Conventional Management Methods Research Articles

Effects of Exogenous Organic Acids on the Soil Metabolites and Microbial Communities of Panax notoginseng from the Forest Understory

Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) is a precious traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly cultivated using conventional management methods in agricultural systems in Yunnan, China, where it faces the challenge of continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs). However, the existence of Sanqi CCOs in Sanqi–pine agroforestry systems remains unclear. Here, we applied three types of exogenous organic acids (phthalic acid, palmitic acid, and phthalic + palmitic mixed organic acids) mainly derived from the root exudates of Sanqi to simulate the CCOs; then, we compared the effects on plant growth, soil physicochemical properties, soil microbes, and soil metabolites. We found that organic acid concentrations of >250 mg/kg reduced the fresh weight of Sanqi and the levels of total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, soil water content, total phosphorus, and pH value; these concentrations also increased the soil bacterial and fungal α-diversity. The type of organic acid, as opposed to the concentration and duration of treatment, had a vital impact on the structure of the bacterial and fungal community in Sanqi soils. Moreover, the organic acid concentrations of >250 mg/kg also decreased the complexity and stability of the bacterial and fungal network. In addition, the metabolic pathways in the soils under different organic acids included 17 differential metabolites (DMs), which were involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis. The structural equation models (SEMs) revealed that plant growth, soil edaphic factors, and soil metabolites had direct or indirect influences on soil microbial communities under different organic acid conditions. Our results suggest that any phthalic or palmitic acid concentrations at concentrations >250 mg/kg are detrimental to multiple aspects of Sanqi cultivation, confirming the presence of Sanqi CCOs in Sanqi–pine agroforestry systems.

Enhancing Barn Hygiene through Smart Farming: A Goat Farm Case Study in Besijangkang Using IoT

Besijangkang farms currently rely on conventional management methods, including manual cleaning with broomsticks and inadequate lighting. The scattered droppings and urine on the floor pose challenge for efficient farm maintenance. To address these issues, a solution combining technology and conventional cage management has been proposed to allow remote access for breeders. Researchers have implemented Internet of Things (IoT) utilizing the ESP8266 NodeMCU microcontroller connected to Firebase Web. The integration of IoT in smart farming tools has proven successful and functional. The app enables remote control of the lights through designated buttons. A critical indicator for the goat farm is the urine volume, reaching full capacity at 778 liters, which triggers the illumination of the light near the component box. Furthermore, the DC motor and conveyor effectively manage the dirt load at 09.00, fulfilling their designated functions. By adopting IoT-based smart farming tools, Besijangkang farms can improve their hygiene system, enhance management efficiency, and empower breeders with remote accessibility, revolutionizing traditional farming practices for better productivity and sustainability.

Waste Elimination based on Lean Construction and Building Information Modelling: A Systematic Literature Review

Construction waste (CW) is an abstract, high-level concept and difficult to measure systematically. The conventional management methods have failed to translate the reality in the construction industry context. The integrated Lean Construction (LC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) streamline several proactive and collaborative solutions to address CW at its source across the whole asset lifecycle. This paper adopts the systematic literature review method to (i) understand ‘waste’ and ‘waste elimination’ concepts through LC perspectives and (ii) to review factors of LC-BIM for waste elimination. Based on thematic analysis applied to 54 relevant documents in the Scopus and IGLC databases, some literature was approached. According to thematic analysis applied to the existing LC-BIM approaches, despite the potential of LC-BIM for CW elimination, the current literature lacks the concept of waste elimination in the number and content of publications. The paper highlights some generic recommendations for future theoretical and empirical developments.

(Retracted) Cloud and deep learning-based image analyzer

The purpose of the proposed cloud and deep learning-based image analyzer technique is to discuss various challenges with existing conventional methods of managing business images and why we should adopt a better approach. We propose a cloud-based solution, which is more secure, durable, robust, and much faster compared with conventional methods of business image management. This approach tries to rectify the issue of storing, searching, categorizing, and managing images by combining the benefits of cloud along with computer vision and image processing. We thoroughly discuss the idea along with detailed analysis of requirement gathering, feasibility study, and architecture designing. Furthermore, we discuss the implementation code, detailed comparison of different image processing algorithms, empirical analysis of this approach compared with other conventional approaches in terms of cost, accuracy of image processing algorithms, data entry time, searching time, etc. Finally, we emphasize the best approach and image processing algorithm chosen based on the practically proven results.

