Internal Department Research Articles

Research on the Optimization Path of Strategic Cost Management under the Background of the Digital Economy

Under the background of the digital economy, the research on the optimization path of strategic cost management for enterprises is particularly important. This paper discusses key paths such as data-driven cost management systems, intelligent cost control, and collaborative cost management, revealing the profound impact of the digital economy on corporate cost management and proposing a series of optimization strategies. The data-driven cost management system requires enterprises to establish comprehensive data collection and analysis mechanisms, using big data and advanced analytical tools to achieve real-time monitoring and dynamic analysis of costs. This not only improves the accuracy of cost management but also enhances the enterprise's ability to respond to market changes. Secondly, the implementation of intelligent cost control, through automated and predictive cost management, enables enterprises to more effectively control and predict cost changes, thereby improving the efficiency of resource allocation and the quality of cost management decisions. Furthermore, the development of collaborative cost management emphasizes the synergy between internal departments of enterprises and with external partners. By breaking down information silos and promoting resource sharing and business collaboration, enterprises can achieve cost optimization throughout the entire value chain.

Analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections in lower respiratory tract samples at a university hospital: 5 year data

Objectives Patients with reported Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) growth in lower respiratory tract samples were investigated. The results of these patients were assessed by clinicians as either infection or colonization. The data of patients considered to have S. maltophilia infection were compared to those considered to have colonization to explore factors associated with infection. Methods Parameters including as age, length of hospital stay, duration of S. maltophilia growth after hospital admission, sex, unit, department, specimen type, mechanical ventilation treatment status, antimicrobial susceptibility results, comorbidities, survival, and antimicrobials used during the period from hospital admission to S. maltophilia growth were investigated. Additionally, some biochemical parameters that were examined include the day of hospital admission, the day of sample collection when the bacterium was isolated (±1 day), and the day of discharge/died. Results The infection group had a significantly higher rate of admissions to internal medical departments and more cases of discharge/died. The infection group showed a lower amount of aminoglycoside antibiotic usage and significantly higher levels of BUN, creatinine, neutrophils, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on their day of discharge/died. Conclusion Being admitted to internal medical departments and receiving aminoglycoside treatment were identified to be factors associated with S. maltophilia infection. These patients should be monitored for infection markers such as CRP and neutrophil count, as well as renal function tests. It should be noted that being infected with S. maltophilia is an independent risk factor for mortality. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1095-1103

A Study on the Changes in the Role of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC in North Korea Policy During Xi Jinping’s First Term in Office

A Study on the Changes in the Role of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC in North Korea Policy During Xi Jinping’s First Term in Office

Examining Morning Reports in the Internal Department of Adults (Case Study: Hospital Affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences)

Examining Morning Reports in the Internal Department of Adults (Case Study: Hospital Affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences)

Association between hydroxychloroquine intake and damage to the outer nuclear layer in eyes without manifest retinal toxicity

BackgroundHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used to treat various autoimmune diseases but carries a risk of retinal toxicity, particularly with prolonged use. Despite advancements, uncertainty persists regarding optimal screening methods. Recent advances in OCT have enabled early detection of retinal damage, with studies suggesting that thinning of specific retinal layers may be an early indicator of toxicity. However, there is a gap in research on outer nuclear layer (ONL) thinning in HCQ users without apparent retinal toxicity. This information is crucial for improving screening and identifying the ONL as a reliable biomarker for screening. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between HCQ intake and ONL damage in eyes without manifest retinal toxicity.MethodsA case‒control study was conducted at the ophthalmology department of Eye and Ear Hospital International from July 2022 to June 2023. The study included 20 individuals on HCQ and 20 age-matched controls. The data were obtained through chart reviews, and participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic assessments.ResultsA total of 80 eyes were analyzed. Patients on HCQ exhibited significantly thinner perifoveal, parafoveal, and overall ONL compared to controls (P < .001, P < .012, and P < .004, respectively). Similarly, this association was found in the nasal, inferior, and temporal quadrants of both the inner (region 3: P < .01, region 4: P < .001, and region 5: P < .03) and outer zones (region 7: P < .04, region 8: P < .001, region 9: P < .02), most pronounced in the inferior regions. The cumulative dose was weakly associated with decreased ONL thickness only in the nasal quadrant of the inner zone (region 3: P < .047). Correlation analysis of the initial and most recent OCT scans in the same individuals revealed a weak association with ONL thinning in the central zone (region 1: P < .0048).ConclusionThe thickness of the ONL can significantly decrease in patients taking HCQ, even in the absence of of manifest retinal toxicity. This study is the first to evaluate this association in eyes with negative screening and diagnostic tests for HCQ retinopathy. The findings suggest that ONL thickness could serve as an early diagnostic indicator for HCQ retinal toxicity.

