtreatment and undertreatment in older adults with cancer (DuMontier, J Clin Oncol, 2020) and asked questions delineating which ethical principles related to each definition, followed by questions regarding how over-/undertreatment might occur from conflicts among different ethical principles. Consensus for each question was defined as ≥75% of experts answering “agree” or “strongly agree”. The second round consisted of a virtual synchronous focus group of 9 of the panel experts led by a qualitative researcher to review round one results and discuss questions that did not reach consensus, followed by a second questionnaire including these questions. Results: After the first round, experts reached consensus that bioethical principles applied to over-/undertreatment in older adults with cancer. Specifically, 92% felt that overtreatment can occur when oncologists overemphasize beneficence that values the potential benefit of cancer treatments, while underemphasizing non-maleficence with respect to treatment adverse effects. Moreover, 77% felt that overtreatment can also occur when oncologists prioritize patient autonomy (preference to be treated) over non-maleficence (oncologists' concerns that treatment harms outweigh benefits). 84% felt that undertreatment can occur due to a lack of justice in equitable consideration of cancer treatments that could provide similar benefits in older adults as they would in younger adults. Moreover, 77% felt that undertreatment can occur when oncologists underemphasize patient autonomy, failing to consider patient preferences regarding which benefits to pursue and risks to take. Data collection for the second questionnaire and qualitative analysis of the focus group are underway. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that tension in ethical principles can lead to over- and undertreatment in older adults with cancer. The “right” treatment in older patients in the context of limited evidence is not simply one that aims to aggressively target their cancer, but that balances both benefits and harms in light of the whole patient and their preferences, while not restricting therapies based on age alone.

Pigeonhole Design: Balancing Sequential Experiments from an Online Matching Perspective

Practitioners and academics have long appreciated the benefits of covariate balancing when they conduct randomized experiments. For web-facing firms running online A/B tests, however, it still remains challenging in balancing covariate information when experimental subjects arrive sequentially. In this paper, we study an online experimental design problem, which we refer to as the online blocking problem. In this problem, experimental subjects with heterogeneous covariate information arrive sequentially and must be immediately assigned into either the control or the treated group. The objective is to minimize the total discrepancy, which is defined as the minimum weight perfect matching between the two groups. To solve this problem, we propose a randomized design of experiment, which we refer to as the pigeonhole design. The pigeonhole design first partitions the covariate space into smaller spaces, which we refer to as pigeonholes, and then, when the experimental subjects arrive at each pigeonhole, balances the number of control and treated subjects for each pigeonhole. We analyze the theoretical performance of the pigeonhole design and show its effectiveness by comparing against two well-known benchmark designs: the matched-pair design and the completely randomized design. We identify scenarios when the pigeonhole design demonstrates more benefits over the benchmark design. To conclude, we conduct extensive simulations using Yahoo! data to show a 10.2% reduction in variance if we use the pigeonhole design to estimate the average treatment effect. This paper was accepted by George Shanthikumar, data science. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.02184 .

HALF DOSE THROMBOLYSIS IN INTERMEDIATE – HIGH RISK PULMONARY EMBOLISM WITH TRICUSPID VALVE MOBILE MASS: A BAIL OUT STRATEGY

Abstract A 82–year–old previously healthy male was referred to the emergency department complaining sudden onset dyspnea and witnessed syncope complicated by head trauma. Recurrent dizziness occurred previously. No history or drug consumption noted. On admission: heart rate 90 beats/min, blood pressure 110/60 mmHg, respiratory rate 25 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 87% in room air, normal body temperature. No lower extremities tenderness or swelling reported. Consistent with peripheral blood oxygen saturation levels, arterial blood gas analysis showed hypoxemia and respiratory alkalosis. Laboratory exams were significant for thrombocytopenia (89.000 cells/L), elevated cardiac troponin T levels (222 ng/L) and natriuretic peptide (NT pro–BNP 3944 pg/mL). Head CT excluded acute cerebral hemorrhage. At the electrocardiogram, signs of RV strain were present (biphasic T–waves in V1–V3 leads, S1–Q3–T3). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed dilated RV with hypokinetic free wall, “D–shaped” LV, “60/60” sign and a mobile filiform mass crossing the tricuspid valve plan in the right atrium (fig. 1). The patient did not present structural valvular abnormalities or endocarditis–related risk factors. CT pulmonary angiography detected a “saddle” PE and extensive thrombosis in inferior vena cava. After unfractioned heparin (UFH) bolus, the patient was transferred to our intensive care unit and balancing risks and benefits the chosen treatment option consisted in half dose systemic thrombolysis (50 mg rtPA in 60’’; 10 mg as loading dose in 2’). Because of potential harmful effects in thrombocytopenia and recent head trauma, UFH was temporarily withheld and started again after 1 hour. The day after, a beside TTE showed complete tricuspid thrombus resolution, a significant decrease in RV/LV ratio and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (fig. 2). Apart from small hematomas, no bleedings were reported. The patient was shifted to the ward on the next day and following course was uneventful. On day 4 a direct oral anticoagulant (Dabigatran 110 mg) was started. Abdominal and inferior limb–deep–venous ultrasound were both negative for pathological reports. A total body CT was scheduled to exclude silent malignancies at discharge. Take home message: in intermediate–high risk PE, half dose systemic fibrinolysis strategy is controversial since its potential benefit is counterbalanced by concerns about major bleedings, but increasing data suggest its efficacy with low risk profile.