Our experience in cell therapy in surgical problems

Aim: To study the effect and efficacy of autologous bone marrow cell therapy in various surgical pathologies of varied etiology which were refractory to conventional methods of management. Material and method: Ethical committee clearance and informed consent of patients were taken. Two groups of each surgical pathologies were selected randomly. The patients in study group were treated by conventional methods followed by autologous bone marrow cell application locally, whereas patients in control group were treated by conventional methods only. The patients were then followed post-operatively and analyzed by statistical methods. Result: Post-operatively the patients in study group experienced faster recovery by appearing good quality granulation tissue and rapid epithelisation and there was also significant reduction in local pain. Biopsy showed improved fibroblast, macrophages, neovascularisation and less necrosis per HPF in study group as comparison to control group. Conclusion: Autologous bone marrow cell therapy is a novel method in the management of various surgical pathologies.

AN EMPIRICAL COMPARISON OF DRP AND DEMAND-DRIVEN DRP

Companies are nowadays challenged to offer high service levels while minimising inventory costs in an ever-increasing competitive market. One of the keys is to manage and improve the product flow in the distribution network continuously. In this paper, Demand Driven Distribution Resource Planning (DDDRP) is a proposed model for product flow management in distribution networks. It allows to optimise the flow by managing customer demand fluctuations. A literature review about flow management policies is presented, and then a case study is provided to make a comparison of the DDDRP concept with conventional management methods such as Distribution Resource Planning (DRP). To achieve this comparison, a discrete event simulation (DES) is adopted to measure the effectiveness of each model regarding the demand fluctuations, using key performance indicators. The simulation gives empirical results and illustrates the interests and benefits of the DDDRP approach in terms of inventory costs and service levels. The originality of this document concerns the assessment of Demand-Driven Distribution as a new approach of management and opens up new opportunities for optimising inventory and product flow in distribution networks.

Type 2 Diabetes Remission with Significant Weight Loss: Definition and Evidence-Based Interventions.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has long been regarded as an incurable and chronic disease according to conventional management methods. Clinical and pathophysiological studies on the natural course of T2D have shown that blood glucose control worsens with an increase in the number of required anti-hyperglycemic agents, as β-cell function progressively declines over time. However, recent studies have shown remission of T2D after metabolic surgery, intensive lifestyle modification, or medications, raising the possibility that β-cell function may be preserved or the decline in β-cell function may even be reversible. The World Health Organization as well as the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes recognize remission as an appropriate management aim. In the light of the state of evidence for T2D reversal, physicians need to be educated on treatment options to achieve T2D remission so that they can actively play a part in counseling patients who may wish to explore these approaches to their disease. This review will introduce each of these approaches, summarizing their beneficial effects, supporting evidence, degree of sustainability, and challenges to be addressed in the future.

Application of Data Mining in Performance Management of Public Hospitals

With the rapid development of computer technology, information technology covers all aspects of daily life, and the medical industry is also paying more attention to information construction. Conventional management methods have been unable to further improve the hospital’s management capabilities. At the same time, countries that are better in terms of hospital management practices have set a benchmark for mainland hospitals and reformed hospitals in order to stand out in the future. In addition to evaluating the economic benefits and work efficiency of doctors, hospitals must also consider that hospitals, as a special service industry, cannot be measured by economic indicators. Therefore, there is a multiparty game in the performance appraisal of hospitals, and it is necessary to consider not only economic factors but also the characteristics of public services. This article is based on the case of a large domestic tertiary hospital, combined with the hospital’s performance management reform plan, through the design idea of performance management and incentive performance pay distribution, using data mining technology as an auxiliary means. It successfully helped the hospital complete the performance and incentive performance pay aspects reform. The main research work of this paper is divided into the following three aspects. (1) Using data mining technology, according to each nursing unit’s workload, risk level, the difficulty of internship, and other objective factors in the past year for patient outpatient visits, surgery implementation, critical first aid, etc., are classified in line with the actual situation and provide a reliable basis for the reasonable and efficient allocation of hospital human resources. (2) In the performance management system, we integrate the third-party data mining tool weka to assist in the evaluation of the performance distribution plan and the calculation of the follow-up incentive performance pay. (3) We use the mathematical model of data mining to measure and evaluate the reasonableness of historical workload and performance appraisal, determine a new incentive performance pay distribution model, and use the software as a calculation tool for the internal distribution of performance wages to provide monthly incentive performance wage statistics in the future.