CN11 The challenges of the multidisciplinary work of nurses in the international department at Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus

CN11 The challenges of the multidisciplinary work of nurses in the international department at Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus

Management of Solid Medical Waste at Regional Public Hospital of West Papua Province

This study aims to characterize, identify and evaluate the management of solid medical waste in the West Papua Province Regional Public Hospital. This research is descriptive qualitative research conducted in December 2023 -January 2024 at the emergency room, obstetrics ward, pediatric ward, perinatology ward, surgical room, internal disease department and laboratory. The results research are the average amount of solid medical waste in West Papua Province Regional Public Hospital is 282.3 kg/month, consisting of infectious solid medical waste of 229 kg/month and the amount of infectious sharps medical waste of 53.3 kg/month. The process of solid medical waste management of hospitals in West Papua Province Regional Public Hospital has referred to the Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 7 of 2019, although the results are not all appropriate.

What do women with epilepsy know about pregnancy?

Understanding the intersection of epilepsy and pregnancy, including knowledge gaps and healthcare access for women with epilepsy (WWE), is critical. This study evaluated WWE knowledge gaps and information needs concerning epilepsy's impact on their sexual and reproductive health during pregnancy and examined healthcare system factors affecting their access to information, aiming to identify areas for improvement in educational and healthcare strategies to enhance health management for WWE. From July 2022 to June 2023, 111 WWE aged 18 to 40 years were recruited from the family medicine and internal medicine outpatient departments at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Tembisa Tertiary Hospital (TTH), and Kalafong Hospital. Interviews assessed various aspects related to epilepsy in pregnancy and contraceptive use. The study found strong links between WWE, their demographics, and their awareness of pregnancy-related epilepsy issues. Participants from TTH showed notably higher awareness (85.5%) of risks from epilepsy and AED during pregnancy (p 0.05). Age and education significantly influenced pregnancy planning and understanding of medication risks. Younger women (20-25 years) were more inclined towards future pregnancies, and those with more education were better informed about medication risks (p 0.05); and 68.5% had received counselling on AED and contraceptive interactions, yet only 16.2% knew AED could reduce contraceptive effectiveness. The study reveals significant knowledge gaps in WWE regarding the impact of epilepsy and AED on pregnancy, suggesting tailored educational and counselling initiatives to improve WWE health outcomes and quality of life, advancing chronic disease management and public health objectives.Contribution:The study highlights substantial knowledge gaps in epilepsy during pregnancy among WWE, urging tailored counselling and information to empower informed decisions.

Remote pulmonary pathology diagnosis using a handheld device for acquiring lung sounds at the mouth: a proof of concept study

IntroductionObtaining relevant information about respiratory conditions is a unique challenge in the rapidly growing field of telehealth. While auscultation using a stethoscope remains the first-line method in primary care, it is not a practical solution in a home setting, as it requires the presence of both a skilled caregiver and experienced interpreter online. We conducted a proofofconcept study of a simple selfcheck thermometer-like device (OmnySense®), which acquires auscultatory data through a microphone in the head of the device.ObjectivesTo have a concept of proof that home handled simplified device can asure a remote opion in telemedicine enhancing prompt and ease way to diagnose lung pathologies.MethodsWe assessed the agreement between subjective evaluations of lung sounds using the device and those using a digital stethoscope for the presence of crackles and/or wheezes. A total of 385 recordings from 13 patients admitted to the internal department were blindly, individually, and randomly assessed by three experienced physicians. The intra-modality agreement for crackles between evaluators was moderate for both the device and the stethoscope, with kappa statistics of 0.44 and 0.6 for the device and stethoscope, respectively, for the detection of wheezing and 0.46 and 0.4, respectively, for the crackles. The intermodality agreement was moderate for wheezes, with a kappa of 0.53, and was substantial for crackles, with a kappa of 0.71. Comparing the ability of crackles to diagnose pulmonary findings by imaging showed comparable sensitivity and specificity for both modalities.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the diagnostic performance of OmnySense’s selfoperating device is similar to that of physician interpretation of digital stethoscope recordings; thus, OmnySense has the potential to become a useful tool in the remote assessment of respiratory conditions and pathologies.