Work Life Balance of an Employee in an Organization

Abstract: This research paper “Work life balance of an employee in an organization”. Type of this research is descriptive type using Likert scale, 120 samples were collected from Quantus tech solution, Coimbatore. In this research simple random sampling is used and the tool used here is percentage, Correlation, ANOVA. After collecting the data from the people, it was verified and analysed by using the above-mentioned techniques to study how employees balancing their work life balance. The outcome of the research states that, even though there are many benefits of work life balance, there are few challenges that both employers and employees face. Work-life balance entails attaining equilibrium between professional work and other activities, in order that it reduces friction between official and domestic personal life. Job stress, job satisfaction, working environment affects the employee in balancing their personal and professional.

A Phenomenological Inquiry of the Shift to Virtual Care Delivery: Insights from Front-Line Primary Care Providers.

The rapid deployment of virtual primary care visits served as a first-line response to COVID-19 and can now be examined for insights, particularly as virtual care is playing an ongoing role in patient care and consultations. Input from primary care providers directly responsible for virtual care delivery is needed to inform policies and strategies for quality care and interactions. The overarching goal of this research study was to examine the use of virtual care as a mechanism for primary healthcare delivery. A phenomenological approach investigated the shift in primary care service delivery as experienced by primary care providers and initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups were conducted with primary care providers (n = 21) recruited through email, advertisements, and professional organizations, exploring how virtual care was delivered, the benefits and challenges, workflow considerations, and recommendations for future use. Integrating virtual care was performed with a great deal of autonomy as well as responsibility, and overwhelmingly depended on the telephone. Technology, communication, and workflow flexibility are three key operational aspects of virtual care and its delivery. Providers highlighted cross-cutting themes related to the dynamics of virtual care including balancing risk for quality care, physician work/life balance, efficiency, and patient benefits. Primary care providers felt that virtual care options allowed increased flexibility to attend to the needs of patients and manage their practice workload, and a few scenarios were shared for when virtual care might be best suited. However, they also recognized the need to balance in-person and virtual visits, which may require guidelines that support navigating various levels of care. Overall, virtual care was considered a good addition to the whole 'care package' but continued development and refinement is an expectation for optimizing and sustaining future use.

The application of nano−clinoptilolite based nitrogen fertilizer mixed with urea promotes nitrogen balance and enhances economic and ecological benefits in paddy fields

Reducing the size of clinoptilolite accentuates its structural attributes, notably mesoporosity and the silica−aluminum ratio, which enhanced its capabilities as an efficient adsorbent and modifier. This research aims to utilize the augmented small−size effect of clinoptilolite to develop a high−performance nano−clinoptilolite based nitrogen (N) fertilizer, to substitute an equivalent amount of urea. To this end, a two−year field experiment was conducted using a single−factor randomized complete block design, involving five different nano−clinoptilolite based N fertilizer mixed with urea (ZN) ratios: control treatment (100% Urea, CK); 20% Z & 80% Urea (Z2N8); 30% Z & 70% Urea (Z3N7); 40% Z & 60% Urea (Z4N6); 50% Z & 50% Urea (Z5N5). This study explored the effects of ZN on ammonia volatilization (AV), N runoff loss, N accumulation, N balance, yield, and ecological benefits in paddy fields. The results showed that Z2N8, Z3N7, Z4N6, and Z5N5 reduced the total AV losses by 8.57%, 20.52%, 30.20%, and 37.13% (two−year average), and reduced runoff losses by 23.29%, 29.93%, 39.66%, and 43.76%, respectively. Additionally, Z2N8, Z3N7, Z4N6, and Z5N5 increased whole−plant N accumulation by 24.32%, 16.84%, 9.00%, 4.85%, and raised rice yield by 15.28%, 10.28%, 6.99%, 5.05%, respectively. This result indicates that ZN can enhance N utilization, although the effectiveness diminishes with an increased application ratio. Furthermore, Z2N8, Z3N7, and Z4N6 lowered N surpluses by 48.77%, 25.84%, and 3.17%, respectively, while Z5N5 resulted in an increase in N surplus by 9.61% relative to the control. Compared to CK, nano−clinoptilolite based N fertilizer replacing 20% of urea (Z2N8) increased income by 14.75%, reduced environmental damage cost by 8.77%, and ultimately boosted net economic benefits by 5.33% and net economic and ecological benefits by 5.75%. In conclusion, Z2N8 can be contemplated as a compound fertilizer to be applied to farmland to enhance both economic and ecological benefits.