In-situ management of paddy stubble through microbial biodegradation

After the harvest of crop, the disposal of the rice stubbles remains a notable area of interest in all the growing areas of rice. The present review paper explores and highlights an effective strategy of decomposing the decomposers of the paddy stubble. Due to the increasing production of rice, there is an increase in rice crop residues and stubbles production. Conventional methods of management of paddy involve burning, surface retention, mulching, bailing, incorporation/amalgamation and direct removal. However, there are certain environmental challenges by using available agricultural implements. Thus, this current study demonstrates strategic management of the paddy crop residue for a sustainable environment. The developed eco-friendly methods will render new dimensions for the application of the post harvested residues. The review paper will be significant for sustainable management of the wastes of the paddy crop and hence strategic decomposition method, which will be beneficial for the society, farmers as well as the environment

An examination of ethical attitudes towards wild pig (Sus scrofa) toxicants in the United States

This research aims to understand ethical attitudes of the U.S. public towards the use of a toxicant to control wild pigs (Sus scrofa), a destructive invasive species whose population growth is proving difficult to control through conventional management methods. Using a nationwide self-administered survey with 2,186 completed and returned questionnaires, we found that among six different lethal control methods, toxicant usage was the only method that a majority of respondents (51%) found to be unethical, with no significant differences between rural and urban respondents or between respondents from counties with wild pigs and counties where the species is absent. The primary concerns of respondents were collateral harm to other animals (33%) and possible pain and suffering of wild pigs (13%). This research suggests that the introduction of a wild pig toxicant in the U.S. could face significant opposition, particularly if the public's concerns highlighted in this study are not well understood and addressed in product development and outreach.

Integrating conventional management methods with biological control for enhanced Tamarix management

AbstractInvasive shrubs like Tamarix spp. are ecological and economic threats in the U.S. Southwest and West, as they displace native vegetation and require innovative management approaches. Tamarix control typically consists of chemical and mechanical removal, but these methods may have negative ecological and economic impacts. Tamarisk leaf beetles (Diorhabda spp.) released for biocontrol are becoming increasingly established within Western river systems and can provide additional control. Previous Diorhabda research studied integration of beetle herbivory with fire and with mechanical management methods and herbicide application (e.g., cut stump), but little research has been conducted on integration with mowing and foliar herbicide application, which cause minimal soil disturbance. At Caballo Reservoir in southern New Mexico, we addressed the question: “How does Tamarix respond to chemical and mechanical control when Diorhabda is well established at a site?” A field experiment was conducted by integrating mowing and foliar imazapyr herbicide at standard (3.6 g ae L−1 [0.75% v/v] and low (1.2 g ae L−1 [0.25% v/v]) rates with herbivory. Treatments were replicated five times at two sites—a dry site and a seasonally flooded site. Beetles and larvae were counted and green foliage was measured over 2 yr. Mowing and full herbicide rates reduced green foliage and limited regrowth compared with low herbicide rate and beetles alone. Integrating conventional management such as mowing and herbicide with biocontrol could improve Tamarix management by providing stresses in addition to herbivory alone.

Survey and conventional management methods of bacterial wilt disease in open fields and greenhouses in Tanzania

A study was conducted from January to February 2018 to determine bacterial wilt disease (BWD) incidence and severity in open-field and greenhouse environments in twelve tomato growing districts in Tanzania. About 220 farmers were interviewed to assess their knowledge on BWD by using a semi structured questionnaire. Results indicated significant (p 80% of 220 respondents) of farmers could not identify sources of BWD in environment and do not adhere to sanitation measures recommended for greenhouse tomato production. 90% of the interviewed famers ventured into greenhouse tomato production by imitating from neighbors without technical guidance. To manage BWD, majority (70%) of farmers use chemicals which they reported as ineffective, 13% use botanical, 10% do crop rotation which was reported to be not practical because of land scarcity and long time that Ralstonia solanacearum can survive. Rest (7%) of farmers do not use any BWD management measure. There was no report of either use of disease resistant cultivars or biological control as a strategy for BWD management in the study area. There is therefore need to develop techniques for farmers to manage the BWD by exploring promising options such as use of effective botanical extracts.