Global experiences in flood management – perspectives through ICFM Webinar Series

Abstract. It is a major issue of concern for international organizations and governmental departments in supporting global climate governance. As floods account for 44 % of all natural disasters in recent 20 years, it is of great significance to propose countermeasures by reviewing global extreme flood events in recent years. The International Conferences on Flood Management (ICFM) and Flash Flood Program (FFP), have hosted a series of international academic webinars since 2020. Drawing upon the outcomes of the webinars and reviewing the latest flood mitigation strategies of major countries advanced in water management, this paper focuses on the global experience in response to watershed flood, flash flood, urban flood, extreme flood under climate change, and comprehensive mitigation measures. It can be learned that flood control strategies need combine both structural and non-structural measures, and draw upon nature-based solutions that integrate green, blue and gray spaces within basins or cities through multi-purpose and targeted programs, with a view to achieving flood management goals and promoting social, economic and environmental sustainability in a holistic way.

Employee Involvement in Internal Communication Activities PT. Pertamina Hulu Energi

Employee involvement is important for a company, where it shows how responsive employees are to the programs created by the company for its employees. How responsive employees are to an activity held by the company's internal communications is also a good record for the internal communications department. This research aims to examine employee involvement at PT. Pertamina Hulu Energiin programs held by the company's internal communications. The research was conducted using descriptive quantitative methods by distributing questionnaires to 470 employees spread throughout Indonesia and also from international branches. The research results show that employee involvement in activities held by the internal organization is very necessary to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of these activities. Communication channels also play a role in the effectiveness of delivering messages to reach employees. How to ensure that messages are well received by employees also requires a good strategy. By integrating internal communications strategies with employee engagement factors such as a participative culture, a supportive communications climate, and the quality of information flow, organizations can build a solid framework that strengthens consistency and synergy between internal communications and employee engagement.

The Importance of CIA Holders in Internal Control Department and Their Effect on GRC in the Egyptian Public Sector

The research delves into the pivotal role of Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) holders within the internal control department and their profound impact on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) in the Egyptian public sector. It emphasizes the value of CIAs in safeguarding the internal control department's reputation within the organization and highlights their contribution to improving risk control and managing public funds effectively. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the limited literature available on CIAs globally and in country- specific contexts, inspiring a call for increased investment in intellectual training and knowledge sharing in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aims to inspire a greater recognition of the vital role played by CIAs in bolstering internal audit departments and ensuring appropriate risk management, control, and compliance levels.

How Effective Are In-Hospital Training Workshops on Infection Control for Physicians? First Report in Iran

Background: The treatment staff should properly understand infection prevention and control (IPC) methods. Adherence to IPC has significant implications and outcomes for maintaining treatment staff safety, patient protection, and environmental care. Objectives: This study was conducted to examine infection control training in doctors. Methods: This study was conducted in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran, and practitioners in internal and surgical departments participated. The research focused on infection prevention and control (IPC) through specialized workshops and questionnaires using a pre-and post-test design. The sessions included topics such as infection control, transmission, hospital-acquired infections, and components of the IPC program. Questionnaires based on the KAP method evaluated participants' knowledge, attitude, and performance. This study was approved by the university's research vice department and the research ethics committee. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the significance of P &lt; 0.05 was emphasized. Results: Of the 251 medical residents, 189 completed the study, 122 of whom were in internal medicine and 67 in surgery. Among the 158 faculty members, 60 completed the study, 39 were in internal medicine, and 21 were in surgery. The mean pre-test scores for internal medicine residents were 15.63 (out of 30) and 13.11 for surgical residents, respectively, which increased to 22.41 and 18.09 in the post-test. Conclusions: The results showed that regular and standard periodic training can improve doctors' knowledge and performance in implementing infection prevention and control programs.

Financial Oversight of The Implementation of The Annual Sub -Budget Appropriations for Iraqi Diplomatic Missions and Representations