Paediatric Association of Nigeria Guidelines on the Management of Acute Chest Syndrome in Children with Sickle Cell Disease (2023)

Acute Chest Syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of hospitalisation, a potentially life-threatening complication and a leading cause of mortality in children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The affected child commonly presents with respiratory symptoms such as cough, breathlessness, chest pain, jitteriness, and confusion, with or without fever. The cause of this condition is multifactorial and sometimes unidentified, but the majority are due to infection, infarction, and fat embolism. ACS and its related complications may be minimised by prompt intervention and appropriate therapy, including the use of incentive spirometry and blood transfusion.
 
 Objective
 The development of a national guideline on the management of ACS in children with SCD under 18 years in Nigeria is meant to enhance early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ACS to improve the quality of care and clinical outcome and prevent death from ACS. It is intended to enhance the clinician's diagnostic capability and ensure that children with ACS receive the best available care.
 
 Methods
 This evidence-based guideline was adapted from the British Society of Haematology (BSH) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) guidelines using the ADAPTE (Resource tool kit version 2.1) and AGREE II methods.
 
 Results
 The PAN Guideline Panel reached a consensus on 25 recommendations, three of which were modified and adapted for local use. The recommendations reflect a broad definition of ACS and a management approach, including blood transfusion and incentive spirometry, such as blowing latex balloons in the absence of a spirometer.
 
 Conclusions
 Most recommendations are conditional because of low-certainty evidence and closely balanced benefits and harms (benefits of therapy to patients and availability of such therapy). Patient preferences should drive clinical decisions. Randomised controlled trials and comparative-effectiveness studies are needed for optimal management of blood transfusion, fluid therapy, and use of oxygen.

A Novel Approach on Early Prediction of Employee Attrition in an Institution using Machine Learning Techniques

Abstract: Institutions can only succeed if they have good employees. Retaining a good employee in an institution is a must to its growth. Sometimes, employees face issues in their institution because of overwork, no promotions, no rewards for good work, not seeing eye to eye with their manager, frequent business trips and extreme conditions which lead them to look for new jobs in the market. Employee attrition can be curbed if these causes are found sooner. To predict an employee’s resignation, Machine Learning Techniques are utilized. Attrition rates in an organization are predicted by factors such as work-life balance, opportunities, office atmosphere, pay, and other benefits. The Human Resources team will find the attrition rate data to be quite helpful in keeping exceptional employees. Random Forest, K-Nearest, Support Vector Machine and XG Boost are algorithms used to predict the attrition rate in an institution. The Human Resources Management (HRM) dataset is used by the models to detect various data aspects and efficiently estimate employee attrition.

TWO STUDIES EXAMINING THE INTERCONNECTED EFFECTS OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE BENEFITS, EMPLOYEE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND JOB QUALITIES ON EMPLOYEE ATTRACTION AND JOB ACQUISITION INTENT.

Our proposal is based on Spence's (1978) signaling theory, which states that companies intentionally boost their attractiveness as employers by communicating about work-life balance benefits, positive employee recommendations, and highly desirable job attributes. In order to test these theories, we do two experiments. Findings from our initial study corroborate the combined and direct effects of these factors on an applicant's attractiveness as an employer. In a two-part, two-level collaborative design, we were able to do this by using carefully crafted scenarios to manage and impact the positive effects of work-life balance, employee ideas, and job attributes. A total of 320 MBA students from India were polled for this data. Examining information gathered from 360 Indian graduates of MBA programs using a 3x2x2 cross-subject design, Study 2 assessed the impact of three unique alternative work arrangements.