Monographs of invasive plants in Europe: Carpobrotus

ABSTRACTThis report synthesizes all aspects of the taxonomy, distribution, history of introduction and spread, ecological constrains (including preferred climate, substratum and habitats), responses to biotic and abiotic factors, biology (including phenology, vegetative and reproductive biology), economic importance and human uses, ecological impacts, legislation and management of Carpobrotus N.E.Br. (Aizoaceae), a prominent invasive plant in Europe.Carpobrotus species are mat-forming trailing succulent perennial herbs native from South Africa, introduced in Europe for ornamental and soil stabilization purposes since the beginning of the seventeenth century, now widely naturalized on coastal habitats of southern and western Europe. C. acinaciformis and C. edulis are the main species recognized outside South Africa, together with their hybrids and potential hybrid swarms. Identification conflicts both in the native and invaded areas raise doubts on the taxonomy of these taxa, but hybridization processes may boost adaptive changes in the invaded range.The release of Carpobrotus in natural environments and protected areas is prohibited in several European countries, but this taxon is not included in the list of invasive species of Union concern. Carpobrotus is a pioneer of disturbed sites and coastal areas including cliffs and sand dune systems, due to its tolerance to stress factors such as salinity, drought and excess of light. Carpobrotus invasion ultimately affects patterns of native species diversity. Moreover, it has been recognized as a major driver of soil conditions shifts and soil geochemical processes disruptions, representing a serious threat for coastal habitats.Management plans for Carpobrotus must consider its high plasticity for morphological and ecophysiological traits, which may probably explain its tolerance to a wide range of ecological conditions. Its flexible mating systems, which represent an optimal strategy to facilitate local adaptation and habitat colonization, include ability to produce apomictic seeds, self- and cross-pollination, and an intense vegetative clonality. In addition, Carpobrotus produces a large seed bank with a moderate short-term persistence, and fruits are effectively dispersed by mammals. The most efficient control methods are physical removal and herbicide application on leaves, whereas integration of biological control with other conventional management methods are likely to be most effective. A long-term monitoring of control actions and restoration of soil conditions are needed to prevent recovering from clonal parts, seed bank or mammal faeces as well as potential new invasions by other opportunistic species.

Use efficiency of tropical rainforest soils of southwestern Nigeria as affected by agronomic practices

Tropical soils generally have extremely delicate nature and lack resilience to recover once degraded. This is aggravated with increase in demographic pressure on land which has led to continuous and intensive cultivation of the land. With soil quality information, management options can be developed so as to improve the capacity of the soil to function within various ecosystem boundaries. This paper comprises of results of five experiments and it is a review of efforts made by the soil quality team of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Nigeria, to identify physical, chemical and biological soil attributes that can serve as useful indicators in assessing the effects of management on soil quality. Five experiments were conducted by the team to assess effects of continuous cultivation, tillage practices, cropping systems and land use (tree versus arable crops) on soil quality. Our findings show that soil quality is aggraded, degraded or sustained, depending on the type of use and management options. Conventional management methods degraded soil quality indicators while farmers’ traditional practices minimize soil quality degradation. It is recommended that farmers’ practices that will protect sensitive soil quality indicators are panacea to soil quality management in forest ecology of the tropics.Keywords: Soil quality, management options, forest ecology, indicators, degradation

The use of Reamer-irrigator-aspirator in the management of long bone osteomyelitis: an update.

PurposeReamer–irrigator–aspirator (RIA) is an innovative device that its indications have recently been expanded to the management of long bone infections.MethodsIn this narrative review, we summarise the most important studies in the field and we present the current open questions pertaining to the use of RIA in the management of osteomyelitis of long bones.ResultsThe relevant literature is sparse and low quality. Nevertheless, the use of RIA for infected cases has yielded promising outcomes in specialised centres. Technical aspects that merit special attention in osteomyelitis of long bones are its inapplicability in small diameter long bones, the inadequate debridement of wide metaphyseal areas and the potential bleeding sequelae. The use of RIA in open fracture management to reduce infection risk has not gained acceptance. The antibiotic impregnated nails and rods constitute a complimentary strategy for the management of infections.ConclusionsThe use of RIA for the management of long bone infections is an innovative and promising strategy. High quality studies are needed to shed light in its efficacy compared to conventional methods of management of osteomyelitis of long bones.