The importance of the study lied in two aspects, one scientific and the other practical. In the scientific aspect, the researched worked to enrich scientific research in the field of financial control over the activity of Iraqi diplomatic missions and representations, and raising the subject of studying diplomatic missions and representations in its various aspects. As for the practical aspect, the study addressed the various aspects of financial control over the implementation of financial control over the annual subsidiary budget of Iraqi diplomatic missions and representations, the responsibilities of the supervisory bodies to uncover financial violations, and the role of the administrative bodies concerned with holding accountable those who exceed financial allocations and deterring them. The study aimed to clarify the mechanisms by which financial control is carried out on the implementation of the annual sub-budget appropriations of the Iraqi diplomatic missions and representations, to avoid serious financial deviations and violations that lead to obstructing the work of the diplomatic missions and representations from performing their role in a manner consistent with the tasks and duties entrusted to them, and to attempt to alert the competent authorities responsible for diplomatic activity to the importance of financial control, and to grant broader powers and authorities to the oversight bodies to improve the effectiveness and performance of the Iraqi diplomatic missions and representations. The problem of the study was represented in the multiplicity of oversight bodies on the implementation of the annual sub-budget appropriations of the Iraqi diplomatic missions and representations, represented by parliamentary oversight and the oversight of the independent bodies, in addition to the oversight of the Audit and Internal Oversight Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The multiplicity of oversight bodies leads to an overlap in the oversight powers of these bodies, which negatively affects the implementation of the annual sub-budget appropriations of the Iraqi diplomatic missions and representations. The scientific methodology that the researcher relied on to complete this study is the analytical method, which aimed to analyze the legal texts issued to organize the mechanisms of disposing of public funds and methods of monitoring them, supported by analyzing the correspondence of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to diplomatic missions and representations to complete the benefit. The researcher decided to divide it into two sections, and allocated the first section to the concept of financial control, which included defining financial control and explaining its importance and the objectives sought from practicing it, while in the second section , this study addressed the types of financial control, which included the types of control in terms of their connection to work and purpose, the types of control in terms of the subject, the types of control in terms of the party that practices it, and the types of control in terms of the time of its practice.

Evaluation of the Characteristics of Psychiatric Consultation in a General Hospital in Tehran, Iran, over Eight Years and Comparing the Characteristics during 2008-2017

Background: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of psychiatric consultations in a general hospital. Methods: All the patients hospitalized in Rasoul Akram Hospital from April 2011 to March 2019 who were asked for a psychiatric consultation were studied. Patients’ information was obtained from the patients’ records. The records of the year 2008 were also used to compare the characteristics between the years 2008 and 2017. Results: Over an eight-year period, 0.61% of the patients received psychiatric consultations. 54% of the consulted patients were male and 46% were female. The mean age of the patients was 44.7±18.72 years. The highest requested consultations (28.4%) were from the internal department followed by the surgery department (11.8%). The highest frequency of the reasons for requesting consultation was presence of psychiatric symptoms (27.5%). The most common psychiatric diagnosis was adjustment disorder (18.4%) followed by major depressive disorder (14.2%). Comparing consultations in the year 2008 with 2017 demonstrated that 1.57% of the patients admitted in 2008 and 1.17% of the patients in 2017 received psychiatric consultations, and in both years, the number of male patients was higher than females, the highest demand for consultation was from the internal department, and the most common reason for seeking consultation was the presence of psychiatric symptoms and then depressive symptoms. In 2008, the most common diagnosis was major depressive disorder and in 2017 was substance use disorder. Conclusion: The consultation rate was alarmingly low in this study compared to the other studies.

A Novel Framework for Internal Responses to Detection of Pathogens in Wastewater by Public Health Agencies.

To build on the success of wastewater surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic, jurisdictions funded under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Wastewater Surveillance System are looking to expand their wastewater programs to detect more pathogens. However, many public health agencies do not know how to use the collected wastewater data to formulate public health responses, underscoring a need for guidance. To address this knowledge gap, the Houston Health Department (HHD) developed a novel response framework that outlines an internal action plan that is tailored by pathogen type after detection of various pathogens in wastewater. In July 2023, HHD met with subject matter experts (eg, bureau chiefs, program managers) in internal departments, including epidemiology, immunization, and health education, to discuss the general outline of the response framework and each department's anticipated role after pathogen detection. The internal framework established a flow for notifications and the actions to be taken by departments in HHD, with the goals of (1) ensuring timely and efficient responses to pathogen detections, (2) creating accountability within departments for taking their assigned actions, and (3) making certain that HHD was prepared for intervention implementation when a new pathogen was detected. As more public health agencies expand their wastewater surveillance programs to target additional pathogens, development of internal action plans tailored to departmental capacity and programs is an important step for public health agencies. The information compiled in this response framework can be a model for other public health agencies to adopt when expanding the scope of their wastewater monitoring systems.