Relationships observed between Trichoderma inoculation and characteristics of rice grown under System of Rice Intensification (SRI) vs. conventional methods of cultivation

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a management-based approach for improving rice production, has demonstrated various positive effects on rice plants’ growth, resilience and yield. These effects have been attributed in part to symbiotic interactions between rice plants and the microbes that live around, on and inside them; but research on this is still very limited. To examine such relationships, a multifunctional symbiotic fungus Trichoderma asperellum SL2 was evaluated to assess its effects, if any, on the germination and growth of young seedlings and then the subsequent performance of rice plants during their crop cycle. Greenhouse studies were conducted under gnotobiotic conditions to assess any effects associated with inoculating rice seeds with Trichoderma asperellum SL2 compared with uninoculated controls in terms of seedling establishment, an essential part of SRI methodology; and then assessing the capacity of this fungus to enhance the growth, physiological characteristics, nutrient uptake, and yield of rice plants growing under simulated SRI conditions. Results showed that the presence of Trichoderma asperellum SL2 in association with SRI cultural practices led to significant increases in rice seedling growth, germination rate, vigour index, and chlorophyll content, and elicited more favourable phenotypical responses from given genotype potential. The research observations further illustrated that for some parameters, there were no significant differences between inoculated and uninoculated SRI plants, both giving results superior to those for conventionally-grown plants even when inoculated. This indicated that SRI growing conditions are more favorable for Trichoderma to contribute towards the growth, physiological traits, nutrient uptake, and yield of plants, whereas conventional management methods diminish or inhibit these effects. Focused research remains to be done to establish how aerobic microbes such as Trichoderma can affect and accelerate the performance of rice plants being grown in SRI environments above and below ground.

Industrial intent platforms for Logistics 4.0

The vision of Industrie 4.0 confronts the logistics sector with new challenges – although topics such as networking and digitized process chains that follow the “Smart Factory” pattern are in fact well-known themes. Yet, in the face of exponentially growing volumes of data and the rising number of players in global supply chains, a rethink is required. Conventional management methods and systems are reaching their limits. But how to exploit the potential of digitalization in a targeted way to develop internationally competitive business models within logistics?

公共施設キャパシティの分析とマネジメント手法に関する考察

The purpose of this study is to indicate a new methodology of public facility management by comparing between the total amount of the capacity and the users' activity which is conducted at different time periods and then grasping the excess or deficiency condition of each capacity at the peak time when activity occurs. In the previous paper we could reveal the characteristics of each chamber required for each activity and lead to a consideration of the relationship with the capacity by grasping qualitative aspects of the activities of citizens in public facilities. In this paper we tried to analyze each facility in terms of the capacity without considering their functional types and chamber names. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the activity and capacity, we could find the excess or deficiency of specific capacity that we could not know in the conventional management methods by focusing on the peak hours when activity occurs. However 100% utilization rate is not realistic from operational point of view and further we must consider reorganization of the amount of the facilities in response to the changes of future needs.

Application of safety training and observation program in nursing student＇s teaching

Objective To compare the effect of reducing unsafe acts and medical disputes before and after implementing nursing students management via safety training and observation program （STOP） in Department of Urological Surgery. Methods Chose 21 students who participated in clinical nursing practice in March, 2012 and April, 2012 in the department of urological surgery in our hospital. We carried out the conventional management methods to the students in first group and STOP methods to the students in second group. Then the incidence of unsafe acts and medical disputes between two groups were compared. Results The incidence of unsafe acts in the first and second group was 91.6% and 4.2%. The incidence of medical disputes in the first and second group was 4.2% and 0.2%. The differences were significant （x2 = 18. 800,6. 100, respectively ;P 〈 0. 05 ）. Conclusions STOP management has significant effect on the management of clinical teaching to nursing students and can reduce the incidence of medical disputes because unsafe nursing acts. Key words: Education, nursing; Safety training and observation program; Clinical teaching

Asociación de hemimelia de peroné y pie equino varo: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

The fibular hemimelia syndrome includes a wide range of problems among which can be found varying degrees of fibular hypoplasia, knee joint laxity, hypoplastic lateral femoral condyle, genu valgus, angular deformities of the tibia, shortening of both femur and tibia, tarsal coalitions, agenesis of the lateral beams of the foot, and equinovalgus foot deformity. However, the association of clubfoot deformity with fibular hemimelia is more common than previously reported. A relatively consistent finding is the presence of a coalition of the hindfoot, and this condition should be anticipated by the surgeon treating the clubfoot. In this paper a case is presented of a fibular hemimelia associated with clubfoot in a patient previously treated with unsuccessful conventional methods of management for the clubfoot, by omitting the presence of hindfoot and tarsal coalition.