Improvement of Cyber Resilience by Implementation of a Digital Business Continuity Management System: Evidence from Romania

Abstract This paper aims to present a model for increasing the cyber resilience of organizations. Under the business context when cyber incidents risk is the most important risk worldwide for organizations for the third consecutive year, the model proposes a solution for improvement of cyber resilience of organizations, by implementation of a management system based on Business Continuity Management framework and a related software solution for handling the Risk Management data, Business Impact Analysis, Emergency and Recovery Planning, as well as Cyber Crisis Management. The implementation of the digital Business Continuity Management System and Cyber Crisis Management processes is tested through a simulation of a cyber incident leading to disruption of activities and cyber crisis caused by a ransomware attack. The simulation is presented both as design and execution and it can be implemented in any organization having the Business Continuity Management System in place and an internal IT department. The results of the simulation bring evidence for the contribution of the study to the increase of the cyber resilience of the organization. The novelty of the study is represented by the mix of concepts and instruments brought together in the model through which the framework of Business Continuity Management is implemented by means of a dedicated software solution, facilitating steps towards the digitization of the management processes and increase of the organizational and cyber resilience.

Linguistic authority in the context of European mobility: addressing the empty promise of élite multilingualism

ABSTRACT This qualitative study examines linguistic authority in an international department of a European Union institution in Luxembourg. Using socio-pragmatic discourse analysis, it investigates language workers’ stances towards language use at work. The findings reveal manipulative effects of language ideologies – (élite) multilingualism and native speakerism – that promote a business-like understanding of the value of language(s) in a public institution. While the institution benefits from this setup, its negative effects seem more pronounced for (“routed”) workers in unstable situations of international mobility compared to those who are settled (“rooted”). The paper advocates for increased critical language awareness and seeks to sensitise stakeholders to the effects of language ideologies in professional settings. This discussion is particularly relevant for public institutions that promote multilingualism while using English as the common language of communication. However, it may also inspire other multilingual organisations in which management aims to enhance their employees’ work experience.

Finding diversity in commonality and finding commonality in diversity: Planning courses for older adults through negotiation

ABSTRACT Since 2008, the Taiwan Ministry of Education has been encouraging government agencies and private organizations to establish Active aging learning centers (AALCs). This has led to the engagement of AALCs across communities in Taiwan. We explored AALC organizers’ experiences with negotiations during program planning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 AALC program planners: five men and 13 women. They were aged 38–75 years, with an average age of 56 years. The interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The results indicated that the interviewees managed the opinions and needs of various policy planners, internal and external departments, groups, and individuals. The interviewees also noted that new directions and concepts for courses were the foundation for negotiations. The internal negotiation was based on the needs of the older adults, whereas external negotiation was based on mutually beneficial relationships. To set goals and establish systems for cooperation and program development, the interviewees had to consider a range of opinions. Under shared policies and regulations, they negotiated the interests and needs of all parties and considered the community’s characteristics to develop older adult learning courses. In conclusion, understanding the outcomes of negotiations facilitates not only the planning of courses that cater to specific needs and characteristics but also the integration of older adult learning into the community, thereby promoting lifelong learning, intergenerational integration, and local development. The findings of this study can serve as references for AALCs during negotiations, communication, management, and program planning.

Recurrent fever leading to the diagnosis of an angiosarcoma of the adrenal gland: a case report

BackgroundAngiosarcoma of the adrenal gland is a very rare malignant vascular neoplasm. The clinical symptoms are atypical or completely absent. Angiosarcomas of the adrenal gland are therefore often discovered incidentally, and the diagnosis is made histologically after resection.Case presentationA 46-year-old white Spanish male who was a previous smoker and nondrinker and was slightly overweight (92 kg, 176 cm, body mass index 29.7 kg/m2) with no relevant medical history presented to the internal medicine emergency department of our hospital with an unclear 12 cm tumor of the right adrenal gland. Prior to the computed tomography scan, he had had persistent evening fevers for 4 months and unintentional weight loss of 5 kg. The laboratory results showed anemia and an elevated C-reactive protein, but no hormone production. We performed an open adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland. Finally, the histologic findings revealed an angiosarcoma of the adrenal gland.ConclusionEven though angiosarcomas of the adrenal gland are rare, the differential diagnosis of an angiosarcoma should be considered if a malignant tumor of the adrenal gland is suspected. Treatment decisions should be made on an interdisciplinary basis and preferably in a specialized center. Owing to the rarity of angiosarcomas of the adrenal gland, it is necessary to continue to share clinical experience to gain a better understanding of this particular tumor entity.